Billy Graham, despite his widespread respect and influence, was not without critiques and controversies throughout his ministry. Some of the main points of criticism and notable controversies include:
- Civil Rights Movement: In the early stages of the Civil Rights Movement, Graham’s stance was seen by some as too moderate. While he did advocate for the integration of his crusades and spoke against segregation, some activists felt he did not go far enough in supporting the cause. His caution about the methods of civil disobedience and his emphasis on changing hearts rather than legislative action were points of contention.
- Nixon and Watergate: Graham’s close relationship with President Richard Nixon became a source of controversy, especially during the Watergate scandal. Tapes released from the Nixon White House included disparaging remarks about Jews, with Graham present during the conversation. Graham apologized for his comments and felt deep remorse over the incident, stating that he did not recall the conversation but would deeply regret such comments.
- Views on Women: Some critics took issue with Graham’s traditional views on gender roles, particularly regarding women’s roles in the home and church. He believed in a complementary role of men and women, which some saw as outdated or patriarchal.
- Theological Rigidity: Some within the broader Christian community critiqued Graham’s evangelical theology, finding it too narrow or exclusive, especially concerning salvation through Christ alone.
- Interfaith Relations: While Graham was somewhat open to interfaith dialogue, his affirmations of the exclusivity of the Christian path to salvation were sometimes seen as problematic or offensive by those outside the Christian faith.
- Ecumenism: Ironically, while some critiqued Graham for being too rigid, others within more conservative evangelical circles criticized him for being too ecumenical. His willingness to work with Roman Catholics, Mainline Protestants, and other denominations during his crusades was seen by some as compromising the purity of the Gospel.
- Evangelistic Methods: Some critics, especially in the earlier days, were skeptical of the “altar call” method employed in Graham’s crusades, questioning the depth and longevity of the conversions.
- Political Involvement: Graham’s involvement in politics, especially his relationships with U.S. Presidents, drew criticism from both sides. Some felt he was too involved and that it compromised his religious message, while others felt he did not go far enough in addressing specific policy issues from a Christian perspective.
- Financial Transparency: In the early years, there were questions about financial accountability in Graham’s ministry. However, in response, Graham took steps to ensure transparency, including the establishment of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) with a board of directors. He also implemented strict salary caps for himself and avoided any appearance of financial impropriety.
Despite these critiques and controversies, many people across the world admired Graham for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to preaching the Gospel. He often admitted his mistakes publicly and tried to learn and grow from them.