Billy Graham and the Rise of the Republican South

“Billy Graham and the Rise of the Republican South, a study of the evangelist’s relationship to the cause of civil rights on the one hand and the cause of conservatism on the other, does justice to the tensions and complexities involved-for Graham, for the South and for the country.” (Ross Douthat, New York Times) “With this book, Steven P. Miller emerges as a significant new voice in the history of evangelical Christianity… . The book opens new territory for modern American religious and political history, and for this reason it should be considered essential reading.” (Donald T. Critchlow, Reviews in American History) “Wonderfully readable, engrossing … . A captivating history and a profound work of scholarship. Miller ably shows how evangelicalism aided the new conservatism long before the Christian Right exploded onto the scene.” (Randall J. Stephens, Journal of American History) “Beautifully written, well argued and carefully researched … . Thanks to Miller’s engaging and provocative book, Billy Graham and modern conservatism will never look the same.” (Social History) “Fascinating … Miller is a valuable and sophisticated guide to how Graham-a man interested in both saving souls and playing golf with presidents-helped shape today’s South.” (Raleigh News and Observer) “A political biography that shines fresh light on Graham’s political machinations, navigation of the civil rights movement and boosting of the Sunbelt South.” (Christian Century) “Miller demonstrates a keen eye for the telling phrases in conversations or letters and incorporates them in a swiftly flowing narrative that pulls the reader along.” (Journal of Church and State) “Billy Graham, prominent evangelist, is reintroduced here for the important role he played in creating the latter-day American South. Miller studies Graham’s behavior and rhetoric within the overlapping themes of religion, politics, and race during the decades since 1950 and Graham’s part in the story of the post-civil rights South.” (Library Journal)

Steven P. Miller earned his Ph.D. degree in history from Vanderbilt University. He has taught at a number of institutions, including Washington University, Webster University, and Goshen College.