I know this is religous but

[Gymrat]

Billy Graham preached for 60 years without a single blemish to his character. He is obviously a sincere man who truly believes and lives what he preaches. He was loved by both partisans of government, as well as by multiple denominations, as you will see if you look at this video. He gave what his family calls his final sermon on his 95th birthday. I hope I am not overstepping bounds by posting this here. But Billy Graham is one of the most significant figures in my lifetime. Whether you agree with his message or not you have to admit that he has made a bigger contribution to society than any other human being has in the past 60 years.

Embedding youtubes is really complicated here so you will need to click on the links to view them.

The first link shows the cross section of people who's respect this man has earned the second is the video he shared for his birthday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xINxdXR ... detailpage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bba2Dqa ... detailpage

[FedoraDave]

A man of sincerity and integrity. Thanks for posting this, Roger.

[RickBeer]

Not so nice a story in the Wall Street Journal yesterday, talking about the Billy Graham Foundation and their attempts to continue the legacy but it's not working that well. Can't post a link, it's "locked".

[Gymrat]

Not so nice a story in the Wall Street Journal yesterday, talking about the Billy Graham Foundation and their attempts to continue the legacy but it's not working that well. Can't post a link, it's "locked".

That is too bad. But the truth is the entire success of the ministry came from God's blessing on a righteous and obedient man. And regardless of where the foundation goes, Mr Graham will forever remain, in my mind, a great man who remained faithful to his calling.

[Beer-lord]

Likely the only 'TV Preacher' that's been real.
I've got no problem with this thread being religious since I think I try hard....go to mass every week. I'm may not be good, but I believe my Catholic upbringing has helped make me what I am (at least the good parts).
In my opinion, when they took religion out of schools, this country's moral character went to all time lows. I believe in God and that helps to keep me grounded.
If more people were like the Grahams, I think this whole world might be a better place to live. Just my 3.4 cents.

[RickBeer]

I'm not going to agree on mixing religion and school, but I think Billy Graham is one of the few genuine great people this country has produced.

[Beer-lord]

I really didn't say that right. What I should have said was, when they took prayer out of school. I know praying is still basically religious but they don't even allow 3 or 4 students to say a prayer of thanks for lunch. How can a prayer really bother anyone?
But, I'm not for forcing religion in schools.

[jimjohson]

anybody who thinks there is no prayer in school. has obviously forgot walking in and finding out your having a pop quiz.

[John Sand]

I admire Graham. And I think that current efforts to ban any expression of faith from public life are unwise. I especially think that rejecting wisdom because it delivered in religious writings is folly.

[jimjohson]

i agree john but our part of the world seems bent on folly. i make light of it, but that's because i don't really know what else to do. a good sense of humor has got me thru so much i can only hope.

[mtsoxfan]

I do think that we started going downhill once religion was removed from our daily lives. I think that religion was just the delivery vehicle of morales, character, and a way of life. It could be the delivery from any denomination, not the message of beliefs. My parents are very active Catholics, brought me up the same way, church etc. but I don't agree with all the views and methods. What I do believe in are morals, family values and the like, and it seems that we don't have an adequate delivery system for that now. Most kids, and adults for that matter, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, can't tell you what it means when they say "under God", but I think it is important and powerful way to reinforce the values that come with saying it. Agree with me or not, and that's the beauty, I don't think religion should be taught in school, but it's worth reinforced. Does that make sence?

As a teacher, I, as well as many other teachers try to instill those values in students, showing their importance, but it's tough when it is stripped away at home and in neighborhood. (This is all done non religiously...)