Newsweek Calls Franklin Graham a "Bully"

sermonindex May 25, 2011

Came across this article bashing Franklin (whom I admire for his backbone--in strong contrast to his father--even though i don't agree with everything he says or does). I'm so glad Franklin has earned the right to be persecuted (his father never really was)! See below:

Newsweek Slams 'Theological Bully' Franklin Graham, Tilting His Politics 'Hard to the Right'

By Tim Graham | May 17, 2011 | 16:59

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Newsweek religion editor Lisa Miller wrote a story on "The Fight Over Billy Graham's Legacy," but the most notable thing that comes out of it is Miller's loathing of Rev. Franklin Graham (no relation). Miller clearly believes he's mangling his father's moderation, especially when it comes to Islam:

Franklin — who’s been accused of being a rhetorical and theological bully, saying, for example, that Islam is “wicked and evil”— agrees with the assessment that he is less gentle than his dad. “We preach the same Gospel,” Franklin says, but “Daddy hates to say no. I can say no.” Franklin adds that he is much more engaged in the day-to-day management of the BGEA than his father ever was, and through the efforts of his humanitarian organization Samaritan’s Purse has much more experience on the front lines of global conflicts, such as those in Rwanda and the Middle East. This perspective, he argues, justifies his harder edge. “I’ve been doing a different kind of ministry,” he says. “That has shaped my views on a lot of things.”

To Miller, Franklin Graham was on the "hard right" -- possibly because he could be friendly with Sarah Palin.

And what of the criticism that Franklin, a Christian minister, takes political sides in a way that his father did not? Billy Graham formed friendships with many politicians, and had intimate (though complex) relationships with both Richard Nixon, a Republican, and Lyndon Johnson, a Democrat. Franklin’s political friendships lean hard to the right. He most recently expressed support for the quixotic presidential candidacy of Donald Trump, telling Christiane Amanpour, “The more you listen to him, the more you say to yourself, you know, maybe the guy is right.”

How Donald Trump is "hard to the right" is anyone's guess (but guess that's a birther reference). Franklin Graham also praised Palin and MItt Romney on ABC, so he didn't really "express support" for the Trump candidacy. He just viewed him favorably, and said "sure," he might support Trump. Miller can whack the "theological bully," and ignore how he told Amanpour in that interview "I love Muslim people. I don't believe that Mohammed can lead anybody to heaven. I believe that Jesus is the way, the truth and the light. That's what I believe." (Miller probably still finds that exclusive claim to sound like bullying.)

She added: "Franklin says the rules of political engagement have changed since his father was a public figure. “It’s sad to see how polarized our nation has become. If a political party doesn’t like you, then they start attacking you,” he says. “I like the president. He’s a nice man. I just disagree—strongly—with the spending that both Republicans and Democrats alike are responsible for. It’s not right.”

This is the paragraph where Graham's friendship with Palin was explored:

Most of Graham's visitors come through the back door, as it were, arranged by the children as special favors to special friends. As kids, the siblings -- Gigi, Anne, Bunny, Franklin, and Ned -- bickered ruthlessly, "grumbling, interrupting, slurring each other," according to their mother's journals. Now they're grown, ranging in age from 53 to 66, but the rivalry continues. As in so many famous families, each child struggles with how best to wear the family name. Franklin, who has a second home in Alaska (and plans to ride his motorcycle there this summer) has long been friendly with Sarah Palin, and in 2009 helped orchestrate a much-publicized visit between the former governor and his father. Palin, who was on her book tour, came with her parents and her aunt Sally, Franklin says, and she brought Billy a Carhartt jacket. "Sarah Palin loves my father, and like a lot of people she grew up watching him on television. It was just family time." After the visit, Billy Graham released a statement saying, "Sarah and her family will always be welcome in the Graham home." This bit of stagecraft looked to some like an anointing. To others, it looked like partisan meddling by Franklin.

Miller also underlines how Graham's children haven't built lasting marriages like their father, and have addiction problems. This isn't the way, say, the Kennedys are portrayed by Newsweek:

Billy Graham has not lived a faultless life, but he did act carefully to protect his legacy and the significance of his reputation. In private, aware of his own human weakness, he instructed his ministry staff never to leave him alone in a room with a woman who was not his wife. In these last years, he speaks frequently of Ruth and of his yearning to go home to heaven to see her. His children have not been so cautious. Bunny, Gigi, and Ned are divorced and remarried. Ned, whose ministry builds and encourages Christianity in China, has spent time in rehab for prescription drugs, and Franklin admits to having had an appetite for alcohol as a younger man. Among Graham’s 19 grandchildren, at least three have become Christian preachers. But according to a 2008 story in The Columbus Dispatch, there has been drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, and eating disorders in that generation as well. Gigi and Ruth have made ministries out of helping families endure such struggles.

“I’m just not comfortable being thought of as coming from a wonderful family,” says Gigi. “We’re not exempt from some of the problems that everyone has. We’re empathetic to, sympathetic to, all the problems that people have today. We support one another, love one another when we’re going through some of the things we’re going through.” Franklin sees these family troubles somewhat differently. He and his siblings “don’t see each other that often. I think some of them have made bad choices in life, but I’m responsible for my life. I have to stand before God and give an accounting of my life.” He pauses, then adds, “I love my sisters and would do anything I could to help them.”

You're supposed to catch Miller's drift that forgiveness and love doesn't seem to be there for brother Ned.

Earlier:

NPR Star Terry Gross Horrified at 'Very Extreme' Franklin Graham Ruining U.S. Image

Mike Malloy: Franklin Graham Should Blow His Own Brains Out

About the Author
Tim Graham is Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center. You can follow him on Twitter here.

sermonindex May 25, 2011

P.S. Just an aside: It disturbs me to read that Franklin has multiple homes and is living so rich when some of his Samaritan's purse contributors live on very low fixed income and give to his org out of their poverty. If you don't think I should be disturbed by this please present your case and convince me (and yes i know for a fact about some such contributors).

N

notmyown May 25, 2011

Franklin visited our country about 3years ago.

My father was one of the drivers for the entourage. 3 or 4 brand new, top of the range Rangerovers were collected from a dealership for him. He booked out a whole floor of one of the most expensive hotels in the city. He had people go out and eat in restaurants to find the best ones for him to visit. He sent people out ahead of him to make sure there would be no traffic issues or hold-ups getting to and from restaurants. My memory is hazy about other demanding issues so I wont state anything else as fact but my father wasnt impressed with the whole attitude of the 'entourage' and the superstar status of Franklin.

...and his thankyou for driving for the duration of the visit? A signed copy of his own book of course!

Now where's that verse about living humbly....?

Edited:

Forgot to add - Keith Daniel was in the country at the same time. He came in unnoticed, his suitcase was delayed on arrival by a day, he spent most of his time in his room at a Pastors house just coming out for a meal and to socialise with any visitors who wished to talk to him. he spoke a series of meetings at a small local church and left again with no fuss.

I have heard of God doing miraculous things through Keith Daniels. Anyone any great stories of God moving through Franklin that I dont know about?

G

ginnyrose May 25, 2011

This situation is a classic example of an enigma. The Grahams appear to have done a lot of good while on the other hand have spread offense as well, some not so good.

I admire Franklin's boldness to speak out on unpopular topics. Yet, if they act like a spoiled rich kid when visiting other countries, it destroys whatever testimony they may have had.

Recently I read a quote - cannot remember its source - that one should not give monies to people who are richer then you. Been thinking a lot about this since. If all Christians would do this, it would eliminate abuse of power and riches done in the name of [Christian] ministry.

My thoughts...

N

notmyown May 25, 2011

To be honest, I'm tired of words, as I've been let down by so many Christians who say the right things but their actions deny what they say.

Wouldnt cross the road to listen to him now (and that goes for the majority of preachers around here)

J

Joyful_Heart May 27, 2011

Wow! This is sad, I had no idea. God help us all. I do like your thoughts G.R. on not giving to people richer than us. That is why I give to the Church I am attending and a few others like SI when I can as I know brother Greg lives extremely humble. He has been an example to me on what is really important in this life and my desires for things has diminished. All glory to God.

sermonindex May 27, 2011

Notmyown,

Wow, i had no idea. Thank you for sharing. And thank you for giving us the contrast between Franklin and Keith Daniels and showing me how it SHOULD be done. I dont know who Keith Daniels is but his behavior seems much more appropriate and honoring of God.

It is a sad thing,and i agree with you. I also no longer believe anyone in my own city/state when they claim to be a Christian. For one thing, it is because no one honors their word anymore. This means they have NO integrity. But there are many other reasons and examples.

sermonindex May 27, 2011

Recently I read a quote - cannot remember its source - that one should not give monies to people who are richer then you. Been thinking a lot about this since. If all Christians would do this, it would eliminate abuse of power and riches done in the name of [Christian] ministry.

But then i wouldnt give to ANY ministry at ALL, as they are ALL led by people who are FAR richer than me! Even the pastors of churches are all richer than me. Pastors own homes and property, i don't. They all live like the borgeois. They get vacations even. I have never been given a vacation at any job i ever had.

G

ginnyrose May 27, 2011

CyAn,

So many of these larger, popular ministries are well funded. They intimidate many of lesser means who feel guilty because of their inability to share much.

But what did Jesus say? If you give a person a cup of water in his name, he will be noticed by God. Have you tried this in your work, to share in the littlest things, the seemingly most insignificant ways? May I suggest that before you begin your day, ask the LORD to show you how you can bless someone today and then see what happens. The sharing that God notices is that which is done in secret...

Try it and let it become your lifestyle. And see what happens.

J

Joyful_Heart May 27, 2011

And the number one thing in our life as a christian is to keep our eyes on Jesus. He is the only perfect One on earth. People will let us down. It will happen until the end of time. People let Jesus down all the time.

And we are all at different places in our walk with Jesus. some are babies, some are teen and a few are mature.

If we kept our eyes on others we would surely despair and walk away but that is why we have to keep our eyes upon Him, in the Word and with the help of the Holy Spirit keep our mind, heart & body pure before the Lord.

I ask the Lord to help me daily and He does and when I come short I ask Him to help and quote the Word.

He is so faithful and longs to help us be closer to Him, to be more like Him so when we ask He will not turn a deaf ear.

The Lord continue to bless.

I

iansmith Jun 3, 2011

Wow..wow..wow... there is so much sin in almost all of these comments. There needs to be a lot of repentance in this thread for the judgment being passed by people here.

If someone lives better than you: sin?!

Where does the bible teach that? Have you thought that the reason that the reason that Franklin Graham is treated the way that he is by other Christians is because other Christians want to bless him while he is in their country.

YOU SOUND LIKE JUDAS! Couldn't this money have been given to the poor?!

I've seen it happen, a lot of people in ministry accept the generosity of others because others are being blessed by giving it. I'm a support based missionary. Last year I lived in a major American city well below the poverty line. When someone does something nice for me, like treats me to a nice meal, there is a tinge of shame in it for me, until I remember that they are doing it to bless me and to glorify God.

Secondly, if we were encouraged in the bible never give money to ministers or ministries that had more money than us, then the widow would never have put her two pennies into the temple treasury. Did Jesus say, "WOAH, what a fool, doesn't she know how well the priests live! They eat beef every night when most everyone else is eating stale bread." Fortunately, that is not what Jesus said. The message is that we need to be faithful with what we have. If the rich man had brought 'all that he had' into the temple, Jesus would have said the same thing about him--it wasn't an issue of little vs. plenty. It was an issue of all or not all.

Franklin Graham has more money than you do. He has two houses. He also runs one of the most amazing relief organizations in the world, Samaritans Purse, and heads up the Billy Graham Evangelical Association (hey, I got a scholarship from them!) which helps to train thousands of people around the world to share the Gospel. Franklin Graham is extremely busy, he is in the public eye, and he is doing an incredible amount of good in the world, all while maintaining a a commitment to lifting up the name of Jesus even when it is unpopular.

CEO's of major organizations (like the ones that lead to the economic crisis we were recently in) take home huge salaries, the likes of which none of us could ever imagine... they get these salaries because they are supposed to be valuable. Most of the time they are not. I am a full-time Christian worker, I depend on the Body of Christ to pay my bills every month, and I am not envious of Franklin Graham's prosperity, I don't see it as some of you do as a sin. Why? Because I don't envy the shoes that Franklin has to fill--and which he has filled incredibly well. He is not his father, and I think he has found his own way to be a Graham, while still glorifying God.

It is not a sin to be rich, it is a sin to be in love with your riches. On the other hand, I am glad that someone who is serving God so faithfully is able to live with some comforts--remember, Paul said that he had learned to live with plenty, and with nothing, and the importance is contentment. IT SOUNDS LIKE A LOT OF YOU ARE NOT CONTENT. You are judging Franklin because this is a sin in your life that you need to lay at the foot of the cross.

I honestly think that all people in full-time Christian ministry should be able to live comfortable lives. But I also know that less than 2% of the money taken in by churches around the country goes to World Missions... and that means full time missionaries like myself. Instead of getting angry at the money being spent on Franklin Graham, get angry at the money being spent on buildings that will be empty in a generation. Franklin Graham is on our side, be happy about the blessings he has received and get rid of your critical spirit.

R

rbanks Jun 3, 2011

Wow..wow..wow... there is so much sin in almost all of these comments. There needs to be a lot of repentance in this thread for the judgment being passed by people here.

Good post brother Smith,

So true brother about passing judgment. The last time I checked the Word the accuser of the brethren is Satan. He is always looking for someone to join him.

sermonindex Jun 3, 2011

But what did Jesus say? If you give a person a cup of water in his name, he will be noticed by God. Have you tried this in your work, to share in the littlest things, the seemingly most insignificant ways

But it is nonetheless true, ginnyrose, that i should not be expected to nor should i give to people who are richer than me. Why should they be relieved and I burdened, as even the apostle Paul noted. Today pastors own nice homes, own (nicer) cars (than my rustbucket), have YMCA or athletic club memberships, play golf at golf clubs, and are putting their kids through college. I have never felt inspired to give to this sort of church. The pastor should go out and get a real job if he needs money beyond what it takes to survive. Otherwise he is just a welfare case.

sermonindex Jun 3, 2011

If someone lives better than you: sin?!

NO, that is not the sin. The sin is when someone richer takes money from someone who is poor. The sin is also in using money intended for ministry to live in luxury.

The scriptures also say that we ARE to judge those INSIDE the church, and to drive out the wicked from among us.

YOU SOUND LIKE JUDAS! Couldn't this money have been given to the poor?!

You are a bit confused here, iansmith. The scripture states that all the other disciples joined in with Judas asking the same question; this was not asked only by Judas. And the thing about Judas was that he was being a hypocrite in saying it because he was stealing from the collection plate the whole time. THAT is what made him so wicked in asking it.

sermonindex Jun 3, 2011

I have held my tongue on this one for close to a week, but this needs to be said.

Since when do we take the word of Newsweek magazine? The secular media has done everything in it's power to discredit and malign Christians at every turn. Sometimes they get it right, but generally they do not.

You, as believers, have an obligation to give the benefit of the doubt to a brother when smeared in the secular media which has proven over and over again that it's hostile to the gospel and those who present it boldly.

And then... people on SI begin to tell stories about Franklin. Stories that may be true, but can not be proven.

Instead, on this particular thread, believers propogate something that they do not know to be true... and basically yell "Crucify him!!" about Franklin Graham. Talk about a herd mentality... wow.

I agree 100% with Ian. Some of you folks should be ashamed of your behavior, your gossip, and your pharisee like attitudes.

It was said by several "I'm tired of being hurt and burned by Christian leaders."

First of all, please stop whining.

Secondly, if you are hurt or disappointed in Christian leaders then guess who's fault it is? YOURS. Why? Because obviously you put your eyes upon and your faith in MEN... and not God. Men will always disappoint, get over it. It's a fact of life. God is the only one who will never disappoint His children.

If you're disappointed then you have the wrong expectations.

Even if all of this is true about Franklin Graham (and I have my doubts), so what? What does it have to do with me? Stop being busybodies and do what God has called YOU to do...

As for the Grahams, I actually live less than 30 minutes from where Billy Graham lives. Two of our children were born in the same hospital in Asheville NC where they take Billy everytime he gets sick... Mission Hospital. I will tell you all something, if you think they are living in the lap of luxery you have been lied to. They live very modestly.

Billy and Franklin live on a "fixed income", which means their salary does not increase just because more money has come into the ministry. Thats the way it has been in that ministry from the 1950's, and that information is out there for anyone who wants to take the time to investigate it.

Do I agree with everything the Grahams do or teach? Nope. Sure dont... but I can not sit by and read the utter foolishness on this thread and not say anything.

I apologize if this offends anyone, but frankly... some of you need to be offended.

Krispy

** Also intersting to note that this gossipy thread has waaaay more hits on it than any other thread since this was posted... I think that says it all right there concering the heart of many (most) people in this forum. Some repenting needs to happen. **

M

ManofGod0000 Jun 3, 2011

I dont know if he is a bully, but some of his comments about the president needs to be checked.

As an example or supposed leader of the christian faith/ world, he should be mindful of what he says about certain things. It is not that he cant express himself, but some of his comments are useless, they dont provide help or a solution.

But it is god's job to straighten this man out

L

Lysa Jun 3, 2011

NO, that is not the sin. The sin is when someone richer takes money from someone who is poor. The sin is also in using money intended for ministry to live in luxury. The scriptures also say that we ARE to judge those INSIDE the church, and to drive out the wicked from among us.

When you say the Bible says to drive out the wicked from among us? Are you calling Franklin Graham wicked now?

IanSmith and Krispy and any other man who has called this thread and your silly opinions sin.... it would behoove you to stop ignoring their Godly advice and heed it AND repent and any other person who is gossiping. I beg of you in the name of Jesus.

Sister Lisa

R

rbanks Jun 3, 2011

I have held my tongue on this one for close to a week, but this needs to be said.

Thanks brother!

BTY I didn't get to post on your coming back thread but it is great to see you back posting again and for all that God is doing in your life.

I pray that he supplies all your need according to His riches in glory through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Blessings to you!

sermonindex Jun 3, 2011

I apologize if this offends anyone, but frankly... some of you need to be offended.

This is a true saying.

In order to realize our folly we need to somehow fall down prostrate to look up that it is God who judges not man.

When we judge another man we are in actuality saying that we have reached perfection and are eligible to pass condemnation on anyone that doesn't agree with our philosophy.

The sooner we get into our minds that God would rather have us love our neighbour (that means to do good to him, not talk about him, not run him down) the better we can love and nurture one another. There shouldn't be any "if ands or buts" on this one, if there is, then the one posting who argues against this is the one needing correction.

From this post on, we should be careful how we post because we are being marked by all that read us, whether we be as a trouble maker amongst the body of believers or one who encourages and admonishes.

1 Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1 Corinthians 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

If people believe that Mr Franklin Graham is not walking in truth, we should be more sorrowful of heart more than anything.

Lets be quick to listen and slow in typing.

Since I am not above anyone here, I am speaking to myself as well.

I

iansmith Jun 3, 2011

Why should they be relieved and I burdened, as even the apostle Paul noted. Today pastors own nice homes, own (nicer) cars (than my rustbucket), have YMCA or athletic club memberships, play golf at golf clubs, and are putting their kids through college. I have never felt inspired to give to this sort of church. The pastor should go out and get a real job if he needs money beyond what it takes to survive. Otherwise he is just a welfare case.

CyAn, please consider what you are saying... you are saying that full-time Christian workers SHOULD live in poverty, that this is the only way to be holy. Don't you realize that this is not what the bible teaches?

There is a place in Christian history where this teaching is prominent, and that is in the monastic tradition--monks and nuns often had to take vows of celibacy, poverty and absolute obedience. But these were often legalistically enforced upon people. The Protestant reformation took these ideas by the horns and wrestled them to the ground.

Martin Luther was a monk, he had taken these vows. After leaving the Roman Catholic church and working as a catalyst for the Protestant Reformation Martin Luther was accused of breaking his vows. He broke his vow of absolute obedience to the pope, he broke his vow of poverty by taking the patronage of Grermanic princes, and he broke his vow of chastity by getting married to former nun. Ultimately he married and started his new family, living in the renovated monastery where he had previously been a monk--now converted into a family home.

Within the Protestant tradition we support our full time Christian leaders. Do not muzzle out an ox as it treads the grain. Paul said it was the RIGHT of all Christian leaders to receive a living from their services, and to have believing wives. He chose not to exercise this right, but all of the other twelve Apostles seemed to have felt comfortable receiving these blessings from the church. Paul gives us the indication that only he and Silas remained single, and that he had even received the support of the church at numerous times, and individual patrons at others--he was not a tent-maker all the time!

God calls you to be faithful with what you have. You should be giving, especially to your local congregation. If you are not faithful with the little that you have, you will never be faithful if God blesses you with plenty.

I am a support based missionary, and one of the most difficult things for me to do every month is to give my tithe (not a strict 10%), but it has also been one of the areas where God has blessed me the most. At first I rationalized, I told myself that I worked full time in ministry, and if anyone needed the money it was me--I mean, people had given the money to me so that I could do the work of the Lord. But then I was convicted of my faithlessness. I realized it was unbelief that caused me to resist giving a tithe regularly. I didn't trust that God could provide enough for me to tithe and to live on. There have been a couple of months when I have only received a couple hundred dollars, even though my expenses per month are nearly a thousand dollars! But I took the step of faith, and God hasn't failed me!

God has abundantly provided for me in order for me to tithe. When I see someone in need, I know that what I have is not my own. Now writing that check has become a blessing, it reminds me of my dependence on God and his faithfulness to me. I am now experiencing the promises of God in this area of my life in a way that I have never been able to before.

I don't give much, but it hurts every month--it is out of that hurt that God has blessed me. If it didn't hurt, something would be wrong.

My pastor and the leader of the mission team here in Chicago has a wife and three children who are home-schooled. His wife stays at home with the children and helps to support the numerous ministries we are involved in. They have a modest home, he has a newer SUV, and a couple of times a year they go on family vacations. But I also know that they make huge sacrifices, and more than deserve the few blessings which the Lord has provided for them. I am frankly happy to give to my pastor (who is in a better financial situation than me) because I know that it is the will of the Lord. I want him to be able to give good things to his wife and children, I want him to be able to relax and occasionally have leisure. He dies daily for the sake of the nuermous churches that he has planted and continues to pour himself into as a servant of Jesus, and lives much more sacrificially than many.

My pastor is not the exception--I know many Godly men and women who live sacrificial lives. I don't want them to live in poverty. In fact, I mourn that I am not able to give to all of them. There are friends of mine on the mission field that I wish I could give to, there are needs that I see on a regular basis that I would like to give more to. I have to be faithful to give to my local church first, then missions (although your local church should be giving to that) then to serve others.

Right now I am praying about whether I can afford a gym membership. I need to lose about 50lbs, and I want to be more healthy in order to be a better servant of the Lord. Do you think its sinful that I would even consider spending some of the money that I receive on a gym membership?

Should I just get a real job? Is working as a full time minister not legitimate? Should I live in a dumpster and eat trash--that would certainly make my financial needs much cheaper.

I am driving a twelve year old car, I often have to rely on the generosity of others to pay for maintenance. I rent a room in a boarding house for four hundred dollars a month. I have a pre-paid cell-phone plan and a five year old cell phone, I bought my computer in 2008 (back when I had a 'real job'!), earlier this year I dropped the collision coverages on my car because I couldn't afford them... this was a real hard choice to make considering that I often use my car to give driving lessons to refugees and international students as well as taking refugees to doctor's appointments, shopping, to visit Social Security and the Dept of Health Services. I use my car to pick up youth kids for bible study and sunday school three or four times a week, I drive people to and from church.

But you know what, my life is incredibly blessed by the Lord, and I wouldn't trade it for a 'comfortable life' with a steady income, a wife, children and a mortgage in the suburbs if it meant forsaking the call on my live to missions. It would be great if I could have all of these things (except the mortgage) and still be faithful to this call, I know many missionaries and full-time Christian workers who have been blessed to be able to have many of these things, and I feel that it is their right, and we should be happy for them!