Rev. Franklin Graham will appear on an upcoming episode of “Axios on HBO” this Sunday May 16, 2021 urging Christians to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The notable son of the late Billy Graham hasn’t allowed the recent backlash from his evangelical supporters regarding his vaccine encouragement to detour him from continuing to speak out in favor of people getting it.
Axios’ journalist Mike Allen said, “Rev. Graham, nothing’s more important to you than saving souls.” In which Graham replied without hesitation, “Yeah,” then explained “I want people to know that God loves them. He will forgive you and God will accept you into his presence.”
“I want people to know that COVID-19 can kill you, but we have a vaccine out there that could possibly save your life,” he said. “And if you wait, it can be too late.”
The 68-year-old Samaritan’s Purse CEO and president received the COVID-19 vaccine along with his wife. He said, “I want to get as many more miles out of these old bones as possible!” Reiterating to his followers, “Vaccines have worked for polio, smallpox, measles, the flu and so many other deadly illnesses — why not for this virus?”
The Axios episode comes on the heels of a week were the CDC released new guidelines for those who have been fully vaccinated. The guidelines state that people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting except where required by law. President Joe Biden tweeted Thursday “The rule is now simple: get vaccinated or wear a mask until you do. The choice is yours.”
Graham’s Previous Stand Garnered Backlash
Sunday’s Axios interview won’t be the first time Graham has spoken in favor of the COVID-19 vaccines. In March 2021, he was interviewed by ABC’s Terry Moran and Graham said he believes “it is consistent with Scripture that we protect our lives and do whatever we can to save life. So I don’t have any problem with telling a person to take an aspirin or telling a person to have a vaccine.”
Graham took heat over a statement he made where he said, “I think if there were vaccines available in the time of Christ, Jesus would have made reference to them and used them.” Graham later clarified his bold statement, “Did Jesus need a vaccine Himself? Of course not. He is God.”
What Graham’s Critics Said
“STOP. It is NOT your job as a pastor to try and talk people into taking a vaccine that is considered experimental.”
You are a sad representation of leadership in Christian faith. Nothing like your dad.
Have lost considerable respect for the younger Graham.
God can heal us. No need for a vaccine, especially this shot. God warned me not to take this shot, so I never will. We all have a direct connection with God. I hope you all know that. Stay healthy and may you all be blessed.
Franklin your understanding of who JESUS is lacks credibility with me! JESUS is the Healer and does not need some satanic man/made vaccine!
Mr. Graham…YOU ARE WRONG! God gave each of us an immune system. I am not taking an experimental vaccine!
There is tremendous social pressure to get the vaccine – even in church. I survived the virus in December. I never intended to get the vaccine before I got sick and I still do not want the vaccine.