The Preacher and the Presidents: Billy Graham in the White House

This book has an unusual vantage point for those of us who have followed Billy Graham through the years. I found it intriguing from the political standpoint as well as inspiring from the spiritual and moral standpoint. If you like politics (or are just interested in political figures) and want a "new" view of things, it's a good read.

I found this book as interesting as "Just As I Am" was tedious. The insights are countless: * Harry Truman hated Graham * Eisenhower's bland civil religion policies may have obscured some real spiritaul awakening during his presidency. * LBJ considered Graham one of his best friends. He would phone Graham in the middle of the night to come to the White House bedroom to kneel and pray with him. Long after LBJ left office and was demonized by both Republicans and Democrats, Graham regularly visited him on his ranch. Graham was truly a pastor to him. * Nixon used and manipulated Graham, but also cared about him. The "Two Nixon" portrait rings true. * JFK was thoroughly secular and was amused but fairly disinterested in Graham. JFK once asked him why Protestants believed in a 2nd Coming while his own Catholics did not. Graham gently reminded JFK that the 2nd Coming was a part of the Apostles' Creed and Catholic dogma. * Carter despised Graham. Not surprising, given that Carter's theology is not remotely evangelical and that Carter liked very, very few people in general. I ended up respectinga nd liking Graham more AND less as a result of this book. Most horrifying was to learn more of his almost complete lack of ecclesiology. To him the Church seems to have value only as an instrument to bring people into a personal relationship with Christ. There is no sense of the centrality of community, or how the Church is not the means but the end. So when Graham sees Nixon criticized for starting Sunday worship inisde the White House, Graham's response is "Mr. President, the critics are pastors who fear peopel worshipping outside church." Graham also was often too quick to allow his political favorites to be known even if he technically avoided all out endorsements. And yet, it is also clear that Graham's pastoral heart and care for the presidents as men was sincere. The book partly clears up what appeared to be a major inconsistency in Graham's approach to various presidents. Graham has been eager to support presidents currently in office regardless of whether they are Right or Left, Dem or Rep. The authors show that this is probably less about pandering to power and more about a deeply held theological conviction that God has ordained our rulers and we must help them whether or not we voted for them. The authors are very knowledgable in both politics and contemporary church life and thought. The writing style is clear. They are thorough without being slow or ponderous. A truly wonderful book.

Magnificent! The Preacher and The Presidents will take the reader through a journey of faith, history and temptations. Billy Graham's life is a remarkable rendition of how a charismatic preacher became an influential leader in the ministry of Christ and the intertwined religious and political life of US Presidents. Billy Graham has lived an extraordinary life and has been one of the most respected people in America and the world. Having addressed more people personally than any other figure in history (210 Million), he was always a sought after man for political figures that wanted to benefit from his following. Graham was, of course, conscious of the political currency he was bringing to the table, but was willing to allow its use in order for him to have the opportunity to bring the Gospel to the Presidents. During his years he developed long deep friendships with many presidents that not only looked to him for spiritual guidance but also for political viewpoints; advice that, during his younger years, he willingly gave and later came to regret. Through the life of Graham one comes to understand the tremendous pressures of the Presidency and the emotional and spiritual toll it has on the person holding the office. Mr. Graham played an important role for many Presidents that needed a friend to talk to and reassure them; a preacher that could, in moment of crisis, give them a little peace of mind when the whole world seemed against them. Mr. Graham's kind heart gives an endearing account of most of these Presidents. This is an excellent written presidential account of faith and power. It almost reads like a novel. Enjoy

Billy Graham, whose evangelistic missions have circled the globe and brought relief to millions of people, is as American as apple pie and motherhood - an icon whose personal struggles with illness and loss and his forebearance in the face of those challenges has been an inspiration to many of us. It's hard to speak of religion and America, without the name Billy Graham coming up. Perhaps not as well known yet made clear in this book, Billy Graham has personally ministered to 11 American presidents through the years. It's amazing to read about the reach of this man, and to contemplate the affect that he's had on the course of history. This book, while definitely not a "tell-all", is chockful of interesting tidbits of meetings with movers and shakers, and reveals the authors' commitment to a well-researched and well written book on one of the most interesting living Americans. Whether you agree with Mr. Graham's religious beliefs or not, you will find this a fascinating book about a well-intentioned, highly committed religious leader whose reach and influence may very well have colored some of the decisions made by US presidents over the years. This is definitely a story of one of the "Men behind the Man".

Since Harry Truman more than a half century ago, Billy Graham has been the private minister to 11 U.S. Presidents. In poor health and recovering from the death of his beloved wife, Ruth, earlier this summer, Mr. Graham seems to be ending this private ministry by going public and being interviewed for this book. Never before has he spoken of his relationships with different Presidents and there is a lot he withheld for reasons of confidentiality, especially of the living Presidents. He had a knack for befriending politicians on the rise and tending to their spiritual needs. There is a photo section of Mr. Graham with each President. The authors are editors of Time magazine -- their writing is concise and clear. Their research (who met who when, the religious background of each President, ect.) is considerable. All in all, a must read for political junkies and Billy Graham fans.