Charles Queen, Billy Graham, and the Word of God

It seems that our good pastor friend, Dr. Charles Queen from Immanuel Baptist Church, has posted yet another article attacking historic, Biblical Christianity. This time he goes after the Authority and Inerrancy of Scripture (article here). It's just another confirmation about just how far out he really is (read one of his previous articles here).

I was not surprised that Dr. Queen decided to use a quote from Dr. Billy Graham. I was already familiar with the quote but I have always given Graham the benefit of the doubt due to his long history of being faithful to the Biblical Gospel in both his writings and teachings. However, I have been rather disappointed in Graham in some of his "less than direct" statements that he sometimes makes in interviews. I firmly believe that Graham is sincerely orthodox in his views on God, man, and the judgement of sin, but sometimes he forsakes the clarity of truth just for the sake of a "broader tent."

In fact, it's no secret, that Graham has actually been highly controversial in his ministry in regards to issues like Inerrancy, Ecumenicalism, and Politics. There is no short supply of criticisms of his ministry from numerous Christians. Some are fair, while others are not. One of the fairest (and I believe accurate) criticisms was brought to us by Iain Murray, originally delivered at Grace Community Church (now available for purchase through Banner of Truth). It is both gracious and loving towards Graham, while at the same time, very forthright in it's criticisms of Graham's sometimes unfortunate comments and positions. I believe that it is a must read for those who have been confused by some of Graham's more controversial areas of ministry (see review of another relevant book by Murray here).

It's a shame that a liberal like Dr. Queen would find theological comfort in someone like Graham. That is unfortunate. But it does give us even more reason to hold fast to the truth of God's word and not upon the foolish and fallen thinking of man. Even someone like Graham can be fallible--that's a good lesson for all of us!