Is God judging Hollywood?
Evangelist Franklin Graham has addressed the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, which have devastated communities and left thousands homeless, and whether they might be a form of divine judgment on Hollywood. In response to questions about the fires, which have killed at least 24 people and scorched thousands of acres, Graham reassured the public of God’s love, emphasizing that despite the tragedy, God has not abandoned them. He acknowledged the difficulty of answering why such disasters occur but encouraged people to focus on their faith and relationship with Jesus Christ.
When asked if the fires could be a form of judgment on Hollywood, Graham responded that he wasn’t sure, but he didn’t believe that to be the case. He emphasized the more important question: Are people ready to stand before God? He urged individuals to reflect on their faith, to confess their sins, and to believe in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and salvation. By doing so, he assured that people could be prepared for whatever challenges life brings, including natural disasters like these fires.
Graham also noted that modern technology amplifies the visibility of such disasters, making them seem more frequent than in the past. While acknowledging that natural disasters will continue, he stressed that the primary message Christians should share is that God loves everyone. He rejected the notion that such events are God’s judgment, asserting that God’s love remains constant regardless of the circumstances.
As fires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, with three active fires and one nearly contained, Graham’s comments reflect the ongoing efforts of Christian organizations to provide relief. Agencies like Samaritan’s Purse, Convoy of Hope, and World Help have been working to support the victims of the fires, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Churches, such as Zoe Church and Harvest Church, have also mobilized to offer aid and encourage prayer for both the firefighters and those affected by the wildfires.
In the wake of the fires, some religious leaders, like Pastor Greg Laurie, have called for prayer and support for the victims and the firefighters, while others, such as Pastor Jack Hibbs, have criticized political leaders for their handling of the crisis. Hibbs, in particular, blamed government mismanagement and environmental policies for exacerbating the situation, calling for significant political change in the state.