Is anyone in this community actively holding Franklin Graham to account for his lies?

[msfiddlestix]

I'm not a person involved in faith based communities, but I have a sister who is cult worshiper. Franklin Graham, and Donald Trump to be specific.

We just ended a telephone conversation a bit ago, which began with good cheer and laughter about a range of stuff, then suddenly she invoked President Biden's name with the term "evil" and "slime" and accused him of denigrating National Prayer day by refusing to use the term "God" in his remarks.

When i attempted to refute that notion, she invoked Franklin Graham's name as the truth teller and of course I challenged by accusing him of being a habitual liar. She hung the phone up. and that was that.

I just went to Snopes to see if it was a claim that had gone viral enough to be included in fact checking, and discovered that though he didn't use the term "God" , he did use the term "Lord". Additionally he used the term God twice at the conclusion of his National Prayer day remarks, as consistent with every address he makes.

I infer that Franklin Graham went on Fox or wherever and accused President Biden of denigrating National Prayer day by refusing to mention God in his address.

Does the word "Lord" no longer mean the same as "God" is one question I'm asking.

The second question: Does anyone here know if Franklin Graham is being held to account?

Link to Snopes accounting: https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-omit-god-national-day-of-prayer/

[wnylib]

1. I think you're asking this question of the wrong people.

This forum is Christian Liberals and Progressive People of Faith. Graham is definitely not liberal or progressive. So why would liberal and progressive people of faith even know what he says and does, let alone feel any responsibility for him and his views?

If Graham did go on Fox TV to complain about Biden, not many DUers watch Fox, so how would we know? I know that some liberals/progressives do check out Fox sometimes, but a lot of us don't.

The gap between the religious left (like Biden) and the religious right (like Graham) is as wide in religion as it is in other areas of society.

God vs. Lord sounds like a non-issue except for people trying to make an issue of it.

[msfiddlestix]

2. Perhaps you're correct.

I figured folks on DU regardless of the forums they might carve out for their shared beliefs, that foremost is being informed and politically active to some degree, especially regarding matters like this.

I'm not a fox viewer myself, but I do become aware of some of the outlandish stuff that gets conveyed on that network as well as others, via Democratic Underground in particular.

I didn't think it was a stretch to presume other wise, but I take your point. Even if it is a little surprising.

[wnylib]

3. "Political" activism by people on the

religious left is usually focused on promoting and protecting rights for immigrants, POC, LGBTQ, and women and giving material aid to the poor, e g. food banks, clothing donations and distrbution. This activism is generally viewed more as moral and spiritual expressions than political ones. But they do contact politicians on behalf of programs that improve equality and quality of life, e .g. gun control, housing, drug abuse programs, help for people getting away from domestic violence.

It's pretty well established that there are political and theological differences between the religious left and the religious right. Don't see how that would be surprising.

[msfiddlestix]

4. you misunderstand me, I'm sure it's on me. Didn't articulate my point well.

and that's ok. you sort of answered a question I've had for a long time, but wasn't asking here because it isn't in this instance the point of my concern, in any event.

So, we'll just leave it here. No need to circle past each other any further.

[wnylib]

5. Nothing to misunderstand. Your OP question is quite clear.

[TigressDem]

6. Well, now that you mention it, maybe we should.

Not sure HOW yet, but there is probably some way.


As Christians and DEMS, we shouldn't give ourselves excuses. It doesn't help in the long run.



First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

[msfiddlestix]

7. It seems sort of obvious to me, but I'm not affiliated with Religious groups

I just wondered how these people seem to have carte blanche with very little push back, and basic fact checking, calling him (and others) with their never ending lies.

[TigressDem]

9. The biggest problem, I guess is there is SO much crazy to respond to and one's mental health ....

Often we need to limit our exposure in order to maintain our sanity.

I actually met his father. Billy when he was alive, not the Heavenly Father up close and personal.

Technically, he is only voicing his opinion and the main problem is he has such a bully pulpit. Literally.

Why Franklyn would look at our world, our nation in the midst of Covid and think we don't need to rebuild, that we don't have a moral imperative to help the poor and bring balance into what is supposed to be a nation under God, their (the religious right's) emphasis, not mine.

How he can look at the divisions and hatred and violence going on and not be trying to really foster peace like he did initially in early January.

HOW he can be supportive of a politician like tRump who is SLEEZE personified. I don't know.

[TigressDem]

8. Forked Tongue Boy - He seems borderline respectful and supportive of Biden then crazy town the next.

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article248345600.html

Evangelist Franklin Graham urges prayer for Biden and Harris after riots at US Capitol

By Hayley Fowler
January 07, 2021 04:38 PM


https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2021/01/21/franklin-graham-10-republicans-promised-something-impeachment-vote/4229987001/
Joel Burgess Asheville Citizen Times Jan 21, 2021

In a Jan. 14 Facebook post, Graham, who was born in Asheville and educated in Western North Carolina, said "shame, shame on the ten Republicans who joined with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in impeaching President Trump yesterday."

"It makes you wonder what the thirty pieces of silver were that Speaker Pelosi promised for this betrayal," he said in the post that drew 65,000 comments, many critical.

Feb 26, 2021

Franklin, son of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, is a supporter of former president Donald Trump, but says the nation should give Joe Biden a chance.


https://www.newsweek.com/franklin-graham-says-biden-bringing-onset-socialism-says-america-doesnt-need-rebuilding-1587899
4/30/2021

Franklin Graham Says Biden Bringing 'Onset of Socialism,' Says America Doesn't Need Rebuilding


https://news.yahoo.com/franklin-graham-help-biden-persuade-221326334.html
Axios
May 16, 2021

Franklin Graham would help Biden persuade evangelicals on COVID vaccines

https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/553797-franklin-graham-says-trump-comeback-would-be-a-very-tough-thing-to-do
May 16, 2021

Graham, a longtime supporter of Trump, added, "The guy does not eat well, you know, and it's amazing the energy that he has."

"He's lost weight, 15 pounds, maybe. So he might be in good health and in good shape. I don't know," he said.

Axios noted that Trump will be 78 in 2024, the same age President Biden turned in 2020.


https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/biden-omit-god-national-day-of-prayer/

BUT per your link, in this case, Graham was technically correct, although Biden's statement is very inclusive and calls for ALL types of prayer. He didn't add Allah or Yahweh or Buddha but left it for people to make up their own mind.

I don't see Biden did anything wrong. He set aside the National Day of Prayer (which is his legal obligation) and goes to church on the regular, so he knows who he's talking about.

Not the end of the world.


But Graham is fruit loops in a lot of other posts. Yikes.


What can be done?

[Dreampuff]

10. I know this thread is old, but it is new to me.

Your original post reminded me of the fact that I have a close relative who also adores Franklin and went to DC to see him for his Prayer Revival or whatever he actually had. It was the same day he was in the Rose Garden with the evil ones. I have no right to judge others, but I do have a right to my opinion and here it is. Growing up, we watched Billy Graham when he had his Crusades and we thought highly of him. Since then, I learned many things about him that have tainted all of the respect I had for him, but all in all, I still think that he cared about Humanity and was a good person. I don't feel the same way about his son, Franklin. Dr. Charles Stanley was also someone we listen to and even though he wasn't very Progressive, I still enjoyed his sermons. I think his son is much more Progressive and has taken over his dynasty in a very good way.