Stepping into the Light

Billy, written by William Paul McKay and Ken Abraham, and published by Thomas Nelson, is billed as "the untold story of a young Billy Graham and the test of faith that almost changed everything." As part of Thomas Nelson's book review blogger program, I have the opportunity to review this book in exchange for a free copy.

The first 100 or so pages of Billy read like a dramatic 1930's movie script, with an aged yet elegant Charles Templetonas the booming voiced narrator. Scenes cut between a hospital room in 2001 and the stories of two cultural giants growing up humbly and separately in the 1930's and then coming together to share a great friendship and history until their paths are split irrevocably.

Looking through the memory of the 80-plus Alzheimer's patient Templeton, we see that nothing marked Billy Graham for greatness in his early years. His innocent magnetism and farm-boy good looks always brought him popularity, but he was a mediocre student and had little sense of focus, much less dreams of great success. As the atheist (or at least serious agnostic) Templeton repeatedly compares Graham's mediocrity to Templeton's own early brilliance, how does he not realize that this disparity seen from the end of the story is nothing short of solid evidence of the God he denies? Heartbreakingly, Templeton even turns away from genuine miracles in which he participated.

Templeton nearly took Graham with him away from God. As compelling as is the account of Billy's climactic test of faith, I kept wondering who is telling this part of the story? Up until that point in the book, Billy's story seems to be told by Charles Templeton. However, a man without faith couldn't possibly tell this part of the story, and the authors' voice(s) would be less jarring if it were clear that someone besides Templeton had been interviewed for the book.

Despite this problem with the recounting of such a pivotal story point, and two glaring editorial errors regarding dates and ages, this is a well-told story that will grip the heart of any sensitive reader, elating the Christian in awe of both God's power and His mercy, and surely creating a healthy curiosity in other souls. Billyis a quick and fascinating read about two men whose cultural and spiritual influence in the 20th century has been felt by more people than know it. The influence of Billy Graham will continue to reach souls for Jesus long after Billy is gone from this earth.