Crusade promises hard-hitting preaching

One wonders how members of newly founded Christian churches around the Mediterranean felt about St. Paul in the 1st century when they received letters scolding, cajoling and reprimanding them on their behavior in general and their beliefs in particular.

Over the centuries, preachers in the pulpit have waxed and waned, at times prophesying and at times placating. One modern preacher who leaves little doubt about his role is the Rev. Jerry Falwell, the keynote speaker for a planned five-day evangelistic crusade at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau.

There has been some grumbling about Falwell's involvement. But it is safe to predict that Falwell and other well-known preachers scheduled to speak will draw large crowds. We don't endorse all of Falwell's pronouncements. But those who attend will hear bold preaching that eschews platitudes and political correctness.