4 Good Reasons Why Franklin Graham Has No Biblical Clue

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by Mark Bear

I apologize to those of you who are not of a faith orientation due to hypocritical behavior by those who call themselves “Christians.” I also ask your forgiveness that White Evangelical leaders have not only supported Trump but continue doing so, despite the persistent worldly behavior engaged in by him.

In addition, I also apologize to each of you if I have ever engaged in behavior that does not mirror that which I personally and publicly profess. I offer this apology, not to those who are IN the Church, but to those of you who will never step foot inside a church due to this blatant hypocrisy.

Apparently, my “White Evangelical” friends cannot seem to stop placing obstacle upon obstacle in front of those who want nothing to do with the modern-day church. I need to be clear here: I do not EXPECT Trump to “act” as though he were a Believer because for him to do so, would be clearly disingenuous.

After all, he is on record stating he “never has asked for forgiveness,” because he frankly does not believe “he has ever done anything which requires him to do so.” Just so we are all clear: This answer was provided to a media personality in a “Christian” environment. And despite THAT answer, the media personality interviewing Trump was just fine with Trump’s response, and so were 81% of those who self-profess being “Christians” in this nation; those labeled “White Evangelical.”

However, I also want to be clear here about an ancillary issue: Not all of us are like those leaders who find every justification under the sun for Trump’s worldly behavior. Many of us are disgusted with Trump and those evangelical leaders providing such excuses for him.

I cannot imagine the disconnect you folks hear when you see a man like Franklin Graham interviewed on television, specifically CNN, and is asked why evangelical leaders continue to support Trump only to hear yet another justification, a lie, and I might add a false gospel. Also, many of us do not “use” our religious beliefs to justify our political positions. In fact, many of us do not even mix politics and religion. However, when supposed “men of God” DO engage in this practice, people like me feel compelled to answer, using the exact same book THEY persist in banging on your collective heads to get you to believe what they believe, act like they act, and worship as they worship. Me? I am in sales, not management.

Related: These Uber-Evangelical Preachers Believe in the Word of Trump not the Word of God

According to Graham, who apparently can see into the hearts of men better than God, states the key difference between Trump and say Bill Clinton and sexual affairs, is that “Clinton continued while in office,” while “Trump has stopped.” In addition, according to Graham, the “President has matured in the past eleven months.” I also realize Franklin Graham is the same man who when asked whether “he thought Obama ‘could’ be a ‘Christian,’ stated quite clearly, “I don’t think so.”

First, perhaps you are wondering how or WHY Franklin Graham can make such proclamations. Let me answer: He can’t and the very Book he preaches from states so. For example, in Luke 16:15, Jesus Himself states, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.”

Let that sink in, folks. What Graham values highly – Trump – is detestable in God’s sight. Those are not my Words, but those from the very Book we as Believers are to live by.

Second, Graham’s “opinion,” or better yet, his “judgment” about Mr. Obama’s ability to “be a Christian,” is moot. Why? Again, the very Book we as Believers live by states in I Corinthians 2:11 these words: “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” In other words, the ONLY people who KNOW what is in their own heart on this issue are Trump, Obama, and God Himself. Not me, not you, not Mr. Graham. This is precisely why it is best that we as Believers concern ourselves with well, OURSELVES versus placing value judgments on others. We are as Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:12 to “Work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.”

Third, as Believers, despite our never being able to KNOW who is or who is NOT a Believer, and despite the very clear directive outlined in our scriptures to ensure we do not “judge” another lest we “be judged in the exact same manner,” we ARE to avoid what Paul refers to as “unfruitful works of darkness.” He states with no equivocation in Ephesians 5:11, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

Fourth, what justification do I as an individual have to confront this issue? According to Romans 16:17, this IS my responsibility as Paul states, “Mark them which cause division and offenses contrary to the doctrine you have learned; and avoid them.” That word “mark,” is an important word because it provides the reason why I as a self-professed Believer have no other choice but to point out the disconnect these Church Leaders have, especially when their words could affect future possibilities of those outside the Church from coming in.

This is precisely why I apologize to those outside the Church. I firmly realize the implications of leaders failing to lead in a biblical manner, that is saying one thing, and doing another, especially when what we do violates the very Book we preach from. I realize how confusing it must be when you see influential Church leaders such as Tony Perkins giving a “mulligan” for Trump’s alleged affair, or Dr. Robert Jeffress’ near-messianic worship of Trump, or James Dobson’s desire for prayer for our nation to prevent Trump from being impeached, to yes even Franklin Graham who acts as though he KNOWS what is inside the hearts of man.

As a pastor and social psychologist – always a pastor first – I have NEVER made a value judgment as to what is in a man’s heart. I also do not determine who is or is not a “believer,” because THAT isn’t in my job description. I DO, however, follow the fruit. If the fruit is rotten, I do not take a piece and dine on it. I point that fruit out to the vendor and allow Him to do with it whatever it is HE wishes to do with it while making clear that I personally do NOT wish to have that fruit, also telling him that others are unlikely to want it either.

And I realize in our world littered with so much fruit, things can get pretty confusing. That is why I like to keep things simple. Galatians 5:22-23 is clear about the kind of fruit we as Believers ought to bear:

“But the fruit that the Spirit produces in a person’s life is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these kinds of things.”

I will allow the reader to determine if Mr. Graham’s assessment of Trump is accurate or not.

I would be deeply honored to have you connect with me on Facebook, or Twitter so you can follow all of my work as I hold this administration accountable.

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Melissa Schueler
6 years ago

Thank you! This article was so affirming. Franklin Graham’s father, Billy Graham led me to give my heart to Jesus when I was 7 years old. Regrettably, I think his son Franklin is driving thousands, possibly millions of people away from a relationship with God. Thank you for articulating what I am many other believers feel. This was a very enlightening piece to read!

Ann E Moore
6 years ago

I’m not a church goer but this screams truth. Thank you Mark!

Dr. Mark Bear
Reply to  Ann E Moore
6 years ago

Hello Ann,

Many thanks for your kind words. It is a sad message for me to have to share but unfortunately it must be shared. Also, thanks for following along. I appreciate you much.

Mary Thompson
6 years ago

Mark, I always LOVE your posts. I totally agree with you. I am so sad to see what Trump is doing to this country. And, mostly shocked to see that Franklin Graham is supporting Trump. How can true Christians think this man is Godly. ? His actions prove otherwise.
Look forward to your next post. !! You always speak the truth. This was one of many great posts that you have written since I’ve been following you.

Dr. Mark Bear
Reply to  Mary Thompson
6 years ago

Good Morning, Mary,

I am honored that you find value in my work. I too, am disillusioned to witness the nation digressing backwards after we made all of that progress under the former President. And, as you can tell, like you, I am repulsed by the fact that so many so called “Christians,” find every justification for their support of Trump. As a result, I too find myself in one of the greatest conundrums of my life: How do I continue to vocally support a group of people who arguably are demonstrating the highest levels of hypocrisy, while ensuring I remain true to myself while calling out on their inconsistencies?

6 years ago

[…]   From Mark Bear at MadMikesAmerica: […]

Dr. Mark Bear
6 years ago

Michael,

Bam! And, may I add: having it their way? Control.

Admin
6 years ago

It’s all about abortion and Jerusalem, the alleged home of the next apocalypse, the first being when a meteor struck the earth and killed the dinosaurs.

Susan MacVicar
6 years ago

I think most of the Evangelicals we see in the news and on the internet have succumbed to fame and fortune. I see nothing in Franklin Graham, Pat Robertson and the like that make me think of God. Quite the contrary…they live in mansions behind 30 foot walls and count their money.

Dr. Mark Bear
6 years ago

Hello Cheryl,

Thank you for placing your thoughts on the discussion because it is here where we each can understand others’ point of views, and share our own.

It is interesting to me, at least, that you consider yourself a “quiet Christian,” because the truth of the matter is this Cheryl: We need not be so outwardly vocal about our faith, because – as I point out in my article, our “fruit” tells the tale.

Also, according to Jesus Himself to the one that professes belief, I think the following verse is so important; “By this men will KNOW you are My disciples; that you have love one for another.” (John 13:35). And the truth of the matter Cheryl, is that we all are a work in progress. If we all have “arrived,” so to speak, as many congregations and specifically evangelical leaders act, we all demonstrate that we “think more highly of ourselves than we ought to.” (Romans 3:8).

Instead though, Paul admonishes each of us to evaluate our own selves “with sober judgment.” Being louder than the rest merely demonstrates our need to prove to someone, even if that someone is ourselves that we are more important than “those” people. But we aren’t and deep down in our hearts we know this to be true. And yet, it is the sole reason we are so loud about our faith. We simply are trying to convince ourselves otherwise.

Cheryl Curtis
6 years ago

I consider myself a “quiet Christian,” with no intent to push my beliefs upon others, yet I have been more vocal about Christianity in the past 2+ years than almost any time I can remember. My voice is a direct result of “Christian leaders” who support Mr. Trump from points of view which do not represent my faith.

I have also become ashamed to be associated with so many Christians who clearly do not share my beliefs in the life of Jesus and how he teaches us to treat one another with kindness and love. I simply do not share the same values with those folks and frankly, I don’t think Jesus does either.

I cannot stand by and watch while they support the cruelty and vileness that is displayed in the president’s behavior, nor can I stand by and watch the way many of his supporters use our faith to eviscerate other human beings.

Thank you for speaking truth to power within the church. I hope the church starts listening soon.

Clara Jennings
6 years ago

Mark, I feel compelled to remark on this article. I have been struggling with this very idea and the guilty feelings involved as a result. I have always admired Billy Graham as a true man of God. As a result I have felt guilty for my thoughts toward Franklin Graham. You have confirmed my thoughts so that I know longer have such guilt. I can now just focus on prayer, both for Franklin and my country. Thank you.

Dr. Mark Bear
Reply to  Clara Jennings
6 years ago

Hello Clara,

I too, have admired Billy Graham, and cannot believe for one moment that he agrees with the manner in which his son is handling the political environment. In fact, while Billy Graham in my humble opinion at least minister to both Democratic and Republican Presidents. Remember though Clara: NO man is perfect, and when they have all the answers, my advice especially in evangelical circles is to run as fast as you can from those proclaiming so.

I am glad my article brought some sense of closure for you regarding this matter, but please be sure you consistently engage in rational thought with prayer never justifying actions premised on something I say, but compare what I say with the very scriptures we are admonished to live our faith by. I am sure you are well aware of this, but only wanted to stress the importance of that counsel for those who are of a faith community.

Finally, many thanks for your faithful following of my writing. It is because of people like yourself Clara, that I can build upon my audience and I hope you will share this piece in as many venues as possible, including groups, pages, and your friends.

Glenn R. Geist
Reply to  Clara Jennings
6 years ago

Sure, but a man of which god? perhaps only the pope has a bigger house, but of course the pope only lives there. He doesn’t own much more than Jesus did. Billy Graham – who can remember him telling Nixon that “the Jews are ruining America?”

Sorry, the only god that greedy, self-righteous ignoramus serves is made of gold and looks like a dollar sign. He never made an honest dollar in his life

Reply to  Glenn R. Geist
6 years ago

Hear! Hear!

Mendy
6 years ago

I’ve been struggling with this very thing. Thanks for writing about it in such a way that it gives pause for us all with helpful aspects to “marinate” on.

Glenda Durell
6 years ago

This was an extremely enlightening and timely article. I agree completely with your analysis and conclusions. It is important that we differentiate between those who choose to call themselves Christian but give place to Satan and the true believers who strive to adhere to the teachings of Jesus as recorded in God’s Holy Word. Your writing is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Mark Bear
Reply to  Glenda Durell
6 years ago

Hi Glenda,

This was an article that was highly emotional to write due to the conflicting emotions created by it. On one hand, I am saddened that our modern-day church has taken such a huge loss in credibility – worse than previously seen – and on the other I am happy that several mentioned that they have some modicum of hope. All I know is this: Many people are going to be giving an account one day for all of this. It is not a matter of if, but when.

Many thanks for persistently following and supporting my work. You play a key and vital role in my getting the message out to all.

Lyndon Probus
6 years ago

I’m an avowed Atheist who usually eschews things that “believers” write, especially preachers and the ilk, but Mark this was pretty good. Fair and balanced as they say. Thanks.

Dr. Mark Bear
Reply to  Lyndon Probus
6 years ago

Hello Lyndon,

I thank you for your kind words. I have been trying to do my part to right the current state of affairs in the church. Whether I will succeed is another question. I am honored you took the time to read my piece despite you eschewing things “Believers” write.

Caroline Taylor
Reply to  Lyndon Probus
6 years ago

Wow Lyndon! Never thought I’d hear such from you. You’re known as the Atheists Atheist. Mark be impressed 😀

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