Franklin Graham: God Will Judge America if We Support Same-Sex Marriage, Abortion
Franklin Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, is urging Christians to vote for candidates who oppose same-sex marriage and abortion and says that America is on the fast road to "God's judgment" if it continues support of these issues.
In a prayer letter that is gaining popularity on Facebook, Graham indicated that their vote comes at a critical time, saying, "The spirit of the antichrist is gaining strength in American society, and it is evident all around us." The letter titled "Our Nation Has Lost Its Way" has been shared by over 4,800 people on Facebook over the past few days.
"Does your vote count? You bet it does," wrote Graham in a Sept. 27 letter on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website. "Now is the time for people of faith to stand up for clear biblical standards and for our freedom to live by those standards. Christians need to be careful how they vote this fall, not just nationally, but also on the state and local levels."
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"We need to elect leaders who believe in the sanctity of life, and who defend and fight for God's definition of marriage between one man and one woman."
Graham indicated in his post that a president's position on these cultural issues are more important than whether he's a Democrat or Republican.
"I will not-cannot-vote for a candidate, regardless of their political affiliation, who supports same-sex marriage and advocates abortion. God will judge our nation if we continue down this path," said Graham. He added that his father Billy Graham also takes a "strong stand on biblical values."
The evangelist said he was convinced that "America is hurtling down the road toward God's judgment" after watching the political conventions last month. Graham pointed out that one party affirms belief in the sanctity of life and the biblical definition of marriage between one man and one woman, while the other supported abortion and same-sex marriage.
He also couldn't overlook the controversial move by delegates at the Democratic National Convention to remove references to God and Jerusalem from their platform. Although the mention of God was later added back in to the convention, the majority that voted "no" left an impression on Graham.
"I watched in horror and absolute disbelief at the deafening roar as delegates rejected including any mention of God's Name," he said.
Graham, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the international Christian relief organization Samaritan's Purse, is the latest evangelical leader to take a strong stand against same-sex marriage and abortion as "non-negotiable" issues in the2012 Election season. Last month, megachurch pastor Rick Warren told his church members that they should vote in line with a Christian worldview, which includes protecting the unborn, viewing sex as holy, and protecting traditional marriage.
"If you call yourself a Christian, you need to line up with what God says is the original intent of all three of these things," said Warren during a sermon.
While Graham stressed the need for Christians to take a stand for biblical values in the presidential race, he reminded people of faith that lasting change come from "the power of the Gospel," not political parties.
The 60-year-old has been busy leading and planning for evangelistic events, most recently preaching in Buffalo, New York, and Ottawa, Canada, and intends to lead an evangelistic Crusade in South Sudan in late October. Graham said that his organization is already planning for one of the largest evangelistic events in its history, My Hope With Billy Graham, during which Billy Graham is expected to deliver his last sermon coinciding with his 95th birthday.
