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Rebel With a Cause: An Autobiography

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 877 ratings · 57 reviews
President of Samaritan's Purse and son of acclaimed evangelist Billy Graham, Franklin Graham offers his life story, from his childhood through his rebellious teenage years to his ministry of today.
Hardcover , 304 pages
Published November 1st 1995 by Thomas Nelson Inc (first published January 1st 1995)
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Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,409)
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Keiki Hendrix
Franklin Graham's autobiography Rebel With a Cause tells the story of his prodigal years eventually leading him to embrace his calling, is a book you every parent of a prodigal should read.

I read this book several years ago so my recall of particular portions are a bit sketchy. Still, I remember reading of the first hand account of Franklin Graham's early years and the many mistakes made along the way.

Graham speaks lovingly and with endearment of the mountains of North Carolina, his childhood ho
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Judi
This was an engrossing book. The only thing I regretted was that it didn't cover quite a few recent years and changes in the Samaritan's Purse ministry. Franklin's account of his early childhood hijinx and his mother's sometimes creative discipline were hilarious. It was fascinating to see how the Lord took Franklin's interests and personality and used them (after his conversion) to raise up a true leader to continue and expand the work of Samaritan's Purse. Franklin's deep compassion for those ...more
Krysti Emerson
Great book about Franklin, the Graham family in general and mostly about Samaritans Purse and their work around the world. It was wonderful to read about what God did behind the scenes in setting things up. Things you would never hear on the news.
Lou
Guess I wans't in the mood for autobiographies, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as I'd like to. However was pretty entertaining.
Amber
This was a great book to read.
Such an interesting biography to learn about the life of Rev. Billy Graham's Son and all the things he done in his life; and some that was sometimes sinful and wrong. To finally where he got tired of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I loved reading and learning how he finally gave his life over to the Lord.
I recommend this book to everyone.
After I read this book I started following Franklin and BGEA more closely than I had before.
I'm Thankful I ran ac
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John Sands
Franklin embraces a purpose for his life after struggles as the son of the famous Billy Graham. I like his no-nonsense and clear style of storytelling. This is a book of short stories that chronicle his life's journey and help us understand how he performs his current role as the head of Samaritan's Purse. Franklin has an unusual ability to admit how his traits can be used just as easily for good or bad results. Franklin admitted how his trait of strong rebellion caused an addiction to cigarette ...more
Rachel N
Franklin is an honest and simple writer. He just “says it like it is.” From childhood to the present, Franklin lets us into “his world” – his struggles, his shortcomings, his disappointments – and his greatest joys. This book could be divided into two sections: one – the adolescent and early adulthood SEARCH for identity and purpose, and two – fulfilled life vision through the ministry of Samaritans Purse (a missionary organization that provides provisional and medical aid in areas of the world ...more
Barbara
I found this book just fascinating. I gained a lot of insight into Fraklin's life. Most of us know him as the "Operation Christmas Child Shoebox" guy, but man, there is SO MUCH more to his story! He has lived an unconventional, risk-taking, crazy awesome life--astride his harley with .62 Cal Revolver in hand (or something like that). I definitely took back some good words of wisdom, and a boatload of laughs (and gasps). I very much appreciate Franklin's honest, down to earth style, and love how ...more
Ginger
WoW!!! What a book! What insight. I so enjoyed this book and my eyes and heart were opened more. It truly wasn't what I expected. I loved hearing how God turned the Rebel around. I so loved hearing how he came to his own, on his own. I really enjoyed hearing of the work he has done already. It gave more and more insight to Samaritan's Purse. Yet there was still all the love and graciousness of the South in there. I was hooked on page 2. I had been wanting for many years to read this book, but ne ...more
Sherry Hill
I love how this author told his story without going into too many details of others personal stories. As I don't read very often anymore the thought that I want to read this one again surprises me. Interesting with adventures and stories showing how even when in his spiritual immaturity God was able to work through him and along the way show how important prayer is. Easy reading and loved getting a glimpse into the family of his parents, Billy and Ruth Graham.
Madelle
This autobiography is the story of Franklin Graham's life. While I do not think he is a great writer, the stories that he tells of growing up as the son of Billy Graham and how he found his own way in life were very interesting. I especially enjoyed hearing about how he came to care for the underserved in so many areas of the world. It was good to hear how Samaritan;s Purse was begun and what they are doing today. That is his mission organization that gives away nine million showboxes to childre ...more
Nina
Franklin Graham ringt um seine eigene Identität. Von Kindheit an steht er im Schatten seines berühmten Vaters Billy Graham. Die Erwartungen des Umfeldes sind hoch und sein Lebensweg scheint vorgezeichnet zu sein. Doch Franklin wehrt sich dagegen. Er ist ein rebellisches Kind, das sich mehr für Rauchen, Trinken und Schießen interessiert als für die Bibel. Getrieben von Abenteuerlust bereist er arme Länder um den Menschen dort zu helfen. Dabei erkennt er schließlich, dass Gott einen eigenen Plan f ...more
Lauralee Bliss
This is the first autobiography I have read in a long time, and although it was written a few years back, I found it quite appropriate for me today. It's a simple, easy to read account of Franklin Graham's amazing life. It held my interest to the end. The beginnings of this man's life certainly was not rosey for a famous evangelist's son, which makes it even more interesting. God used many to help mold and shape him for his remarkable work, and with ever-loving parents who stood by him no matter ...more
C-shaw
After reading _The Golden Compass,_ I felt the need for some real-life religion! This was a very interesting book, not "preachy" at all, and with short, easy-to-read chapters and sections. It left me renewed in my faith and in admiration of Franklin's.
Jo
Love the idea of "God room"- it is forever etched in my brain. The idea of do what you can, trust God, that other space is "God room"- wait and see what He does.
Tammy
Franklin Graham describes his life as the son of the famous evangelist, Billy Graham. Including his years of rebelling against his Christian upbringing and having a famous father and all the expectations those involve. He ends with his current charity work through his independent organization and how he resisted outside influences to have him take over Billy Graham Ministries as he was confident it wouldn't be a good fit for him or for the organization.
Crystal
I read this book a long time ago, but I remember enjoying it. Franklin Graham had everything lined up. He was the "son of a preacher man"--he should have been an awesome Christian automatically, right? But he wasn't. and he didn't want to be. until God changed him. but even that's interesting. The story of how he became the man behind Samaritan's Purse disaster relief organization, loving and serving God, is pretty interesting. He's no sissy for God.
Jerjonji
As I finished the story fo Franklin's journey from rebellious child to rebellious Christian leader, I was left thinking... "What does this mean for me?" Seriously, the book left me questioning what I am doing with all the prep work God has put into my life. What does God want to do with the rest of my life? I wish I knew and I thank Franklin for raising the question and making me uneasy in my own skin. Now, if I could find some answers...
William
Sep 22, 2013 William rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition
Recommends it for: anyone; both Christians and others would enjoy this book.
Recommended to William by: Franklin Graham
Get to know the man who is the driving force behind Samaritan's Purse.

What's it like to be the son of a famous evangelist? How could you ever meet everyone's expectations? Franklin had to be himself, and he had very wise parents who allowed him to work through the process of learning who he was supposed to be, and becoming that person.

God's perfect timing of events is very evident throughout this book.
Brandon
Jan 28, 2009 Brandon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition
Recommends it for: everyone
Recommended to Brandon by: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
This was my second book that I read from Mr. Graham. While I'm admittedly not a fan of his method of teaching scripture (nor his interpretation of it), Graham has done a great job with this book in describing his own journey of faith. Growing up as the son of the president's pastor was rocky for Franklin, but this book shows the importance of faith and the power of God's love.
Denise
Up to page 137, this is a folksy autobiography with a good mix of humor, boyhood angst, and glimpses into growing up as a Graham. Soon after this point, the book becomes a mixture of wonderful big hearted acts and annoying arrogance. I suspect Franklin will continue to be a bold public figure for many more years.
Gobnait
This book was a good autobiography. I knew nothing about Franklin, except that his organization sponsored the shoe box donations for Christmas. His life story made for an interesting read. However, I didn't get anything out of it spiritually. That was a disappointment.
Jax Spencer
Mar 14, 2008 Jax Spencer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition
Recommends it for: Anyone
Recommended to Jax by: I heard about it on a radio ad, and got it shipped to me free...
Absolutely phenomenal! This guy has such a wonderful writing style as well. I was laughing through most of this book at some of the adventures this man has had! Amazing book. You can see why he really is a man of God. Samaratins Purse is blessed to have a founder like this one!
Lou Barba
Franklin tells his early life story and gives real insight into the Graham family that isn't like the larger than life image that is generally known. It is a book that could inspire someone who is caught in a series of bad choices. I felt it was well written and captivating.
Jim Magwood
A good description of someone who is doing a huge amount to help the hurting people of the world. The son of Billy Graham, he suffered and rebelled through his youth, then found what was right for him and grew into the man he is today.
A great read.
Vikki
I fell in love with Franklin. None of us can imagine being the first born son of such a famous and accomplished man. He had a few rough years, although not as rough as mine. But he found himself and found his calling. He is doing a remarkable work for God.
Kevinkendall Kendall
Really good read. Actually, a page-turner for me. This guy's interesting. Not a non-conformist, per se, as the term is known colloquially, but rather a guy who follows the path of genuineness, warts & all. Franklin Graham's the real deal.
Erin
I put off reading this forever and I'm not sure why. But I really enjoyed reading about his life. I also really enjoyed the stories of the some of the places Samaritan's Purse has been and the goals of that organization.
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  • High Calling: The Courageous Life and Faith of Space Shuttle Columbia Commander Rick Husband
  • Ruth, a Portrait: The Story of Ruth Bell Graham
  • Captured by Grace: No One Is Beyond the Reach of a Loving God
  • Oswald Chambers Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest
  • A Step Further: growing closer to God through hurt and hardship
  • Born Again
  • A Man Called Peter: The Story of Peter Marshall
  • The Great House of God
  • Prodigals and Those Who Love Them
  • They Smell Like Sheep
  • Fresh Power: Experiencing the Vast Resources of the Spirit of God
  • Hearts of Fire: Eight Women in the Underground Church and Their Stories of Costly Faith
  • A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
  • E. M. Bounds on Prayer
  • Jungle Pilot: The Gripping Story of the Life and Witness of Nate Saint, Martyred Missionary to Ecuador
  • In My Father's House
  • My Heart's Cry
The Name Operation Christmas Child: A Story of Simple Gifts Living Beyond the Limits: A Life in Sync with God Billy Graham in Quotes Bob Pierce: This One Thing I Do

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