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July 25, 2007

In Memoriam: Tammy Faye Messner

On Salon today, Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the producers of The Eyes of Tammy Faye and One Punk Under God, have a tribute to Tammy Faye, the TV star.

Whatever Tammy Faye and Jim did — and never forget that much of what we know about that comes from Jerry Falwell, who played the Bakkers' fall for his own evil ends — it is hard to watch those documentaries and not come away impressed with her, and believing in the power of redemption.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force released this statement: “Tammy Faye became an icon for our community. In spite of — and perhaps because of the hardships she faced — she embraced us, she refused to judge and repudiated those who did. As Bailey and Barbato say, "Do not underestimate how revolutionary this 'come one, come all' approach was among Christian circles." Tammy Faye was flawed, to say the least, but her values and courage led inexorably to the ministry of her son Jay, one of the most impressive leaders of the next generation of American Christians.

The Sundance Channel is airing in all six episodes of One Punk Under God, which nicely captures the relationship between Jay and Tammy Faye, tomorrow from 7 to 9:30 pm. It's entertaining and touching. Tammy Faye would want you to watch.

Posted by Daniel Radosh

Comments

RIP Tammy Faye

Daniel, maybe tangentially related: Max Blumenthal postd this video hours ago. Are you willing to give your insight to this matter?

Thanks for the link. This is perhaps too big a topic for discussion right now. I'll get back to it at some point.

Thanks

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