Franklin said:
"(In the United States) we see everyday our rights being eroded. Just a little at a time, but its happening. Everyday. So let’s preach while we can. Let’s stand up and holler ‘Jesus Christ! King of Kings, Lord of Lords!’to the top of our voice... The secularists are going to get ticked off, the news media’s going to hate it. I don’t know, maybe the people in the White House are going to be mad. But you know what, I don’t care. Because God has called us to take the Gospel -- His Gospel, the power of God and His Salvation -- unto the ends of the Earth.”
In his blog, Michael responds:
"My take is Franklin is someone who is enamored with Christendom, sees it waining and is throwing a “temper tantrum” of sorts."
I couldn't agree more. I think a lot of Christendom has fallen into a state of fear and paranoia, where pretty much anyone not on the team is out to get them.
I listened to Franklin being interviewed on Fox News, and his rhetoric there followed the tone of the quote above. He stoked the notion that Christianity is in a competition with Islam, and he feels slighted if any religion other than Christianity gets a positive moment in the national spotlight. I can't imagine he could partake in any inter-faith dialog.
Here is the link to the interview.
I know a lot of Christians would not appreciate that I am critiquing Franklin Graham. The argument would probably be that, even if I am right, Graham has led countless souls to Christ. But that is where I would disagree. If people are being converted to an apprehensive, fearful, angry, and suspicious religion... then I would argue that they did not convert to Christ.
4 comments:
You write: "If people are being converted to an apprehensive, fearful, angry, and suspicious religion... then I would argue that they did not convert to Christ."
I'm always amazed at bloggers who criticize others with the broadest stroke possible -- you have decided that Graham is apprehensive, fearful, angry, and suspicious, so now everyone of the millions who have come to a new commitment or understanding of Christ as a result of Graham's various ministries, is also part of an apprehensive, fearful, angry, and suspicious religion.
Pretty broad paintbrush you've got there.
so now everyone of the millions who have come to a new commitment or understanding of Christ as a result of Graham's various ministries, is also part of an apprehensive, fearful, angry, and suspicious religion.
@Lambie- I believe Andrew is speaking of those uncomfortable with religious plurality and feel they're in competition with other faiths so they demonize them. As a Christian not only do I not fear Islam I've embraced it as much as I've embraced Christianity. I do not consider myself a fearful, angry, and apprehensive Christian, although that depends if I'm even considered a Christian by others.
I grew up in the 50-60's. The era of Bill Graham and his crusades, additionally being raised a Baptist for 59 of my 64 years. I find your assessment of Franklin graham to be spot on. Fundamentalism is definitely an idea which is FOUNDED in fear and is now withdrawing from the world around it; which is exactly what I would expect given its doctrines and beliefs.
"My take is Franklin is someone who is enamored with Christendom, sees it waining and is throwing a “temper tantrum” of sorts."
I would fully agree with this statement. He does not enjoy the same acceptance that his father did. And, he is no Billy Graham. In his sunset years, there are signs that Billy Graham has very much softened his fundamentalist views. Still, I cannot accept his or his son's views of the ground of all being.
well said, Andrew. I appreciate your perspective (prob. because I agree with it ;-) I always enjoy your thoughts!
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