The Reason for My Hope

Starred review from September 23, 2013
In what could be his final book, the world-renowned evangelist (whose Nearing Home has sold more than 700,000 copies) mixes Bible stories with anecdotes and present-day headlines to offer hope to believers and nonbelievers alike. From the Garden of Eden to modern-day politics, not much really has changed, Graham asserts: people can accept the rescue God offers or refuse it. He urges the former, speaking with authority, wisdom, and sincere desire to share the salvation that has given him hope through the decades. Believers will appreciate Graham's profound maturity, which gives him such confidence that his account of Noah's experience, for example, sounds as if the preacher was standing on the ancient ark itself. Those on the fence about the claims of Christianity will be challenged to dig further. A section on questioning facts and defining history is particularly engaging, and there's a trademark invitation for those who are willing to take the leap. The book's release coincides with a My Hope national campaign organized by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association.

August 1, 2013

Graham (Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well), in his mid-90s, is known the world over for his evangelical Bible crusades, which have attracted millions over the 70 years of his preaching career. His latest book coincides with an extensive campaign by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association that will cover North America in the fall of 2013. Here Graham comes full circle, writing about the core beliefs underlying his life's work. The gospel, simple and plain, is presented along with discussions on the themes of rescue, redemption, and hope. As is typical, Graham includes relevant stories and anecdotes (along with Bible verses sprinkled throughout) that help to convey the contrast between what he believes the Bible says with what modern society says about the Christian faith and hope. In the afterword, Graham offers an altar call of sorts and explains how to come to Christ. VERDICT Fans of Graham will welcome another chance to hear from him. Although simplistic for seasoned Christians and a little old-fashioned for young people, this straightforward book will benefit those seeking a deeper understanding of the evangelical Christian faith. Recommended for public libraries and those with a Christian faith collection.--Holly Hebert, Brentwood P.L., TN

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2013
Age and illness have removed him from the public eye, but only death will stop Graham from promulgating the same good news of salvation in Jesus Christ that he has preached now for 70 years. Only some of his exempla are new, drawn from recent headlines and the web, but, as always, Graham makes the message fresh, makes it new, in a plain-speaking and personal manner that few other evangelists have mastered quite as well. He remains absolutely faithful to the text of the Bible, as sure of sin and damnation as they are biblically portrayed as he is of repentance, salvation, and heaven. Moreover, he is as convinced of prophecythat Jesus' coming was foretold and that his Second Coming is certainas ever. He doesn't acknowledge nuance (although he doesn't condemn metaphorical reading of scripture, either), andwhat upsets contemporary sensibilities much morehe adheres to traditional understandings, for example of marriage, as firmly as to traditional evangelical interpretation of the Bible. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)