(Photo: BGEA)
In a recent episode of “Piers Morgan Uncensored,” Franklin Graham, Evangelist and CEO of Samaritan’s Purse, engaged in a theological discourse, countering Pope Leo XIV’s assertion that God disregards the prayers of those engaged in warfare. Graham referenced biblical history, specifically King David’s prayers for divine aid in battles, to challenge the pontiff’s views.
The discussion was sparked by Pope Leo’s Palm Sunday homily, where he stated, “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them,” quoting Isaiah 1:15. In contrast, Graham highlighted David’s prayers for guidance in combat, asserting that God historically took sides in conflicts, granting David wisdom and favor.
Graham acknowledged the existence of just wars, citing World War II as an example, and criticized the Iranian regime as a global threat. He attributed approximately 70,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, along with casualties in Lebanon and Yemen, to Iranian actions. “I want peace, I don’t want war,” Graham stated, emphasizing his belief in justified conflict against evil, and expressed hope for a regime change in Iran.
When pressed by Morgan about the pope’s stance, Graham noted his different religious perspective, underscoring that God did not reject King David’s wartime prayers. “I think that Pope Leo, maybe he’s putting that in a modern context,” Graham remarked, suggesting that the biblical context showed divine support for David.
The conversation also touched on Christian Zionism, with Graham clarifying that the notion of Jesus Christ’s return hinging on Jewish regathering is not biblical, though he views Israel’s 1948 establishment as prophetic. He distinguished between Israel’s secular government and biblical prophecy, expressing hope for future Christian acceptance in Israel.
Avraham Burg, a former interim president of Israel, also appeared on the show, critiquing Graham’s interpretation of King David. Burg highlighted that David was not permitted to build the temple due to his bloodshed, referencing 1 Chronicles 22:8. “Bloody warriors are not entitled to build the house of God,” Burg stated, urging a separation of eschatology from political affairs.
Burg, a critic of political Zionism and Netanyahu, expressed sympathy for the pope’s message, likening it to the biblical prophet Nathan’s rebuke of David. He appealed to Christians to keep religious aspirations distinct from geopolitical scenarios.
Graham’s views on the Iranian regime also surfaced during an Easter lunch prayer at the White House, where he drew parallels between President Trump and the biblical Esther. He prayed for victory against what he described as Iran’s genocidal intentions, asking for divine protection of U.S. military forces.
These remarks came before President Trump’s national address on the ongoing conflict, which has raised concerns about the influence of religious beliefs, particularly eschatology, in the war efforts. Last month, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced backlash for citing imprecatory psalms in a Pentagon prayer, invoking divine wrath against U.S. adversaries.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
