Billy Graham’s death set Twitter ablaze with mourning and celebration Wednesday from church faithful and world leaders, while some used the moment to attack Graham.
President Donald Trump, several congressmen and state leaders, and church leaders around the world celebrated the legacy of the man known as “America’s pastor,” after The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association confirmed his death Wednesday morning. Many tweeted memories of how Graham’s Christian evangelism touched their lives or the lives of loved ones with the power of the Gospel, while others shared inspirational quotes from his sermons or noted his worldwide impact on Christianity.
“Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.” Billy Graham
— David Platt (@plattdavid) February 21, 2018
The GREAT Billy Graham is dead. There was nobody like him! He will be missed by Christians and all religions. A very special man.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham was filled with the love of Christ and shared His good news around the world. I’m profoundly grateful for his life. pic.twitter.com/hMiL5JNJ9W
— Archbishop of Canterbury (@JustinWelby) February 21, 2018
Rev. Billy Graham dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel, touching the lives of millions across the world. It is bittersweet to hear of his homegoing this morning, as he will be missed, but we know he is rejoicing with his Savior right now.
— Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham was a strong, humble, positive and passionate North Carolina man of faith who made a difference in the lives of so many. Rest with God, Reverend Graham – RC
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) February 21, 2018
“God’s mercy and grace give me hope—for myself, and for our world.” — @BillyGraham, whose hope has now turned to sight
— Rep. Doug Collins (@RepDougCollins) February 21, 2018
Rev. #BillyGraham was an incredible servant of Christ. His faithful witness reached across the US & the world, influencing world leaders and average people alike. “America’s Pastor” is now in his eternal home, but his life & the message he so passionately delivered continues on.
— Senator John Boozman (@JohnBoozman) February 21, 2018
Twitter critics could not resist the opportunity, however, to drag Graham’s name through the mud. Most of those opposed to Christianity or to Graham in particular accused him of being a hypocrite, and brought up his anti-Semitic remarks during his visit with former President Richard Nixon.
For decades my grandma sent hard earned money to a southern Baptist pimp named Billy Graham. He paid no taxes in the name of Jesus.
— Ferrari Sheppard (@stopbeingfamous) February 21, 2018
RIP Billy Graham. America has lost a strong moral voice happy to muse with Richard Nixon about the “Synagogue of Satan.” pic.twitter.com/V6ubznYQRz
— Jon Schwarz (@schwarz) February 21, 2018
.@MSNBC how many outlets will gloss over the awful, hateful history of Billy Graham?
— Jodi Jacobson (@jljacobson) February 21, 2018
1972: #BillyGraham on Jewshttps://t.co/brn2rr9nX7 #Nixon pic.twitter.com/Iw22YBb4W7
— Roben Farzad (@robenfarzad) February 21, 2018
So #BillyGraham died. One would hope hatred and homophobia died along with him, but no. I guess That’s what happens when you plant bad seeds in the shitfield: weeds.
— Chuck Mizz (@charliemizza) February 21, 2018
Another great one from Billy Graham from the Nixon Tapes! Hopefully they include this gem in all his saintly tributes. pic.twitter.com/hFe04yZ9Xc
— A Mancino-Williams (@Manda_like_wine) February 21, 2018
I would not say that Billy Graham was *good,* but I do think he generally meant everything he said. Franklin is pure grift
— Sarah Jones (@onesarahjones) February 21, 2018
Bishop Talbert Swan, II (Church of God in Christ in Springfield, Mass.) in particular used the moment to attack Trump. He railed against Graham’s followers and their ties to the Trump administration — even alleging they were “in bed with the Antichrist.” Other users followed suit.
Let’s hope the Billy Graham movement sees the light and runs as far away from Trump and his anti-Christian behavior as possible. Only by doing this can they honor his legacy.
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) February 21, 2018
Endorsing Donald Trump has placed the stigma on the Billy Graham evangelistic movement! Getting in bed with the antichrist for political purposes did not serve them well.
— Bishop Talbert Swan (@TalbertSwan) February 21, 2018
We would not have Donald Trump’s or the religious right, if Billy Graham hadn’t made Christianity a tool of capitalism and I’m already upset by how he’s being airbrushed
— lyz lenz (@lyzl) February 21, 2018
Billy Graham was the kind of Christian who made me suspicious of the Church at an early age. But again, anyone who thinks this particular douchebag has ever spared a thought for Jesus is especially gullible. https://t.co/zpzDgqENWL
— Mike Cecchini (@wayoutstuff) February 21, 2018
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