In Memoriam: Reverend Billy Graham

In Memoriam:

Reverend Billy Graham

By Adam Schauer

Rev. Billy Graham, one of the most skilled rhe toricians and prolific evangelists in history, died peacefully on February 21st, 2018. As a Baptist minister, Graham held large events called “Crusades,” spurring a spiritual revival in the 1950s and 60s. Using the content of these Crusades, Graham became one of the first users of television for the purpose of broadcasting his sermons to even larger audiences, known as “televangelism.” Graham has been credited with converting millions of people with his unique method to spread the call for salvation, reaching at least two billion people worldwide. Graham most famously converted Louis Zamperini, documented in Zamperini’s biography Unbroken, and served as a chief spiritual council to numerous US presidents, especially Jimmy Carter. With unquestionable leadership skills and a strong ethical code, Graham influenced many people to make more informed ethical decisions in all parts of their lives, from the President’s role in the Cold War to individual family religious practices.

As far as Swarthmore is concerned, Graham’s legacy lives on in many tangible ways. As a social advocate and active voice, a number of people on campus no doubt identify and look up to Graham’s strong standard for justice, especially regarding civil rights. Despite his Southern roots, Graham notably spurned racial inequality, and his message transcended the staunch division in the country during such times of tension. Whether or not you believe in evangelism or even Christianity, Rev. Graham served

an integral role in the direction of the US spiritually, ethically, and politically. As a strong influence on Southern conservative evangelicals, Graham’s work no doubt has helped begin to turn the tide on issues of acceptance, identity, and forgiveness.

On a personal level, my grandfather attended one of Rev. Graham’s fabled talks at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia in 1973. At Rev. Graham’s call, my grandfather walked down the aisle and gave his life to Christ while “Amazing Grace” played in the background. At my grandfather’s unfortunately early death at the age of 52 to colon cancer, his friends gathered around him and sang that same song, “Amazing Grace,” as he passed away. Without the influence and work of Rev. Graham, my grandfather would not be with the Lord today, nor would I necessarily be a Christian myself. This same story applies to millions of people worldwide, and Rev. Graham’s legacy lives on in this way.

For these reasons and so many more, Rev. Graham will be remembered as one of the most influential church leaders and strongest examples of Christian character for generations to come. In his grandiose speeches and even his individual relationships, Rev. Graham was revered for his approachable demeanor and amicability, no doubt contributing to his capabilities as a rhetorician. His personal philosophical and theological beliefs influence evangelical methods to this day. While the world may have lost one of its greatest men, heaven certainly gained another passionate believer, dedicated to the service of Christ. r

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