On January 29, 2025, Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush appeared on C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal,” where he voiced his concerns about evangelist Franklin Graham.
According to Raushenbush, Graham’s treatment of the LGBT community lacks true love and support.
He drew a stark contrast between Franklin and his late father, the esteemed Rev. Billy Graham, suggesting that Franklin does not carry forward his father’s compassionate principles.
Criticism of Franklin Graham
During the conversation, Raushenbush took issue with Franklin Graham’s criticism toward Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, who had publicly confronted President Donald Trump.
He contended that Graham was using his significant platform for self-serving purposes.
Raushenbush defended Bishop Budde’s right to express her views from her pulpit, emphasizing that her message was a vital part of the gospel.
He went on to argue that Franklin Graham’s attitude towards the LGBTQ community is devoid of love, which strays from the legacy established by his father.
Concerns for Marginalized Communities
While Raushenbush’s remarks brought his concerns to light, it’s crucial to recognize that Franklin Graham’s views on homosexuality largely align with those of his late father, who consistently deemed homosexuality sinful.
Raushenbush also raised alarms about the safety of transgender individuals, particularly during Trump’s presidency.
He criticized the administration for its policies that seem to dictate parental expressions of love toward their children, which he regarded as an alarming encroachment on personal freedoms.
A Call for Inclusive Religious Freedom
Furthermore, Raushenbush challenged the conservative interpretation of “religious freedom,” calling for a more inclusive understanding that honors the rights of everyone, irrespective of their beliefs.
By sharing his own experience as a gay man, he positioned himself as a member of a marginalized community affected by the Trump administration.
His insights highlighted a troubling reality: religion is often manipulated as a means of oppression and discrimination in today’s political climate.
Source: Christianpost
