Franklin Graham: End All Muslim Immigration to America

The Rev. Franklin Graham on Friday called for the banning of all Muslims from entering the United States following the shootings in Chattanooga that left four Marines and a Navy sailor dead.

Noting that the shooter, 24-year-old Muhammad Youssuf Abdulazeez, immigrated with his family from Kuwait, Graham wrote on his Facebook page: "We are under attack by Muslims at home and abroad. We should stop all immigration of Muslims to the U.S. until this threat with Islam has been settled."

Every Muslim that comes into the United States has the potential to be radicalized, Graham said, adding, "they do their killing to honor their religion and Muhammad."

He pointed out that during World War II, the United States didn't allow Japanese or German immigration.

"Why are we allowing Muslims now?" he asked. "Let your Congressman know that we've got to put a stop to this and close the flood gates. Pray for the men and women who serve this nation in uniform, that God would protect them."

Some have noted that Graham's tone is far different than that of his father, the Rev. Billy Graham, now in his 90s.

Franklin Graham had been known more for his humanitarian efforts as he headed up the group Samaritan's Purse, but that seemed to take a turn during the presidency of Republican George W. Bush, notes Religion News Service columnist Jonathan Merritt in a piece in The Atlantic.

Franklin Graham has called Islam a "very wicked and evil religion," which caused the Pentagon to rescind an invitation for him to speak during the National Day of Prayer, Merritt notes.

Graham was criticized by some Christians after his Facebook post, but others stood with him.

"This post is so disappointing. Is that what Christ would do? Shut people out because of fear?" one commentator wrote. "He has already defeated the grave. And we are called to share the love of Christ with these people. You have a big platform here Mr. Graham, perhaps you should use it to tell the truth in grace and love."

But other commentators said, "Amen," and, "Agree 100%!"

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