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 Billy Graham delivers a message during one of his crusades at Flushing Meadows Park, New York, in 2005.
August 12th, 2012
01:41 PM ET
Evangelist Billy Graham hospitalizedBy the CNN Wire Staff Updated Monday 5:30 a.m. (CNN) - Evangelist Billy Graham was admitted to a hospital overnight for treatment of a pulmonary infection believed to be bronchitis, a North Carolina hospital and his evangelistic association said. "Upon admission, he was alert and in good spirits," said the statement, which was released both by Mission Hospital in Asheville and the The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The 93-year-old also was hospitalized for pneumonia last November, six months after similarly being admitted to a hospital for the same condition. Since then, he has remained "in good overall health ... though he continues to remain at home due to age-related conditions," according to the hospital and the association. FULL STORY
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..." All I know is under Obama, the Muslims of the world, he seems to be more concerned about them than the Christians being murdered"..."Islam sees him as a son of Islam...I cannot say categorically that, because Islam has gotten a free pass under Obama."
These are the words of Billy's son Frankie on live television (MSNBC) Feb. 21, 2012...Looks like he learned all of his hatred and bigotry from his father good old Billy. The apple truly does not fall far from the family tree. Just saying.......
So is it fair to assume you learned your powers of discernment from your father?
I should have remembered. It's completely useless to argue with idiots. Good bye.
@LMB
You said, "I should have remembered. It's completely useless to argue with idiots. Good bye."
You had an argument? Could have fooled me.
Idiots probably weren't your best choice of weapons. To mount an effective argument you need at least one working brain.
What LMB is saying is 'My poor christard feelings have been hurt and someone tried to fill my bubble with actual facts that are based on evidence-evidence that I deny exists cause it's easier to be gullible than face reality'.
LinCA – My "argument" is that the Gospels were written be eye witnesses of many of Jesus' miracles. In our Courts of law today we depend on witnesses to establish the truth. To completely dismiss the witnesses of Jesus is very shallow thinking, which will certainly not lead to finding Truth.
Actually, LMB, what you have is hearsay, which is inadmissible in court. The actual authors of the bible are unknown, obscured by time, and there is no corroborating evidence, archeological or otherwise, to support any of the miraculous events claimed by the bible. Add that to the fact that the books of the bible were chosen centuries after the alleged life of Christ in order to support a specific theology while the books that didn't support that theology were discarded, and you can easily see that the bible is not reliable evidence of anything.
@LMB
You said, "My "argument" is that the Gospels were written be eye witnesses of many of Jesus' miracles."
See, that's where your "argument" falls apart. Modern biblical scholars almost unanimously agree that none of them were written by anyone who actually met the dude. There is even serious doubt that Jesus even existed. His myth seems to be cobbled together from other myths. The story of the Egyptian god Horus comes to mind.
You said, "In our Courts of law today we depend on witnesses to establish the truth."
True. But we also acknowledge that eye witness testimony is flimsy at best. Even if they were actual eye witnesses.
You said, "To completely dismiss the witnesses of Jesus is very shallow thinking, which will certainly not lead to finding Truth."
To put any faith in these "witnesses" shows the agenda that you are peddling.
@LinCA "Modern biblical scholars almost unanimously agree that none of them were written by anyone who actually met the dude"
@Chad "LOLOLOL
sorry, couldnt help myself. Source?? 🙂
such confidence resting on utter nonsense! amazing
anyway, back to reality, following are first person witnesses
Paul (Saul)
Matthew
John
Please try not to forget that there is no serious scholar that doubts that all three gospels, Acts, and all of the letters were authored in the first century.
======
@LinCA " There is even serious doubt that Jesus even existed. His myth seems to be cobbled together from other myths."
@Chad "LOL
Again, back to reality: The large majority of modern historians agree that Jesus existed[11][12][13][14][15] and was a Jewish teacher from Galilee in Roman Judaea, who was baptized by John the Baptist, and was crucified in Jerusalem on the orders of the Roman Prefect, Pontius Pilate.[8][16][17] Scholars have offered competing descriptions and portraits of Jesus, which at times share a number of overlapping attributes, such as a rabbi, a charismatic healer, the leader of an apocalyptic movement, a self-described Messiah, a sage and philosopher, or a social reformer who preached of the "Kingdom of God" as a means for personal and egalitarian social transformation
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@LinCA "The story of the Egyptian god Horus comes to mind."
@Chad "oh man.. I really hate to do this to you, but it turns out the that is entirely made up..
sorry to relay the bad info... NOT 🙂
putting to death the nonsense comparison of Horus and Jesus
Claim #1-Horus and Jesus are born from a virgin.
Horus’s mother is Isis. Isis was married to Osiris. We do not know for what length of time, but presumably the marriage was consummated. Whether it was or wasn’t doesn’t matter though. After Osiris is killed, Isis puts him back together again (he was hacked into 14 pieces) except for his penis which was tossed in a river or a lake. Iris fashions a substitute penis for him, humps him and here comes Horus. There is nothing virginal about that.
Claim #2-Both Horus and Jesus were born to a Mary and Joseph. (Seb)
As noted Isis is Horus’s mother’s name not Mary. In addition, Seb is not Horus’s father, Osiris is. Seb is Osiris’s father. Further, Seb is a distinct name from Joseph. Putting them side by side does not make them synonyms, and that appears to be what was done here.
Claim #3-Both were born of royal descent.
This is accurate.
Claim #4-Both births were announced by angels and witnessed by shepherds.
I can find nothing that mentions that the birth of Horus was announced by an angel or witnessed by shepherds. I have found that Horus was born in a swamp, which is a pretty unlikely place for shepherds. In addition Acharya mentions that Horus was born in a cave. Massey makes no mention of this, although he does represent that Mithra was born in a cave.
Claim #5-Both were heralded by stars and angels.
There is no star that heralded Horus’s birth nor is there any angel announcing it. Archarya in a footnote in The Origins of Christianity indicates that that there are three stars named the three kings in Orion and then relates this to the birth of Jesus. When we look to the stories regarding Horus, we find no star or angel announcing his birth. To the extent that Acharya S relies upon Massey and Massey relies upon what is depicted in the panels at Luxor see (from an atheist) further regarding virgin birth and pronouncement by angels http://www.frontline-apologetics.com/carrier_luxor_inscription.htm
Claim #6-Both had later visitors (Horus-3 deities and Jesus-3 wisemen.)
There is no indication that there ever were 3 wisemen. The bible never mentions the number of wisemen, nor is there any document that reflects 3 deities at the birth of Horus. See the website referenced in Claim #5.
Claim #7-Both had murder plots against them.
There is mention that Seth did want to kill Horus, and Herod wanted to kill Jesus. so this is accurate.
Claim#8-Both came of age at 12, were baptized and their baptizers were executed.
There is no indication that Horus was preaching in a temple when he was 12. In fact, Massey indicates that Hours the child was depicted as a “weakling.” That doesn’t jive with story of Jesus preaching in the temple. Again this appears to have been a confabulation from Acharya and repeated by others.
Horus was never baptized in any of the Horus stories. In addition, Acharya mentions that John the Baptist is actually Anup the Baptizer. This individual is never mentioned anywhere in any Horus account. There is not even a footnote in Archaya’s on-line work The Origins of Christianity to support this. There is nothing.
Claim #9-Both had 12 disciples.
According to the Horus accounts, Horus had four semi-gods that were followers. There is some indication of 16 human followers and an unknown number of blacksmiths that went into battle with him. Horus did not have 12 disciples. Jesus reportedly did. Acharya failed to give a footnote to support this.
Massey points to a mural in the Book of Hades in which there are twelve reapers. Horus is not present in this scene. For Massey to make this connection he goes to a different scene within the same mural. In this scene there is a picture of a god whose name is the Master of Joy. Horus is never depicted although in other murals the artists do depict Horus. Had the artists ascribed 12 reapers in any relation to Horus all they had to do was put Horus at the scene. They did not.
Claim #10-Both walked on water.
Horus didn’t, or at least there is no record that I can find that he did. Massey does not maintain that Hours did. Massey uses wild conjecture to connect the story of fish man, Oannes, not Horus, to Jesus. Oannes came out of the sea during the day, and went back into the sea at night. Massey makes the two analogous because by his calculations, Jesus walked on water during the day.
As to Acharya, she as usual provides nothing to substantiate this.
Claim #11-Both performed miracles.
This is true although the miracles were different in scope and nature.
Claim #12 Both exorcised demons and raised Lazarus.
The actual claim is that Horus raised Osiris from the dead and that the name Osiris morphed to Lazarus. It doesn’t matter because Horus did not bring Osiris back to life. There is no mention of this in any document regarding the story. Horus did avenge Osiris’s death, but that did not raise Osiris from the dead.
Claim #13-Both held a Sermon on the Mount; both were transfigured on a mountain, died by crucifixion along with two thieves and were buried in tombs where they paid a quick visit to Hell and then rose from the dead after 3 days time, both resurrections were witness by women, and both will supposedly reign for 1,000 years in the Millennium.
These are the most damning claims if they were proven true in my opinion. Yet, I can locate none of this. No sermon, no transfiguration, certainly no crucifixion w/ two thieves, no trip to hell and no resurrection. There was an incident in which Horus was torn to pieces and Iris requested the crocodile god to fish him out of the water he was tossed into, which was done, but that’s it. I am at a loss to refute this because I can not find anything to support it.
Massey does compares a story about the Autumn Equinox related to Osiris, not Horus, as the symbolic crucifixion. There is no indication that Horus is involved in any way. There is no mention by Massey of any Sermon on the Mount. No mention or any actual crucifixion, no two thieves, no burial in a tomb. Massey does not maintain that anything of the sort occurred with Horus.
In short, of the claims outlined in this entry, I find the comparison between Horus and Jesus to consist of the following: they were of royal descent, they allegedly worked miracles and there were murder plots against them.
Source – Les Jenkins (atheist)
THis man was a man of true faith until he got taste of power(hanging out with presidents) and wealth then became a relidiculous ideologue to keep his sponsors happy.
Billy preached with Spirit of God as his driving force. We as Christians desire to promote life to a dieing world. The Spirit of the almighty God, "The God of Jacob" Can live in your heart as well. Billy's legacy will live on in my heart and I too will seek after a lost world, just as the shepherd that lost his one sheep, Christ did not come to heal the healthy but the sick, Praise God and thank you Billy for preaching the word of God
Nutjob.
you forgot to thank whatever priest blessed the inside of your rectum. sicko nutcase.
Wow, first off...you're not giving credit where credit is due...your imaginary friend is not responsible for healing the sick...all those wonderful Doctor's are!!! Second, declaring yourself a sheep just proves your own ineptness in this world. Some of us don't need a leader to guide us through life, we are self sufficient and able to do that for ourselves.
Matt...love how the enemy instantly attacks with disgusting and crude comments? No weapon brother.
"Matt...love how the enemy instantly attacks with disgusting and crude comments? No weapon brother"
Disgusting and crude are called for to combat pompous and self-righteous
If you are so sure you are going to be with Jesus, what are you doing here? No tall buildings where you live?
The profundity of docile sheep never ceases to amaze. Just get in line with Jesus and don't ask questions. Brilliant.
i like that bumper sticker: "jesus is coming. look busy."
Look at that picture...wanna go fishing with him?? How about celebrate a holiday with a cook-out with him. Such a sadly, unhappy look for a man close to going where he claims he'll go when he passes on. Heaven for eternity...right!...he looks very convinced!
Post any picture of a member of your family who is 95 and we'll see which we'd prefer to look like
To TheVocalAtheist and others who keep saying that Mr. Graham is a bigot, hater and liar because of his message. If his message was based on the Bible, it was not his but my Father's. You obviously have an issue with my Father and His wise counsel. You would not be nor would you have without Him who created you. Take your issues up with my Father and not my brothers and sisters in Christ. He sees all, hears all, knows all and nothing is hidden from Him. I pray that you are awakened to the Truth before it is too late.
My name is John. My mother's name is Elizabeth. Elijah is back. The Day quickly approaches! Let the wise hear what I say!
Pray for wisdom and let the Spirit speak forth Truth!
Ecclesiastes 1:9-10
"That which has been is what will be,
That which is done is what will be done,
And there is nothing new under the sun.
Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”?
It has already been in ancient times before us."
Ecclesiastes 3:15
"That which is has already been,
And what is to be has already been;
And God requires an account of what is past."
Testikles 6:66–"...and I invite you to suck upon my man bag, feeling the contents squirm from within."
this is the word of the lord.
So they had internet, space rockets, etc in the middle east many millenia ago?
Who wrote those stories? Why doesn't God tell us some things today...in person...why only all those thousands of years ago? Hell, there isn't even a mention in there of man walking on the moon...And the mention of hell and Satan appears where in the bible?? Is it in that last book which was added almost 400 years after Jesus walked the earth? The book a Pope added by virtue of his self-proclaimed infallibility? You do believe in the Pope's infallibility, don't you? If not, then you can't very well believe that Revelations is a real part of the ancient bible...therefore, no hell and no Satan.
Billy was a bigot and men who wanted to use religion to control others wrote the Bible.
John, and everything you read on here is PROOF that we indeed are in the end of times. Pray for them, love them anyways and let our Heavenly Father take it from there. You and I both know where all of this stems from.
Your selections from Ecclesiastes are interesting. They seem to say, together with what you say John, that when things look like they are going along as they always have we must be near the "end times". That does sound like something you could milk for a couple of thousand years.
the religion of zombies: let us feast on the corpse of jesus and drink his blood. yep, that's right–the holy sacrament of communion. you sickos make me nauseous.
I used to respect Billy G. until he turned into a narcisstic right wing bigot. Now we can all say it's God's will if Billy soon departs due to his age and bigoted heart.
I'LL TAKE UP THE FIGHT BILLY ....
SHAME ON LOW-LIFE AMERICA !!!! 🙁
SHAME ON LOW-LIFE BRITAIN !!!! 🙁
SHAME ON LOW-LIFE ISRAEL !!!! 🙁
I stink, therefore I am.
All they are are snake oil salesman . Got to give them credit . They lived well for a long time on peoples ignorance .
Who needs a hospital when we can just send him money and pray on it?
Yeah...very...no...probably the most effective/successful preacher of our time. But...he sure looks unhappy.
Billy was a Fraud. Religion is a SCAM. Jesus was a Fraud. Religion is a mental disease. Billy should get checked in a mental hospital for having imaginary friends.
If there is a God, which I doubt, a MAN, a human being just like you and I, has no right preaching the word of God. We don't need another person to tell us what to believe or how much money to pay to be rewarded with eternal life and blah blah blah... Don't people understand, if there was a GOD, a creator of the UNIVERSE, he wouldn't be fathomable by us puny little beings: I think people miss the point. We are energy, the matter, that lives and dies with nature. End of Story. Get over it, and start spending what little time you have on Earth really making a difference, doing something USEFUL. Not preaching words of MEN long dead and ignorant to the truth existing all around us: science.
Canceling the obviously fraudulent tax exemption for churches would cut taxes for the rest of us. Mr Ryan???
Really a very good point.
Great idea! Let's refer to the first amendment and see how to work it out.... uhm no sorry.
Man is responsible for all the misery of this world. When we reject God, He simply withdraws and leaves us to our own chosen destruction. In the next world He will see to it that the victims of man's inhumanity towards others will be compensated. The evil doers will also get what they deserve. That's only fair. Thereis nothing hateful about that. Just fact.
Insane. Do you believe anything the church/bible says? Want to buy some magic beans, tool?
Nice job of self-delusion there. Worthy of a gold star at kindergarten. I used to believe the same thing when I was five years old, but when I became a man I put aside childish things.
Correction, LMB. That is opinion, not fact.
"Just fact??" You pull that out of yourass? Along with other "facts?"
I guess, if it's fact or opinion we'll all eventually find out. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised instead of sorry.
@LMB. We'll never find out. Once we're dead, the brain is dead and we'll have no memory of the fairy tales. We'll just rot like every other animal on this planet.
@LMB
People like yourself are always putting down that wager when you're losing. Tough sh-i-at to ya.
I should have remembered that it's completely pointless to argue with idiots. So long, I have better things to do.
LMB: Tell us that when you're lying on your death dead suffering from some disease and all those useless prayers haven't done one iota of good for you.
Why do christians purchase their computers, bibles, nativity scenes, etc . From a country that mostly does not believe in God ! Why don't American christians produce those things ? Keep them athiest Chinese employed we know American Christians dont need money for anything . Because God will be sure you get money when all those Athiest you bought from take all your jobs .
Turns out I can quote Bible as well. Matthew 7:1–Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Billy spent a lifetime JUDGING and telling his sheep to JUDGE and hate anyone who does not worship as they do. Then when others call him out for being the bigot he was, they are all sinners and God hates them anyway...then it is okay for the rest of us (sheep) to hate them as well.
Why do the people who always feel the need to quote the Bible to justify their hatred of others.. seem to forget about Matthew 7:1?
I'm sure you can provide links and sources to this hate speech can't you? Oh no?
I thought not.