In this shorter biography of Billy Graham, Aikman focuses on the effects of Graham’s ministry on the American public, US presidents, and the world’s perception of evangelicalism. Beginning with Graham’s childhood, Aikman emphasizes the influence of a more theologically conservative strain of Christianity, fundamentalism broadly, on Graham’s foundational principles and attitudes. He then topically examines the results of Graham’s work on the international image of American evangelicalism (around 100 pages) and Graham’s relationships with US presidents from Truman to Bush Jr. (around 100 pages).
Aikman does not intend this work to be a definitive or exhaustive biography, which is immediately evident given the work’s length, under 400 pages. He highlights certain overseas trips, such as Graham’s visits to Romania, England, and North Korea, to show the growth of Graham’s statesmanlike qualities as well as the theologically influence of Graham’s messages on the next generation of pastors and priests in those nations (North Korea being the exception). Aikman generally sees Graham as intentionally naïve about the realities of international geopolitics.
Graham’s foremost qualities in this work are his desire to be liked and his humility. The author does an admirable job of selecting vignettes that highlight these attributes. He sees Graham first and foremost as an evangelist with the goal of conversion rather than a prophet whose job would focus more on identifying and preaching against injustice and evil. This juxtaposition is used throughout the work to explain Graham’s thoughts and actions on a variety of issues ranging from communism to race relations. This contrast is a useful tool for analyzing Graham’s life, but is less accurate than is immediately apparent. In the Bible, a prophet is primarily one who proclaims truth, specifically truth received from God. In this sense, Graham was very much a prophet due to his focus on explaining and preaching the truth of the gospel.
On the whole, I found this book to be an interesting and engaging work. Aikman’s career in journalism results in very readable chapters. I recommend it to anyone seeking a short biography of “America’s Pastor”, Billy Graham.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com 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.”
