The worldwide Christian community was left to mourn the loss of one of its most revered, albeit at times controversial, spokespersons of the Twentieth Century. And his ministry was truly worldwide; the Citizen Times (USA Today) noted in its recent obituary that Graham led 417 preaching crusades in 185 countries and territories, reaching 84 million people face to face and a further 215 million by satellite.
The story of his life is familiar to many North Americans, especially those who define themselves as Evangelical Christians:
---home-birthed in 1918 on a humble dairy farm near Charlotte, NC
---raised in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
---attended Bible College then Wheaton Seminary
---married to Ruth in 1943 (who died in 2007) and the father of five children
---as a young man, hired by the fiery Canadian Evangelist, Charles Templeton, to lead Youth For Christ ministries
---ordained as a Southern Baptist preacher. (facts from Wikipedia)
Eventually, Graham moved beyond providing local pastoral care to become best known for his “crusades” These large rallies were typically held outdoors and designed to reach mass audiences with his simple message, inviting each one to experience a deep faith in God through the person of Jesus. (Today, even the term “crusade” would be offensive in many circles, calling to mind the medieval forcible conversion of Jews and Muslims to Christianity and the waging of warfare to “liberate” Jerusalem from Islamic rule.)
By contrast, Graham’s crusades were nothing but gentle in their persuasion. When accepting an invitation from local church leaders to preach in their city, he would first insist that planning for these proposed rallies be ecumenical in nature. In an era when Charismatics were often theologically estranged from Fundamentalists over “speaking in tongues,” Protestants historically separated from Roman Catholics, Evangelicals divided from Liberals over Bible literalism and inerrancy,
Graham brought these diverse groups together for a greater good: to present the message of God’s love. If brought to faith at a crusade, new believers were encouraged to remain in their own local churches, rather than being fought over by other clergy seeking to fill their own pews.
He also insisted that his meetings be integrated; this being most remarkable, given that many churches in Graham’s own denomination remained staunchly segregated during the decades of his ministry. As a fellow minister, he remained a good friend of the Rev. Martin Luther King during the turbulent 1960s’ civil rights struggles and even posted bail on one occasion to free him from a Southern jail. Graham remained resolutely opposed to same sex marriage even after public opinion had shifted in the opposite direction. For this stance he has been long criticized by gay rights advocates.
I was among a busload who excitedly drove to a Graham crusade at the then new Air Canada Centre in Toronto in the early 1900's. In the weeks before the meetings, I witnessed how his advance people brought together different denominations to discuss logistics for his pending crusade. I clearly recall the highlight of his service in the cavernous centre holding 25,000 of the devoted, the searching, the uncertain, the troubled and the curious. I truly felt in awe, simultaneously inspired and sensing that I was part of a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual occassion.
The resonant bass voice of George Beverly Shea (or an alternate vocalist in the person of Micheal Smith) led the massed choirs in singing a favorite traditional hymn “Just As I Am.” Graham would invite those among his huge congregation to begin a relationship with God through Jesus by coming to the altar. Initially, a few cautiously stepped forward, then dozens and soon hundreds slowly streamed down from the bleachers and toward the platform where Graham and local ministers waited prayerfully to receive them into the Christian family.
There was nothing magical or soul-saving about the physical act of rising from one’s seat and moving forward. The step was only symbolic but powerfully felt by those who came forward: theologians would describe it as a visible and public witness, a response to the prompting and calling of God’s Spirit.
Skeptics will argue that the whole exercise is merely an emotional catharsis disguised as a religious happening. Admittedly, in inviting people to the altar over past years of Charismatic ministry, I have seen many come bringing copious, flowing tears or shouts of joy. But even if it were only a catharsis, it would still provide release and relief from whatever was being carried as an inner burden. Further, anyone who has experienced a spiritual, soul-enriching moment in life, will testify that their encounter also included a deeply-emotional component.
One can also acknowledge that so-called spiritual moments can be mostly the result of manipulation, intentional or innocently induced by the person leading the service. Endless, mind-numbing repetition of a verse of music, scary exhortations to “be saved” to avoid hellfire, seductive appeals to come forward “if you love Jesus” can quickly fill the altar spaces. (Think of the film Elmer Gantry.) But the effect is short lived, and once the hype is left behind , the glow recedes. I have met more than one person who has confided that they have been “saved three or four times,” only to lose their enthusiasm and religious conviction in the cold dawn of the next morning.
"Billy Graham was different: he mostly let the Spirit do the work of drawing seekers to faith. America’s Pastor only provided that opportunity, without manipulation or coercion. Graham is now safely in the care of his God whom he loved, followed and faithfully served over a lifetime! May he rest in peace!" says Rev. Bob Johnston in a Saugeen Times tribute.
We are not apt to see Billy Graham's equal in our lifetime.
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