Lincoln's Battle with God: A President's Struggle with Faith and What It Meant for America
Join New York Times bestselling author Stephen Mansfield as he dives into the incredible story of Abraham Lincoln's spiritual life and draws from it a deeper meaning that's sure to inspire us all.
Abraham Lincoln is, undoubtedly, among the most beloved of all U.S. presidents. He helped to abolish slavery, gave the world some of its most memorable speeches, and redefined the meaning of America. He did all of this with endless wisdom, compassion, and wit. Yet, throughout his life, Lincoln fought with God.
In his early years in Illinois, he rejected even the existence of God and became the village atheist. In time, this changed but still, he wrestled with the truth of the Bible, preachers, doctrines, the will of God, the providence of God, and then, finally, God's purposes in the Civil War. Still, on the day he was shot, Lincoln said he longed to go to Jerusalem to walk in the Savior's steps.
In this thrilling journey through a largely unknown part of American history, Mansfield traces Lincoln's exploring:
- Lincoln's lifelong spiritual journey
- The ways that Lincoln's faith shaped his presidency and beyond
- How Lincoln's struggle with faith can inspire modern believers
Let Lincoln's Battle with God show you Lincoln's life and legacy in a brand new light.
Top Highlights
“History cannot, should not, be treated in such a way. Those who believe in a sovereign God who rules history should be humble enough before the face of their Creator to report the past as it was, no matter how disturbing, and to always understand themselves as feeling their way along the contours of providence.” (source)
“Yet against this we have Mary’s own account of her husband’s dramatic final words, and they do not stand alone. We also have the magnificent Second Inaugural Address, perhaps the noblest American political sermon, given only weeks before the great man’s death.” (source)
“Thomas Lincoln was a hulking, demanding, disapproving man who valued his son’s physical strength but cared little for his mind. He interpreted Abe’s literary bent as laziness.” (source)
“It is understandable. Lincoln was, after all, a religious oddity. He never joined a church. In fact, he went through periods in his life when he was openly antireligion—even anti-God. In his later years, he spoke often of God but rarely of Jesus Christ.” (source)
“He genuinely loved Mary, but she was not an easy woman to abide. One of her traits in particular haunted his life: she was notoriously jealous. She screamed viciously at any woman who dared even to walk next to her husband.” (source)
Product Details
- Title : Lincoln's Battle with God: A President's Struggle with Faith and What It Meant for America
- Author: Mansfield, Stephen
- Publisher: Thomas Nelson
- Publication Date: 2012
- ISBN: 9781595554192