From 1940 to 1970 church membership grew from 49% to 63% of the population. Religious leaders believed that Communism was a great sinister anti-Christian movement. It was clear that in the era of McCarthyism and the Red Scare, being an active church member was a good tactic to use in order to avoid being classified as a subversive. This rapid growth was also credited to the need for Americans to belong in such a rapidly changing society such as the 1950’s and 1960’s. The church provided some stability for families.
In order to spread their views across the nation churches adapted to modern technology, in particular radio and television. It was through the medium of radio that Billy Graham became a notable figurehead of Christianity nationwide. At this time, there were 1,200 religious radio stations and 36 television stations devoted solely to Christianity across America. Graham utilised this mass media in order to voice his views to a nationwide audience. He was at the helm of a weekly one hour radio programme named, The Hour of Decision. With this, Graham had a weekly newspaper column published across America and he even could be viewed on many television crusades which began from 1957.
It was clear there was an immediate rise in popularity for Graham. This is evident as in 1950 he started off working in a one room office with the help of a single secretary and yet only eight years later this North Carolina Baptist had over 200 people working for him in a four storey building. Billy Graham’s confidence in public speaking accompanied with his ability to memorise sections of the Bible were the protagonists in creating the mass following he achieved for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (B.G.E.A). This powerful and dynamic preacher was a traditional man who followed the roots of Christianity in a very detailed manner.
Unlike other preachers of his era Graham was never caught up in adulterous affairs, tempted by drugs or even lured by prostitution. Graham was once accused on his radio programme of setting religion back a 100 years, to which he responded, “I did indeed want to set religion back, not just 100 years but 1,900 years to the book of acts”, this portrayed the extent of his beliefs. It showed how far this Pope of Protestant America, as Time Magazine referred to him as, wanted to change American lifestyle in the second half of the 20th century.
Graham developed religion as a form of mass popular entertainment. At the peak of his reign he was broadcasting to over 200 million people in 185 different countries. It is important to note however, Billy Graham was apolitical. He had Christian morals and adamantly voiced his views, no matter how controversial or perverse they may have been at the time. Graham opposed segregation, once stating, “There is no scriptural basis for segregation. The ground at the foot of the cross is level and it touches my heart to see whites standing shoulder to shoulder with blacks at the cross”. Graham even paid bail money for Martin Luther King and preached alongside the famous activist.
Graham was invited to speak in segregated auditoriums but refused outright on the basis of his views. Notably, Graham also refused to visit South Africa during apartheid, courageously standing up for what he believed was unjust in the world. Graham had conquered America but he also had bigger plans to preach worldwide, but it was in his homeland where he became such a popular figure, having an almost celebrity like status wherever he travelled across America.
However, it wasn't all clean, controversy free actions Graham was accredited to. Despite opposing Communism he was the first evangelist to speak behind the Iron Curtain. He supported the wars in North Korea and Vietnam, although so many of his fellow compatriots were killed after being drafted to fight in wars which were never essentially needed to be fought. Along with this, Graham was accused of anti-Semitism on agreeing with Richard Nixon that Jews controlled the United States media. Later, Graham recanted this statement.
Assessing the pros and cons of Graham, it was clear his popularity was nearly untouchable in America. No matter what, he would always have a loyal following. This devote following was due to the charismatic way he carried himself. This showed the ability of religion, and in his case Christianity, in lifting the spirits of a nation. In preaching core values and a traditionalist ethos it, in turn, resulted in a more content America, something which is sorely lacking in this current era of recessionary hardship.
Evangelistic type preaching of Graham in order to achieve positivity is still being mirrored today. However, it is unfortunately being reincarnated in much darker forms being picked up by the world media in cases such as the Westboro Baptist Church. Although, this must be seen as a branch off from the majority of practicing Christians beliefs. In a world where the media is ruler, it is hard to stick to the core values of Christianity and the emergence of such groups hinders that sentiment even further.
As previously stated, Graham was, in his eyes, apolitical. Publicly, he did not want to get involved with politics, even though he was a registered democrat. He is on record as saying, “We evangelists cannot be closely identified with any particular party or person. We have to stand in the middle in order to preach to all people”. In this way, Graham differed from more extreme fundamentalist Christian preachers of the time. This cunning on the fence attitude towards politics increased his ever growing popularity once more.
His influence and reputation was held in such high regard that many American presidents consulted with him, from Eisenhower and Kennedy to Johnson, Nixon and even Gerald Ford. He was particularly friendly with President Nixon whom he had a closer relationship, both officially and socially, compared to the other American leaders he advised. Graham was a terrific author, this no doubt also contributed to his popularity in 20th century America. Two of his most famous books were, Peace With God and How To Be Born Again. He was a prophet to Americans from all walks of life, from every corner of the country.
It is fair to say that nowadays the worldwide view on born again Christians is not as popular as in Billy Graham's time, but why is this? Does the world need another Billy Graham type character? Life has developed more in this new age media planet and perhaps preaching is lost on too many people in a much more liberal environment. On the other hand, born again Christianity is viewed as an illness more so than a morally healthy way of life due to the negative reporting on such matters by the media, at present.
In the second half of the 20th century, Billy Graham had achieved such a highly regarded status due to the influence he had on Americans nationwide. Ordinary Americans could relate to him, he was the voice to millions of Americans who made up a quiet, staunchly Christian country. Americans followed Graham because they felt it was the right thing to do. As Graham gained more momentum in preaching the word of God his popularity continuously rose. It could be argued Graham took advantage of many vulnerable Americans at a time of economic hardship and promised them a stairway to heaven if they chose to live a way of life preached by the Evangelist, Billy Graham.
He received many honours in his career, the pinnacle being the Congressional Gold Medal he was honoured with in 1966 for his preaching, an award which is the most prestigious in all of America. His wife Ruth was also presented with this for their outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial equality, family, charity and religion. By now, Graham was world renowned and could not achieve any more popularity in America such was the success of his career.
Simply, Graham represented a strong religious tradition of America and subsequently he was fuelled by the following he amassed at home and further afield in many countries across the globe. World views at the time may have worked in favour of Graham as a platform to voice any negative opinions towards Graham was never obtainable, because doing so was almost seen as a heinous crime. Would Billy Graham flourish to the same extent as in the 20th century in a modern society be it in America or any other part of the world? I think it's safe to say it would be extremely difficult. That said, there is no questioning the popularity of this man, particularly in the second half of the 20th century, thus making an everlasting and profound impression on modern American culture in its entirety.
S.DAWSON 19/01/2012
In order to spread their views across the nation churches adapted to modern technology, in particular radio and television. It was through the medium of radio that Billy Graham became a notable figurehead of Christianity nationwide. At this time, there were 1,200 religious radio stations and 36 television stations devoted solely to Christianity across America. Graham utilised this mass media in order to voice his views to a nationwide audience. He was at the helm of a weekly one hour radio programme named, The Hour of Decision. With this, Graham had a weekly newspaper column published across America and he even could be viewed on many television crusades which began from 1957.
It was clear there was an immediate rise in popularity for Graham. This is evident as in 1950 he started off working in a one room office with the help of a single secretary and yet only eight years later this North Carolina Baptist had over 200 people working for him in a four storey building. Billy Graham’s confidence in public speaking accompanied with his ability to memorise sections of the Bible were the protagonists in creating the mass following he achieved for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (B.G.E.A). This powerful and dynamic preacher was a traditional man who followed the roots of Christianity in a very detailed manner.
Unlike other preachers of his era Graham was never caught up in adulterous affairs, tempted by drugs or even lured by prostitution. Graham was once accused on his radio programme of setting religion back a 100 years, to which he responded, “I did indeed want to set religion back, not just 100 years but 1,900 years to the book of acts”, this portrayed the extent of his beliefs. It showed how far this Pope of Protestant America, as Time Magazine referred to him as, wanted to change American lifestyle in the second half of the 20th century.
Graham developed religion as a form of mass popular entertainment. At the peak of his reign he was broadcasting to over 200 million people in 185 different countries. It is important to note however, Billy Graham was apolitical. He had Christian morals and adamantly voiced his views, no matter how controversial or perverse they may have been at the time. Graham opposed segregation, once stating, “There is no scriptural basis for segregation. The ground at the foot of the cross is level and it touches my heart to see whites standing shoulder to shoulder with blacks at the cross”. Graham even paid bail money for Martin Luther King and preached alongside the famous activist.
Graham was invited to speak in segregated auditoriums but refused outright on the basis of his views. Notably, Graham also refused to visit South Africa during apartheid, courageously standing up for what he believed was unjust in the world. Graham had conquered America but he also had bigger plans to preach worldwide, but it was in his homeland where he became such a popular figure, having an almost celebrity like status wherever he travelled across America.
However, it wasn't all clean, controversy free actions Graham was accredited to. Despite opposing Communism he was the first evangelist to speak behind the Iron Curtain. He supported the wars in North Korea and Vietnam, although so many of his fellow compatriots were killed after being drafted to fight in wars which were never essentially needed to be fought. Along with this, Graham was accused of anti-Semitism on agreeing with Richard Nixon that Jews controlled the United States media. Later, Graham recanted this statement.
Assessing the pros and cons of Graham, it was clear his popularity was nearly untouchable in America. No matter what, he would always have a loyal following. This devote following was due to the charismatic way he carried himself. This showed the ability of religion, and in his case Christianity, in lifting the spirits of a nation. In preaching core values and a traditionalist ethos it, in turn, resulted in a more content America, something which is sorely lacking in this current era of recessionary hardship.
Evangelistic type preaching of Graham in order to achieve positivity is still being mirrored today. However, it is unfortunately being reincarnated in much darker forms being picked up by the world media in cases such as the Westboro Baptist Church. Although, this must be seen as a branch off from the majority of practicing Christians beliefs. In a world where the media is ruler, it is hard to stick to the core values of Christianity and the emergence of such groups hinders that sentiment even further.
As previously stated, Graham was, in his eyes, apolitical. Publicly, he did not want to get involved with politics, even though he was a registered democrat. He is on record as saying, “We evangelists cannot be closely identified with any particular party or person. We have to stand in the middle in order to preach to all people”. In this way, Graham differed from more extreme fundamentalist Christian preachers of the time. This cunning on the fence attitude towards politics increased his ever growing popularity once more.
His influence and reputation was held in such high regard that many American presidents consulted with him, from Eisenhower and Kennedy to Johnson, Nixon and even Gerald Ford. He was particularly friendly with President Nixon whom he had a closer relationship, both officially and socially, compared to the other American leaders he advised. Graham was a terrific author, this no doubt also contributed to his popularity in 20th century America. Two of his most famous books were, Peace With God and How To Be Born Again. He was a prophet to Americans from all walks of life, from every corner of the country.
It is fair to say that nowadays the worldwide view on born again Christians is not as popular as in Billy Graham's time, but why is this? Does the world need another Billy Graham type character? Life has developed more in this new age media planet and perhaps preaching is lost on too many people in a much more liberal environment. On the other hand, born again Christianity is viewed as an illness more so than a morally healthy way of life due to the negative reporting on such matters by the media, at present.
In the second half of the 20th century, Billy Graham had achieved such a highly regarded status due to the influence he had on Americans nationwide. Ordinary Americans could relate to him, he was the voice to millions of Americans who made up a quiet, staunchly Christian country. Americans followed Graham because they felt it was the right thing to do. As Graham gained more momentum in preaching the word of God his popularity continuously rose. It could be argued Graham took advantage of many vulnerable Americans at a time of economic hardship and promised them a stairway to heaven if they chose to live a way of life preached by the Evangelist, Billy Graham.
He received many honours in his career, the pinnacle being the Congressional Gold Medal he was honoured with in 1966 for his preaching, an award which is the most prestigious in all of America. His wife Ruth was also presented with this for their outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial equality, family, charity and religion. By now, Graham was world renowned and could not achieve any more popularity in America such was the success of his career.
Simply, Graham represented a strong religious tradition of America and subsequently he was fuelled by the following he amassed at home and further afield in many countries across the globe. World views at the time may have worked in favour of Graham as a platform to voice any negative opinions towards Graham was never obtainable, because doing so was almost seen as a heinous crime. Would Billy Graham flourish to the same extent as in the 20th century in a modern society be it in America or any other part of the world? I think it's safe to say it would be extremely difficult. That said, there is no questioning the popularity of this man, particularly in the second half of the 20th century, thus making an everlasting and profound impression on modern American culture in its entirety.
S.DAWSON 19/01/2012
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