THE NAME Franklin Graham Thomas Nelson, 240 pages, $22.99
Few authors know the power of a “name” as does Franklin Graham, the son of legendary evangelist Billy Graham. As he follows his famous father into the public spotlight, the younger Graham finds himself increasingly in the media hot seat, castigated for including the name of Jesus in his public prayers and speeches. And he’s not happy about it: “this fad of tolerance—which is intolerant of defenders of the Name—has my stomach churning,” confesses Graham.
In his fifth book, the chairman and president of Samaritan’s Purse examines why the name of Jesus has become such a lightning rod for hatred and offense, and calls for uncompromising faithfulness in proclaiming Christ. His exposition is a potpourri of loosely connected chapters, including a brief discourse on comparative religion, a response to a disparaging New York Times story, a survey of Christianity’s beginnings, and his thoughts on Arab/Israeli violence, September 11, and aids.
Graham also offers numerous vignettes of Christians who have proclaimed “the Name” in ways that have brought comfort and healing worldwide. The book ends in true Graham style, with an altar call inviting readers to make a profession of faith. Readers will be left with no doubts about where Graham stands on current issues.
Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.
Related Elsewhere
Also appearing on our site today:
Jesus FreakFranklin Graham remains unashamed of the Name, despite public criticism. No generic prayers for him.
The Name is available at Christianbook.com.
Previous Christianity Today articles about Franklin Graham include:
Give Franklin Graham Some Slack—and Some CreditThe evangelist shouldn’t be defined by his opposition to Islam. (August 23, 2002)
NOT Your Father’s EvangelistFranklin Graham has been groomed to wear his father’s mantle. How does it fit? (April 5, 1999)
