Evangelist Billy Graham has been admitted to a North Carolina hospital for evaluation and treatment of possible pneumonia. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
Evangelist Billy Graham has been admitted to a North Carolina hospital for evaluation and treatment of possible pneumonia. The 93-year-old preacher was last hospitalized in May for five days with pneumonia.
Graham served as an adviser to presidents and toured the world for his famous crusades. He now spends much of his time at home near Asheville and occasionally meets with Christian leaders and old friends.
Here is the statement from the evangelist's organization:
Asheville, NC, November 30, 2011 -- Evangelist Billy Graham has been hospitalized at Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., near his home in Montreat, for evaluation and treatment of his lungs. Upon admittance, he was alert, smiling and waving at hospital staff.
Mr. Graham's personal physician, Lucian Rice, MD, said that Mr. Graham's condition is stable. The pulmonologist treating Mr. Graham, Mark Hellreich, M.D., said that Mr. Graham is being tested for possible pneumonia.
Mr. Graham was previously hospitalized for successful treatment of pneumonia in May, 2011. He resumed his ongoing program of physical therapy and normal activity shortly after release, according to his staff. This included finalizing his most recent book, "Nearing Home," published last month, and beginning work on a new project reaffirming the evangelistic message he has preached for more than 60 years.
While no date has been set for discharge, Mr. Graham is looking forward to returning home to spend the upcoming Christmas holidays with his family.

Gregory Bull / AP file
The Rev. Billy Graham speaks on stage at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York on June 25, 2005.


Get well Billy.
This is one situation where medical malpractice would do far more good than bad.
A quick death is too good for this disgusting tyrant.
May there be a divine boomerang in your future.
Your reasoning behind this hideous accusation ? What has he done so bad that you see him the way you do ? Im eager to hear this
selfmade's comment was beyond the pale. But the more disturbing thing is that it got two thumbs-up.
Billy Graham is one of the few that practiced what he preached. God Bless him and his family. His place in heaven is secure.
Selfmades comment is right-on--These pukes with their coarse familiarity with holy things have probably caused more misery for personal gain than the Mafia...and spread more ignorance and intolerance than any Medici Pope
Practiced what he preached my a**! Most of my family is involved in religion, I grew up around it, and this guy is a fraud- one of the fingers of the AntiChrist! He did everything in his power during the second half of his "career" to bring about one world religion, the same thing he preached against for the first half of his "career".
F*cking pope-lover! Die and go to the hell you always said is waiting for the sinners... full of sh*t hypocrite, just like 99.9% of 'em...
Falwell's already got a marshmallow stick picked out for you...
This man is a social scourge. He's done more to divide and damage our country than any terrorist could do, spreading the mental disease that is religion.
Good riddance when he's finally gone!
If he is such a great man, why has he spread so much hatred? He also fathered one of the most vile, hate filled men in this country who expects to walk in the same steps! Why does this old goat think he has the right to counsel any president of a secular nation? We don't need any more of these religious types spreading their brand of "me first" christianity. He lives very very very rich on his mountain top retreat, must think he is Moses! He has no right to speak for a supreme being nor do any of these hypocrites....
Mark he is raciest but many are that aren't religious, religion has nothing to do with it other than many use as a crutch,if you listen well God never stops loving.
selfmade13: You are nothing but sewer sludge. Unlike the members of our government, Mr. Graham has done or said nothing that affects your daily life and wants nothing but the best for you. What's even more disturbing is the fact at least 10 people voted you up. You smug secular scum are a scourge to mankind, and I wish only the worst for you that life has to offer. In the words of Jimmy Dickens, May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose!!
imnotlost--
So wishing the worst to those who disagree with you is what your religion and Mr. Cracker taught you ? Take your hatred and your ignorance down the abyss with with your clownish hero.
Good riddance to any of the haters on this thread when they're finally gone!! I bet we can find a few of them on other threads complaining about the hate and intolerance of all they disagree with !!
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to the Rev. Graham!!
No matter how good a person is, there are always a bunch of idiotic losers that say something negative. Probably because their lives suck so badly, they can't find any good in anyone else. How sad and pathetic. I am so glad I am no one of them. Get well Billy.
I have to admit, I do not understand the circular logic of
the evangelical crowd. The god gave the
rev pneumonia, so that he/she can cure
him.
The god broke his
hip so that he/she could cure him, now he/she gives him pneumonia a second
time.
You would think
that after a whole life peddling illusions to the nincompoops, he would be
rewarded with a vibrant old age.
Instead he is a
feeble sickly old man always breaking his ass and still peddling his special
brand of delusions to those who want something for nothing and are seeking
someone to take care of them.
Many years ago, he
was discovered palming the contents of his collection plates. His god did not seem to mind that he was
corrupt. He never does. It is amazing how his messengers can rob
everyone blind and molests lots of children without any fear of retribution
from above.
Of course, the
evangelical crowd has an answer. They
always do. His current difficulties are
what god wants.
joel r: My purpose is served, I got my point across. Of course I wish no harm to anyone, but I have a very low tolerance for secular people who think they are free to make smugness a way of life. Unlike the Rev. Graham, I lack the discipline to refrain from lashing out sometimes at this "freedom" of speech, including political comments.
Have a good evening and may God be with you.
Is anyone actually dumb enough to believe your lies?? Oh, all I have to do is read some of these other comments of hate and stupidity to realize that, sadly, you are certainly not alone. A mighty army - unfortunately for you, you fight on the wrong side and will likely realize that too late. If you disagree with what the man preaches, then so be it. If you ever listened to him, you would know he has always said it is your choice to accept it or not. Hopefully you will never find yourself in a situation to have such hate heaped upon your head if you have done nothing to deserve it - or even if you have.
It is just so easy to hate, isn't it? And so very hard to believe ANYONE is good!
DoYourHomeworkAmerica: Now that's a real Christian attitude if there ever was one! Isn't this like the pot calling the kettle black?
I've never heard one bad thing about Reverend Graham. "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones".
Of course I wish him well... But I, for one, am waiting for him to grace his god's doorstep.
Yes, I know... his god and my God are supposed to be the same. But follows of God who share the same concept as I do, don't preach hate and blasphemy like Billy does. With so much a difference, Billy's god MUST be a different entity.
That's right, it's Billy Graham. When I saw "Bill Graham Hospitalized" in the headline, I thought, "Who is Bill Graham?"
"You smug secular scum are a scourge to mankind, and I wish only the worst for you that life has to offer."
It is truly amazing to me how many times and how easy it is to find statements like this from people who claim to be Christian or religious or whatever the hell you want to call yourselves. Clearly, Jesus or whomever else you wish to worship did not share these same views as you seem to have. If they did, why in hell would you worship someone like that?
See if this holy-moley character leaves to the poor masses any of the wealth he bilked from the boobs who now so revere him--
Mind the death trolling, folks.
phillyfan: See my comment please at 1.16. My tolerance of secular creeps and haters of all things conservative has about ran out. It's still almost a year till election time and it will only get worse. I pledge to NOT stand by and let them get away with it.
kaara-
how is it the pot calling the kettle black? I criticized his desire for a one-world religion, and I am against a one-world religion (hell, I'm against all organized religion for that matter).
there's absolutely nothing hypocritical about my statement. I think you used a saying incorrectly, because what you said makes no sense, same with the glass houses bit. How am I living in a glass house? What are you talking about?
He's a finger of the AntiChrist!
My goodness. I cannot believe all the furor over just this single man. Has his words been offensive? Perhaps he would see that as a sign of conviction in your heart? Face it people. Billy Graham is only A MAN! He has proven himself to be succcessful! He has lived the American dream of performing a job and finding that it provided for him and his family. What is best about his particular job is that he presented each and every person with a very SIMPLE choice. Either believe in what he had to say or NOT believe in what he had to say. There has never been any compulsion or arm twisting on his part, though he has included a warning of eternal damnation for those who chose not to believe. This is what he has been taught (or indoctrinated) to believe in himself. No one can condemn him for feeling so strongly that all men should be able to spend their eternity in a place called Heaven. It shows his concern for us all. And this is why I admire him.
Yet he has prospered because of the simple fact that his message has touched the hearts of many and so many have given freely as they desired to help Billy Graham's ministry. Is not this giving an act of sharing in showing the same deep concern that Mr. Graham has showed the world through his ministry? Indeed, the man is just a man but he has showed us all that commitment to his values and his faith may provide both an impetus to reach out in caring for mankind and a relatedness in which his giving is returned as offerings of love and enjoined commitment to his ministry.
This world needs many more such as his character, irregardless of their particular religious affliiation.
God be with you Mr Graham. I wish more people would have the faith as you do. As you see on some comments made, we have lots of stupid, faithless people in this world and we all need your help and prayers. You have great values and a strong Faith which some people don't understand or REFUSE to undersand. We have these rights to voice our opinions and as you did with your ministry. We could you now more thanever. God Speed! thankyou
Well said Jerry
The trouble is with secularists is that they don't like being told they're wrong. Anytime someone disagrees with them, then it is taken as a "hate" message towards their lifestyle. The reason for that is that their idea of God is all wrong. See, they think God is loving almost to a point, where it doesn't matter what you do, God will forgive you even if you don't ask for it. How foolish is that! Even in dealing with people, forgiveness isn't given unless you are humbled and then ask the person. So you see, their interpretation allows them to live however they want as if God is supposed reconcile himself to them instead of the other way around. In a sense, they want to make themselves God and have all the laws revolve around the way they think. Funny isn't it?
May the Good Lord be with Billy Graham. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
All you haters should be ashamed of yourselves throwing stones. Has your life been so perfect that you can throw stones at someone else's life?
This guy is a scourge, just like the religion he uses to milk the faithful for all the $$$$ they have.
Unhappy-1583758
Oh the irony of a believer in make-believe sky wizards and cave-man era supersition lecturing secularists on accepting that they are wrong!!! LOL, that is so preposterous it is comical.
just die.
btw, Gary (#1.5) you're right, Billy Graham did practice what he preached. He preached hatred and division and he practiced hatred and division.
Happy Holidays.
Get well soon Billy Graham!
I don't want good old Billy to die. On the contrary, I want him to live a long, long life so he can be exposed for the snake oil charlatan that he is. Unlike many Christians in the mainstream Republican Party that want abortion doctors, muslims, and criminals to be killed - I wish death upon no one.
Overlord: The irony of an atheist is that eventually they all are afraid to die. Even after millions of years of so called "evolution" you find that they all return to dust and their " logic" would have been forgotten. Until that day, I am reminded by this:
Unhappy-158yadda, so you are one of those who believe in something you cannot sense, yet you believe in it, I find it most distasteful that someone stills believes in the hooey that was written in the Bronze Age by MAN that is called a bible lives in this century,, it is called social control, you are buying BUY BULL,,, The FLATLANDERS like you and your ilk will hopefully just implode in your tax free world, your ilk and ignorance disgust me, and since your undies are probably pinching you yes, I went to a Christian School, a private one religion is nothing but social control, try using your brain, I figured it out at about sixteen, now 57, and you? still believe in HOOEY, well then you are, guess, shoot for the word
He was good at blinking the weak mined out of their cash. He played the god card very will. Give him credit for that. But in the end he can't take the cash with him For that matter he will enter the state in which he and the rest of us were all in before a hapPENESs started us on the short life journey. Understand that state and yo will understand Death. I think no one has worked on this.
The science of Happiness
The steps to happiness
This is close happeness
Which brings us to this penes
Which makes every one happy when use properly
Which makes this word godeness irrelevant as god does not make us happy like a penes
In conclusion a penes it the path to hapPENESs
lmao, So much in al that faith inn his god that is suppose to heal. As soon as these charlatans become ill, they run to science and doctors to prevent them from meeting their god and going to that bs heaven in the sky.
Looks like the Grim Reaper is going to be making a call soon to BG.
Funny how GM is in the hospital with pneumonia, and the Christians attack him, this charlatan BG is in the hospital for the same thing and all the racist and bigoted Christians are kissing his azz and wishing him well.
Arieus, you know damn well that "the ChristianS" attacking George Michael was ONE person.
Never have I seen so many post collapsed. I guess that shows how tolerant, understanding and forgiving Christians really are.
My supportive post was also collapsed.
Merry Christmas everybody! Good Will on Earth and Peace towards Mankind!
imnotlost, you are suspended for a day for violating rule # 1 of the Code of Honor.
God Bless you Reverand Graham. Get well soon.
Question: Everyone is wishing him a speedy recovery, etc. and I wish no harm to come on the man. However, if he were to pass, wouldn't he be going straight to heaven according to his belief? So, wouldn't one wish for him to die so that he could receive his heavenly bliss earlier? Of course, then we get into the questions of, "What is the purpose of going to heaven? What does one do after they go to heaven? Do all good people go to heaven?"
This is true, but the idea is to fight for God right until the end and never give up! :P
Mark 13:13
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
The only way to be sure there is a heaven is to go there and come back to report on it.
Unless you're going to believe everything you read.
Of course all "good" people go to heaven... or whatever concept of it their religion or beliefs have. But the key word here is "good"!
Paul Arbogast, Satan or the Devil is still endures... Since man so far can be a copycat of Satan or the Devil, can man of such nature with a church going bogus life be saved? A bogus life is a life with no true intent; A life full of lies and excuses is a bogus life. A bogus life is a life that is not true and can be lived by a copycat of Satan or the Devil.
Again, can Mark 13:13 provides for a church going copycat of Satan, or of the Devil, a saved life?
@ Maxandsasha & Paul Arbogast
So, if one endures to the end, they will be saved. But, wouldn't you WANT his end to come sooner so that he could be saved sooner and go to heaven? On the other hand, if he is doing more good while here on earth, what is the point of him dying and going to heaven? Wouldn't God want to keep him here as long as possible so that he could continue that good?
Dear Rev. Billy Graham, I none-other than wish you a successful recovery, and I also wish to share my many, many thanks for making this world a great place to be, in Christ our Lord and Saviour. God Bless you, & the Graham family--always and forever. Amen.
Billy Graham has been a light to us in this dark world...thses postings so full of hate are just giving us prime examples of the darkness in this world. Billy Graham, I don't know who God has to fill your shoes but he will have to be an amazing person. Your family has been blessed to have you in it and the world has been blessed by your teaching. I am so happy for you that someday soon you will be seeing the ONE you have given all the glory and honor to and you will see your beloved wife Ruth that has gone before you. Thank you for all you have done for this dying world...you have led many to the saving grace of Jesus. You have lived your life well.
The way I see it, he will finally find out what he's been promising ain't gonna happen.
I can respect how he's stuck to his beliefs but I also believe he was dilusional as are those that buy into his afterlife theory. Does that make me a bad man. If so, so be it.
How do you know he was delusional? Have you died recently?
Citzen3, how do you know there is a heaven, have YOU died recently? One stupid comment for another...
Great response! Some of these haters think they know everything, but guess what? They dont!
There is no hate in my statements. Graham is one of millions that believe in an afterlife and I am one in millions that do not. I do believe in the basic message of Jesus but not much of what has been made up about him. A lot of what is written about Jesus came hundreds of years after his death.
I have to ask myself that if there is an omnipitant God as he describes, why does he need him to get a message to us? What would the point be in testing us? Why would we burn in hell forever if he made us as we are. Does that fit with God being merciful?
I don't claim to know of the origin of the universe because I don't see it that way at all. I also don't buy into what some scientists call spontanious occurance wherein suddenly out of nothing the universe came to being in the big bang. I see it as always having existed and will always exist. Admitedly the concept of infinity is a brain crusher but you cannot make something out of nothing.
I find that we humans have an opportunity to evolve to where we do achieve a MEASURE of immortality due to our developed ability to remember. Memories are carried forward in our DNA and Genome. In certain states either through forms of meditation or drug induced, or even trauma, such memories of past existance are experienced.
Anyway, I'd rather stick with what makes sense to me and let others have their own way. There is no hate involved.
I wish you a speedy recovery Mr. Graham.
God bless you, Rev. Graham.
Get well soon, Mr. Graham!!
Comment # 7 deleted, Religion derail leading the conversation WAY off-topic. Please stay on it, John-3041823.
get well soon Mr. Graham.
Wishing you a speedy recovery. God bless you Reverend Graham.
The Devine Trinity... God, Jesus and Bill Graham. Thank you for your words of wisdom and guidance throughout the years as they've helped me find sanity while living in a crazy world.
So you're saving Billy Graham is more important then The Holy Spirit and is equal to Christ and God?? I seriously doubt The Great Reverend would agree with you.
It apperas that postergeist lost his marbles. Ah well, here you see what religion does to you.
postergeist: Mike is right. Mr. Graham will be the first to tell you he is not worthy to be a member of the Trinity, as are none of us, living or dead. The third member of the Trinity is and will remain the Holy Spirit.
RIP Bill.
Get well soon brother bill God Bless you and your family this Christmas season.
Get well fast Mr. Graham.
Wishing you a very speedy recovery Mr. Graham. You are truly needed here!
Blessings and prayer for you and family,
While I no longer believe the myth of the christian savior, I always looked up to Mr. Graham. If all christians were as "christlike" as Mr. Graham, I may well not have reexamined the bible more closely, and turned away from the church.
Disgusting that so many agree with you. We live in a sinful world what do you want? Probably an excuse to not try. Disgusting...:/.
No worries on your turn from the church. It was predicted over a thousand years ago by some folks you likely didn't believe.
Amused in the Midwest - clever! Of course, they won't get it!!
Amused... adwok1, that was not clever. There will be always some people who disagree. That is neither prophetic nor admirable to speak of these things. It is human nature. We agree or we don't. How f'ing idiotic... the both of you can't look passed the smugness of your faith.
As I said KingJust - you don't get it!
There are plenty of people who bring bad names to any social group. Doesnt have to be religion based at all. Its a shame because many groups religious or not do serve great purpose. Society would decay faster then what it is now if all faith groups were to be washed away.
Do you even know what your talking about ? How can you point a finger at just christians ? How about everyone is hypocritical in a certain degree ? I dont find anything ridiculous about Christianity. If followed like it should, would make society a much better place. Your right US is very religious, but not followers of Christ. There are many cults out there, but Christianity is not one of them
A wonderful man whose lifelong message was goodness, kindness, faith, peace and love. The world needs more like him. Get well, Mr. Graham
Reverand Graham, thank you.
God Bless
Prayers for Rev. Graham for a speedy recovery. You are very much loved throughout this world. God Speed.
Wow he still alive, he has to be older then dirt. way to go Mr Graham
Praying for Rev. Graham.
Comment # 24 deleted, off-topic.
God Bless You Billy...and hope you feel better soon.
Billy Graham is a model witness for his faith who truly practices what he preaches, and I have a great deal of respect for him. I wish him nothing but the best.
@Best Destiny: Prove it.
Thought so.
I'd take thinking "very little" over the utter lack of thought you put into your post.
Hilarious. So you admit that you just pulled some nonsensical inflammatory statement out of your backside and flung it against the wall for all to see. Thanks for the surrender - it helps when my opponents shoot themselves in the rhetorical foot.
Again, you gotta have some proof, cupcake. Post some researchable quotes backing up your nonsense.
The only televangelist who has retained my respect.
Rev Graham I pray to our God your speedy recovery and have a wonderful Christmas this year in celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ for you and your entire family.
Blessings and prayers for a speedy recovery. He is truly one person who's integrity and commitment to his faith have remained unwavering. God bless you Rev. Graham.
Imagine no religion, its easy if you try, no hell below us. 12/21/2012 will change the world. I might not be religous and I may have my own views, however I have been listening to the worlds views all my life and after we see what might happen in December of 2012, you may have some different views yourself. I believe that there is something inbetween God and Man that might just be of another world and your views may be almost the same as mine however Jesus coming back could mean Jesus or any other name your religion gives him was not of this earth. The only thing you should believe in is yourself being one with your creator. I AM 1
You knock religion and throw the 12/21/2012 junk araound?
Trading the Trinity for the Three Amigos?
I hope you remember to admit your were a fool on 12/22
what is going to happen on 12/12/2012? How is that different than 12/21/2012?