Customer Reviews

Billy Graham: His Life and Influence

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There's little doubt that Billy Graham has had a significant impact on culture and world evangelism. In the book Billy Graham: His Life and Influence, David Aikman explores Graham's life and philosophies that led him to become one of the most influential voices of our time. What I appreciated most about Aikman's work is that he doesn't attempt to paint Graham as the perfect saint who could do no wrong. Like all men, Graham had his struggles and trials...

Contents:
A Life Of Influence; A Child of the 1920s; Conversion and the First Steps; A National Phenomenon; Harringay and the World; Theology and Race; Communism - A New Approach; The Presidents - Part 1 - Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon; The Presidents - Part 2 - Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan; The Presidents - Part 3 - George H. W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush; National Consoler; Family and Legacy; Acknowledgments; Notes; Index

Aikman defines his territory and goal for the book and sticks with it very well. Rather than attempt to be a comprehensive biography of Graham's life, he recommends you read William Martin's A Prophet with Honor. Instead, he delves into how Graham grew from a small-town fundamentalist evangelist to become a globally-known evangelist and respected statesman, with regular access to every president since Eisenhower as well as many world leaders. Graham's ever-present goal was to be able to preach the gospel wherever he was, with no restrictions on what he could and couldn't say. That's easier said than done, as he broke new ground by being allowed to preach in Russia and China, places where freedom of religion was not practiced. The balancing act was trying to not offend his hosts by denouncing their governments, while trying not to offend the American government who didn't want him to be used as a propaganda tool during the Cold War. While ultimately he was able to preach, his attempts to balance those conflicting forces were not always well executed.

Within American culture, he gained a level of accessibility to presidents not duplicated by any other single person in history. While his relationships with each president varied in terms of closeness and trust, he was always there to provide counseling and wisdom when needed. In his later years, this counseling and consoler role played out in public during the 9/11 tragedies and his addresses given during national remembrances. Given the American public's disdain for mixing politics and religion, it's amazing that Graham was accepted in this role. If you were to try and replicate his experience in today's society, my guess is that the media would shred him over any minor misstep or misstatement. But given that his stature was developed and earned in a much different atmosphere than today, he's been able to retain his dignity and honor in these more cynical times.

Aikman is sympathetic to Graham's image, but he's not afraid to look at areas where things didn't work out as Graham would have believed. For instance, Graham was very close friends with Richard Nixon, and still has problems reconciling the Nixon he thought he knew as a friend with the Nixon revealed on the Watergate tapes. Overseas trips to communist countries often had him giving views on religious freedom that didn't accurately portray the reality of the persecution that was occurring. Aikman summarizes many of these issues as the outcome of Graham's apparent need to be liked by people. Rather than be blunt and confrontational on issues where it might have been warranted, he often sidestepped the issue to avoid dissension. But measured against the whole person, Graham comes across as a sincere man of God, far from perfect, but always willing to follow God's leading and commands to share the gospel with others.

I'd recommend this book for both Christians and non-Christians who are interested in Billy Graham, the person. You'll come away with a much deeper appreciation for someone who has given their life for what they believe...

Billy Graham: His Life and Influence
David Aikman, former Time Magazine senior correspondent, has written a very readable and comprehensive life of the famous evangelist. Graham's progress from farm boy to friend and counselor for presidents is an American success story on one level. On another, his career illuminates the Protestant religious temper of a majority of the people in the United States during the twentieth century. That temper contributed to Graham's success, but as an evangelist, Graham also shaped the spirit and direction of his times.

The book is well balanced. Aikman notes both Billy Graham's strengths and weaknesses as he chronicles Graham's life and its impact on society in America and in other nations over more than fifty years. He also portrays Ruth Graham Bell, Billy's remarkable wife, and gives the reader insights into the partnership which enabled Graham to succeed.

The book is fascinating reading whether one is a devoted Graham admirer or not since it offers a remarkable analysis of Graham's influence on culture and events during the last century

In Billy Graham: His Life and Influence, David Aikman gives a detailed account of the life of the world's most well-known, and perhaps influential, evangelist. We might expect a biographer to be biased in favor of his subject, but not so here. Though Aikman greatly admires Graham, his book is surprisingly balanced.

In chapter one, Aikman tells us that Graham's "manifest weakness" was that he "went out of his way to avoid offending people," and he uses much of the remainder of the book to convince us of that. To his credit, Graham is a supporter of civil rights, and he was a friend of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. But according to Aikman, his early stand on segregation depended upon which part of the country he was in. While his evangelistic crusades were integrated in the North, crusades in the South were conspicuously segregated. "We follow existing social customs in whatever part of the country in which we minister," Graham stated. When asked why he refused to speak out on the issue of segregation, he said that, "Communists were behind most of the civil rights agitation in the United States."

Despite his distaste for the communists while on American soil, Graham, according to Aikman, outdid himself in courting them on their own turf. While on a tour of the Soviet Union, Graham was asked to respond to the imprisonment of 150 Baptist preachers. "We detain people in the United States if we catch them doing something wrong," he said to the disappointment of the Christians. During a trip to communist Romania, he thanked the government for being one "which gives full and genuine freedom to all religious denominations." Graham apparently had not read Haralan Popov's Tortured for His Faith. Graham later praised North Korean leader Kim Il Sung as being "a gentle man and a logical thinker." We could continue. As I said, Aikman's prevailing theme is Graham's desire to be liked by all.

Another theme that Aikman develops is Graham's departure from fundamentalism, which, according to Aikman, is characterized by belief in such doctrines as scriptural inerrancy, the deity of Christ, and the blood atonement. While Graham himself doesn't seem to have departed from these beliefs (though the book doesn't make that clear), he was often criticized for being associated with clergy who went "on record as believing neither in the virgin birth, nor the Trinity, nor even Christ's resurrection." As for his own convictions, we learn little other than that he had a very inclusive and liberal view of salvation. When Graham was asked in an interview if one must hear the gospel in order to be saved, he said that he no longer believed that. "I believe there are other ways of recognizing the existence of God--through nature, for instance." Despite Graham's overly liberal views on many points, his avoidance of genuine, contentious fundamentalism can be admired. As he said: "If this extreme type of fundamentalism was of God, it would have brought revival long ago. Instead, it has brought dissention, division, strife and has produced dead and lifeless churches."

Aikman brings several strengths to his biography, including an impressive knowledge of recent history and political events, which is to be expected considering that he is former senior correspondent for Time magazine. His knowledge of church history and doctrine, however, is more limited. For instance, he incorrectly calls the Westminster Confession a catechism, and he says that the Shorter Catechism is an abbreviation of the Confession (rather than the Larger Catechism). His linking the belief in such essential doctrines as the resurrection to "fundamentalism," and at times his discussion regarding the nature of the gospel itself, gives us reason to wonder if he is qualified to write on such subjects.

Still, I enjoyed reading Billy Graham. It is rich in recent history; I particularly enjoyed the more personal look into the lives of the U.S. presidents with whom Graham had close relationships. And certainly I learned much about the life and influence of Graham himself. Perhaps the most inspiring character of all is Rev. Graham's late wife, Ruth Bell Graham. The author's admiration for her is contagious, and we are left wanting to know more about her. Overall, Aikman's work is educational and enjoyable, though not necessarily inspiring.

I received a review copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

David Aikman hit a homerun with his biography on the life of Billy Graham. I have read many biographies over the years and this is one of them most balanced and fair treatments of a man's life I have read. Aikman does an excellent job of going beyond a mere history of Graham's life and gives the reader an understanding of the factors that shaped Billy Graham's life. The author is able to pinpoint the strengths and the weaknesses of Graham and in some ways show us how his greatest strengths were also his greatest weaknesses.

The reader is also able to watch the development of Graham's thinking and theology over the years. Each chapter takes one along the journey of the evangelist's experiences and shows powerful influence he has been on American religion, culture and politics.

As a bonus the reader also gets to see into a little of the life of Billy's wife, Ruth. The last chapter of the book is an honest appraisal of Billy Graham's family, both good and bad are candidly looked at and how Billy's career as an evangelist affected his family is discussed.

I found this book not only informative but inspirational. I was at times in awe of Graham and at other times disappointed in him. I suppose that is the true story of every life. If you are looking for a book to simply give you more information about Billy Graham's life this will fit the bill, but it will go way beyond that and stir your imagination about the possibilities of a life of single-minded devotion to the purposes of God.

Buy it, read it, you won't be disappointed.

One of my spiritual heroes is none other than Billy Graham. It can be argued that no one has preached to more and had a greater impact in culture, the gospel, theology, politics, etc. than Billy Graham. David Aikman, author of "A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush," has written another great biography on the great evangelist Billy Graham called "Billy Graham: His Life and Influence."

Billy Graham needs no introduction, even non believers and anti-theist know who he is. He has been the close friend and spiritual adviser with every American President since President Eisenhower. Aikman provides us with a great summary of this significant life, his travels, and his influence.

What I liked most about Aikman's work is that this is more than just a simple biography. It is a biography with added commentary on who has influenced him, trends he has fallen into, critics, how he has changed, and what role he has played in catastrophic and world changing events.

THINGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Throughout the book, Aikman reveals to the reader what role Graham has played in events that have changed the course of history. In particular, he includes a chapter on how Billy Graham has frequently assumed the role of the national consoler. Aikman traces Graham's words and actions surrounding events such as the Oklahoma City bombing, September 11, and many other great catastrophes.

Furthermore, Aikman provides commentary on other interesting events in his life. In particular, I found it interesting how Graham seemed to have had a "premonition" concerning the JFK assassination. According to Aikman, Graham had a horrible feeling that something was going to happen to the President while in Texas. Graham was unsuccessful in contacting the President and as history has revealed, it was in Texas that the President of the United States was assassinated.

Aikman also discusses Graham's involvement with President Nixon and the Watergate schedule. It is clear that Graham was surprised and taken a back by the actions taken by Nixon and the fall out following. Graham was genuinely hurt, but remained close to the former President. This was the event, however, that radically changed how Graham got involved in politics and, namely, the Whitehouse. Graham had been close to both Nixon and LBJ, but following the Watergate scandal, Graham seemed to have put an invisible barrier that would protect him, his ministry, and the gospel. And the rest, they say, is history.

THE HERETIC

I already knew that Billy Graham had some inclusivist leanings in his theology. I had credited this to his old age for every quote I had heard and seen from him involving his inclusivism was at the later part of his life. Aikman, however, opened my eyes to where this came from and why he believes this.

As with everything, theology doesn't come out of a vacuum. Anyone that studies Billy Graham's early ministry and evangelism knows that he was very orthodox in everything. He went from being a Presbyterian (as a child) and became a Baptist. But as time went on and his travels continued, his theology went about a slow evolution.

As Graham began to see the world and become the main Evangelist to the world, his theology began to change. In several popular interviews he gave where he reveals this inclusivism, it is interesting that he oftentimes mentions those who had never heard of the name of Jesus. Over time, Graham could not reconcile how a God of love could send such people, who are sincere and try to earn favor with God, to hell. Therefore, he, and so many like him, has concluded that people in other religions and faiths will be in heaven with Christian believers.

My biggest problem with this, outside of the fact that it is unbiblical, is that Graham complains that no one had shared the love of God with such people and countries. However, it is Graham, the greatest evangelist in the world in modern history!, that is standing before them! Grant it, Graham was a preacher that preached 24/7, but how could he claim that they did not know Jesus, therefore, they will be heaven whenever the greatest evangelist in recent memory is in their very own country?

Since Graham has been in almost every country in the world, it can be argued that the gospel, in at least a minor way, has reached the four corners of the world. Graham is an evangelist who has been sent to preach the gospel, and he has done that his entire life. It is fallacy to assume that whenever he puts his feet in a country that the people have never hear of Christ.

This is the most disappointing thing in the life of Graham, and Aikman does not leave any stone uncovered. Aikman is honest and presents the argument from both sides: Graham's and the fundamentalist. I worry about the reactions of many "fundamentalist" in this area, but at the same time, shame on Graham and others for preaching such a gospel!

CONCLUSION

Overall, this is a great read. Aikman manages to cover the life of Graham, many of his great influences, how God has used him, what he is doing now, how he has influenced the nation, the culture, and the world. Aikman dives into almost every aspect of his life, his theology, his family, and his personal life. Anyone that reads "Billy Graham" will be diving into a book that is well researched and well done.

I highly recommend it.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their [...] book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Everyone has heard of Billy Graham, and many have actually heard him speak. In this book, I was able to dive into the life and experiences of the man who has been called "America's Pastor" for years. His childhood and early influences were all a part of the plan God had for his life. As you would expect to discover, he was just an "ordinary" kid who grew up in North Carolina, got an education, and was willing to follow God's direction for his life.

In his lifetime, Graham has influenced so many normal people in a positive way but he also had the chance to influence a number of important world leaders in a positive way also. His conversations have been newsworthy and high-profile, but the true measure of the impact of Billy Graham can only be measured in heaven.

This book is very detailed and well-documented. I love the way it takes the approach of using facts and stories to paint a complete picture of the influences that affected this man who influenced so many others.

Growing up in a fundamental, Baptist family, I heard comparatively little about Billy Graham and the little I did hear wasn't positive. When Thomas Nelson offered David Aikman's biography of the man for review, I was curious to see who exactly this man was and whether or not he really was the false prophet of the antichrist.

In Billy Graham: His Life and Influence, Aikman offers an interesting and well-written account of Graham's life. Recognizing that other, more comprehensive accounts of Graham's life have already been written, Aikman focuses instead on the worldwide impact Graham had through such avenues as his friendships with various presidents and his worldwide "Crusades." In three rather lengthy chapters, Aikman tells of Graham's friendships with every American President from Eisenhower to George W. Bush. Especially interesting is the friendship Graham had with Richard Nixon and how Graham had completely misread - or perhaps had been completely mislead by - Nixon's character or lack thereof.

While Aikman chronicles Graham's crusades around the world, much of Aikman's emphasis seems to be on the political affects of these Crusades. Although the longer lasting effects of the Crusades in general are mentioned, it is comparatively little with little emphasis being placed on the specific regions. Given my background, I was very interested to read of Graham's "falling out of fellowship" with more conservative evangelicals such as Jerry Falwell and Bob Jones, among many. Graham was ready and willing to welcome non-evangelical religious groups to join him in his Crusades, stating that even those who denied fundamental doctrines of the faith (such as the Virgin Birth of Christ, the Trinity or even the resurrection of Christ) were counted as fellow Christians. The only complaint I would have with this particular topic is that Aikman doesn't really go into detail as to how Graham could marry holding to these beliefs (which Graham himself never explicitly denied) while at the same time claiming Christian fellowship with those who flatly denied them.

Throughout the book, there are two main character traits that Aikman returns to, one positive and one negative. For the latter one, Aikman shows that Graham wanted almost above anything else to be liked and not to offend anyone. This is perhaps what may have lead to his willingness to accept religious affiliations of all shapes and sizes and might explain his friendship with Richard Nixon. More than this, however, Aikman focuses on Graham's humility. Time and again, Graham has been able to diffuse difficult situations or attacks on his character by his pronounced humility. I especially appreciated this focus since it shed light on a side of Graham I was totally unfamiliar with.

Overall, Aikman writes a very readable biography of Graham's life. If you are looking for an in-depth biography of Graham, this perhaps isn't the best book to read. But if you want an overall glimpse of the various influences Graham has had, especially in the political arena, Aikman's book is a good start.

Thanks to Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze book review program for providing a review copy of this book.

Well, first off, I was excited to read this book because it's not the kind that I usually read.

I have to say, WOW! I loved the book! It's a bit long, weighing in at just over 300 pages, but it was so good.

The author, David Aikman, did a tremendous job putting the life of a man into a book format. By the time I was done, I really felt like I had insight into the life of Billy Graham.

My favorite section of the book was in the middle, when Billy's life with the presidents was detailed. I loved hearing the stories and how he interacted differently with each of the presidents. I also learned the history of Chuck Colson - very enlightening.

In all, it's a tremendous book. Several times, the autobiography of Billy Graham is referenced. This makes me want to read it!

One of the things that struck me was how the book ended. After 60 years of service, the book ends with a tribute to his Wife and kids. The things he accomplished are mind-boggling, really. But to think of the relationship he had with his Wife - now that's the good stuff:

"Billy Graham could not have survived the pressures of his six-decade long career as an evangelist in the public eye without the companionship, encouragement, and support of his late wife, Ruth Graham, who died on June 14, 2007"...

Continuing on into the afterword: Billy says of Ruth, "Ruth is my soul-mate and best friend and I cannot imagine living a single day without her by my side. I am more and more in love with her today than when we first met over 65 years ago as students at Wheaton College."

Great man. Great story. Great legacy.

Billy Graham is, of course, and American Icon. He is a huge figure in America's recent history, and in Christianity's recent history as well. He is much more than a celebrity preacher. Graham has been spiritual advisor to numerous American presidents, and is close to the top of Gallup's list of most admired people for the 20th century.

This book is a detailed, intelligent, updated (2007) look at Billy Graham's life. It is a complete biography, starting with his childhood and ranging through his life and ending with a chapter entitled "Family and Legacy" about his most personal legacy, his family. This chapter includes a brief biography of Ruth Bell Graham, his wife of many decades, now deceased.

What I appreciated about this biography is that it did not put Billy Graham on a pedestal as some sort of Protestant ultra-Saint. Some things he succeeded at, other ventures didn't go so well (peace activism), and his wife threatened to divorce him if he left the ministry to go into politics. At times he provided comfort to the whole nation, at other times his words stirred up controversy.

David Aikman has given us an intriguing and realistic window into the life of one of Christianity's "greats".

Billy Graham His Life and Influence by David Aikman was a great book about a wonderful man. I was looking forward to a light biography and was surprised how thick it was, though once I started I read it quickly (I get free books for reviewing them at Thomas Nelson's Book Sneeze). The book focuses on his influence, meaning how Graham has affected American culture and religion, the world, politics and especially the Presidents. It is divided by topics instead of chronological order, and it is amazing to see how Graham really did change the world as we know it, yet remained a godly humble man who, while desiring all to like him, truly loved Christ and preached him whenever he had the chance. While admiring the man, Aikman was sure to point out his mistakes (mostly being occasional wrong, offensive, silly remarks) though the short ending chapter about his family speculates their troubles being to his absence as a father. It was also amazing to see the changes in Graham's own view of the world and how to express his faith. I got to see Billy preach at the very end of his career and recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the man but mostly how the man influenced our world today.
PS. The greatest thing I learned in the book was that even Ruth Graham regretted reprimanding her children too sharply!