EVENDALE — The Rev. Jerry Falwell admonished the 2002 class of Temple Baptist College on Saturday to finish the race of life with dignity.

        “Be a reader,” he said. “Be a student. Know what's happening. Experience revival every day of your life.

        “It's important that you finish well ... with Christ as Lord.”

        Touching on traditional fundamentalist tenets, the Rev. Dr. Falwell, a nationally known conservative Baptist minister who is chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., warned graduates against the love of money and power, illicit sex and homosexuality.

        Passing out condoms, he said, is “about as bright as passing out cookbooks at a fat farm.”

        He also said the only way the Catholic church could rid itself of its current sex abuse scandal is to expel gay faculty members from seminaries.

        Old-time gospel music and prayer were just as much a part of the morning ceremony as the conferring of degrees.

        The service, held at Landmark Baptist Temple to handle the 200-plus people who attended, was a celebration of the Springdale liberal arts school's 30th anniversary. The school, founded in 1972, has about 140 students.

        The Rev. Dr. Falwell spoke for about a half-hour before the 22 graduates came forward to receive bachelor of science degrees, and master's and doctoral degrees in biblical studies and religious education.

        “I just feel great,” said Ricky Sherrer, who received a master's degree in biblical studies. “I feel like half of the burden has been lifted,” adding that he still has work to do.

        Taking photos after the ceremony, the 47-year-old from Walnut Hills spoke to his wife, Christine, and friends about what comes next.

        Mr. Sherrer wants to pursue a doctorate at either the Rev. Dr. Falwell's school or Faith Seminary in Washington state.

        “Wherever God leads,” Mrs. Sherrer said.

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