BILLY GRAHAM
Dialogues on Faith, Family, and More
By Sir David Frost
David C. Cook, Integrity Music Ltd.
219 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978 0 830 776 443
This book – originally published in 1997 – underwent a timely re-issue as the late Billy Graham entered upon his 100th year.
Here is a well-arranged tapestry of TV interviews, between Billy and Sir David Frost, highlighting the many colourful incidents and insights that threaded their way through several decades of the world’s foremost evangelist.
Readers will note that – in the demeanour of the interviewer – there is no trace of amused cynicism or carping indifference, as might have been expected from other well-known celebrities. David Frost’s life-long respect for Billy Graham was affected by his attendance, as a schoolboy, at the event that first gave Billy to Britain and to the world – the momentous 1954 London crusade at Harringay.
‘I do not want to be melodramatic, to portray Harringay as a Damascus experience. But it was certainly a Harringay experience’ (p. 23).
This highly readable book can, if desired, easily be digested by random dips over a cup of coffee, or riding in a bus. Whatever page you may find yourself on, you will be opened up to the mindset and experiences of a man, who – like his interviewer – helped to define the second half of the 20th century. The ten chapters deal with inevitable major topics – ranging from Faith, Marriage and Politics, across Preaching and the Bible – through to Presidents, modern issues and the End Times.
Fascinating comments
But scattered throughout are Billy’s fascinating comments – on questions that could exercise many… How soon will Christ return? … What of enquirers who ‘fall away? … What of those who never heard the Gospel? … How would you describe heaven? … Is there life on other planets?… How does the Holy Spirit affect the preaching? … And what about women preachers?
At one point – on Heaven – a suggestion is made: Frost: ‘And I know one other thing. I’m going to knock at the gates of heaven and say, “Billy said I can come in …”.’ Graham: ‘That won’t do you any good. You’ve got to say, “Christ said I could come in.”.’
With all of the challenges, and indeed the banter, David Frost has made the comment that, in Billy Graham, he had met one of the best-read individuals he had ever known.
Read and enjoy this book. And dip in anywhere …
