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October 18th, 2012
11:45 PM ET
Billy Graham buys election ads after Romney meetingBy Eric Marrapodi CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor Washington (CNN) - The most famous and revered pastor in America, Billy Graham, is calling on voters to cast a ballot for their faith in full-page ads in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other newspapers. Graham's picture appears prominently in the ads, next to copy that reads, "As I approach my 94th birthday, I realize this election could be my last." It continues, "I believe it is vitally important that we cast our ballots for candidates who base their decisions on biblical principles and support the nation of Israel. I urge you to vote for those who protect the sanctity of life and support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman. Vote for biblical values this November 6, and pray with me that America will remain one nation under God." The ad hit the prominent papers Wednesday and Thursday, and could hit a dozen more newspapers, a week after the famed evangelist met with Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney at Graham's Montreat, North Carolina, home and less than a month after his son Franklin Graham issued a full-throated endorsement of Romney in a USA Today opinion piece. Follow the CNN Belief Blog on Twitter Shortly after the meeting with the Grahams and Romney, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association scrubbed prior references to Mormonism as a cult from its website because, the association said, "we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign." Romney is a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last week's meeting between Romney and Graham was their first. After the 30-minute sit-down in Montreat, just outside Asheville, Romney campaign spokesman Rick Gorka told reporters that Billy Graham led a prayer for the Romneys, saying "I'll do all I can to help you. And you can quote me on that." The evangelist, who has been called America's pastor and has prayed with every American president since Harry Truman, said in a statement following the meeting that "it was a privilege to pray with Gov. Romney, for his family and our country." Graham met with President Barack Obama in 2010 and with Sen. John McCain when he was the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in 2008. CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said the new ads were paid for by "friends who support the ministry" and that no general ministry funds were used. "The ads intentionally do not mention any candidate, political party, or contest, urging instead for readers to cast votes for candidates, at all levels, based on their support for biblical values," the group said in a statement. Billy Graham's long-time personal spokesman, A. Larry Ross, said of the ads, “[Graham] is challenging citizens, particularly the faith community, on how to vote, rather than for whom to vote.” Ross said the 93-year-old is still active with the ministry, though not necessarily with the day-to-day operations. In this case, he said Graham was consulted about the ad and signed off on it. "This ad is consistent with both the mission of the BGEA and Billy Graham's personal methodology to diligently and consistently remain politically neutral and nonpartisan throughout his public ministry," Ross said. "Against the backdrop of moral decline and a cultural shift in our nation that reflects timely issues, Mr. Graham's quotation in the ad is an extension of his faithful preaching of a timeless message and strong stand on biblical values for more than six decades." The campaign also includes bulletin inserts and posters of the ad for churches to download and distribute. |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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I am Cristian ans It is a shame that he participate in the election endorsing Mitt. Who cares for the poor people? It is not the Jesus message.
Billy Graham obviously has Alzheimer's. It's time to turn off the mic and shut down the web site. STOP the money flow and hit the "snake oil salesman" where it will hit him the hardest. He has turned his back on God by serving the "almighty dollar." Hell's waiting...
Tom,
You truly are such an arrogant troll! You have no right to chase me or anyone away! Your bitterness toward others may well be rooted from things gone awry in your own life. Holding a grudge against another can only lead one to disaster sooner or later. I honestly feel sorry for you holding grudges against those you only know by their words. Sad, so sad I am for you and your stance. I'll be here should you fall from your high-horse.
zzzzzzzzzzz snore. Did you say something? *yawn* Guess not.
Please post your Powerpoint demonstrating that holding a grudge invariably leads to disaster. Nevermind...
http://youtu.be/sL5mAbwUYpM
God's Oldest Dreamer, I'm coming to the conclusion that atheists hostility is due to having some severe mental disorder.
Did Billy Graham's ad mention the good reverends dislike of Jews?? I loved his little chat with President Nixon. Two guys whose opinion shouldn't matter. Everybody in Florida should find out how Rev Graham feels about Jews.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/2009-06-24-graham-tapes_N.htm
Prayer changes things .
Only for Billy Graham and only if it includes a pay-off.
I'm sorry, "Atheism is not healthy for children and other living things", but your assertions regarding atheism and prayer are unfounded. Using my Idiomatic Expression Equivalency module, the expression that best matches the degree to which your assertions may represent truths is: "TOTAL FAIL".
I see that you repeat these unfounded statements with high frequency. Perhaps the following book can help you:
I'm Told I Have Dementia: What You Can Do... Who You Can Turn to...
by the Alzheimer's Disease Society
@Rick,
"@nottolate Given a choice between staying home (and thus by omission, voting for Obama), I choose to do exactly as Billy Graham has urged"
Then you too cast your vote for Satan. You poor dumb fool. Do you not know that it is God by his Spirit who determines who is the next president and we humans have nothing to do with it? Yet having nothing to do with it you'd cast a vote for Satan anyway? Your lack of spiritual sensibility is an embarrassment to the entire body of Christ. That is, if you're even Christian at all. As for the candidate that best reflects bible values, you apparently have no such values yourself if you're willing to vote for Satan. Does a candidate who subscribes to the very ideas that got Satan kicked out of Heaven reflect biblical values in your twisted world? Is there any greater offense then this?
"God determines who is President"? You are a complete moron.
"Do you not know that it is God by his Spirit who determines who is the next president and we humans have nothing to do with it?"
That means free will is just an illusion because god controls everything. Praying is useless because if what you pray for is in the plan then it would happen even without your prayer and if it's not in the plan it won't happen, no matter how hard you pray. God is responsible for every bad thing that happens. He planned it and he makes it happen
Tom,
You are such a marksman aren't you? Dragging the dirt of others here to there and for what purposes? To make a mockery of them in front of those who just love to hear your clamouring? Am I a pedophile for something I did when I was 12 years old? Something done over 45 years ago? I am now my brother's keeper Tom. He and I are and have been living together ever since our parent's died. He (My Brother) has not worked in years and I have been payig all the bills and ask him for no money. Heck, I even by him cigarettes and ask for no money! When I have the means, I even buy him a bottle of booze one in a while!
Who the hell are you to continually sling mud in the face of others? I am paying my dues Tom, so please refrain from your malice upon me. My brother and I live a meger life nowdays and he has forgiven me my past sin against him. So Tom, the ball is now in your court. You can kick it down the road if you want. The choices are yours.
GOD, if you have a guilty conscience, it's your own fault.
I have no sympathy for you and no time for your shenanigans.
Tom,
Truce then?
Fvck, no. Why should I absolve you of your crimes? Get lost. Get out. Don't post here under this or any other name. Beat it. Begone. Out, out, dam spot.
Really? Wow! I take this as a very, very, serious choice. 4 years ago I voted for Obama hoping the "change" he promised would really happen. This election season I have been a very active participant in finding out as many "truths" about each candidate as I can, which everyone should. I read a lot of the comments about Romneys religion and what is being said, needless to say I am shocked. Freedom of religion is what this great nation was founded upon... Romney is not trying to convert you to his religion, he is trying to help this great nation! How many of you would hire him as your financial advisor? If your views on governing are the same vote for him, if not vote for Obama.
I choose (b) Obama.
"How many of you would hire him as your financial advisor?"
Unless you're the J.W.Marriott corporation (the "W" stands for Willard, by the way, and yes, there is a connection) Mittens is not likely to set up your investments for you. There he was involved in a dodgy tax shelter scheme for Marriott that was later declared to be illegal. At the time I understand Mittens was the head of Marriott's tax audit committee. (Look up "son of boss" if you don't believe me.)
your hindu filthy french is same as your hinduism, ignorance. hindu, ignorant.
"Then you too cast your vote for Satan. You poor dumb fool. . ."
Ha ha ha ha, Very funny. Look who's the dumb fool. lol. There is no satan and not God you idiot! (Well certainly no God of Abraham, anyway.) You relgious idiots have never been able to prove anything and you never will. Always just a lot of stale air.
nottolate
As Christ's emissaries, we are charged with being active in the world, not passive. Billy Graham has reminded us to remember Christ's admonition to be a light for the world. If I shut myself up in my closet on election day, what kind of light can that be?
Romney is not running for preacher-in-chief; he's running for president. I choose to honor Christ by casting my vote to protect the unborn and to further Bible values. I urge you to have the courage not to run from a decision that could have consequences for our children and grandchildren.
"Judge not, lest ye be judged."
I am a Christian. I am also gay. I intend to vote for the President because he believes in more of the things I believe in than Romney. It's really that simple. I would hope others vote for those they believe best represents their beliefs. In my case I refuse to vote for a candidate who would continue to support second-class citizenship of people simply because they are gay. It amazes me how much so-called "Christians" spew hatred against their fellow Christians. You are all going to hell.
Christian and gay? I have no quarrel qith that RJW. Though you will have no family tree in which your name can be hnded down in this world, I salute your openness. May our Father and all fathers who are in the heavens be merciful to all those who are gay and stand behind Christian fundaments. May God give you the mercies for your faith!
Love,
Jeebus Christo
Way to go Biily G. I am waiting for you to tell the us to stop islamaphobia in america. Hey we christians don't listen to God only pulpit preachers YEAH!. If Billy says it, it's okay. YUP. LOL
Oh my what are we to do with Barack Hussein Obama. He's got a muslim name Billy Bob. Is he christian. Can he be with a muslim name. Would God accept a muslim name from a christian man. Let's wait and see what the pulpit preachers say about that.
I hope no authentic Christian dares go to the polls this Nov. and casts for a pres.
Your hopes are in vain. Christians, atheists, agnostics, Hindus, Mormons, Catholics, Muslims and pagans will vote.
Get over it, you little dweeb.
@The Veteran
"Joseph Smith on the level with God is a false religion."
That's not quite what Momonism does. Mormons put themselves on the same level as God. They do the same thing then that got Satan kicked out of Heaven. They believe they will one day be gods with their own planets and numerous wives to produce even more gods. How you gonna vote for a guy who believes what Satan believes...I will be like the MOST HIGH?
That is why I say it is a pagan religion. They actually believe in many gods. All of the gods who rule over their own worlds. When any Christian should know that there is only one God (in three persons). If we read the books of the bible, you will see that Angels rebuked people who tried to worship them.
You are correct. They are walking in the footsteps of Satan himself. And therefore, walking in darkness, with the prince of darkness....
There is only one presidential candidate that is Christian (of the Dem and Rep parties), and that candidate is President Obama.
"There is only one presidential candidate that is Christian (of the Dem and Rep parties), and that candidate is President Obama."
You're walking in the footsteps of Satan too if those are your sentiments. You are an impostor.
http://youtu.be/eczOimsS9GY
@Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son
Well as a Christian I do. But I also get that for most people this isn't a criteria at all.
My point is that if you are being asked as a Christian to 'vote according to your faith' as the Graham ad apparently exhorts, then for Christians this must exclude Romney. Belief in a Trinitarian God is a pillar of mainstream Christianity that many supposed Christians are willing to jettison because of strong prejudices.
So I echo Graham 's call... but the choice for thoughtful Christians must be to re-elect President Obama.
-Calvinist for Obama
Sesame street jingle:
Which of these... don't belong with the other...
Rick Santorum
Newt Gingrich
Mitt Romney
Barrack Obama
Answer: Mitt Romney! He's the only one in the group who denies the Trinity.
I'm not a fan of Mitt's, but who cares whether he believes in the Trinity or not?
Actually, they are all in the same boat. Not one of em are born again.
Good. I wouldn't vote for any of them if they were.
I prefer a leader who was born right the first time.
Mormonism passes itself off as Christian, when it clearly isn't. It deceives, just like Satan. And also like Etch A Sketch Romney.
@The Veteran,
"Mormonism passes itself off as Christian, when it clearly isn't. It deceives, just like Satan."
And aren't you doing the same? You are every bit as counterfeit as the Mormon. From afar you appear as another sheep in the flock. But upon closer inspection we determine you are a goat of the same color as the sheep hiding within the flock. Of the same color yes, but a goat nonetheless.
So, according to Nottoobright, EVERYONE is a counterfeit Christian! The only TRUE BELIEVER is Nottoobright, so we should all write him in as President of the Universe!
As if.
Take this world and do that which you want. You and your villianous hordes will never gain entrance into God's Kingdoms. You who know well your faults and do not repent, be you now warned! The days are numbered and nearing the end of this age. The birds of paradise will pluck your meat from your dying bones and the jackals will crunch your bones apart and cast lots among and for them! Tears will fall and not hit the ground for the ground is now holy. Pitty no one! They are no longer righteous and have fallen away from God's grace! Preachers are torn away by laws against them for teaching the way and the truths and the rights of their lands! Go! Be gone!
While there are positions I don't share with the President, this much is clear: The president is a Christian and Romney is not.
Graham asks you to vote your faith. I agree. Re-elect President Obama.
-Calvinist for Obama.
You are correct. Mormonism is Pagan. Not Christian.
I respectfully ask you to read Matthew 7:20: "By their fruits ye shall know them." Christ Himself warned us against those who profess the faith, but whose actions don't reflect it.
The post that CNN deleted:
@First Principles,
"The president is a Christian "
You're lying. Authentic Christian don't side against God and favor abortion and h om os ex ual unions. Not to mention a host of other things.
That's why I won't vote for some fundie. I am in favor of gay marriage and a woman's right to choose.
Don't just read one verse. Read all of the Gospels, and more importantly, pray for understanding and revelation. When you do, you will see that Mormonism is a cult. It believes that all of us can become gods. It believes that Joseph Smith will judge us along with Jesus, because it believes that Joseph Smith is now a god. It believes that God was once a man, and now has a wife, living near the planet Kolob.
It is a religion rooted in darkness. And darkness has nothing in common with light. Make no mistake about it.
People who claim to be Christian speak in ignorance. Abortion and Gay marriage is about freedom. Freedom came from God. Without freedom, how could we choose God? If God allows people to be free to chart their own course, what makes a religious nut think that they are above God? The are not.
Conservatives are confused. They don't understand that Love is the greatest. They think that laws and religious morality is the greatest. If they were, then what would be the purpose of Christ dying for our sins?
First Principles, are you just as strongly against the Senate's Democrat majority that is led by Harry Reid, another Mormon? To be consistent, you must then support the Republican minority that is led by Mitch McConnell, who is Southern Baptist. Or is party affiliation more important to you than whether a person is "Christian" or "Mormon"?
liberals are actually so upset about his is not because he religious and should not endorse someone. actually he didnt.
i mean liberals are never concerned about rev jackson and shapton stumping for obama.
theya are actually just mad the xtians my now vote for mitt when they may of voted for super xtian obama before.
Please cite your sources regarding those two stumping for Obama. Repeating the same nonsense over and over makes it no more true the 12th time than the 1st. It just makes it repeti*tive nonsense.
Typical right-wing lies.
That's some serious Mormon door knocking – mission work at Billy Graham's house. The son better learn to stay out of politics. Maybe there are good kickbacks in it. I am disappointed but I don't judge Billy Graham for it – It was Romney was was pandering – and bothering a 94 yr old man who has his own faith.
Obama is definitely not christian. And alot of his demonic followers are here talking terribly about a man that has spent his lfe serving God and the people of this world.
You are exposing yourself. You don't even know what a Christian is. Romney is pagan, not Christian. President Obama is indeed Christian.
*chuckles*
Okay then.
Time for your medication.
Watch this. You won't be disappointed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvDpijTUCas
Hypothetically, were Mittens to win the White House, and were he to swear the oath of office on the Book of Mormon, it would *almost* be worth it*, just to see the confusion and discombobulated rage of the fundamental Evangelical Christians whose votes propelled him to inaguration.
* It really wouldn't.
I am appalled that Graham would involve himself in party politics this way. I have long been an admirer of Billy, worked with some of his projects, but since Franklin took over the BGEA, things there have not been the same as they once were. I will never again offer BGEA my support.
There is NO PLACE for religion in a government that claims to be the government of all the people, especially a politically partisan religion. Government MUST be government for all the people, and must preserve justice for all people, fairly, evenly and without bias or prejudice, whether for Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu, or agnostic.
This action by BGEA is an unconscionable act of civil defiance and hate mongering, a huge insult to all who do not share Graham's evangelical theological views. I am repulsed.
go hide under hour bed lol
I am not surprised. Evangelicals are not Christian. They have no Fruit.
Last Sunday the President attended an Episcopal church. Romney attended a LDS church. 32 of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence were Episcopalian. Have we lost our minds allying ourselves with Romney? When he gave the commencement address at Liberty University last spring the students cried foul but the administration shut them down. Out of the mouth of babes.
The emperor has no clothes. The older generation needs to walk the talk.
If you are a Christian please pray, reflect then vote.
"By their fruits ye shall know them." - Matthew 7:20. Yes, if you are a Christian, please pray, reflect, and vote. Which candidate's fruits best reflect Bible values? Every Christian should undertake an honest study of the Bible's comments about the womb and marriage, then let the Holy Spirit guide you in the voting booth.
The Fruits they are talking about is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit. Gal 5:22-23. Any religion that puts Joseph Smith on the level with God is a false religion. Any religion that encourages its followers to become gods is walking in the footsteps of Satan.
@Rick,
"then let the Holy Spirit guide you in the voting booth."
If the Holy Spirit is really guiding you then you knew months ago that you have no vote this election. You can't vote for Obama and you can't vote for Romney. So just what are you talking about?
The Veteran, perhaps you cannot bring yourself to vote for a Mormon, but this doesn't mean that Obama is the Christian alternative. God alone knows whether he is saved or not. But remember that Christ Himself warned us to beware of false prophets and told us that we would "know them by their fruits." Any Christian reading this should consider Obama's fruits in regard to the womb and marriage.
@nottolate Given a choice between staying home (and thus by omission, voting for Obama), I choose to do exactly as Billy Graham has urged: cast my vote for the candidate whose positions best reflect Bible values. For me, that's an easy choice. Blessings to you.
Rick vs notto:
"My 'Holy Spirit' is better than your 'Holy Spirit'- nyah, nyah, nyah!
Amen
nottolate
@Rick,
"Given a choice between staying home (and thus by omission, voting for Obama), I choose to do exactly as Billy Graham has urged"
Then you too cast your vote for Satan. You poor dumb fool. Do you not know that it is God by his Spirit who determines who is the next president and we humans have nothing to do with it? Yet having nothing to do with it you'd cast a vote for Satan anyway? Your lack of spiritual sensibility is an embarrassment to the entire body of Christ. That is, if you're even Christian at all. As for the candidate that best reflects bible values, you apparently have no such values yourself if you're willing to vote for Satan. Does a candidate who subscribes to the very ideas that got Satan kicked out of Heaven reflect biblical values in your twisted world? Is there any greater offense then this?
So, nottoobright, your advice for all "authentic Christians," whatever THAT means, is what? Stay home?
Idiot.
@Alley Loo Ya
"My 'Holy Spirit' is better than your 'Holy Spirit'- nyah, nyah, nyah
More accurately: Both are displaying their true first loves. One has a love for God first and spiritually minded. The other loves this world first in truth. They love this world so much that they will even overlook the most vile blasphemy of God that the world has ever seen and cast a vote for the perpetrators of that blasphemy. He does so in hopes that the perpetrators will preserve this world that he loves so much. Now which one do you think loves God and the other this world?