OPINION | Barry Richard: Rev. Graham Leaves Big Void

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At a time when America and the world struggle to find a moral compass one of the most beloved and respected religious figures in modern history has left us.

The Rev. Billy Graham, prominent Christian evangelist and spiritual adviser to several U.S. Presidents preached to nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories, with "hundreds of millions more" viewing him on television, video, film and webcast, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.

Born William Franklin Graham on Nov. 7, 1918, on a dairy farm in Charlotte, N.C., he passed away yesterday of natural causes according to family members. He was 99 years old.

Reverand Graham was a 1943 graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois. It's where he met his wife of 64 years Ruth McCue Bell.

Reverand Graham's passing reminds us of the spiritual void that exists in so much of our society today. Fewer young people worship and in fact, anti-Christian rhetoric fills the social media pages of so many young adults.

Christians are persecuted worldwide with hardly a whimper from the press. News organizations such as ABC's "The View" denigrate Vice President Pence for his deeply held religious views referring to his beliefs as "mental illness."

Technology is the new spirituality. We are consumed by multi-media and cultural distractions. We fund the wholesale slaughter of unborn babies through Planned Parenthood. Sexual choice or the lack of gender identity has made us masters of our own universe. We worship at the altar of our own egos. If it feels good, do it.

Rev. Graham experienced more of life than most. He remained humble. Though he traveled the world to spread the word his message and his mission were simple:

"My one purpose in life is to help people find a personal relationship with God, which, I believe, comes through knowing Christ."

The passing of Rev. Graham is a chance for us to reflect on our own paths. Religious or not adhering to simple values and being the best we can be is, after all, a pretty good way to live, no?

Editor's Note: Barry Richard is the afternoon host on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from Noon-3 p.m. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

Source info: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; Fox News; AP;