Answers to Life's Problems

by Billy Graham, Thomas Nelson

A collection of the best pieces from his nationally syndicated newspaper column, "My Answer", this new book by Billy Graham, the world's most widely known evangelist, responds directly to the heartfelt concerns of everyday people.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

About the author

Billy Graham was an American evangelical Christian evangelist and an ordained Southern Baptist minister. Graham is best known for his evangelistic missions or “Crusades.” He believed God knew no borders or nationalities. Throughout his career, Graham preached to millions around the world. He met and prayed with every U. S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama.

Graham authored 34 books, including his memoir, Just As I Am. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Ronald Reagan. In 1996, Graham and his wife, Ruth, received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award Congress can bestow on a private citizen.

Graham married Wheaton College classmate Ruth Bell Graham in 1943. They had five children ( Ruth Graham, Gigi Graham Tchividjian, Anne Graham Lotz, Nelson, & Franklin Graham) and made their home in the mountains of North Carolina. They were married for 64 years before Ruth’s death in 2007. Graham died from natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.

Reviews

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz]

Only one thing will keep us from Heaven, and that is our refusal to turn to Christ in faith and trust. ~ Billy Graham (Answers to Life's Problems, page 207)

While I was studying this book, I felt that I was physically sitting across from Billy Graham and asking him questions. This book has a question and answer format.

The counsel in this book will be like oil on your head and be sweet to your soul.

[Youngcheddathea$$Getta]

Well-written but uses the Bible to justify misogynistic views, and blames people's problems on premarital see, i.e "if you didn't have premarital sex your boyfriend wouldn't have left you." Also puts marriage problems on the women because they were supposed to obey and be absolutely devoted, but puts no responsibility on the man

[Jayme]

This book is broken into three or so different books. I liked all of them except the first one. I especially liked his approach to the questios asked. This is a very wise man. It was really cool to read his answer's.

[Yoric]

A series of questions and answers. Some question can seem amusing (about love and sex), but all the answers almost always make sense, even though I am not deeply involved in the Bible.
Here are two questions about education. (I pay close attention to this topic, being a new parent myself)

1. My wife and I do not agree on the matter of disciplining our children. I maintain that a child needs a firm hand and a spanking now and then. My wife says that all they need is love and understanding. Who is right?

Discipline and love are related. They are two sides of the same coin. Correct discipline is an act of love. “The LORD disciplines those he loves,” Says the Bible (Hebrews 12:6). The purpose of discipline is not only correction. It is to help a child conform to God’s standard so that the child will be able to lead a happy and productive life.
But there must be the right kind of discipline and parents must agree on it. A child will sometimes exploit different approaches to discipline by his parents and that could be damaging to your child and to each of you.

2. I’d like to know what guidelines you would give for raising children. We are about to have our first child, and I think about it a lot when I see some of the problems other families seem to have.

let me suggest three general guidelines that may help you to get started in your thinking. First, surround your child with love. I know that sounds simple, but it is easy to forget sometimes. For example, some parents in their zeal to have their child behave better will constantly criticize their child. A child who constantly is hammered with criticism grows up feeling he is not loved and also that he is not worth very much. Love your child-and don’t be afraid to express that love, even when it is difficult or when he has done something that is wrong. Be quick to praise.
Then have clear guidelines about behavior and discipline. The other day I heard a leading psychiatrist say on national television that we need more discipline today, and I agree. We discipline not out of anger (or at least we shouldn’t), but out of love, knowing that a child needs to learn he is responsible for his actions. Don’t change the rules all the time either, or threaten punishment and then not carry it out.

[DaShannon]

In June I read a short book by Billy Graham and I really enjoyed it. I had this one on my shelf as well so I started it. Now, honestly, I think Graham and I have many differences in opinion so I was once again just pleasantly surprised at how I loved hearing Graham answer these letters. Keep in mind that Graham is blatantly conservative so that does come up from time to time but his overall message comes through loud and clear. Jesus loves you. He wants you to repent and come home. And although the book is very dated it is clear how we have not changed a bit as humans. There is talk of drugs and rock music etc that I expected from Graham but I can take that with a grain of salt. Also lots of conversion and evangelism which I also expected but it didn't bother me because he has so much to say and his care is evident. This is a collection of Graham's answers in a newspaper column over 50 years. There are 5 parts to the book dealing with 5 themes. Graham includes many references to scripture. We go to a large church, I've never even met our pastors in person. This was like sitting down with a pastor and having a heart to heart. I respect and honor history, those who come before us and I believe they have lessons for us.

[Cynthia]

This was my work book, read in bits and snatches and for that purpose it was ideal, consisting as it did of questions and answers on a variety of topics. It is poignant to me that I happened to be reading it when he died. His answers are always, always solidly rooted in Scripture. Over and over he points his questioners to the Bible, and to Christ. Suffering from depression? Christ. Addicted to drugs or alcohol? Christ. Husband left you? Wife died? Christ. And you know what? He is absolutely right.

[Liza Lehman]

I usually enjoy Billy Graham's books, but I had to force myself to make progress with this one. It is a compilation of questions people wrote to him and his answers to those questions. While it is full of sound advice, it is a difficult format to sit and read through. I tried skipping to those questions that interested me, but I just gave it up all together.

[Mason I.]

This book was a delight to read, from cover to cover—there’s really no other way I can describe it LOL

Dr. Graham was wise beyond his years, and his diligent, yet discerning application of Scripture for almost every life situation posed to him is both inspiring and challenging. I can’t wait to read even more of what he’s written!

[Fred Rojo]

Debo decir que admiro la capacidad de apuntar todo a Cristo. El formato de preguntas y respuestas, organizados por temáticas, lo hace más fácil de leer y poder comprender, sin embargo, en algunas partes siento que se necesitaría más profundización.

[J.D. G]

I feel like these are not real questions from real people but are just made up to fit the pre-determined answers. Real people with real life complex problems will be worse off if they waste their time with books like this.

[Beryl Kumo]

Billy Graham answers questions frankly and with direct biblical reference. He answers those questions where every once in a while you tend to ask yourself. Good practical, christian approach.

[Ronald]

This book is taken from his newspaper column. Each chapter is problem themed.

[Kelli Santistevan]

Imagine being able to sit down with Billy Graham and ask him for advice. In response to thousands of letters, Billy Graham offers guidance and answers to the most-often asked questions about every aspect of life, including relationships, ethics, psychological problems and spirituality.

I read 52 pages of this book and I’ve decided to bail on it. I wanted to read it because it sounded interesting but I don’t like the Q&A format that this book was written in. It’s kind of boring and I can’t get into it.

[John]

Rated: B

[Cws]

248.4

[Michael Vincent]

Not deep, but a great reminder of the relevance and practicality of the Scriptures and the simplicity, but essential nature, of the gospel.

[Phubc]

Our copy has a burgundy hard cover

[Michael K.]

I would liken this wisdom with the books of Psalms, Proverbs, & Song of Solomon! Well worth the read!

[Carolyn]

Billy Graham is the best.