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Abraham Lincoln, the Quakers, and the Civil War: "A Trial of Principle and Faith"
This unique addition to Civil War literature examines the extensive influence Quaker belief and practice had on Lincoln's decisions relative to slavery, including his choice to emancipate the slaves.
An important contribution to Lincoln scholarship, this thought-provoking work argues that Abraham Lincoln and the Religious Society of Friends faced a similar how to achieve emancipation without extending the bloodshed and hardship of war. Organized chronologically so readers can see changes in Lincoln's thinking over time, the book explores the congruence of the 16th president's relationship with Quaker belief and his political and religious thought on three specific emancipation, conscientious objection, and the relief and education of freedmen.
Distinguishing between the reality of Lincoln's relationship with the Quakers and the mythology that has emerged over time, the book differs significantly from previous works in at least two ways. It shows how Lincoln skillfully navigated a relationship with one of the most vocal and politically active religious groups of the 19th century, and it documents the practical ways in which a shared belief in the "Doctrine of Necessity" affected the president's decisions. In addition to gaining new insights about Lincoln, readers will also come away from this book with a better understanding of Quaker positions on abolition and pacifism and a new appreciation for the Quaker contributions to the Union cause.
An important contribution to Lincoln scholarship, this thought-provoking work argues that Abraham Lincoln and the Religious Society of Friends faced a similar how to achieve emancipation without extending the bloodshed and hardship of war. Organized chronologically so readers can see changes in Lincoln's thinking over time, the book explores the congruence of the 16th president's relationship with Quaker belief and his political and religious thought on three specific emancipation, conscientious objection, and the relief and education of freedmen.
Distinguishing between the reality of Lincoln's relationship with the Quakers and the mythology that has emerged over time, the book differs significantly from previous works in at least two ways. It shows how Lincoln skillfully navigated a relationship with one of the most vocal and politically active religious groups of the 19th century, and it documents the practical ways in which a shared belief in the "Doctrine of Necessity" affected the president's decisions. In addition to gaining new insights about Lincoln, readers will also come away from this book with a better understanding of Quaker positions on abolition and pacifism and a new appreciation for the Quaker contributions to the Union cause.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
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February 9, 2018
This is a very interesting book about Abraham Lincoln's relationship with the Religious Society of Friends and the attitudes of American Quakers at that time to slavery and war.
It is perhaps a little too short to be considered a detailed account but it's length doesn't detract from the amount of interesting worthwhile information and anecdotes. Particularly valuable to Quakers or those studying 19th century Quaker attitudes, schisms and beliefs within the Society.
It is perhaps a little too short to be considered a detailed account but it's length doesn't detract from the amount of interesting worthwhile information and anecdotes. Particularly valuable to Quakers or those studying 19th century Quaker attitudes, schisms and beliefs within the Society.
Displaying 1 of 1 review