Billy Graham
Billy Graham has preached the Gospel to over 210 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. Ordained in 1939 by a church in the Southern Baptist Convention, Graham received a solid foundation in the Scriptures at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College in Florida). In 1943, he graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois. After graduation, he preached throughout the United States and in Europe, emerging as a rising young evangelist.
A Los Angeles crusade in 1949 catapulted Graham to international prominence. Scheduled for three weeks, the meetings were extended to more than eight weeks, with overflow crowds filling a tent erected downtown. Many subsequent early crusades were similarly extended.
Today, Graham and his ministry are known around the globe. He has preached in remote African villages and in the heart of New York City. Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950, now headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. He has written more than 18 books, many of which have become best sellers. His autobiography, "Just As I Am," published in 1997, achieved a Triple Crown award appearing on the three top best-seller lists in the same week.
Graham has received the Congressional Gold Medal and the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Freedom Award for contributions to the cause of freedom. He won the Big Brother Award for his work on behalf of children and has been cited by the George Washington Carver Memorial Institute for his contributions to race relations. Graham has been recognized by the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith and the National Conference of Christians and Jews for his efforts to foster a better understanding among all faiths.
Graham is regularly listed by the Gallup organization as one of the "Ten Most Admired Men in the World." He has appeared on the covers of Time, Newsweek, Life, US News and World Report, Parade, and numerous other magazines and has been the subject of many newspaper and magazine articles and books.
Graham's column, "My Answer," distributed by Tribune Media Services, runs six days a week.
Billy Graham Samples
Evil is Real, But God's Goodness and Power Are Stronger
Q: If God made everything, doesn't that mean He made the devil? A: There is much about evil we don't understand -- nor will we understand it fully until we enter heaven.
With Time and Prayer, Family Rift Can Heal
Q: Many years ago, my sister and I had a sharp disagreement about something and haven't talked to each other since. A: No, you shouldn't give up, even when nothing seems to change in your sister's attitude.
Don't be Put Off by the Complexity of the Old Testament
Q: I like the New Testament, but to be honest, I've never been able to understand the Old Testament. A: Yes, the Old Testament is certainly "worth bothering with today"!
Like a Good Father, God Both Loves and Judges Us
Q: I was taught when I was growing up that God is very strict and angry, and is just waiting to punish us if we get out of line. A: It may not seem logical -- but the truth is, both are right! How can God be both righteous and loving?
Scorn for the Bible Often An Excuse for Avoiding God
Q: My uncle just laughs when I say something about the Bible, because he says it's full of errors and contradictions. A: One approach, of course, would be to ask him to show you a contradiction in the Bible.
God, Not Computers, Will Always Be In Control of the Future
Q: Do you think computers will take over the world some day? A: I commend you for learning to use e-mail at your age! Historians may well say that the invention of the computer marked a major turning point in the history of the human race.
Licensing and Reprints
TMS Licensing: We license popular cartoon characters, puzzles and content from renowned creators for print, interactive, TV and film, mobile and board games. TMS also licenses unique commentary in politics, travel, health, business and other categories.
TMS reprints: We grant websites, newsletters, books and other publications permission to reprint any of the 150-plus columns, cartoons, magazine articles, photos and graphics found in our catalog. This content also can be used in corporate communications and training materials.