Rebel with a Cause

by Franklin Graham

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.

Genres: Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Religion

354 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Graham is the child of Billy Graham & Ruth Bell Graham

"William Franklin Graham III (born July 14, 1952), known as Franklin Graham, is an American Christian evangelist and missionary. He is president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) and of Samaritan's Purse, an international Christian relief organization."
-- Wikipedia

Reviews

[Keiki Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 home. He vividly describes the area almost with awe. Living near the mountains of North Carolina, I could easily relate and understand why he choose to stay in this beautiful area.

Ruth Graham, Franklin Graham's mother, is portrayed a both wise and understanding. With Billy Graham travel schedule, Ruth was the constant in Franklin Graham's life and the episodes of discipline portrayed in this book are lessons every mother can learn from.

If I learned anything from this book, it is this - Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." was proven in the life of Franklin Graham. This is a lesson every mother of a prodigal or wayward child can take comfort from.

I recommend it highly and urge all parents of incorrigible kids (aren't they all) to read.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rarely read any non-fiction other than the Bible, but, as a Christian, this book sounded interesting, especially since I've considered myself a bit of a rebel with a cause. Mr. Graham's story was exciting, and he is kind of like me in a way: reckless as a youth, but eventually discovering the error of our ways. However, the space-wasting format was a bit annoying, and, since this book was published over two decades ago, it could use some updating.

[Brenda Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about the fascinating life of Franklin Graham. It was very interesting and moving. I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book and pass it on to my parents who also enjoyed it very much.

[Brice Karickhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I give this book 4.25 stars”

This weekend I was telling a friend that I always rate books with 4-5 stars if it was given to me as a gift from another person (or highly recommended/ assigned). I told him this in confidence. A few hours later at dinner he proceeded to tell everything I said to the person who requested that I read this book. What a narc!

At the end of the ensuing conversation, he suggested I simply review every book from a friend with “I give this book 4.25 stars” no matter how good or bad it is, that way, people who are in on the tactic can know when my review is less than authentic. So, as stated above: I give this book 4.25 stars.

[Johnathan Sorce · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read - very encouraging! Franklin's autobiography is much easier to read than Mr. Graham's and has a much more conversational and narrative-focused tone. It's also much shorter. It provides an excellent window into understanding some of Franklin's ministry philosophy and history. It's also great for seeing how different he is from his father, yet how God called and has used both of them mightily. I do wish that there was a second edition to the book, as it's been 30 years since its publication and Franklin has done a lot in that time, such as starting Operation Christmas Child and taking over the reigns of BGEA. I will also give a warning that there is a very graphic and disturbing description during the Bosnian war section toward the end of the book. All these things considered though, it was a great read, which I'd definitely recommend.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the life of Franklin Graham

[George Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF
Lord, help us.

[Della Tingle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written 25 years ago and contains not one word about the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes my children and I have been packing for years, but it contains so much more and covers the entire globe! The cover has a picture of Franklin Graham with brown hair. He now is completely gray, and his precious parents are both deceased. After reading this book and hearing so many awe inspiring stories, I can only imagine all of the good work that has been completed during the past 25 years, as well. I just loved the anecdotes pertaining to Graham’s mother! I won’t tell you any because I don’t want to spoil anything for you! Some of my favorite quotes are as follows.

First of all, Franklin’s wife’s name is Jane Austin. I love that so much! (Obviously, I am a huge fan of author Jane Austen!)

“...commit yourself to bigger things than you can humanly do. Then you can watch God work a miracle” (140).

“You don’t exercise faith until you have promised more than it’s possible to give” (141).

“...Satan’s attacks often come from within” (187).

“...Satan uses discouragement to work against Christians...” (259).

“For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me...Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40)

“The ditches and gutters that litter this world are ugly places, filled with human tragedy” (286).

“With God, nobody’s hopeless” (Ruth and Billy Graham, 314).

[Krysti Emerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Dana Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a confession to make. I am really ashamed I didn't know this. But I really didn't know much about Samaritan's purse or the huge impact it makes over the entire world. Yeah, I knew about the Christmas shoe boxes and I even participated in it. But other than that, I didnt know. This is an amazing ministry. They go to places all over the world during crises and provides food, medicine, shelter and most importantly the gospel of Jesus Christ. This book is about Franklin Graham and how God prepared him throughout his life for this ministry. He was quite the stinker growing up. And I enjoyed learning about his adventures. I laughed out loud at times. His mama was an adventurer as well and seemed like a lot of fun. I can't imagine growing up a Graham but it sounds wonderful. What a great heritage he has. I would love Franklin to revise this book with an update.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten some of the details and events in his life, so it was good to go back and read again the story. I am a gib fan and contributor to Samaritan's Purse ministry so that was interesting to go back and read how all that came about. The slight controversy surrounding the land where the Cove is located was relevant since Columbia Bible College and Ben Lippen was mentioned. Certainly, Ruth Graham gets a ton of credit along with many others that came along side Franklin to lead and guide him to where he finds himself even today. But it is also fascinating that he was very nervous to start speaking at crusades and especially in front of his dad. Who wouldn't be?

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally completed this book after two years, not because it wasn’t good! But because I was always reading something else. So thankful for Franklin Graham and his heart for the Gospel. It also helps me to understand the ministry of Samaritan’s Purse. May God continue to bless that ministry and give many opportunities to share the Gospel through it and through him.

[Jim Jaroszewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have all come long way to where we are today. Here is one man's journey.... a great human being!

[Maxine Worsley]

Interesting story of Franklin Graham from his rebel years until now

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and real. I appreciate how honest Mr Graham appeared to be.
I know about Operation Christmas Child but had no idea the extent of Samaritan’s Purse.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book was written many years go it is relevant and most interesting reading. If you are involved in Operation Christmas Child (Shoe Boxes) you will find how Franklin Graham became involved in Samaritan's Purse, the umbrella of Operation Christmas Child.

[Yale Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great

[Violet M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently, I finished reading Rebel with a Cause. Interestingly, I didn’t purchase this book—it arrived unexpectedly after I tried to remove myself from the mailing list of Samaritan’s Purse. That’s when I learned that Franklin Graham is the organization’s president. Given his well-known alignment with Donald Trump, I was curious about what his book would reveal.

The first third of the book delves into Franklin’s rebellious teenage years. He was consumed by drugs, travel, and a thirst for adventure—so much so that he struggled academically. Yet, thanks to his father Billy Graham’s prominence in Christian ministry, Franklin still managed to graduate from high school. In 1970, he landed a remote construction job in Alaska earning nearly $100 a day—an extraordinary sum for an unskilled teenager, especially considering the federal minimum wage was only $1.60 an hour at the time. It’s clear he benefited from opportunities that were far beyond the reach of most young people—he was, in many ways, a privileged firstborn.

His transition into ministry seemed shaped largely by the involvement of other faithful and influential figures—many of them founders or leaders of prominent Christian organizations. With the resources and connections available to him through his father’s network, Franklin eventually became president of Samaritan’s Purse and gained wider recognition through his television appearances.

While it's hard to measure exactly how much of his success is due to his father's legacy, it's fair to say that without Billy Graham’s name and influence, Franklin’s path would have likely been much more difficult. The book offers insight into a life deeply shaped by privilege, faith, and the power of connections—inviting readers to consider how personal legacy and public leadership intersect.


Billy Graham was a man worthy of respect. He traveled to places many ordinary ministries struggled to reach—Russia, China, and other spiritually closed nations. One key to his global success was his conscious decision to stay out of politics. As Franklin Graham himself writes:

“He didn’t speak about anything political. Instead, Daddy simply talked from his heart about his relationship with God.” (Rebel with a Cause, p. 205)

This apolitical, heart-centered approach was evidently something Franklin once admired and tried to emulate. When reflecting on his own experience entering war zones, he described the purity of mission when politics didn’t get in the way:

“No politics to contend with—just the reality of hopelessness. The door was wide open.” (p. 295)

He even expressed frustration when political forces blocked humanitarian work:

“To think that they would put their political agendas before the welfare of the refugees made me angry.” (p. 288)
“One of the great human tragedies of our century is lives lost during crises because of political red tape.” (p. 289)

These words—passionate, sincere, and clear—show that he understood how politics could obstruct and even derail God’s work. He acknowledged that suffering increases when agendas are prioritized over human life.

Which is why, as I read this book written thirty years ago and compare it to Franklin Graham’s actions today, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of irony—and grief.

How could someone who once condemned political interference in humanitarian work now use his platform, and God’s Church, to support political agendas that hurt the very people he once claimed to serve? How can he endorse a leader whose policies have separated immigrant families, turned away refugees, and allowed women and children to suffer in Gaza and Ukraine—all while claiming to represent the love and compassion of Christ?

I just don’t understand.


While reading Rebel with a Cause, I couldn’t help but feel God’s presence woven throughout the story—even through all its contradictions. One particular moment moved me to tears.

Franklin Graham wrote that Samaritan’s Purse usually left child care to other agencies during their humanitarian missions. But something changed in Rwanda. Amid the devastation of the genocide, he encountered a young girl who sang “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so”—in French. He didn’t know where she learned the song. He didn’t know who sang it to her. He didn’t know what pain had led her to sing it. And yet, that moment touched him deeply—and it touched me too.

That small voice in the darkness was a seed someone had planted long before, and now it was blooming—evidence of God’s grace and mercy at work in even the most broken corners of the world. It reminded me that God often works quietly, invisibly, through unknown people, in unimaginable places. And when the time comes, He calls others—like Franklin and his team—to continue what He started. It’s a powerful reminder: God is always working, even when we don’t see it.

At the same time, this book also forced me to confront difficult questions about mission, privilege, and consistency. As Americans, missionaries carry enormous advantages—resources, influence, and access that those in poorer nations often lack. Looking back at China’s modern history, many missionaries built hospitals and schools to help communities facing poverty and political oppression. These were beautiful acts of compassion. But I still wonder: did they fully understand the people’s suffering?

This question becomes even more complicated when I consider Franklin Graham’s more recent public stance. In his book, he strongly criticized political systems that block aid to refugees—calling it a tragedy and a moral failure. And yet, in recent years, he has supported political leaders and policies in the U.S. that did exactly that: turning away immigrants, separating families, and closing the door on refugees.

It feels inconsistent—and painfully ironic.

Sometimes, I wonder if the comfort of wealth and religious privilege makes it easy for Christians to boast about their faith without truly living it. When war drives refugees toward America, do we embrace them with compassion, or do we reveal a selfish, fearful heart through our actions and words?

And still—despite all this—God continues to use imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. That doesn’t excuse arrogance or hypocrisy, but it shows the depth of God’s grace. He uses the broken. He works through contradiction. He redeems even what we fail to understand.

But let this be a warning: don't let pride cloud your witness. Don’t let your wealth or political allegiance make you forget your calling. As Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 7:21).

Let us live with humility. Always pray for wisdom and strength from God. Be a true witness of Jesus—not just with words, but with a life that reflects His love, His justice, and His mercy. Let the world see Jesus through us—not in who we admire or support politically, but in how we serve, how we love, and how we live.

[Wesley Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

In anticipation of attending Franklin Graham's Decision America rally in Pierre, SD on 5/24/16, I decided to pick up his autobiography to learn more about the son Billy Graham. "Rebel With a Cause" is a quick read which Franklin tells the story of his younger years, living in sin and not wanting to be known as "Billy Graham's son". He *was* a rebel, starting to smoke in his early teenage years followed by a drinking habit. That along with rebelling against his parents, his teachers and peers, makes his conversion story that much more encouraging to those who are lost and seeking a saviour.

Also in the book we learn of Franklin's first experience with "God's room". (see https://kboones.wordpress.com/2010/01...). In listening to an experience from Dr. Bob Pierce, the founder of Samaritan's Purse, he notes that "Nothing is a miracle until it reaches the area where the utmost that human effort can do still isn’t enough. God has to fill that space…room…between what’s possible and what He wants done that’s impossible. That’s what I mean by ‘God Room.’” This phrase stood out to me, and one phrase I will keep close to my heart and rely on as I continue to walk by Faith.

An excellent book if you want to learn more about Franklin Graham and his life up to the mid-1990s.

UPDATE: I did attend the rally on 5/24 along with about 2500 believers or seekers in Pierre. It was a beautiful day and Graham delivered a solemn but encouraging sermon and lead us in prayer throughout the hour. A neat story: after the rally, I was walking around the Capitol grounds. I stood outside Franklin Graham's bus for a bit and then he came out down the stairs. I asked him if he could sign my devotional, and he said "Sure!"

I thanked him for coming to Pierre and shook his hand and he said it was "an honor to" then Franklin joked "In 20 years you'll wonder who scribbled this!" we laughed together and he got in a Suburban and took off for lunch.

[John Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 cigarettes as a young man and troubles in school, but now how the same trait helps him to rebel against timidity and excuses that block other organizations from helping in dangerous situations of desperate human suffering. I loved the story of how the Red Cross was unwilling to enter Rwanda during their civil war and how they also blocked anyone serving for religious reasons from helping nearby refugee camps. That really made Franklin mad! He had a good sized staff of doctors and nurses and medical supplied to offer a huge camp of over 200,000 refugees, which only had one Red Cross nurse. The Red Cross attitude was horribly selfish and not seeking to help the refugees at all - just keep our religious organizations no matter the suffering they could alleviate. So Franklin decided to go to Rwanda, where they were admitted and allowed to serve the victims of war, which ultimately led to permanent ministries that still exist today. This was not without great risk. And someone without a strong rebellious attitude would have been too timid to even try. This book will challenge readers to a better faith in God's power and to take risks to help people in need.

[Rachel N · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 where “many would fear to tread.”) Franklin takes us on many journeys to the farthest corners of the world – war-torn, “closed” to the Gospel, with fleeing refugees – nothing deters this man. Franklin makes it a practice to always visit a location before sending any of his personnel to meet the need – therefore, he is often the first on the scene. He is a man of purpose and zeal – trusting in God at every turn. Readers will be inspired and amazed and motivated to be a part of World Missions. Highly recommended for every personal library.

[JD' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feeling inspired to get a pilot's license with my son after reading the autobiography of Franklin Graham, "Rebel with a Cause," who on the 1st flight as a pilot crashed.
I got to hear the CEO of Samaratain's Purse tell Indiana Jones stories of being shot at by snipers in the middle east, bombed near Sarajevo and surviving minefields in Rwanda. Politically incorrect he will say what no one else will say and go where no one else will go.
Franklin, a rebel kicked out of boarding school and the son of evangelist Billy Graham, gives his life to Christ and goes on adventures traveling to the lions den of war torn countries where even the UN was not involved. I respect this uncelebrated man many will find offensive, but he is interesting in that he goes to the worst places on earth to bring healing and God's unconditional love with no strings attached.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life."

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 never made myself. My sister in law who has a 5 year, already a Rebel, asked for the book for Christmas. Since I was visiting for a week I borrowed it to read. We both have laughed that we could see her in the future climbing the roof to get in to my nephews room, and she stated...Yes, but I don't think I'd have as much patience with him as Mrs. Graham did...I would have broke in that window and pulled him out by the neck. I responded with...I was waiting on that too.

[Madelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 children every year, provides worldwide disaster relief, and sponsors post residents for two years to expose them to medical missions in hopes they might commit their lives to fulltime medical missionary service. Our son Malin, his wife Sara and their family are part of the post residency program in Kenya for two years. This was a fast read.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 in need, whether victims of war, famine, natural disasters, etc. is amazing, and I really admire his willingness to go to the areas of great need and check out for himself what can be done to help meet the peoples' needs. I heartily applaud his insistence on also meeting the spiritual needs of aid recipients by making sure they hear the gospel. I highly recommend this book.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 für sein Leben hat. Er engagiert sich in Mission und Hilfsdiensten und erfährt Gottes Wirken auf wunderbare Weise.Was Franklin in all den Ländern, die er bereist, begegnet, ist total interessant. Nebenbei erfährt man viel über die politischen Geschehnisse und Strukturen der letzten Jahrzehnte.

[Lauralee Bliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 what. I was also amazed at the many times God preserved Franklin in very dangerous situations, encouraging my faith in a great God who has our lives and the lives of our children safe in His hands.

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it seemed a little disconnected at the end, this was a terrific read on how God brought Franklin Graham from the rebellious boy/teen/young adult that he was, to the strong man of God he is today. It was almost like reading a modern-day Jacob story.

Franklin really was quite the rebel in his younger years, using people and means to for his own services (even when helping others). Yet once he was converted to Christ, God used all the connections he had made in those earlier years to amazing ends in spreading the gospel and eventually leading Samaritan's Purse.

Not only was it inspiring to see God work in Franklin's life, the story was really well written too.

I hope he eventually expands it to include things that have happened past the '90s. :)

[Robert Waterman · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this when I was first saved and going to church in the early 2000's. At the time I felt it was a great book and that anyone can "change" and be "saved". In light of today's politics and watching what this man stands for I have since changed my views. I can't support anything Franklin Graham is doing politically today so I also don't want to support him in any way for his past work either. I don't even know what evangelism is anymore. And obviously neither does he. It's certainly not about being "saved" anymore---whatever "saved" is.