Watch Billy Graham: A Prophet with Honor
- 1990
- 50 min
As a highly anticipated and renowned documentary, Billy Graham: A Prophet with Honor carefully explores the life and legacy of one of the most preeminent spiritual leaders of the 20th century. Produced and directed by acclaimed filmmaker and author, John Stemberger, the film underscores the fascinating journey of Reverend Billy Graham's lifelong pilgrimage of faith, as told through his own words as well as those of family members, journalists, historians, and celebrities such as former President George W. Bush and Bono of U2.
From his humble beginnings on a North Carolina dairy farm to serving as a spiritual advisor to the most influential political figures to visiting over 185 countries to spread the gospel, Graham impacted countless individuals through his evangelism, preaching, writing, and humanitarian work. The documentary takes viewers through a tour of Graham's career, beginning with his roots as a farm boy and navigating through his education, his early ministry, and his eventual success as a radio evangelist. The film also delves into Graham's controversial dealings with politicians, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Cold War, vividly painting a multifaceted portrait of a man who was at once a devout Christian and a cultural icon.
One of the central themes of the documentary is the idea that Graham's faith and ministry transcended just about all boundaries of race, religion, and creed. Growing up in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Graham witnessed firsthand the systemic racism and segregation that dominated Southern society at the time. As such, the film hammers home the point that Graham made it his mission to ensure that his evangelical crusades and messages spoke to everyone, regardless of their background. This included people of different races, different religions, different walks of life, and even different political affiliations.
Throughout the film, we hear from various interviewees about how Graham had managed to connect with people from various backgrounds and how they had responded to his message in different ways, sometimes even giving him criticism regarding certain issues. The documentary gives great detail on how, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, Graham actively worked alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and saw segregation as a moral issue that needed to be addressed in the church. Even more controversially, the film goes into detail about how Graham had intricate relationships with American presidents over the years, from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Gerald Ford. Despite this, Graham never became intertwined with partisan agenda or took a side in politics.
Overall, Billy Graham: A Prophet with Honor provides a thorough and engrossing glimpse into the life and leadership of one of the world's most renowned and influential religious figures. With a wealth of archival footage, interviews, and never-before-seen insights into the man behind the pulpit, this documentary is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of American Christianity or curious about what it takes to be a religious leader with a lasting impact. Through the poignant and thought-provoking narratives of those who knew him best, the film offers a captivating glimpse into the world of one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century, and leaves an inspiring message about the power of faith to transform lives and communities alike.
In summary, Billy Graham: A Prophet with Honor is a powerful and inspiring film, chronicling the life of one of the most significant religious figures of the 20th century. From his humble beginnings to his global impact, the documentary provides a comprehensive look into the life and legacy of Billy Graham, showcasing his remarkable commitment to faith and the causes he held dear. Filled with rare footage, powerful testimonies, and heartfelt interviews, this film is an engaging, thought-provoking exploration of one of America's greatest spiritual leaders.
Billy Graham: A Prophet with Honor is a 1990 faith & spirituality movie with a runtime of 50 minutes.