Why is Billy Graham Lying in State?

This morning I posted the following question on Twitter:

Yesterday Billy Graham was honored posthumously as the fourth citizen ever to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol. Graham, of course, is famous for a single reason: proselytization for a particular religion. Is this an appropriate honor in light of the American Establishment Clause?

— Randal Rauser (@RandalRauser) March 1, 2018

Based on the wording of the question, you can probably imagine the direction I lean. While I am a great admirer of Mr. Graham, it seems wholly inappropriate to me that a nominally secular state which disavows the establishment of any religion should offer a unique honor of lying-in-state to an individual whose primary distinction is being a prolific proselytizer for a specific religion.

The Daily Caller posted a revealing article in recognition of the event: “Thousands Find Unity In Honoring The Gospel And Billy Graham’s Legacy As He Lies In State.” I would simply ask Christians who agree with this display to imagine how they would feel if the roles were different such that it was a Muslim evangelist lying in state and it was the Five Pillars of Islam, rather than the Christian gospel, that was facilitating unity.

To the Christian who replies that the United States government favors Christianity, I would simply say, if the Golden Rule fails to persuade you, at least consider your own self-interest. You see, the state that can grant your religion special favor can also target it with special disapproval. And the political use of a particular religion to bring about social cohesion and further political ambition always exacts a cost.

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