More Compromising: Billy Graham, God, & George Bush

Reading George Bush’s new book Decision Points, I was shocked to read Billy Graham’s answer to Bush Sr.’s question.  He basically asked, “Is it essential to be born again?” You’ll have to read this for yourself…Its unbelievable!  

In the summer of 1985, we took our annual trip to Maine. Mother and Dad had invited the great evangelical preacher Billy Graham. Dad had asked him to answer some questions from the family after dinner.  That was typical of Dad, always willing to share.

It  would  have  sent  a  signal  of importance  to  have  had  Billy  to  himself,  but  that  is  not George H.W. Bush. He is a generous man, devoid of a big ego.  So  there  we  sat,  about  thirty  of  us—Laura,  my grandmother,  brothers  and  sister,  first  and  second  cousins —in  the  large  room  at  the  end  of  the  house  on Walker’s Point.

The first question was from Dad.  He said, “Billy, some people say you have to have a born-again experience to go to heaven.  Mother [my grandmother] here is the most religious, kind person I know, yet she has had no born-again experience. Will she go to heaven?”

Wow, pretty profound question from the old man.

We all looked at Billy.  In his quiet, strong voice, he replied, “George, some of us require a born-again experience to understand God, and some of us are born Christians.  It sounds as if your mom was just born a Christian.” (Pgs. 48-49 of the Ebook)

Hopefully, Bush misremembers Graham’s exact words.  Otherwise, this is compromise of the nth degree!

Jesus said, “…Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) It’s imperative.  It’s essential.  There’s no getting around it.  “…Ye MUST be born again.” (John 3:7)