© Scott Audette / Reuters / REUTERS

This morning we had the Rev. Franklin Graham on the show to add to the growing discussion about faith and politics as it pertains to the 2012 election. Recently, 2012 candidate Rick Santorum has been facing scrutiny over comments he's made on what he's termed President Obama's "phony theology."

Santorum attempted to clarify his opinions this weekend on "Face the Nation," by saying:

"I accept the fact that the president's a Christian. I just said that when you have a worldview that elevates the Earth above man, and says that, you know, we can't take those resources because we're going to harm the Earth by things that frankly are just not scientifically proven, like for example that politicization of the whole global warming debate, this is just all an attempt to centralize power, to give more power to the government."

Willie used Santorum's comments as a springboard for a discussion on how Graham views the GOP candidates' faith as well as President Obama's faith. The panel includes New York Magazine's John Heilemann, MSNBC's Alex Wagner, Michael Steele and Mike Barnicle

Watch the video, and we've got some quotes below:

Willie Geist: Reverend, I’ll ask you the question that Sen. Santorum was asked on Sunday: Do you believe that President Obama is a Christian?

Rev. Franklin Graham: Well, I think you’ll have to ask President Obama. You can ask me ‘Do I believe you’re a Christian?’ I think the best thing for a person is to ask you directly, so I think people have to ask Barack Obama. He’s come out saying that he’s a Christian, so I think the question is ‘What is a Christian?’

Geist: So you don’t take him at his word when he says ‘I’m a Christian’?

Graham: No, of course I do…you have to ask every person, but he has said he’s a Christian, so I just have to assume that he is. But the question is: What is a Christian? And a Christian is a person that believes Jesus Christ is God’s son who died on a cross for our sins who God raised to life. And that if we put our faith and trust in him, then God will forgive us of our sins. Now, that’s the definition of a Christian. I was 22 years old when I asked Christ to come into my heart. You cannot be born a Christian; you can only be converted. And that is by putting your faith and trust in Christ.

Geist: You’ve said in the past the president is a Christian inasmuch as he goes to church on Sunday. But you don’t know if he’s accepted Jesus Christ. Do you still believe that?

Graham: I mean, I don’t know. I asked him when he was a senator, and I asked him how he came to faith in Christ. He said he was working on the south side of Chicago in the community and the community asked him what church he went to. He said ‘I don’t go to church.’ Then they said if [he is] going to work in our community, you have to join one of our churches. And, of course, he then attended Rev. Jeremiah [Wright]’s church. So that’s what his answer to my question was.

Geist: So therefore, by your definition, he’s not a Christian

Graham: Again. You’d have to ask him. I cannot answer that question for anybody. All I know is that I’m a sinner and that God has forgiven me of my sins. Because I put my faith and trust in Jesus Christ. That’s all I know.

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When asked about Rick Santorum and his beliefs:

Geist: Is there one candidate who shares your beliefs more than another?

Graham: I would say on moral issues, no question Rick Santorum. He’s a very sharp guy. As far as Christian faith, we would be more in line…

Geist: Do you believe that Rick Santorum is a Christian?

Graham: I think so.

Geist: How do you know? If the standard is only the person knows what’s within him, when you apply it to the president why is it different for Rick Santorum?

Graham: Well, because his values are so clear on moral issues. No question about it. And I just appreciate the moral stand that he takes on these things. So I believe that he is. He comes from a Catholic faith; I’m Protestant so there are a lot of differences between what he believes and what I believe. But yet I think he is, no question, I believe he’s a man of faith.

John Heilemann: That is an amazing double standard that you just applied…You reaction to the difference to the question about Rick Santorum and President Obama I think just exposes an incredible double standard you’re applying to those two people. They’re exactly the same situation.

Graham: No. I asked President Obama how he came to faith in Christ. And he said ‘I don’t go to church.’

Heilemann: Have you had that conversation with Rick Santorum?

Graham: I’ve talked to Rick Santorum, yes.

Heilemann: And he was just more persuasive to you on the depth of his sincerity on this question?

Graham: Well, I think so. You have to look at a person does with his life. Anyone can say that he’s a Christian, but you look at how they live. Where do they go…?

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When asked about Mitt Romney:

Alex Wagner: Reverend, what about Mitt Romney?

Graham: I like him.

Wagner: Is he a Christian?

Graham: He’s a Mormon.

Wagner: But he’s said he’s part of the Judeo-Christian faith. Do you take him at his word on that?

Graham: Most Christians would not recognize Mormonism as part of the Christian faith.

Wagner: So he is not a Christian?

Graham: I’m just saying most Christians would not recognize Mormonism….Of course, they believe in Jesus Christ, but they have a lot of other things they believe in too that we don’t accept theologically. But he would be a good president if he [won] the nomination…

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On Newt Gingrich:

Graham: …any one of these candidates, Newt Gingrich, all of them. Now, Newt’s been married several times. He’s had those issues, but he could make a good candidate. And I think Newt is a Christian. At least he told me he is.

Geist: So Newt Gingrich is a Christian, but you’re not sure that President Obama is.