Jerry Falwell Jr. finds himself in conflict with his late father's confidant who finds Donald Trump repugnant

Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump scans the crowd during an appearance with co-headliner Jerry Falwell, Jr., the leader of the largest Christian university in the U.S., during a campaign event at the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City, Iowa. Reuters

Televangelist Jerry Falwell Jr. has given his endorsement to Donald Trump, calling the Republican presidential front-runner a "God-fearing president-in-waiting."

However, Mark DeMoss, the chief of staff of Falwell's father, does not agree.

DeMoss told The Washington Post that Trump's "insult-laden campaign has been a flagrant rejection of the values Falwell Sr. espoused and Liberty promotes on its campus."

"Donald Trump is the only candidate who has dealt almost exclusively in the politics of personal insult," he said. "The bullying tactics of personal insult have no defence—and certainly not for anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ. That's what's disturbing to so many people. It's not Christ-like behavior that Liberty has spent 40 years promoting with its students."

DeMoss said he tried to share his views about Trump with Falwell Jr., but in the end, it "appears to be something we're just going to disagree on."

"I've held my tongue," DeMoss further said. "I think a lot of what we've seen from Donald Trump will prove to be difficult to explain by evangelicals who have backed him. Watching last weekend's escapades about the KKK, I don't see how an evangelical backer can feel good about that."

DeMoss was referring to Trump's initial failure to disassociate himself with notorious former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke after the latter told listeners of his radio programme to "get active" for Trump. When criticism started pouring in, Trump was eventually forced to categorically disavow Duke's endorsement.

Meanwhile, when Falwell Jr. compared Trump to his late father, DeMoss took offence, saying that "Trump certainly does not demonstrate Jerry Falwell Sr.'s graciousness and love for people."

"Jerry Falwell Sr. would never have made fun of a political opponent's face or makeup or ears. He would not have personally insulted anybody—ever," DeMoss said.

As for Falwell Jr., he finds DeMoss' animosity towards Trump "puzzling," adding that he "was disappointed" with him. Falwell also insists that his endorsement of Trump is not one he has imposed on Liberty's students or faculty.

related articles
Donald Trump says he has a \'very great\' relationship with God, warns Christianity is \'under siege\'
Donald Trump says he has a 'very great' relationship with God, warns Christianity is 'under siege'

Donald Trump says he has a 'very great' relationship with God, warns Christianity is 'under siege'

Falwell hails Trump as \'generous Christian\'—but other faith leaders disagree, saying doing good is not good enough
Falwell hails Trump as 'generous Christian'—but other faith leaders disagree, saying doing good is not good enough

Falwell hails Trump as 'generous Christian'—but other faith leaders disagree, saying doing good is not good enough

Trump endorsed by Liberty University\'s Jerry Falwell amid feud with Fox
Trump endorsed by Liberty University's Jerry Falwell amid feud with Fox

Trump endorsed by Liberty University's Jerry Falwell amid feud with Fox

Christian university head says Donald Trump will not be invited to speak on his campus
Christian university head says Donald Trump will not be invited to speak on his campus

Christian university head says Donald Trump will not be invited to speak on his campus

Pat Robertson wowed by Donald Trump, tells him: \'You inspire us all\'
Pat Robertson wowed by Donald Trump, tells him: 'You inspire us all'

Pat Robertson wowed by Donald Trump, tells him: 'You inspire us all'

News
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology
How modern science owes its existence to Christian theology

Some people think that you have to choose between science and religion, but that is not the case. This is the story …

US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies
US religious groups challenge new immigrant enforcement policies

A United States Federal Judge has granted an injunction that will prevent immigration agents from carrying out operations in places of worship after a group of religious organisations launched a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new enforcement policies.

Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss
Gyles Brandreth joins campaign to end avoidable sight loss

Gyles Brandreth has thrown his support behind CBM UK’s campaign to end avoidable sight loss.

Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan
Church leaders call for 'rethink' of school closures in Ramadan

“We urge the governors of the affected states to reconsider this decision and explore alternative arrangements that respect the rights and freedoms of all citizens.”