Not a "chip off the old block"

Franklin Graham may have inherited his father's name and his role as famous preacher; but, to paraphrase Lloyd Benson's most famous line:

"Sir, I knew Billy Graham. I served with Billy Graham. Billy Graham was a friend of mine. And frankly, Franklin, you're no Billy Graham.

No, I do not personally know Billy Graham and never particularly liked him; and certainly did not agree with his theology.

But the whole nation knew Billy Graham, probably the most respected religious leader of his generation. Friend and adviser to many presidents, frequent guest in the White House, and beloved evangelical crusader to millions.

What Billy Graham never was, from my outsider perspective, was an aggressive denouncer of other religions. Which his son Franklin has become.

Dis-invited to participate in the National Day of Prayer service at the Pentagon because of his prior derogatory comments about Islam as "an evil and wicked religion," he has now gone on the offensive in defending himself.

He is now accusing the White House, if not Obama himself, of "giving Islam a pass." Apparently what he means is that Islam is being included along with other religions in ecumenical observations of non-sectarian faith. It seems that the Rev. Franklin Graham believes that, instead, our government should put Christianity above all other religions -- or perhaps even exclude those that he finds offensive.

How is that different from violating the non-establishment clause in the U.S. Constitution?

Franklin Graham is entitled to his beliefs. He is not entitled to have a government that privileges those same beliefs.

Ralph