Franklin Graham has voiced his support for Phil Robertson after the 'Duck Dynasty' star came under fire for asking for "a Jesus man in the White House" during the pre-race prayer for the Sprint Cup Series' Duck Commander 500 NASCAR Race at Texas Motor Speedway.
As earlier reported, Robertson gave the prayer at the event held earlier this month because the family company, Duck Commander, is the title sponsor of the race.
"Alright Texas, we got here via Bibles and guns. I'm fixin' to pray to the one who made that possible," he said. "Father, thank you for founding our nation. I pray, Father, that we don't forget who brought us. You. Our faith in the blood of Jesus and his resurrection."
He added, "Help us, Father, to get back to that. Help us dear God understand that the men and women on my right, the U.S. military. On my right and on my left. Our faith in you and the U.S. military is the reason we're still here. I pray Father that we put a Jesus man in the White House. Help us do that, and help us all to repent to do what's right to love you more and to love each other. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen."
The controversial reality star's prayer didn't sit well with many in the media, who criticized him for being an "unapologetic bigot." Others took issue with his use of the term "Jesus man," arguing Robertson - who has publicly endorsed Ted Cruz - used the prayer to indicate who he would want to be the next leader of the country.
However, evangelist Franklin Graham was quick to come to Robertson's defense in a lengthy Facebook post published over the weekend.
"The Name of Jesus has been controversial for 2,000 years. He was falsely accused; He was unjustly tried; He was turned over to a mob to be executed. And the mention of His Name 2,000 years later shakes the world to its very core," lamented Graham, 64.
"[Robertson] prayed in Jesus' Name at last week's NASCAR race, and liberals immediately jumped to say the sport needed to ban the opening prayer altogether! Are you kidding me? Phil is right when he prayed for America to get back to God"
Graham concluded: "Pray with me that this nation will turn back to Almighty God! A reminder to every reader- One day 'at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' (Philippians 2:10-11)."
This is not the first time Graham has come to the defense of the outspoken Duck Commander. Back in 2013, Robertson found himself at the center of controversy after he denounced homosexuality as an "abomination" and a "sin."
"Phil Robertson's desire is to see all men and women repent-that is to turn from their sin and follow Christ in obedience. Indeed, that's his own story, as he freely shares. This is my desire too," Graham wrote at the time.
"We live in a culture that openly supports and promotes sin against God. While Phil Robertson is not anyone's judge-God is, and will judge all sin. Jesus Christ came to this earth to save sinners, which includes me."
He concluded: "I have appreciated the Robertson family's commitment to biblical values, and that they have not backed down in a politically-correct world that is tolerant of everything except biblical standards and values. I pray that we would be a nation where we can disagree civilly while holding firm convictions."
