D. James Kennedy was a prominent pastor, evangelist, author, and broadcaster who influenced millions of people with his conservative Christian worldview. He was the founder of several ministries, organizations, and institutions that aimed to spread the gospel and shape the culture according to biblical principles. He was also a founding board member of the Moral Majority, a political group that mobilized evangelical voters in the 1980s.
But how did D. James Kennedy die? What were the circumstances and complications of his death? In this article, we will explore the cause of death of D. James Kennedy and his legacy in the Christian world.
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The Heart Attack That Changed His Life
According to NBC News, D. James Kennedy suffered a heart attack on December 28, 2006, four days after he preached his last sermon at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he had been the senior pastor since 1960. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery to clear a blocked artery.
The heart attack left him with severe damage to his heart muscle and impaired his speech and mobility. He was unable to return to his ministry and public activities, and his retirement was officially announced on August 26, 2007.
The Complications That Led to His Death
According to Baptist Press, D. James Kennedy died in his sleep on September 5, 2007, at his home in Fort Lauderdale, from complications of his heart attack. He was 76 years old.
His death was confirmed by Kristin Cole, a spokeswoman for Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. She said that he had been under hospice care for several weeks and that his family was with him when he passed away.
His funeral service was held on September 10, 2007, at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, and was attended by thousands of mourners, including several prominent Christian leaders and politicians. He was buried at Lauderdale Memorial Park Cemetery.
The Legacy That He Left Behind
According to Wikipedia, D. James Kennedy left behind a remarkable legacy of ministry and influence in the Christian world. He founded Evangelism Explosion International, a program that trained Christians to share their faith with others, which has reached more than 200 countries and millions of people. He also founded Coral Ridge Ministries (now known as D. James Kennedy Ministries), a media ministry that produced his weekly television program, The Coral Ridge Hour, and his daily radio program, Truths That Transform, which reached millions of viewers and listeners around the world.
He also founded Westminster Academy, a Christian school in Fort Lauderdale; Knox Theological Seminary, an evangelical seminary; radio station WAFG-FM; and the Center for Reclaiming America for Christ, a political group that advocated for conservative Christian values on issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and judicial activism.
He wrote more than 65 books on various topics related to Christianity and culture, including Evangelism Explosion, What If Jesus Had Never Been Born?, and How Would Jesus Vote?. He received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame induction in 2005.
He was also known for his strong stance against homosexuality and gay rights, which earned him criticism from LGBT activists and groups. He once said that homosexuality is “a sin that God condemns” and that “the Bible calls it an abomination”. He also opposed same-sex marriage and supported conversion therapy for gay people.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne Lewis Kennedy; his daughter Jennifer Kennedy Cassidy; his son-in-law Chip Cassidy; and five grandchildren.
D. James Kennedy was a man who dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and defending the faith. He was a leader who inspired many Christians to follow his example and engage the culture with biblical truth. He was a visionary who created many ministries and organizations that continue to impact the world for Christ. He was a legend who left a lasting mark on the history of Christianity in America and beyond.
