Religion
See other Religion Articles
Title: Franklin Graham: Secularists have taken control of America
Source:
One News Now
URL Source: http://www.onenewsnow.com/culture/2 ... -have-taken-control-of-america
Published: Feb 4, 2015
Author: Michael F. Haverluck
Post Date: 2015-02-13 14:14:58 by redleghunter
Keywords: None
Views: 45097
Comments: 154
Addressing the crowd at the Oklahoma State Evangelism Conference last week, world-renowned evangelist Franklin Graham admittedly took a different spin than his iconic father, Billy Graham, on the podium and criticized America, declaring that "secularists have taken control of our country." The president of the Billy Graham Evangelist Association admonished believers in America for standing by while godless, democratically appointed government officials rip the Christian foundation of the country out from under them. "Our country has changed, and we've got to take a stand," Graham exhorted the Oklahoma City crowd, according to The Christian Post. "We live in a secular society led by people that call themselves progressives. Secularists … have taken control of our country. And we have just sat back and it's happened. And we haven't even realized it's happened." Not my father's world Graham then said that he is not afraid to talk about many of the issues his father didn't typically address and critique, noting that the bulk of the senior Graham's ministry took place during a time before American society thoroughly divorced itself from God. He explained how Billy Graham's school days weren't riddled with fears that students would be punished for handing out Christian literature, forming Bible clubs or leading organized prayer. "Well, you say, 'Now Franklin, you father wouldn't get onto these subjects,'" insinuated Graham, who is also the president of Samaritan's Purse, a nonprofit Christian humanitarian organization. "Wait a second … My father, when he was going to school, they had a Bible in school. When he was going to school, they had the Ten Commandments on the wall. When he was going to school, you could pray in school, and the teachers would lead in those prayers." Since his father, the 92-year-old Billy Graham, grew up decades before God, Bible reading and prayer were removed from the public schools in 1963 — which is also the year that evolution replaced creation as the dominant teaching about the origins of man and the universe — the younger 62-year-old Graham argues that the changed times call for him to speak on the many moral issues that Christians now face on a daily basis. "The secularists and the humanists … you mention the name of Christ, they jump all over you," Graham contended. "I get jumped on all the time. I don't really care." Secularization infiltration Graham went on to argue that the secularization of society has long since extended beyond the schoolhouse gate, infiltrating virtually every facet of American society. Graham "It's all over the country," Graham insisted. "You have the secularists and the humanists who are wanting to deny that Jesus ever existed." Billy Graham's son then talked about the ironic twist that came about in the late 1980s and early 1990s — a time when the Cold War ended and hearts went cold to God, as secularism, socialism and communism entered into American education, society and politics full force. "When the Berlin wall came down, everybody said: 'We won,'" Graham remembered. "And secularism came. And secularism and communism are the same thing. They're godless. They're antichrist." Only One hope, not 12 Graham argues that America is not what it used to be, as it has turned its back on the Christian principles upon which it was founded. And as another presidential election draws near, he contends that conservative politicians aren't the answer. "America has changed and it's not coming back unless the Church takes a stand," Graham insisted. "Now I'm not talking about Baptists or Republicans or Tea Party … I have no confidence that any of these politicians or any party is going to turn this country around." In the midst of the current political frenzy taking place, with a dozen conservative prospective candidates promising that they can turn America around from its godless, destructive path, Graham promises that no politician can deliver the country from falling apart. "There is only one who can save — only one … Jesus," Graham added. "You see, Jesus is in the boat. All we have to do is call Him, call on His name." As godless policies and laws continue to work their way into American society — from God being ousted from the public schools in 1963, to Roe v. Wade ushering in legalized abortion in 1973, to the floodgate of same-sex "marriage" opening in 2004, to the normalization of homosexual behavior in the military in 2011 — Graham warns that America will be judged for its disobedience and repudiation of God's Word. "There are storms that are coming," Graham foretold. "The only hope for this country is for men and women of God to stand up and take a stand."
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
Begin Trace Mode for Comment # 103.
#3. To: redleghunter (#0)
Simply? Franklin Graham can clearly see -- as do I -- that TJ is reinforcing his freedom to worship is he pleases, without state coercion. Should that be news to Graham or anyone else? Graham merely notes that the religion of Secular Humanism has replaced the Bible-inspired, traditional standard American values, virtue, morals and ethics. AT WHAT COST? Have we now more liberty and rights and freedom, OR less since 1963? Since 1974? Since 9/11? Since "gay marriage" made a mockery of right & wrong?
It would be news to anybody who received their indoctrination from the Focus on the Family farce, or their revisionist kinsmen down in Texas who tried to write Thomas Jefferson out of American history.
You may a quibble or two regarding some of the tenets, but WHAT exactly is "farcical" about the 'Focus on the Family'? Which of the Six Pillars of their Mission Statement do you oppose? And why? Mission Statement: To cooperate with the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible by nurturing and defending the God-ordained institution of the family and promoting biblical truths worldwide. Vision: Redeemed families, communities, and societies worldwide through Christ. Guiding Principles: Since Focus on the Family's primary reason for existence is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through a practical outreach to homes, we have firm beliefs about both the Christian faith and the importance of the family. This ministry is therefore based upon six guiding philosophies that are apparent at every level throughout the organization. These "pillars" are drawn from the wisdom of the Bible and the Judeo-Christian ethic, rather than from the humanistic notions of today's theorists. In short, Focus on the Family is a reflection of what we believe to be the recommendations of the Creator Himself, who ordained the family and gave it His blessing. The six pillars include: The Preeminence of Evangelism We believe that the ultimate purpose of life is to know and glorify God and to attain eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord, beginning within our own families and then reaching out to a suffering humanity that needs to embrace His love and sacrifice. "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" Mark 16:15 The Permanence of Marriage We believe that the institution of marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God to model the love of Christ for His people and to serve both the public and private good as the basic building block of human civilization. Marriage is intended by God to be a thriving, lifelong relationship between a man and a woman enduring through trials, sickness, financial crises and emotional stresses. Therefore, Christians are called to defend and protect God's marriage design and to minister in Christ's name to those who suffer the consequences of its brokenness. "'Haven't you read,' He replied, 'that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.'" Matthew 19:4-6 The Value of Children We believe that children are a heritage from God and a blessing from His hand. Parents are therefore accountable to Him for raising, shaping and preparing them for a life of service to His Kingdom and to humanity. "Has not the Lord made them [a husband and wife] one? In flesh and spirit they are His. And why one? Because He was seeking godly offspring." Malachi 2:15 The Sanctity of Human Life We believe that human life is created by God in His image. It is of inestimable worth and significance in all its dimensions, including the preborn, the aged, the mentally disabled, those deemed unattractive, the physically challenged, and every other condition in which humanness is expressed from the single cell stage of development to natural death. Christians are therefore called to defend, protect, and value all human life. "For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-14a The Importance of Social Responsibility We believe that God has ordained the social institutions of family, church, and government for the benefit of mankind and as a reflection of His divine nature. Therefore, Christians are called to support these institutions, according to God's design and purpose, and to protect them against destructive social influences. Such involvement is in obedience to Christ's lordship over all creation and is required by His command to care for the well-being of all people. "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." Genesis 2:24 "And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body." Ephesians 1:22-23a "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." Romans 13:1 The Value of Male and Female We believe that God created humans in His image, intentionally male and female, each bringing unique and complementary qualities to sexuality and relationships. Sexuality is a glorious gift from God to be offered back to Him either in marriage for procreation, union and mutual delight or in celibacy for undivided devotion to Christ. Christians are called to proclaim the truth and beauty of God's design and the redemption of sexual brokenness in our lives and culture through Jesus Christ. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2
Are they still asserting that America's founders intended this to be a Christian nation?
In governance or in our morals, ethics, and values? I hope you're not asserting that Focus on the Family believes the USA ought to be a "Theocracy." Because that would be a crock. Btw, I'm still trying to learn why your consider the 'Focus on the Family' a "farce." If you can find a better example of citizenship tenets, I'm all ears. Q: In your opinion, is the United States of America better off abiding in their "Six Pillars," or with the way things are at the moment?
Your search - Thomas Jefferson "Virginia Act" site:www.focusonthefamily.com - did not match any documents. Suggestions:
It means the Virginia Act was not a secular skeptic manifesto. Let's look at it: An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom Enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia January 16, 1786 Whereas Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavouring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor, whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is withdrawing from the ministry those temporary rewards, which proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting labours for the instruction of mankind; that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, any more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that therefore the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow-citizens he has a natural right; that it tends only to corrupt the principles of that religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing with a monopoly of wor[l]dly honours and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion, and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles on supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency will make his opinions the rule of judgement; and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them: Be it enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced restrained, molested, or burthened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinion in matters of religion, and that the same shall in no wise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities. And though we well know that this assembly elected by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only, have no power to restrain the acts of succeeding assemblies, constituted with powers equal to our own, and that therefore to declare this act to be irrevocable would be of no effect in law; yet we are free to declare, and do declare, that the rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights of mankind, and that if any act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the present, or to narrow its operation such act will be an infringement of natural right.
That may be true. But what does it say about Focus on the Family when it mentions Thomas Jefferson multiple times on its website - but not the Virginia Act for Establishing religious freedom? Does the herd there not recognize the natural right of the Individual to establish the relationship between themselves and their Creator without collective coercion?
I posted the Act. No mention of Muslims or Ghandi.
Or Jesus. Got Deism? The Act is consistent with Free Masonry. What is located 2 miles North of the Jefferson Memorial, and 1 mile North of the White House?
LOL more CT deism. You have company with others here on the vast Masonic conspiracy.
#109. To: redleghunter (#103)
(Edited)
I don't think it's a conspiracy. Cecil B. DeMill's explanation of why he made the 10 Commandments isn't about "conspiracy" -- it's about FREEDOM. Freedom from state-established religions who usurp their temporal authority from the One God. In that film, Moses is clearly depicted as a prototypical Freemason.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#11. To: VxH (#3)
(Edited)
What does Junior Graham think Thomas Jefferson had in his Free Mind?
#15. To: Liberator (#11)
(Edited)
Should that be news to Graham or anyone else?
#20. To: VxH (#15)
Focus on the Family farce
#25. To: Liberator (#20)
#31. To: VxH (#25)
(Edited)
Are they [Focus on the Family'] still asserting that America's founders intended this to be a Christian nation?
#33. To: Liberator (#31)
What does this mean?
#93. To: VxH, GarySpFc, liberator, CZ82 (#33)
What does this mean?
#95. To: redleghunter (#93)
(Edited)
It means the Virginia Act was not a secular skeptic manifesto.
#97. To: VxH (#95)
#99. To: redleghunter (#97)
(Edited)
No mention of Muslims or Ghandi.
#103. To: VxH (#99)
Replies to Comment # 103. the vast Masonic conspiracy.
End Trace Mode for Comment # 103.
[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Mail] [Sign-in] [Setup] [Help] [Register]