c. 1999 Religion News Service

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. _ For some, perhaps it seemed like Daniel entering the lions’ den when Billy Graham, the icon of American evangelicalism, came to Harvard, the quintessential symbol of religious liberalism.

But Graham, before a packed house of more than 300 at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, easily won over an appreciative audience with his traditional evangelical message _ that God will be as relevant as ever in the 21st century _ salted with quotations from philosophers and scientists.”Technology is not able to solve all of our problems,”the legendary evangelist told the audience Monday (Sept. 27) night. But, he warned, without moral reform,”the 21st century will become the bloodiest in history.” Graham, who turns 81 next month, also spoke poignantly of his friendship with John F. Kennedy Jr., son of the school’s namesake, who died in a July plane crash along with his wife and her sister. Graham said Kennedy wanted to spend time talking with him at the evangelist’s North Carolina home, but busy schedules delayed the meeting.”He said, `I really want to talk to you,'”Graham recalled.”We never got to do it, and that’s been one of the greatest regrets of my life, because I loved that young man.” Graham, who has battled Parkinson’s disease and other health problems in recent years, looked energetic and cheerful as he delivered a half-hour speech standing upright at the podium and then sat to field students’ questions.

Graham opened several sentences with his trademark phrase,”The Bible says …”But he was evidently mindful of the Harvard crowd as he drew on other sources as well. He cited non-believing philosopher Bertrand Russell, novelist Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, rocket pioneer Wernher von Braun, physicist Albert Einstein and mathematician Blaise Pascal, all to demonstrate that technological advances have failed to solve the fundamental human problems of evil, suffering and death.”Our problem is we are separated from God and we need to have our souls restored, something only God can do,”he said.

Several of the students asked Graham for advice on balancing their Christian faith with a career in government.”People are looking for someone who lives in integrity,”Graham said.”It’s the way you live and how people perceive you as being different.” Graham, who generally avoids public political stands and who has counseled and befriended Republican and Democratic presidents alike, readily acknowledged the criticism he’s taken from conservatives active in organizations like the Christian Coalition.”I believe a great deal of the same theology, but I certainly don’t agree with them much politically and socially,”he said.”Many of them have nothing to do with me when I visit their city”for evangelistic crusades.

While maintaining his stance that the way to God is through Jesus Christ, Graham expressed tolerance for other religions. He lauded the Buddhist Dalai Lama for his peace efforts and emphasized the similarities between the Christian and Islamic scriptures.

While on that topic, Graham said the Iraqi government has just invited him to visit, but he said his health problems would likely prevent him from accepting. Graham served as spiritual counselor to President George Bush when the United States went to war against Iraq in 1991.

Several in the Harvard audience said they were impressed with Graham’s appearance.”People talk about what are the best programs and what are the best policies, but the core is faith,”said Kamal Latham, a Kennedy School student.”He’s talking about what is at the core.” Mike Oh, a Harvard graduate and a consultant, said Graham”surprised me at how centrist and diplomatic he was. At the same time, he conveys a lot of conviction and passion for what he believes.” Graham last spoke at Harvard in 1982. He was forced to cancel a scheduled appearance last year due to illness, and he said this year’s trip had been questionable as well because his wife, Ruth, has been hospitalized for several weeks.

Graham also preached Sunday at Harvard’s Memorial Church to a standing-room-only crowd.

Jason Mann Jr. was one of six Harvard undergraduates who camped out all Saturday night to make sure they got in.”It was a once-in-a-lifetime chance,”Mann said.”We live in a dark world, and he’s been a light.”

DEA END SMITH