Billy Graham still believes Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven, contrary to the impression left by a PBS “Frontline” special. The question was sparked when Frontline’s April 29 show on President Bush’s evangelical faith recounted a disagreement between Bush and his mother, Barbara, regarding faith in Jesus.
According to a statement released by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association April 30, Graham’s and George W. Bush’s beliefs are “consistent … that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, ‘for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved’ (Acts 4:12).”
The issue apparently involves two different accounts by a reporter with the former Houston Post, who, according to Frontline, interviewed Bush in 1994 on the day he announced his plans to run for governor of Texas.
The reporter, Ken Herman, told Frontline of Bush relaying a family anecdote. “Him [Bush] and his mother were having a difference of opinion about whether you have to accept Christ to go to heaven,” Herman said. “Perfectly legitimate thing for a family to discuss. His mother’s belief was, as Bush told me, sort of ‘maybe you don’t but more importantly maybe you shouldn’t worry about it.’”
Calling on Graham
Bush and his mother placed a call to Graham to help settle the issue.
Herman said, “Rev. Graham sided with his mother, saying, ‘Just don’t worry about it; live your life the way you’re supposed to, love everybody and move on.’ Bush, however, said that despite what Billy Graham said, he held a personal belief that you have to accept Christ to get to heaven.”
Graham’s evangelistic association, on April 30, produced a copy of an article by Herman dated Oct. 10, 1994, which stated:
“One doctrine of which Bush is certain is that heaven is open only to those who accept Jesus Christ.
“He recalled discussing the topic with his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, who disagreed and called the Rev. Billy Graham, a family friend.
“Billy said, ‘Look, I happen to agree with what George says about the interpretation of the New Testament, but I want to remind both of you to never play God,’ said Bush.
“Bush retains his belief that non-Christians cannot go the heaven, but it is merely a ‘personal opinion.’
“‘It is one thing to have your personal opinion and to believe it and to act accordingly,’ he said. ‘It’s another thing to condemn your fellow man. … The message I got (from Graham) was listen to the New Testament, but don’t be harshly judgmental.’”
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in a 10-paragraph statement April 30, said in part:
“The Bible teaches, and for more than six decades Mr. Graham has faithfully preached in crusades around the world under the banner verse of John 14:6: Jesus said, ‘I am the Way the Truth and the Life; no man comes to the Father except through Me.’’’ (BP)
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