Rev. Billy Graham Endorses NC Amendment to Ban Gay Marriage: ‘The Bible Is Clear’
- Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:48am by
Billy Hallowell
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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Rev. Billy Graham urged North Carolina voters Wednesday to support an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage, a move that an observer said was highly unusual but another said was in keeping with the minister’s moral beliefs.
“Watching the moral decline of our country causes me great concern,” said Graham, 93, who lives near Asheville. “I believe the home and marriage is the foundation of our society and must be protected.”
In this Dec. 20, 2010 file photo, evangelist Billy Graham, 92, speaks during an interview at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association headquarters in Charlotte, N.C. The Rev. Billy Graham urged North Carolina voters Wednesday, May 2, 2012 to support an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriage, a move that one observer says is highly unusual but another says is in keeping with the minister's moral beliefs. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
His complete statement about Amendment One will be part of full-page ads slated to appear in 14 North Carolina newspapers throughout the weekend.
Graham’s statement was issued by the Charlotte-based Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, which is led by Graham’s son, the Rev. Franklin Graham. Franklin Graham recorded a message last month in support of Amendment One, which is on the ballot in the election Tuesday.
“At 93, I never thought we would have to debate the definition of marriage,” Billy Graham’s statement said. “The Bible is clear – God’s definition of marriage is between a man and a woman. I want to urge my fellow North Carolinians to vote for the marriage amendment” Tuesday.
William Martin, who wrote the authorized Graham biography “A Prophet With Honor,” couldn’t recall another effort by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association like the one the ministry plans in support of Amendment One.
The Rev. Billy Graham (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)<
The elderly evangelist preached often on the need for sexual purity, but rarely spoke about same-sex marriage, Martin said.
“I am somewhat surprised that he would take that strong a stand,” said Martin, professor emeritus of religion and public policy at Rice University. “In the past, I have heard him say with respect to homosexuality, there are greater sins. Franklin has been more outspoken about it, but it sounds as if this is Mr. Graham expressing his own will.”
Although Graham’s last crusade was in 2005, he remains deeply influential. In April 2010, President Barack Obama made the pilgrimage to meet with Graham, continuing a tradition of counseling commanders in chief that began with Dwight Eisenhower.
Since the death of his wife, Ruth Bell Graham, nearly five years ago, he has spent most of his time at his home in Montreat. Public appearances have been rare, and he’s been hospitalized several times, most recently in December for pneumonia.
Danny Akin, president of the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, said he’s not surprised that Graham took such a strong stand on Amendment One.
“I think he would see this as I do, not so much as a political issue – which it is – but a moral issue,” Akin said. “He believes it’s right to affirm that marriage should be understood as a covenant between a man and a woman.”
Billy Graham’s daughter, Anne Graham Lotz, also has said she supports the amendment.
North Carolina already outlaws gay marriage, but adding that ban to the state constitution would make it much harder to change in the future. Opponents to the amendment argue the language is vague and it could have wider consequences beyond those for gay couples.
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Comments (169)
ContinentalArmy
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:52am@ SGTB, All I was stating is that this is just Reverend Graham. But if you can‘t handle the truth well that’s your problem. I have nothing against Gay’s what they do is their business, the only point is they shouldn’t be attacking the Church. And as far as Marriage goes look it up in the Old Testament. Do your research.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:27amTHE BIBLE IS NOT A LAW BOOK. WE ARE NOT A THEOCRACY, NEITHER THE BIBLE, SHARIA OR ANY OTHER HOLY TEXT SHOULD BE THE SOURCE OF US LAW.
Seperation of Church and State people, keep your religion to yourselfs and do not force it down the throats of everyone else who doesn’t care about your myths and supersitions.
Report Post »NOTALOTTAYITTAYADDA
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:49amThe bill of rights says I have “freedom of and FROM religion”. This is nothing more than an attempt at legalized discrimination on a par w/ slavery. We hear on the news how ME countries do the very same thing, and how bad it is, yet somehow it is to be accepted here in the US. As a residence of NC I will be voting AGAINST this form of repression created by self righteous ****** in the NC house.
Report Post »Have been repeatedly bring this up w/ a friend who is married, and he kept saying he was for it. Just yesterday he finally realized how bad it will be for major companies here, as this will prevent benefits to “nontraditional” families. Anyone voting for this should be compared to a slave owner in modern day Kuwait, as few people realize our troops died there to KEEP SLAVERY ALIVE in the civilized world.
Thank you shrub family, for making the US part of the problem (sarcasm).
ConservDadASD
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 1:26pm@Encinom
If the U.S. law should not be based on a Biblical foundation, then from what do we derive our fundamental rights of life, liberty and persuit of happiness? If God don’t grant these, or if He does and we just can’t pay attention to that detail, then who is there to protect these rights, and those listed in our Bill of Rights? If it is human gov’t that grants us these freedoms, then it will be the same that can remove them as well. Gov’t no longer is a steward, but it becomes a dictator.
Report Post »Griffin06
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 2:05pm@NOTALOTTA…
“The bill of rights says I have “freedom of and FROM religion”. ”
Really? What country’s Constitution are you looking at? Because the First Amendment to the US Constitution says:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Funny, I don’t see your quote in there anywhere. As a fellow North Carolinian, I support this. More, I support the right of the people to decide this. If you don’t like the laws of your state, then work to change them through the legislative process (like we are doing), or move somewhere that does support homosexual marriage. There are, unfortunately, several choices for you.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:00pm@ConservDadASD
Where is the Freedom of religion or of the Press in the Bible? What about the right to council or a jury of one’s peers?
Our rights are defined by us, we need to take responsibility for our rights and not look to made up sky fathers. The Founders gave us a republic, By and Of the People, God has nothing to do with it. The Bible is okat with Slavery and Honor Killing whould we pass laws approving that, the right to own slaves and stone your daughter is listed in the Bible.
We are not a theocracy, our laws and rights are of our own creation, be a man and defend your rights and not depend on an imgainary figure.
And how those ensure equal rights for all infringe on your rights?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:19pmWe are a world created by God the Father. You are not your own grandpa, so wise up and know that ignorance is no excuse when you die and head to hell.
Report Post »David in OKC
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:30pm@Encinom
Report Post »As usual I’m going to overlook the fact that your a complete moron and rarely know what your talking about.
Where do you think our laws came from? Most of us already know the answer to that question. You seem to be a little slow. Keep drinking the kool-aid. Maybe someday the wizard will give you a brain.
encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:33pm@David in OKC
Our laws come from men, they are not divine they are man made. We as a nation rejected the divine right of kings. Bartonand Beck have you poor lost souls confused and left you stupid.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:40pmEncinom – Once again you show what a stupid Marxist you are if you think that laws come from men.
You whine about theocracy yet you have no problem with legislating your version of morality down people’s throats by means of anti-discrimination laws, hate crime laws, hate speech laws, etc.
Report Post »rfycom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:10amThe purest form of faith is what you are born with. God put faith in your heart and common sense in your head. He separated them for a reason. Maybe God put gay people here to test the faith you were born with. The faith you feel in your heart filtered through your common sense.Common sense is that thing that speaks to you and says gay people were born gay. Common sense is asking you: With all the horrible things gay people go through in life, why would someone choose to be gay? Listen to that logic. It just might be God testing you. Billy, you know what I’m saying.
Report Post »Independent4233
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:34amrfycom
“Common sense is that thing that speaks to you and says gay people were born gay.”
Common sense and the trait instilled in every living creature instinctively tells us that anything that is not in conformity in promoting the perpetuation of the species should be rejected, reviled and avoided, and that such a condition is a mental disorder that is brought on via many triggers in the background of someone so afflicted. They are not helpless victims as they would want you to believe.
They behave as they do the same way alcoholics and drug addicts do.
“Common sense is asking you: With all the horrible things gay people go through in life, why would someone choose to be gay?”
The answer is “yes,” because homosexuality is a choice not an inbred trait. They can be cured if they decide to employ the effort. And the “horrible” things you speak of doesn’t disuade them one bit from continuing the repulsive practice. If they were truly subjected to anything “horrible,” they would elect to undergo a cure.
Quit whining and get straight.
Report Post »watashbuddyfriend
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:49am@rfycom, like your comment! Would like to point out that it is ALL in the HEAD (soul) of the person, called the heart in the right lobe of the brain! Point being made; we have two hearts, the one in the chest goes to the grave, but the one in the right lobe of the soul (head) goes, either to be with God, or HELL! Be sure and choose the right path!
Report Post »rfycom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:53am4233 I am straight and I am right. Get over baby doll. By the way, you look good in a g string. Wink!!!!
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:41pmYet you have no scientific evidence to show that homosexuality is born that way, moron. In order to be born that way, there must be scientific evidence that exists.
Report Post »NewLife24
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:05amScofield was a divorced man. Just so you know. God used an imperfect man to interpret and write his word?
Report Post »Pillar of Fire
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:41am@ NEWLIFE24
Report Post »God has used a talking donkey & HE has even used Atheists to further HIStory. When we all appear before YHWH, HE will have two questions: 1-Did you read my book? 2-What did you do with that knowledge? His sense of humor is so wonderful…HE WILL have the last victory over the enemy.
godlovinmom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:09pmGod uses all men…Paul of Taursas comes to mind..how about Judas Iscariot…you don’t have to be a good man for God to use you…Have you read the bible?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:21pmMust have been all he had. You know anyone any better? God loves a willing heart. The man was willing so God used him. Everything works together for the good of them who love the Lord.
Report Post »Less1leg
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:05amBilly has every right to make his statements equally as any Gay Activist has the right to counter claim why homosexuals should have marriage rights. As a public we have the right to listen to both and determine which side of the fence we wish to endorse.
Report Post »But sadly that’s not what progressive liberal government provide. Liberals want to remove the Right to Free speech if that speech is counter to the ideology of the liberal agenda. We have seen this approach in Global Warming situations where the progressive liberals apply personal attacks as well as employment and other penalties destroying the person.
From Billy Graham’s personal experience and expertise in understanding his biblical texts. He believes that marriage is a bond between a Man and a Woman. And that distinction was made according to him through a very long standing order of devine guidance. It doesn’t smear or degrade Gay people. It just says that marriage is discriminatory and has always been discriminatory until such time as a Man and Woman decide to form a permanent bond of relationship.
So you could say the only real discrimination in society is marriage, and has always been discriminatory. And governments or groups accepted this discrimination for thousands of years.
blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:29pmThe institution of marriage stands in importance just below the Church. Marriage is sacred and when people put that sacrilege of homosexual “marriage” into play it is an abomination. It is a contridiction. It is confusion. How blind are you. As the saying goes: God created Adam and Eve, now Adam and Steve. He did what He did for the reasons that He did, now that is what we have to work with. Playing games is not going to cut it when the dealing’s done.
Report Post »hardiepiper
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:57amHow is this even a debatable issue?
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20
Report Post »encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:30amI agree, there should be no debate, we are not a theocracy and the bible does not dicate our laws. Marriage has secular rights attached to it and if we stand for equal rights than we must allow same sex marriage (Church can at their choosing perform such ceremonies).
Report Post »NoWhiners
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:16pmWoe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! – Isaiah 5:20
Report Post »This the very definition of Christan Conservatives! Woe unto you guys…
blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:22pmThese are the times. They are doing that too.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:25pmGod dictates the next breath you may or may not take. He knows the number of hairs on your head and your deepest thoughts. He made everything. You have free will, but your will is of the Devil if it is not God’s gift of Salvation in your heart.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:01pmThe Constitution of this land is based upon the laws in Spirit much higher than what man could make himself. These laws are based upon a foundation held up by the Holy Bible. This is our country. Our forefathers left this for us, not those who come here to change what is our inheritance. If those who do not like this want to leave, then feel free. No one is going to take our beloved Holy Bible or Constitution from those of us who are willing to stand for them. Jusk know: What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. This nation is one nation under God. So just because some do not want others to remember this or youth to know this. God knows this and He willl honor it. You people trying to erase God out of this country are not fit to live in it. You have already lost this fight.
Report Post »HowardSternIsABigot
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:35amhe is right. The homosexuals dont even care about marriage. They care about destroying the church that points out how disgusting and filthy their beliefs arre. Look around, its nonstop insult of christians in the homosxual media. Homosexuals accusing homosexual priests, perverts wanting free benefits for pervert partners. thats all their is to it. Hate crimes against Christians. Marriage means nothing to them, just ask them why they have to pretend to get married? Bet involves a diatribe about how christians are really meanies and the real problem.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:51amMaybe if your churches hadn’t been so involved in creating this socialist state that grants anyone “free” medical, “free” food, and reduced rent, then maybe the homosexuals wouldn’t be griping about how unfairly they think they are being treated. Remember, it was the religious groups in this nation that pushed us towards providing all of these services to the “poor and working class people” way back in the late 1800‘s and all the way through the 1900’s. The homosexuals are just trying to get theirs where they believe that you already got yours. Employers should have nothing to do with healthcare and government should have nothing to do with your retirement. Nor should government have anything to do with the relationship between you and anyone you love, be it your spouse, friend, relative, or your child.
Report Post »DoseofReality
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:31amI know its very hard for a small minded person like yourself to comprehend that not everyone in this country is a Christian, I know…stunning isnt it? If you are against gay marriage there is a very, very easy solution to the problem…dont get into a gay marriage!! Stay with me here now, I know its complicated for you. Again, just to be clear since its a difficult concept, if your against gay marriage don’t get into a marriage with a person of the same sex. Now that hopefully we are clear on how you can avoid this particular problem, lets talk a little about morality. Everyone here seems to think our country is heading into some moral decay, mainly due to the issue of gay marriage and the bible in schools. But seriously, what past are you longing for? Whats more immoral? A few gay people getting married (and please review the above for how you can avoid that problem if your confused), or child labor, segregation, genocide of indigent populations, slavery, mass pollution, women having no rights, etc. We are much, much more moral of a country now than we ever have been. More people have access to medical care than ever before, the most vulnerable in our society are taken care of better than ever before….but gays can marry and everyone isnt forced to follow your religion in schools so I guess that overrides all those other moral advances? You people really are messed up…..
Report Post »DoseofReality
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:00amIndigenous, not indigent….my bad, typing too quickly….
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 4:09pmHey Dose..okay I get your point…don’t force anything on anybody…don’t like it…don’t participate…so what is it about public schools, forcing American children to accept this alternate lifestyle…I’m just asking because everytime I walk into a public school, there is a picture of two mommies on the wall with “their” children…who’s forcing what on whom…Just so you know I don’t participate, I homeschool…but you do get my point right?
Report Post »ContinentalArmy
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:32amReverend Graham has always preached the true hellfire and brimstone Bible Verses. Only those whom don’t believe will suffer the wrath of God. God Bless You Reverend Graham.
Report Post »SgtB
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:46amI don’t care what religion you follow or how devout you are in your personal beliefs, when you start citing your religion to tell people what they can do in their own home between themselves and another consenting adult human being, you are wrong. That goes for everything from gay marriage to starting a fight club. If everyone involved is a consenting adult, then who are you to tell them otherwise? Also, marriage should not be regulated by the government at all. We should not have to go get marriage licenses and we should not have an income tax that is dependent upon your marital status. Hell, we shouldn’t have an income tax at all! The income tax was a tool used by prohibitionists to replace the tax funding that came from the excise tax on liquor that paid for our government for most of the 19th century and up until the 16th amendment was ratified.
Bottom line is that marriage should be a union between two individuals (or whatever number of hippies want to live together) and it should not be an issue for the state to involve themselves in. If you want your church to marry you, then follow your church’s tenants and do as they say so that you can be married “before God”. But please stop pushing your theological beliefs down others’ throats.
Report Post »hardiepiper
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:49amBilly Graham denies the existence of a real hell! Billy Graham stated: “I have often wondered if Hell is a terrible burning within our hearts for God, to fellowship with God, a fire that we can never quench.”
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:13am@SGTB
Report Post »You said, ” But please stop pushing your theological beliefs down others’ throats.” So tell me then, what exactly was it you were doing then? Your whole babbling on was in some way not to push what your belief is down others throats? You people kill me. For some reason people such as yourself seem to think Newton’s second law somehow does not apply to religion – that you can go about your day bashing and slamming every Christian for speaking their beliefs all the while doing the exact same thing, just with your own ideology. It’s all about equality and being treated fairly, yet your mindset is that Christians should shut up about gay marriage yet you should be allowed to open your pie-hole and spew the exact same rhetoric from a different point of view. If you have the right to get on here and slam people, then those people have the same right. So if you want to talk, then quit replying to people who don’t see the same way as you and prove your own point. This is ridiculous. No wonder Obama got in office. And yes I just used science and religion together. Crazy how that works isn’t it?
Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:44pmSGTB – Stop shoving your version of morality down other people’s throats, hypocrite. By supporting same sex marriage, you’re shoving your version of morality down my throat and telling people how to live and that homosexuality is normal and equal to heterosexuality.
Report Post »EP46
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:20am“If I Were the Devil” ….Paul Harvey:
I would convince the world that people are born homosexuals, and that their
lifestyles should be accepted and marveled
I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, the
Bible is for the naive:
If I were the Devil…………
Report Post »Fredhead
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:56amAnd the strange thing is that the late great Mr. Harvey‘s commentary on this subject was aired back in the 60’s, a bit ironic if you stop to think about it, since that also was the time the counter~culture movement really started to plant the seeds of destruction for future generations.
Report Post »The Third Archon
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 4:03am“I want to urge my fellow North Carolinians”
Report Post »So Graham is from North Carolina? Ahh, that explains a lot about that state.
burnteye86
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 4:13amand your sarcasm explains a lot about you
Report Post »dutchy
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:00am@burn amen to that!
Report Post »pwatkins
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:35amI’m from NC and want to continue to be proud so therefore I am doing my part and voting for the marriage amendment. Thanks to Rev. Graham for speaking out and letting the country know there are still people in our state with good morals and those that trust the Word of the Holy Bible. May God Bless us all.
Report Post »The Third Archon
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 4:55am@all
Report Post »aha haha haha hahah aha haha haha haha haha ha haha hhahah aha hahah ah.
Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:46pmThe Third Archon – And North Carolina is a better state than any of your beloved crappy states that you love. At least they’re not just idiotic moral relativists like you left wingers are.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:28amThe Bible is True. Christians understand it and do not need these new revised versions. Most, if not all of these do not have the power that the Holy Bible, original 1611 or Scofield has. One word changed makes this Bible read and mean differently from what is True. These new versions may change a word that looks innocent enough not to change the interpretation, but it does. We should strive to know God. He already knows us. Pray to understand.
Report Post »Bruce4671
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:26amI respect your opinion, however, do you really think that the translation from Greek or Aramaic and Hebrew to 15th century English qualifies the KJV Bible to be the Alpha and Omega Truth? Wouldn’t it be more true if you read it in it’s original language? Don’t get upset my brother just think about what you said.
Further, do you understand that what we have as the Holy Scriptures today are the ones “approved” by the christian leaders over centuries some falling in and out of favor for various reasons. Constantine had 50 bibles commissioned for the “Church” in his capital city around 311AD, perhaps written in Latin.
If you believe that the scriptures are indeed holy and that the message is from God, then you must have faith that the bible in any of it’s many translations will bring the same message without error. Or is God not powerful enough to prevent errors in translation?
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:36pmI am not upset my “brother?” but this is the language I speak and understand. God gave you a simple plan after Jesus died and rose again: To confess, repent and ask Christ into your heart. That is not too hard for anyone to understand. Now as for the semantics; a Christian will know the truth. It is in his/her heart. They cannot be deceived for their Spirit agrees within. This is not something people understands unless they are saved. When it is not a Truth, it feels sort of like a rankle. Sort of like mitre or vinegar, just a tinge. It is hard to explain. The taste is not there but the affect is. That is the best I can do with that. That is why we know what we know what we know. It is our being, or mind, our body and our soul. There can be no separation of this Word. Nothing can replace it. It is a power that cannot be reckoned with but it is gentle and peaceful at the same time. The Truth is settling and fits perfectly in place. God will make you much wiser.
Report Post »Derfel Cadarn
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 10:54pmBible is pretty clear on slavery too,but we outlawed it anyway. All religion claims to be loving,caring and tolerant until it comes to non believbers or those who are different. As I understand it the god of the three major religions of the west is considered to be the all popwerful creator of the universe and all that happens is gods plan. if that is the case then gays are part of gods plan. Why would religious leaders deviate from gods plan? Do they insinuate that they know better then their god? Perhaps they believe that gods plan is not immaculate. Regardless their actions show that their god is either imperfect and fallible or more likely a figment of some charlatans imagination and lust for power. If Billy were to really read what his and the other holy books say he would realize that they were written by primitive men who were obviously insane.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:09amIf you, Darf, had a mind and heart to read and understand the Bible, you would know you are lost and on your way to hell.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:18amYou are very misinformed. The Old Testament was before Christ came. It is more like a history and schooled those people who were not left Grace by Christ into realizing how grevious sin is and they were under the Law. After Christ died (New Testament) he left a Will and Testament to those who want Him in their hearts and it makes people have more power and have a desire to be different by his Spirit and Grace. His Spirit causes you to desire a new life. The one before salvation will no longer be attractive.
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:21amThe problem is that you have grown up being bombarded with a false description of who God is or “should be.” If you were to read the Bible and understand what it is saying, you would find that God is more interested in your character than your comfort. God is concerned as with who you are inside because that is where eternity is won or lost. Being a slave is about your comfort. No one wants to be a slave. But could it be possible that you can have good character while being a slave?
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:31amOne more thing, I have no idea where in the world you get that Christianity is about being tolerant? Especially to non-believers. Jesus is quoted as saying “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The Bible is actually in nature very divisive. God isn’t sugar-coating things to make people feel good. It’s clear, straight-forward and easy for simple minded people to understand. Christianity says if you truly know Christ, you go to heaven. If not, you spend eternity in hell. How is it you get tolerance from that? That is the extreme of intolerance. God says it is my way or no way. As for other religions, you are right on track. But you’re dead wrong about Christianity. In fact, Christianity is the religion I can think of that if you make the wrong choice here on earth, you are screwed eternally. That’s a pretty big risk to take. It is much nicer if you could just reincarnate and try again or just suffer by not having 72 virgins. God is not a God of tolerance. He is of grace, but not tolerance. So please excuse Christianity from your list of tolerant religions and quit bashing Christians when they are not tolerant. They aren’t supposed to be. It is called loving the sinner and hating the sin. That is far from being tolerant.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:35amblackyb
Report Post »Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:09am
If you, Darf, had a mind and heart to read and understand the Bible, you would know you are lost and on your way to hell.
________________________
Have you read the Bible, your Loving God cheered on Samson as he committed genocide, Lev. and Deuts. both demand honor killings. The bible is an ancient text with little literal relevance to today’s world.
Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:48pmEncinom – Since when you do you Marxists have any relevance on what’s moral? Your version of morality has been tried and it’s failed miserably.
And you atheists have killed more people than any religion has.
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:45pm2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned [them] with an overthrow, making [them] an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
Report Post »Need I say more
Truthnjustus4all
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 6:48pmI love Billy Graham, but what’s wrong with a non-Christian gay marriage? Since Christianity is a private organization they have a right their beliefs, but they shouldn’t impose them on non-Christians.
Report Post ».If you‘re Christian and believe in gay marriage that’s a problem. You can’t pick and choose what you want to believe in the written word.
blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:15amYou do not love Billy Graham or you would know his heart. His heart is with God and God says homosexuality is an abomination. Billy Graham did not make the laws of God, nor did I. God said it and those who tell the truth will get that Word out. It is the job of Christians to point out sin. If this was not done and the plan of salvation explained then no one would know how to be save from sin in this life and motivated to better themselves and stay away from it, nor would they escape hell. Hell is real and those who are not saved by confessing their sin, repenting (turning away from sin) and asking Jesus into their hearts to lead their lives by a simple ernest prayer will go to hell. Time is getting short and anyone who has not done this better get on the stick and know that preacher Graham and those who are standing on the Word of God are offering you a way to avoid eternal damnation. If you are above it, then May God have mercy on your soul.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:56amIn Romans Chapter One verse starting in Verse 24, In the New Testament.
Report Post »” Wherefore Godalso gave them up to uncleanness through the lust of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.”
—————–
In the Old Testament, in Leviticus: Chapter 20 starting with verses 13:
“And if a man also lie with mankind as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
———-
This is how badly God felt about this as written in the Old Testament and how they treated it. after the Old Testament era when Christ came an age of Grace began and his Spirit allowed for those who sin to have a conscious about it and turn away from it. The Law was though in the Old Testament then Grace came and Jesus left his Grace in his Will and Tes
Chet Hempstead
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:16amIf you‘re Christian and believe in gay marriage that’s not a problem. There must be a hundred different sects in this country. There’s bound to be a few that are willing to perform same sex marriages. You can pick and choose what you want to believe in the written word. The Book of Leviticus goes on for chapter after chapter about how to sacrifice animals. The Old Testament prescribes the death penalty for dozens of minor offenses. Just because some Christians seem to give the rules against gay sex an importance equal to the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus doesn’t mean that others can’t dismiss them as quaint artifacts in a class with rules against eating shellfish or wearing clothes woven of two different fibers.
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:39amThe mere fact that people solely bring up Leviticus and say you can’t pick and choose only proves that you have not read the Bible and that your argument resources comprise solely on internet sites that have “gay is ok” as keywords. I’d encourage you to open the Bible and read it instead of relying on some tolerance website you found when you googled.
Report Post »encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:04pm@blackyb
OUT GOVERNMENT AND LAWS ARE SECULAR YOU TWIT. IF YOU DON’T LIKE GAY MARRAIGE, DON’T HAVE ONE. DO NOT FORCE YOUR RELIGION ON OTHERS WHO COULDN’T GIVE TO S#!T$.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:51pmEncinom – Stop forcing your sick version of morality down people’s throats by supporting same sex marriage, you sicko.
Report Post »mycomet123
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 6:47pmThank you Billy Graham, I have learned alot from you. I still love to watch your crusades, especially from the 50′s-70′s. God Bless You!.
Report Post »dutchy
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:01amAmen!
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 6:11pmGood on ya brother Graham!
Report Post »jungle J
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 5:52pmthe bible warns us that anyone who changes a jot or tittle willl be condemed..if the bible warns of it who‘s say that it hasn’t happened. Only the sane will understand it.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 12:24amYou have a point. The Holy Bible was written so Christians are able to understand it. Those unsaved will not be interested in it nor will they have the understanding to understand it. That is why they need a preacher to interpret this and show people they are lost and on their way to hell. The only prayer a sinner has is to pray and ask to be saved. A sinner does not have a Father in Heaven to answer prayers. After people are saved, they have someone to pray to because Christ is in their hearts. His Spirit comes into their hearts and they have a conscious about sin. They pray and read the Bible and go to Church to feed and strengthen their Spirit. Many people make judgements on the Bible who have never read it. I suggest the King James Version original 1611 or Scofield.
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on May 6, 2012 at 1:44amGit-R-Done
Report Post »I’m not an atheist. God may exist, I don’t say that He doesn’t. I just don’t believe in religion.
FromSeaToSea
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 5:04pmThank You for years of unwaivering service.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:08pmGod bless Rev. Graham. It takes courage to stand for your beliefs without fear.
Report Post »dutchy
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:03amYes, wish there were more like Reverend Billy Graham out there!
Report Post »LOJ
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:05pmThose who make light of God’s word, and ignore his commands will see Judgement day, and wailing and knashing of teeth. They were warned!
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:24amI don’t make light of God’s word, but I don’t believe that the entire Bible really is God’s word. I think that back then the ruling authorities just claimed that all laws were given to them by God in order to get people to follow them. Since we’re living in a different time and place a lot of them don’t make sense any more. If I’m wrong, and God really is like some lazy state legislature that can’t be bothered to update obsolete regulations, then I’m not going to concern myself too much with what He thinks of me for not following them.
Report Post »Simonne
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 4:07amI agree with Chet.
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:49amI disagree with Chet.
Report Post »It is true that many laws in the Old Testament are no longer valid and written for a pre-messianic Jewish people. Much of them still do apply and the ones that don’t are there to learn from and were fulfilled by the death and resurrection of Jesus. Many of them are repeated throughout the Bible and are referenced. The Bible is indeed God’s Word. All of it. Just because Christ fulfilled some laws and they are no longer needed does not make it any less God’s Word. It is important to realize what Jesus instructs and commands as regards to these laws. To simply ignore everything is foolish. You may choose to do so, but if I am right, then you are screwed. If you’re right, then I’ll still be just fine. That is a pretty big gamble. I’d recommend doing more research into this all. It’s interesting stuff.
Chet Hempstead
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:09pmhuntinwabbits
Report Post »I don’t believe that there could be any such thing as a God who would command that if a man has sex with an animal you have to kill the guy and the animal, too. If the universe really were in the hands of such a ridiculous creature, one lifetime would be more than enough time to have to endure His presence, so I have nothing to lose by not believing. You, however, have a lot to lose if the universe was created by a God who expects to be able to tell the difference between His word and a bunch of damn nonsense by opening our hearts to Him and thinking with the brains He gave us.
Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:53pmChet – Since when have you dumb atheists ever had brains? LOL
Report Post »Chet Hempstead
Posted on May 6, 2012 at 6:19amGit-R-Done
Report Post »I’m not an atheist. God may exist. I don’t say that He doesn’t. I just don’t believe in religion.
DWilliams08
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:02pmThe bible is clear on the North Carolina constitution? I think it’s in Leviticus right after “Thy permanent seat of government of this State shall be at the City of Raleigh.”
Report Post »TEARS FOR AMERICA
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 5:42pmLeviticus, Obama’s favorite book of the Bible…yea, when pigs fly.
Report Post »buzzkill59
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:48amThe perfect avatar for your intelligence level!
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:25pmwow good job voting a non important issue, how about a vote to secede from the union, or a state bank or a state currency.
Report Post »palerider54
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:55pmI bet your defination of upholding Gods word being a non important issue will change while standing in line at the Great White Throne.
Report Post »DWilliams08
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:03pmThey already had that vote in 1861.
Report Post »Individualism
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:18pmi feel sorry for those who vote for it than because they will be seen as evil bullies unless the judging force itself is evil and one that must be destroyed. Freedom is good for everyone, let them get married if they want just ask them not to show their stuff in public without warning and not do what the TSA does to you at airport.
Report Post »MarketsClear
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:23ampalerider54
I would think that you would be condemned as a Pharisee for trying to use ritual and government instead of love and compassion. It is not proper for Christians to use government to instill morality in people. It is through love and persuasion that we spread the word of Christ. We act as individuals to serve the Lord, not vote on a coercive act of government and call it piety.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:24pmI’m glad you are close to going to be with your Heavenly Father Reverend Graham. You don’t want to see what the country you love is becoming…or already is.
Report Post »palerider54
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:53pmWell said GONZO,
Fewer and fewer church’s still preach the word of God, undiluted. They that do will increasingly come under attack form the left and the media.
The day is not far away when gay couples followed by news cameras will enter each and every church to see if they are preaching what they call “hate speech” against the homosexuals. When found and they refuse to back down they will be protests and pickets and eventually fines issued and then other forms of attack by the government.
I am indeed envious of Reverend Graham.
Report Post »maccow
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 4:26pm@Palerider
The bible guarantees a white robe and front row seating at God’s throne for those who are persecuted unto death for the Gospel of the Lamb of God. The end isn’t going to be pretty but I say bring it on.
“Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both [the number of] their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they [were], was completed.” (Revelation 6:11)
“For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Is it] not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) The greek word for quickly implies suddenly and not soon as many amillennialists would have us believe.
Report Post »God bless Billy Graham, one of this generation’s greatest evangelist and servant of God. God grant him sweat rest from his work soon.
palerider54
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:56pm@MACCOW. I agree with you completely, well almost. Not sure what you meant by amillennialists.
I believe the Rapture will occur at the instant the 7 yr trib period will begin and that we will return with Christ to rule with him in the thousand yr reign, after the trib.
He left as the lamb of God, soft spoken and meek, but he will return as the LION of JUDAH to claim his rightful throne, and will rule with a rod of iron. I have heard our pastor say we are pretty much a PRE believing church.
Any way you interpret it, so long as you are a true believer of the resurrected Christ and try to follow his teachings and have invited him into your heart, into your every thought and decision, you have been forgiven of your sins and will spend eternity with the King of Kings. I fear time is short, and I have so many loved ones and close friends that are still lost in the world.
I talk to them about the Lord every chance I get, beg them to come to Bible study with me and learn what is happening, while they still have a choice in their eternal destination. That and prayer every night for their hearts to soften and feel the conviction they are under to come to Jesus.
If I thought grabbing them and shaking them til their heads rattled, I would do so in an instant.
Look me up when you get to heaven, I hope to be at the feet of Jesus, worshiping him in awe.
Report Post »2SENSEWORTH
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:18pmI am not about to rip pages out of my Bible from Genesis 19 -Leviticus 18 & 20 – 1 Corinthians 6:9
Romans chapter 1 – 1 Timothy chapter 1 and Jude. No way.
It’s in the Book. I always respected Dr Graham. Today I respect him even more.
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 9:58amWhat is this non-sense? You mean to say that the Bible does actually talk about homosexuality in other places besides Leviticus? (GASP) Noooooooooo! And you mean it’s in the New Testament too? Ahhhh!!!!!! What are we going to do!? My ‘gay is ok’ internet websites I googled and bookmarked didn’t prepare me for this!!!!!
Thank you for pointing out to people that God is very clear on the matter and it is throughout Scripture.
Report Post »MarketsClear
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:15amSo then you don’t eat pork, or shellfish, or cheese and beef together, or wear clothes made out of multiple fabrics. I would hate for you to be a hypocrite and throw out some pages of leviticus and not others.
Report Post »huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:23am@marketsclear
Report Post »Throw them out? No. You must understand them and their place; their reasoning and why after Christ some laws were fulfilled. It helps to try reading the Bible and it’s entirety. Reading a googled website typically doesn’t give you the true answer, but picks and chooses. (Ironic that that is what you all claim everyone else is doing). There seems to be a lot of “biblical experts” here who actually don’t know anything but Sunday School stories about the Bible.
encinom
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 4:09pm@huntinwabbits
The Catholic Bibles doesn‘t have this check list as to which of God’s laws are now outdated and which aren’t. Sounds more like Bigots are attempting to hide behind the cross to justify their views.
Report Post »Git-R-Done
Posted on May 5, 2012 at 5:50pmEncinom – You Marxists have no right to call anybody else a bigot when you‘re bigoted against people who don’t go along with your sick views of the world.
Report Post »Arcangel Michael
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 3:00pmJesus, I trust in You
http://thedivinemercy.org/message/devotions/chaplethistory.php
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AySdEJx50Z0&feature=related
Report Post »Hollywood
Posted on May 3, 2012 at 2:56pmThere are NO Prophets. The TRUE prophets are named in Scripture, and there have been NONE,ZERO, NADA, since the 1st Century. Misused term. Dr. Graham is CORRECT about the basic family. If those practicing sodomy, or lesbian sex, want to partner, and live in their sin, THAT is between them and GOD. They WILL be judged and condemned for it, as Scripture is very clear on.
Report Post »IF they can find a civil servant who will marry them, or even a SO CALLED Christian pastor, then so be it. THEY too will be judged for sanctioning it. It is when the STATE tries to FORCE real Christian pastors, or civilian Christian personnel to do so, that the STATE is overstepping its authority. Of course this is just another sign PREDICTED of the Last days. Repent and Believe in Christ Jesus. THIS is the REAL answer.
Maranatha
huntinwabbits
Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:06amI believe Paul talks about the gift of prophecy and instructs those who receive it. Thus I must disagree with you that there are no prophets nor have there been any since the 1st Century A.D.
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