A social media post by evangelist Franklin Graham comparing pro-impeachment Republicans to Judas sparked a debate among Christians on Facebook and Twitter this week, with some agreeing with him but others saying he had crossed a rhetorical line.

Graham made the comments on Facebook, one day after 10 Republicans joined 222 Democrats to charge Trump with “incitement of insurrection. The impeachment article passed one week after a mob stormed the capitol following his “stop the steal” speech.

“Shame, shame on the ten Republicans who joined with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in impeaching President Trump yesterday,” Graham wrote on Facebook. “After all that he has done for our country, you would turn your back and betray him so quickly? We have never had a president like him in my lifetime.”

Graham said Trump during his term had “defended religious liberty like no president before him” and was “the most pro-life president we have ever had.” Graham credited Trump for peace initiatives in the Middle East between Israel and four countries, saying Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. He applauded Trump for a strong economy and commended him for other foreign policy accomplishments, saying Trump “defeated the ISIS caliphate in Syria.” Graham also said Trump “has worked to bring prison reform and secured our southern border.”

“But the House Democrats impeached him because they hate him and want to do as much damage as they can. And these ten, from his own party, joined in the feeding frenzy. It makes you wonder what the thirty pieces of silver were that Speaker Pelosi promised for this betrayal,” Graham wrote in a reference to the 30 pieces of silver Judas received for betraying Jesus.

“President Trump isn’t a perfect person,” Graham wrote. “I don’t support or agree with some of the things the President said and did the last couple of weeks. January 6 was a low point in his presidency. We knew he had flaws when he ran for office in 2016. But I, and millions of others, voted for him because of the platform and policies he promised. I still support those. The Democrats have been trying to get rid of the President since the day he took office. What they did yesterday only further divides our nation. I hope President-elect Biden will keep his word and work for unity as he has said.”

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:1-6

Related:

House Impeaches Trump for ‘Incitement of Insurrection’ after Capitol Attack

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