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November 7th, 2013
06:08 PM ET
Billy Graham turns 95 at star-studded birthdayBy Phil Gast, CNN (CNN) - The Rev. Billy Graham took people to church, perhaps for the last time, as hundreds joined the iconic evangelist Thursday evening for his 95th birthday. A guest list that included former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Rev. Rick Warren and businessmen Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump came to pay tribute to a man beloved for his humility and faithfulness. Because the frail Graham no longer has the strength to speak behind a lectern, his enduring message of salvation through Jesus Christ came in the form of "The Cross," a 30-minute DVD that made its debut at the celebration. "He is my spiritual hero," said entertainer Ricky Skaggs shortly before the celebration began at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. "He exemplifies brokenness and humility." Graham, in a wheelchair, entered the room to a standing ovation. Although he did not give a formal speech, he later made impromptu remarks from his table, thanking family and friends. "The Cross" was filmed in part this year at Graham's remote mountaintop home in Montreat, east of Asheville. His hearing and eyesight have dimmed, but Graham has remained true to his familiar themes. "Our country is in great need of a spiritual awakening. There have been times that I have wept as I have gone from city to city and I have seen how far people have wandered from God," the pastor said in what is expected to be his final video production. "Of all the things I have seen and heard, there is only one message that can change people's lives and hearts." That message, as billions around the world have heard for more than six decades, is salvation and the need to live a new life because of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Graham has provided counsel to generations of U.S. presidents beginning with Harry S. Truman. Staging revivals that he called "crusades" around the world, the founder of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has reached untold millions of people in person. In the video, Graham said when he was young he did not foresee speaking to large audiences. "As I look back over my life, it is full of surprises. I never thought I would become friends with people in different countries all over the world," he said. Singers Lecrae and Lacey Sturm also are featured in the video, which can be watched online and will be played in churches across the country. It is part of the "My Hope America with Billy Graham" series. The production included recorded sermons and footage of a younger Graham. Skaggs, singer Michael W. Smith and TV host Kathie Lee Gifford were among those leading the singing of "Happy Birthday" to Graham. About 850 well-wishers were on hand at the resort inn. Palin told Graham that his Christian message is needed for a "great awakening" the nation and world need. Graham is a member of the Rev. Don Wilton's church, Spartanburg First Baptist in South Carolina, and he still watches Wilton's sermons on TV. "He'll look at me and say, 'Don, let's talk about that second point you had on Sunday,'" said Wilton, who drives up at least once a week to Graham's home. "My favorite part is when he puts his hands on me and prays with me," Wilton told CNN affiliate WYFF in Greenville, South Carolina. Graham, a Charlotte native, began his missionary work in 1944 when he started speaking at rallies for the Youth for Christ/Campus Life ministry. Five years later, Graham was holding a "crusade" in tents in downtown Los Angeles. Cliff Barrows was with Graham in the early years and for decades has served as music and program director. Barrows, 90, turned to his boss on Thursday evening, paying an emotional tribute. "I praise God for the journey we have had together. Thank you with all my heart for the privilege. Happy birthday."
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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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"Billy Graham turns 95!"
Living proof that only the good die young.
Billy Graham is a genuinely good person....I don't think u could find anyone who would say otherwise. So u hate him for the simple fact he is Christian. Wow. You must be a liberal. The most hateful and intolerant group in the US.
Shannon
"You must be a liberal. The most hateful and intolerant group in the US."
lol. Who are the people who gloat that if you don't do exactly as they say, that you deserve to spend eternity burning in hell?
I like peoplewho hold down jobs and work for their money. Don't you?
All liberals are evil and heck bound, all cons are goin north with billy – copy that.
And you show your lack of Christianity by your snarky, rude comments. You are NOT about what the Rev. Graham preached all these years.
I didn't jump on a website to bash a good man...an elderly man on his birthday. If you don't think it's Christian like to stand up against hateful behavior and speak out, I find that to be very strange.
Shannon
"If you don't think it's Christian like to stand up against hateful behavior and speak out"
So do you "speak out" against hypocritical Christians picking on gays? What about Christians calling doctors who perform legal operations "murderers"?
Liberals have been trying to ruin this country since the 1800's. Abolishing slavery was the worst of all the liberal notions. How did they expect those plantation owners to make a living? Plantations provided jobs to backward Africans who fought for the chance to come to America... and those freeloaders got free passage to this great land, I might add!!!! You'd think their ancestors would be grateful... but no! And once those liberals had their way with slavery, did they stop their bleeding heart whining? Oh no!!! Child labor laws followed. Who do they think they are telling me I can't do whatever I want with the kids that I own???? WHich of course lead us to child abuse. Tell me I can't take a bull whip to my five-year-olds hind-end when they sass me, will ya. These dang liberals ain't gonna stop til they have destroyed everything our founding fathers worshipped: especially slavery. That is why I am announcing my candidacy for President of the US of A. I intend to restore amerika to its slave-abiding roots. All true evangelical fundamentalists will come out in droves. We're gonna put the Gawwwd that condones slavery back in our schools too. That will be my first executive order. Happy Birthday Billy... your racism and antisemitism will live on.
This graham fellow is a curious character, surrounded by an exclusive group of cons. Seems like he should be more inclusive to gain acceptance and respect from the moral authorities.
I get a kick out of al the haters who rush like crazy frothing at the mouth to get to their keyboards because they have come upon a forum where they can bash Christians. It's like a mental illness. Or like a dog with rabies out of its mind. Never fails to happen.... The very first thing that comes to mind is that these people need and want Jesus so badly. They want guarantees, absolutes, though. It is too much of a risk to go on faith. They are scared to death to let their hearts go there. So they attack and rationalize away the reasons for believing. It's so sad, I feel like cryin for you. Man, Jesus is real. He loves in a way we can't even understand. It's ok ifyou aren't ready, but in the meantime, shut up. God has some very choice things to say about this behavior.
The Christian bashing is a reflexive reaction to the hate that comes from so-called "Christians".
We see it here every day.
I'm not a GOPer, nor do I play one on TV
"The Christian bashing is a reflexive reaction to the hate that comes from so-called "Christians"."
Which hate would that be?
Never read history then?
That's a bit disingenuous wouldn't you say, being as you see so much of it here every day.
I see a lot of vile things said here ... but it's rarely from anyone claiming to be a Christian.
Now you are just being ridiculous.
Why do you say that?
Christians don't hate anyone. I know you would like them to so you could have a better foundation for your own prejudice, however. There is no one I hate, and I am definitely Christian.
One swallow does not a summer make.
Funny how you don't 'hate' anyone but you constantly put down 'liberals' as if they are unable to believe in God. Good Christian YOU are. The Rev. Graham worked with and prayed with everybody. That is what made him a true believer.
I have no need of your idea of god, sorry. I live making decisions the best I can based on what can be known without belief in supernatural forces, I feel a deep duty towards fellow human beings an the welfare of the ecosystem, and I am a very flawed person. I don't think I should depend on an outside motivation for any of these realizations/truths, and see no evidence for a god's existence, (except maybe when I look at a river, but you wouldn't like the goddess I'm thinking of). People have different spiritual needs, and not everyone will be better off as a Christian. You say you don't hate anyone, but that is definitely a patronizing, paternalistic and somewhat colonialist sentiment.
No, you shut up. So there.
Shannon
"I get a kick out of al the haters who rush like crazy frothing at the mouth to get to their keyboards because they have come upon a forum where they can bash Christians. It's like a mental illness. Or like a dog with rabies out of its mind."
What about all the Christians who rush onto any blogs about gays and show what HYPOCRITES so many Christians really are?
What about all the Christians who rush onto any blogs about abortion and trash pro-choice supporters while PRETENDING the Bible ever mentions abortion?
Do you understand the word hypocrite? It would be hypocritical of Christians to not speak out about abortion. We are not to kill. It is a major thing we crazy Christians believe....it is in the Bible. Hard to believe you missed that one...? I think you want to define what Christians should believe to better suit your values. I think we'll just stick with what God has to say if that's ok with you. I totally respect your wishes not to believe, but it's totally not okay to NOT return the respect.
Shannon,
The Bible NEVER mentions abortion. Please read one someday.
The Bible does say that at one time, God torturously DROWNED EVERY pregnant woman, child, baby and fetus on the face of the earth. Now tell us about how much God cares about fetuses.
I read the Bible every day. You don't have an understanding of many things. Maybe you could find a study group? God says man should not kill. God has punished sin as shown in the Old Testament. God...not man. Jesus came and a new covenant was made...oh never mind. It's like explaining to a kid. Read, study, get to know a Christian who has matured in their faith. Then you can make better judgements from a standpoint of being better educated.
Shannon,
lol. If a fight results in the loss of a fetus, the punishment is a FINE paid to the FATHER (typically chauvinistic Bible). If a PERSON is injured, the penalty is "an eye for an eye".
Read a Bible. Then tell us where you found the word "abortion".
It is one thing to let your light shine, and it another thing to IMPOSE your beliefs and values on others, neither is of which Jesus taught. There is nothing wrong with an education and liberal thinking that causes people to progress. We always can use less judgmental people like you.
Yes, you have read the Old Testament. Now move onto the New Testament.
Shannon,
Is that the same PERFECT and "UNCHANGING" God in both testaments?
Kill = equals to take a life. By that translation all christians should be vegetarians.
Murder (the more appropriate translation) = the immoral taking of a life.
"Murder" is defined by the culture (otherwise there would be no christians in foxholes). Even the bible shows its sometimes OK (especially when god commands) to show no mercy and kill thousands if required.
There is truth to what you say Shannon. The haters just hate themselves let alone there distance from Christ and the responsibility it takes to walk with God.
Well Thomas needed proof, proof, proof, didn't he? God understands that some need extra time or life experiences to see. I feel so relieved to submit, be forgiven, to continue to be forgiven because I am a sinner, and to have a peace you can't find without this incredible love. Night.
Shannon,
Sorry you have to run off before having time to answer questions, but no surprise.
I am a teacher and have to get up at 5:30 am. I would be happy to answer any of your replies. My email is lynnedunlap@yahoo.com. God bless ya and keep ya.
I'm really impressed with your jeebus influenced analysis. I'm totally converting to jeebus because of your example.
Oh my intention would never be to try to convert you. People don't come too God that way. You do that yourself.
I would ask you to respect other people though. Are you capable of that?
Respect people for their religious beliefs?
Do you respect George Bush's beliefs, the same beliefs that he used to justify invading Iraq and murdering tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi's. The same beliefs that got thousands of U.S. servicemen killed. The same beliefs that convinced him that his god......your god.....whispered to him that invading Iraq was the right thing to do.
We really don't need the fate of millions or billions of people hanging on the religious beliefs of people in powerful positions.
Uh Shannon, belief is not truth, if it were there would be only one religion, one god.
There is one God.
You obviously don't understand the post.
So because there are many beliefs there is not one truth and therefore many gods, none of which you can dispel without honestly dispelling our own.
For instance if you had been born and raised in central America 1000 years ago you'd be worshiping and feverishly defending your faith in Quetzalcoatl, yes you would.
To assert otherwise is just an exercise in willful ignorance and dishonest
I believe in more than one god, so I'm right.
Fraud.
Brother Graham is not a great man...he is an obedient child of God. He has lived the true purpose of man...glorifying God. I wish him peace and the treasures promised from our father. I have never met him but I love him for for what he has done during his time in the this life.
He's smart enough to want to keep the sucker stream flowing for his son
I do believe Rev. Graham is a good man, and that he has tried to serve God in his life. I respected him a lot more when he stayed above politics and focused on the bigger things. Neither he nor any other Christian has any business meddling in politics or with politicians. They will only be used and manipulated.
You could argue that Billy Graham did (mostly) stay out of politics and I will always remember his choice not to join Falwell's "moral majority".
It is Franklin, using his name and organization in politics, that is really just dirty.
True dat!
95 and still believing in imaginary friends.
Your sadness amuses hell!
schmuck
I just converted to xtianity based on your response, because that is exactly what jeebus would do.
Wait, isn't schmuck a Jewish colloquialism? And Jews don't believe in jeebus...so, I'm free. Free!
Wondering if we understand the treasure we have been Blessed with in you Brother Graham? GOD Bless you.
Done your accounts on that investments?
I'm no Graham fan, but the anti-religion crowd is certainly showing their bigotry and hatred of all things spiritual. And that's too bad–they pride themselves on 'reason' and 'logic'. One would think they'd see an opportunity to be reasonable and wish an old man happy birthday.
Yeah... no.
I showed great restraint in not wishing him his last birthday.
Check on what this "angel" has been caught saying.
Say hello to Bob for me, Elliot.
95 and still fleecing the flock. Dude has balls.
I feel like I need to go have a shower after reading about Franklin Graham 'channelling' his father to an audience that includes former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, the Rev. Rick Warren and businessmen Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump.
Ewwww.
Happy 95th birthday Billy Graham. I find it sad that your son parades you in front of the people he wants to ingratiate himself with and uses you for his own purposes.
Yes. What a collection:
A woman famous for her lack of intelligence;
A minister who made a fool of himself about Terri Schiavo;
The head of FOX News whose British tabloid is being investigated for bribery and corruption
and the guy who thoroughly humiliated himself by being an ignorant "birther".
AMEN! His son is nothing like him. I found it so curious that Billy Graham "endorsed" Mitt Romney last election when he has always been a Democrat. Now his son is inviting all these Republicans to his father's birthday. Why Donald Trump? I mean, if anyone, Larry King is a great friend of his. Even as a Jewish agnostic, I know that he'd have a better insight into Rev. Graham's mind than Trump or Sarah Palin! Franklin Graham, you should be ashamed. Reverend Billy Graham... I adore YOU!
follow the money . . . .
I agree. As an atheist, I have always respected Billy Graham. His son Franklin on the other hand...crazy. He's exactly the type of religious extremist that gives Christianity a bad name. The way he uses his dad and puts words in his mouth is disgusting.
He is the only "TV" preacher that I actually liked.
Why don't you like him now?
"Our country is in great need of a spiritual awakening......salvation through Jesus Christ."
Yes, it is in great need. Just as the only way a person can eat an elephant is one bite at a time, the spiritual awakening of our nation will occur one heart at a time.
Or not......
Too bad for you your cult is losing members.
In the next 24 hours there will be 122,000 new Christians baptized and 50,000 Christians will die. That is a net increase of 72,000 Christians.
Try again.
Go ahead, argue with:
Ok, I typed too quickly. . .
The number of believers is increasing. The percentage of believers is decreasing. So I should have said:
Too bad for you that your cult is losing market share.
@fred,
your math doesn't count all the people who leave the church because they no longer believe.
Unless the realization that elephant eating that leads to obesity and heart disease is what's happening. Then it's just a case of connoisseurs of elephant meat bemoaning the rising tide of vegetarianism.
Amen Billy
Wow, Robbie, that sure makes it official
You ever heard one of his sermons Sam ?
Let me guess. God is great and the collection plate is coming your way.
If you haven't ever heard him preach Santa, you can catch a rerun about anytime. He preached the gospel in a very simple and understandable way.
I don't need to hear him or anyone talk about imaginary creatures.
RE: In Santa We Trust: it's more like the collection plate is passed immediately after the long sermon on how gawwwwd wants us to give generously.
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... http://www.GODisIMARINARY.com ...
... and thank goodness because he emanates from the ...
... http://www.EVILbibe.com ...
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...don't forget the wikipoops.com...
My rabbit won't leave the rice alone.
Spiritual "awakenings" do happen – the 3 or 4 American Great Awakenings, for example. Be vigilant.
Graham may actually have meant well, but I'd argue that the country would benefit more from an awakening of our reasoning abilities than any renewal of kowtowing to his sky fairy, nonexistent god.
This country's reasoning abilities got us where we are, deep in a mess. A book has been written that provides the "reasoning" we really need. Yes, the Bible.
Do you have young innocent daughter? My elderly wife is barren and god wants me to have a son.
Yes, my favorite verses are the ones that contradict the others. Priceless...
We are both people of faith, you place yours in science, I place mine in God. Neither of us can prove the other wrong, so arguing and insulting instead of respecting our differences is a huge waste of time.
Not so, this is a logical fallacy. Faith is not evidentiary.
There is no equivalence between supposition based on observation, and supposition based on belief in some sort of magic defying the laws of nature as we understand them. It's really insulting to the folks who spend their lives working to understand the forces of the universe, cure illness, and make life easier when you say they're just guessing.
"Graham, who has provided counsel to generations of U.S. presidents beginning with Harry S. Truman....."
nice to know the top office in the land has been guided by such a leveled headed family though the decades.... *sarcasm off*.
This planet is just a giant parade of clowns – especially at the 'top'
Great post. It's easy to spot the clowns... they're the ones always angling to get in the spotlight: Palin, Billy G, Franklin G, Rick Perry, Cruze, Lindsay Lohan, Krusty...
Mr. Graham speaks of Christ but he lives by the belief that it is right to be free to worship any 'god'.
...and Christ, Lord and King, Son of the One and Only Creator and Giver of Existence, said that we are to worship the One Lord God and Him ALONE to serve....and the first 3 Commandments declare the same.
They ORDER the same. Who is god jealous of BTW? The stone idols that answer prayers at least as well as he does?
Any god, no god...whatever. Just don't tread on me.
The old testament gawwwwd of these clowns supposedly llsaid he didn't care if you worshipped other gawwwwds too... just don't put any above him. He didn't actually tell me that. Someone else quoted 'him' and people have been believing the story for thousands of years since then. Of course that means it must be true just as People have believed in tinkerbelle for decades therefore she must be real. Do you believe in Tinkerbelle Jeeezus? clap your hands if you believe or he'll disappear. Sounds kind of silly when you think about it, huh. That's why your pastor is against 'thinkin' stuff'.
Ho, Ho, Ho... Well, if it isn't stinking Billygoat Billyboy in poison. How are thou, thou globby bottle of cheap stinking chip oil? Come and get one in the yarbles, if you have any yarbles, you eunuch jelly thou.
a clockwork orange reference
Which explains why it is so pathetically stupid. Thanks for identifying the brand of stupid used. You're okay.