Is Billy Graham Emergent?
Apparently even Billy Graham is now 'emergent.' SmartChristian.com quotes Ingrid (I refuse to link to her site) about a Newsweek article on Dr. Graham, saying:
"Dr. Graham is sounding a lot like Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Erwin McManus and the host of other postmodern heretics who prefer questions to answers, mystery to knowledge, and so forth."
I believe it mostly had to do with the way he answered a few questions dealing with who gets into heaven. He said it wasn't up to him, but God. Wow... sounds pretty dangerous.
So what do you think - is Billy emerging, aging, a heretic, or _____________?
It's a pretty good Newsweek article. For the record, he's one fine dude in my book.
posted by dan at 11:53 AM
6 Comments:
A while ago Brian McLaren told me that he had spoken to several very prominent and influential Christian leaders who had expressed to him their sympathy and agreement with the emerging church, but who were afraid to say so in public for fear of the negative reaction they'd receive from other evangelical leaders.
For a while I wondered if Graham might have been one of those closet emergents. This article seems to indicate that even if he wasn't who Brian was specifically referring to, he is at least asking a lot of the same questions that the emerging church is also wrestling with. And the great thing about being as old as Billy, is that you really don't have to worry anymore about what anyone says about you. :)
Interesting article. It brought out the "human-ness" in Rev. Graham that is usually hidden behind his larger-than-life persona. Thanks for posting it!
In answer to your question, I'd say that Billy is........still seeking truth even after all these years, and willing to admit he doesn't have all the answers. IMHO
He is the only "TV evangelist" that I trust to be who he appears to be.
In the interview, Rev. Graham merely states that God will show mercy upon whom He will---just as the Bible promises.(Ex 33:19; Rom 9:14-18)
What do you do with passages like Romans 2: 12-16 or especially I Tim 1:13?
How far-reaching is the mercy of Jesus, proclaimed in His prayer from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ? Does it echo thru the generations? Does it fall upon the native in the Amazon; the Muslim in Iraq; the drug adicted prostitute who never heard the name of Jesus; the devout Jew bowed in prayer?
Father, forgive them, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.
Who are "they"?
God bless you,
Felicia
I thought the Newsweek article was very troublesome. I do believe that such comments from respected and revered men like Graham are "dangerous."
The whole point of the article seemed to be to point out the "change" in Graham's views; the author seemed to like this new Graham, as opposed to the former, close-minded Graham. These are my personal assessments of the article.
I did the unthinkable recently by bringing into question some of Graham's teaching, both recent and not-so-recent. You would have thought I had questioned God's Word itself. I was called critical and told that if I could even question Graham then I had real problems spiritually. What??????
The fact remains that we are to test all teaching, regardless of who they are or how widely they are regarded. We should do so with gentleness and respect, yes, but love compels us to do so nonetheless.
I have no problem stating that Billy Graham has made some very troublesome stands concerning Roman Catholicism and who goes to heaven. Years ago he made such a statement on Oprah Winfrey, and about 6 years ago he made like statements in a talk with Robert Schuller. His views do not have to do with his age. Here's an article that speaks of this issue....
http://www.apprising.org/archives/2006/08/billy_grahamas.html
As far as not linking to Ingrid's site, "Slice of Laodicea," why not? Isn't it fair to let everyone else read what it is you don't agree with? Ingrid really sticks her neck out there and says a lot of things that I wish some of our more popular "Christian" leaders would say. I respect her for that. Yes, I don't always agree with her or the harshness of her tone, but I won't judge her for that. She is in a difficult and unpopular place. I think the EEGC would benefit from reading some of her views on the Emergent Church.
There is a lot within the Emergent Church that is extremely dangerous to true Christianity. To sweep with a broad brush (knowing there are exceptions), the inerrancy of scripture, the purity of the Gospel message, the existence and application of absolute Truth, and the reality of the "narrow gate" are all under attack within the Emergent movement. My prayer is that the Church of God will think twice before they jump in and embrace all that emergent offers and before they continue to label themselves with the EEGC label. We can be relevant and engage the culture without all the apostasy that comes with the emergent teaching. Why do churches and pastors tend to want to be a part of "movements." Can we not just be faithful to our sphere of influence and the ministry to which God has called us to without needing to be a part of something larger? It seems that compromises are always made in order to be a part or label ourselves as "such and such."
I offer all of this in humility, not having all the answers, but knowing enough of the Lord and of His Word to be very, very concerned at the direction I see the Churches of God heading.
I'm sorry if you don't like anoymous postings, but I cannot speak freely due to associations that may be made with innocent parties. It was either don't post at all or post anonymously, so I chose the latter. Please understand.
Anonymous,
Regarding your comments to the Billy Graham article:
- I think it is great that Billy can have an open mind. Do you really think we should be "close-minded"? If you have questioned Graham's teaching, I would think you would be happy that he was still open to your truth. I hope God is still revealing things to me when I am that age. He certainly knows I don't have it all figured out now.
- A couple of times you referred to the EEGC. Can I ask what these letters stand for? You sound as though you are defending the CGGC denomination, and I would wonder why you feel that necessary if you are not a part of it. Perhaps there is something I am missing here.
- As far as posting anonymously because of your "associations"... perhaps you need to get free in Christ, friend. I am certainly open to discussing things "in humility", but I think it's a bit yellow to make some sweeping gestures and be afraid to let your identity be known. What are you afraid of?
Peace & blessings,
Dan h.
On posting anonymously -
I think we should give a little grace to those who feel the need to post without signing their name. I agree with St. Augustine's suggestion that all truth is God's truth - therefore, I think that we need to listen to those who voice an opinion whether or not they sign their name.
They are guests on the blog, let's welcome them and listen.
Brent Sleasman
Brother Dan, I assure you that I am not afraid of anything. I am merely respecting those whom I serve with and am associated with, and I believe they would prefer I didn't sign my name. I'm sorry this bothers you. I don't usually do that, but I feel it is the best way to go.
I will say, so that nobody wonders, that I am no one of any consequence, and most of you do not know me personally. I am not currently in the CGGC, but as a member for some time I do love the CGGC and am only concerned for its welfare. My motives are pure.
Don't be afraid of anonymous bloggers. I think it's sometimes nice to read the words without filtering it through the man/woman, pastor/non-pastor, academic/non-academic, seminary-trained/non-seminary-trained, old/young filters we use to decide how "worthy" someone's offering in the conversation is. Just know I love the Lord, have studied the Emerging Church to a degree, and only speak out of concern for the health of the Body.
As to your questions, "yes" I do think we should keep an "open mind" as you say, but I do think some things are non-negotiable. I am disappointed that Graham is not drawing the line in the sand as he used to. Graham has been given so much prestige and popularity that I do believe it has affected his willingness to speak with any authority or to cause anyone to be uncomfortable by the exclusivity of the Christian Gospel.
As for EEGC......forgive me! I was typing so fast that I didn't double-check those initials. :o) I meant to say, ECGGC, as in Emerging CGGC. I'm sorry; I'll be more careful. You all probably wondered what in the world I was talking about. :o)
In closing, I am sorry if my passion on these topics causes me to come across harsh or unwilling to converse. This whole discussion is just so important, and I can hardly reel myself in.
Brother Brent, thank you for seeing past my post and welcoming my input.
Peace and good will,
"heartsick"
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