Walking and Talking With the Lord: Teleological Curation, Salvation, and the Billy Graham Library. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crane, Jonathan Lake; Davis, Christine S.
• Is Part Of: Cultural studies, critical methodologies. Volume 19:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 26
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: politics and culture -- Evangelical Christianity -- tourism -- museum studies; Culture -- Research -- Periodicals; Popular culture -- Research -- Periodicals; 306.05
• DOI: 10.1177/1532708617745093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1532-7086

Abstract

This article offers a critical auto-ethnography of Charlotte's extensive Billy Graham Library complex, sculpted grounds, and memorial garden. Opened in 2007 and designed as an "ongoing Crusade, " the Billy Graham Library is a notable Evangelical archive. All historical sites are wellsprings curated to convey and preserve a compelling narrative through line that encompasses the meaning of the assembled artifacts on display. The museum is also constructed to win souls to God and bring all visitors to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and, we suggest, to usher visitors to an irredentist vision of Christ's kingdom.