The convocation service at Liberty University on Wednesday, September 17, served as a microcosm of what typically takes place on campus virtually every day.

After a beautiful period of praise and worship music, I had the privilege of introducing Virginia state Sen. Steve Newman (a graduate of our Lynchburg Christian Academy), who briefly addressed the packed out audience in our 10,000-seat Vines Center. Noting that Liberty students often serve as volunteers in his efforts, Sen. Newman talked of how his Christian education served as a foundation for the constant challenges in his political life.

"If you are grounded in your Christian walk," he said, "you have an internal compass and it shows you the way."

Sen. Newman is the author of Virginia's Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) bill to ensure that marriage remains a union solely between one man and one woman, and author of a partial-birth abortion bill. He promised to take that bill to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary to halt this brutal procedure. I am very proud of his efforts to preserve traditional values in this state that I love.

Then students had a real treat - Sean Hannity, host of the Fox News Channel's "Hannity & Colmes" was our main speaker. I believe Sean is the perfect man to address our students. In addition to his role on Fox News, he also speaks daily to 14 million people on 400 radio stations nationwide, promoting the Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers. In addition, he is now writing a follow-up to his national bestseller, "Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty over Liberalism."

In introducing him, I told the students that one of our goals at Liberty is to "reproduce a few thousand young people like Sean Hannity."

Sean jumped headfirst into the social-political issues of the day, telling our students, "I believe our values are far superior to theirs," referring to American leftists who press for abortion rights and special homosexual rights, while simultaneously working to thwart religious speech in the public square.

Looking out over a diverse audience of rapt students, he said, "You are the hope and future of this country ... there's so much potential in this room." Noting that there are "competing visions for the country," Sean plainly stated that "the stakes could not be higher."

"If I can inspire you to do one thing it is to get in the game," he said, pacing across the stage, connecting with students throughout the arena. He encouraged students not to let personal fears or insecurities interfere with what God has in store for them.

He said the present "moral crisis in America" will require the work of young conservatives if our nation is going to win the present culture war.

"It's either going to be Hillary Clinton's vision for the country or it's going to be your vision for the nation," Sean stated. "Either their vision wins or our vision wins - there's no compromise, there's no in-between ... if you all don't engage the fight, they win."

At the conclusion of his address, Sean was kind enough to take questions from Liberty students in our print journalism, broadcast journalism and government programs, one of which was the daughter of Fox News contributor Col. Bob Maginnis. Following one question, he explained how he balances his schedule with raising two kids and spending time with his wife of 11 years. He said that going to church together every Sunday is a priority.

Following his address, our students gave Sean a standing ovation. They had been effectively "Hannitized" by this conservative warrior. Many other Christian and conservative leaders will appear at Liberty throughout the year as we continue our effort to train future generations of men and women who will valiantly and confidently defend godly values, even as the culture war continues to escalate.

Jerry Falwell
Jerry Falwell.com

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