Billy Graham’s final message: atheist hatred, gay activists are intolerant and the leftist resentment

Throughout his life, Billy Graham preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to approximately 215 million people who attended one of his more than 400 crusades, simulcasts and evangelistic rallies in more than 185 countries and territories. What is true in his passing: America is still very much divide, still battling vitriol and hated.

“The Rev. Billy Graham was one of the most dominant Christian figures over the last 75 years. No more than one or two popes, perhaps one or two other people, came close to what he achieved,” explained William Martin, Billy Graham Biographer, author of “A Prophet with Honor: The Billy Graham Story.” 

Public domain photo/Billy Graham

Graham’s passing prompted praise from the faithful and wrath from critics, the atheists and gay activists.

“Billy Graham‘s promotion to heaven today is a reminder that one person who is totally and humbly surrendered to the Lord can have an incredible eternal impact on the world. Billy Graham‘s legacy will echo through eternity,” said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, at the time of Graham’s passing.

At the same time, this was the message from Alliance Defending Freedom President, CEO, and General Counsel Michael Farris.

“Billy Graham inspired millions, from heads of state to missionaries, from clergy to teenagers. He was especially inspirational to those of us engaged in the defense and protection of religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family. His faithful preaching of God’s word, biblical morality, and his lifelong zeal for the Kingdom has inspired me in my walk as a husband, father, minister, attorney, college president, and in my current work for ADF. His legacy will live on in the hearts, souls, and minds of all those who work tirelessly to proclaim the Good News and the healing power of Jesus Christ. May God comfort his family and his countless friends, and may God continue to richly bless the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.”

Alliance Defending Freedom Founder Alan Sears added: “One of my earliest memories is being at my grandmother’s house and hearing Billy Graham on the radio. He was powerful, moving, and life-impacting. He was a truly humble servant of Jesus Christ and preached the gospel wherever he went and to anyone—of any rank or stature—who would listen. His moral integrity and his steadfast dedication to his central mission still serves as the model for ADF team members and has radically impacted me and the life of my family. His faithfulness and compassion will never be forgotten.”

From the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) labeled Graham an “anti-Semite”: …”Anti-Semitism was not Graham’s only vice. He also worked to destroy our secular government. Graham helped corrupt America’s secular foundations by riding the wave of religious fervor in the 1950s, which brought with it ‘under God’ into the Pledge of Allegiance, the Capitol prayer room, and ‘In God We Trust’ as a national motto.”

(their full statement is on the next page)

Outrage from the LGBT circles has also been loud: Heather White, a visiting assistant professor of religion at the University of Puget Sound, told NBC News. “He helped unite factionalized fundamentalists, hippie Jesus people and conservative-leaning white Mainline Protestants into an evangelical coalition.”

“Graham himself had few specific words on LGBTQ people, at least when compared to the rest of his expansive canon, but his disapproval of homosexuality was unequivocal,” notes NBC, listing remarks on homosexuality, AIDS, some of which Graham apologized for, adding that “he left behind an institutional apparatus that has done structural damage to the community.”

So, the divide over Graham’s legacy truly represents the divide in America. Evangelicals loved the man while atheists and leftists despised the man. So, with that said: is there a chance for healing?

FFRF HATED on Rev. Graham. The letter was tainted with talking points and intolerance. Meanwhile, “gay intolerance” can be heard loud and clear. Like other posts, it’s been noted he “didn’t speak on the issue” much personally, BUT…insert anger and resentment. The message is “toe the line” or else and Rev. Graham’s passing is a message we can clearly learn from.