Religion: And Then There Was Billy

Jim and Tammy, Jimmy, Jerry, Oral, Pat. With other evangelistic stars beset by scandal, political controversy or organizational woe, the untainted Billy Graham remains America's most admired religious leader. And the most durable. "My schedule is just as heavy as when I was 40," says Graham, who this week reached 70. His 1988 itinerary has featured revival meetings, drop-ins at both U.S. political conventions and breakthrough tours in two Communist lands.

It was 50 years ago that a rawboned young Billy delivered his first sermon one cold night before 36 Baptists in Bostwick, Fla. Since then, he has preached in person...