Evangelist Franklin Graham, the son of renowned pastor Billy Graham, has been a longstanding defender of traditional Christian beliefs and values, and he doubled down in a recent interview, calling out major church denominations that have caved to left-wing, progressive beliefs about issues such as the sanctity of life and marriage.
For background, on June 25, 2025, Franklin Graham spoke to Premier Christianity’s Emma Fowle about his views on progressive churches in America, saying that such congregations have “damaged themselves” by turning away from traditional Christian teachings on major cultural issues. In addition, Graham explained the heart behind his firm stance on these key issues.
During the interview, Fowle asked Graham if he believed that denominations that have not been “clear on where they stand” on key Biblical issues have “damaged their own mission.” In response, Graham said, “I think churches that have compromised on God’s word have damaged themselves, no question.” He added, “And we’ve seen a generation leaving them because they offer nothing. The churches that are growing are holding to the word of God.”
In addition, Graham said that in America, “some mainline denominations have compromised on sexuality.” He continued, “Some have turned to a social agenda. People don’t want to hear a social message when they come to church.” Moreover, Graham said that young people “want to know what God thinks,” going on to add, “There’s a generation out there hungry to know what God is saying.”
Building on his point, Graham took issue with progressive churches that try to “help the gospel” by intermingling it with a woke agenda. He told Fowle, “The gospel does work. We just have to believe it and proclaim it. We don’t need to help the gospel. Don’t change it.” Graham continued, “Don’t leave something out because you’re afraid you’re going to offend people. The gospel is offensive. But God uses that to unlock people’s hearts.”
Continuing, Graham pointed to the dire nature of the choice to accept and receive the gospel, saying, “The decision they make is between heaven and hell. It’s a very serious business.” He added, “A person can go to jail and have hope that one day, they might get out – even a murderer. There’s no second chance in hell. It’s sealed for eternity, and that’s a frightening thought.”
However, the evangelist then gave a reminder of the good news of Jesus, clarifying, “It’s by faith – simply believing that Jesus Christ is God’s Son, that he died and shed his blood on a cross for our sins, that he was buried, that God raised him to life on the third day.” He added, “By believing that and coming to God in repentance, turning from our sins, God will forgive us and give us eternal life. That’s a good deal.”
Additionally, Graham shared a message of encouragement to Christians who may feel nervous about sharing the gospel with others, saying, “Why would we be terrified to share the gospel? What does the word ‘gospel’ mean? It means ‘good news.’ It’s good news that God loves us.” He continued, “I mean, that’s a good deal. Why would we be afraid to share that?”
Featured image credit: Franklin Graham via X