What do you think?
Rate this book
Abraham Lincoln, a Man of Faith and Courage: Stories of Our Most Admired President
How Lincoln's Faith Shaped His Leadership
Undoubtedly the most revered leader in American history, Abraham Lincoln has had more books written about him than all our nation's presidents put together. But for all that's been written, little has focused on his faith and how this quality shaped the man who led our country during its most tumultuous years.
Author Joe Wheeler, historian and scholar, brings to the pages of this insightful book the knowledge gleaned from over ten years of study and more than sixty books on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Skillfully weaving his own narrative with direct quotes from Lincoln and poignant excerpts from other Lincoln biographers, Wheeler brings a refreshingly friendly rendition of Lincoln's life, faith, and courage.
The stories, historical details, and powerful quotes on the pages of this book will leave a lasting impression on your heart, your mind, and your life.
Undoubtedly the most revered leader in American history, Abraham Lincoln has had more books written about him than all our nation's presidents put together. But for all that's been written, little has focused on his faith and how this quality shaped the man who led our country during its most tumultuous years.
Author Joe Wheeler, historian and scholar, brings to the pages of this insightful book the knowledge gleaned from over ten years of study and more than sixty books on the life and times of Abraham Lincoln. Skillfully weaving his own narrative with direct quotes from Lincoln and poignant excerpts from other Lincoln biographers, Wheeler brings a refreshingly friendly rendition of Lincoln's life, faith, and courage.
The stories, historical details, and powerful quotes on the pages of this book will leave a lasting impression on your heart, your mind, and your life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 29, 2008
14 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Joe L. Wheeler
102 books37 followersJoe Wheeler has been labeled many things: as Father Christmas because of his editing/compiling America’s longest-running Christmas of story series — Christmas in My Heart (now in its 18th season); as one of America’s leading story anthologists (56 story collections by twelve publishing houses); as the world’s foremost authority on life and times of the frontier writer Zane Grey (he is co-founder and executive director of the international Zane Grey’s West Society); as a biographer, having written full-length biographies of Abraham Lincoln and St. Nicholas and shorter biographies of Louisa May Alcott, Abbie Farwell Brown, Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Gene Stratton Porter, Grace Richmond, Henryk Sienkiewicz, and Lew Wallace; and as a Renaissance Man because of his encyclopedic interest in everything (popular culture as well as the academic); and his master’s degree in the teaching of History, his master’s degree in English (thesis on Utopian and Dystopian literature), and his Vanderbilt doctorate in English (History of Ideas emphasis).
Because of all these variables, and stirring in his 71 books (and counting), this blog series promises to be unlike any other — and that’s why he titles the series, “UNCHARTED WATERS.”
Because of all these variables, and stirring in his 71 books (and counting), this blog series promises to be unlike any other — and that’s why he titles the series, “UNCHARTED WATERS.”
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 6, 2012
A book I will purchase and add to my personal library. Lincoln's courage and faith made me realized that I don't go through similar events alone.
July 21, 2023
Excellent read!! So much of history is excluded when we try to erase God from the picture. Joe Wheeler did an excellent job of describing Abraham Lincoln as the humble, imperfect yet God fearing man that he was. Our country would not be the same if not for this man and his honesty and trust in the Almighty. I thought it was a very well written book. Anyone wanting to study Lincoln or the Civil War for that matter, should read it! Highly recommend!
June 15, 2015
There are so many qualities Abraham Lincoln displayed and exhibited during his life, that one can't help but admire the individual. Thus, the question is; how can you NOT like a book about him? Hmmmm, I'm not sure I have the answer for that one, nor does ABRAHAM LINCOLN, A MAN OF FAITH AND COURAGE.
Admittedly, in the biography genre, I have come to expect the "cinematic" style of writing displayed in UNBROKEN by Hillenbrand and Mitchell Zuckoff's FROZEN IN TIME among others. This style of biography, gaining popularity in recent years, places the reader amidst the drama, almost as if he/she were a character in the unfolding historical action. Don't expect that style in this work. Joe Wheeler tells the story by going back and forth in time; not really caring about a fluid timeline.
The reason I rated this book four stars is simply for the content and the integrity Lincoln showed his entire life. The book chronicles how Genesis 1:27 changed Lincoln's life at an early age. Abe's way of thinking which became one of his philosophical foundations was if people were made in God's image, then it had to apply for all people. Lincoln had a love affair with the Bible since his youth mainly because it dealt with nations in his view. He was a praying man and he instituted the National Day of Prayer.
One of the facets I enjoy most of the biography genre is what I call following the butterfly. The string of events in Lincoln's life one could apply the Butterfly effect to. Many strings exist in Lincoln's life, but the one most prominent is how Lincoln became educated, thus a politician. It had to do with his father Thomas. Thomas was basically a poor man always moving his family around from one farm to another. When younger, he proposed to a beautiful woman, but was turned down. Then he married Abe's birth mother. After one of their moves his birth mother contracted the mad cow disease that was running rampant at the time and died. Thomas buried her and then immediately left the farm for a couple of days to go back and get his original lover who spurned him 11 years prior. Amazingly, this time she agreed to marry him. Now Abe's stepmother was from a higher class family. Against Thomas' wishes, she saw and nurtured the gift Abraham showed when it came to reading. She saw that he was allowed to go off the farm and pursue learning opportunities. She also saw his death before it happened. The string ends with The Emancipation Proclamation. One could argue after reading ABRAHAM LINCOLN, A MAN OF FAITH AND COURAGE, that without mad cow disease, many more years might have passed before slavery ended.
More books have been written about Lincoln than all the Presidents combined, and for good reason as his life demands such attention. Not for what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it with God, morality and values. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, A MAN OF FAITH AND COURAGE demonstrates these virtues accordingly. The disappointment in the book is the second part where Wheeler dives into the history of the Civil War and it seems to take the book's main point of view away from Lincoln and places it on battles and battle states.
Overall, this book is worth the investment in terms of price and time, only because of the life of Lincoln, not so much the words of the author.
Admittedly, in the biography genre, I have come to expect the "cinematic" style of writing displayed in UNBROKEN by Hillenbrand and Mitchell Zuckoff's FROZEN IN TIME among others. This style of biography, gaining popularity in recent years, places the reader amidst the drama, almost as if he/she were a character in the unfolding historical action. Don't expect that style in this work. Joe Wheeler tells the story by going back and forth in time; not really caring about a fluid timeline.
The reason I rated this book four stars is simply for the content and the integrity Lincoln showed his entire life. The book chronicles how Genesis 1:27 changed Lincoln's life at an early age. Abe's way of thinking which became one of his philosophical foundations was if people were made in God's image, then it had to apply for all people. Lincoln had a love affair with the Bible since his youth mainly because it dealt with nations in his view. He was a praying man and he instituted the National Day of Prayer.
One of the facets I enjoy most of the biography genre is what I call following the butterfly. The string of events in Lincoln's life one could apply the Butterfly effect to. Many strings exist in Lincoln's life, but the one most prominent is how Lincoln became educated, thus a politician. It had to do with his father Thomas. Thomas was basically a poor man always moving his family around from one farm to another. When younger, he proposed to a beautiful woman, but was turned down. Then he married Abe's birth mother. After one of their moves his birth mother contracted the mad cow disease that was running rampant at the time and died. Thomas buried her and then immediately left the farm for a couple of days to go back and get his original lover who spurned him 11 years prior. Amazingly, this time she agreed to marry him. Now Abe's stepmother was from a higher class family. Against Thomas' wishes, she saw and nurtured the gift Abraham showed when it came to reading. She saw that he was allowed to go off the farm and pursue learning opportunities. She also saw his death before it happened. The string ends with The Emancipation Proclamation. One could argue after reading ABRAHAM LINCOLN, A MAN OF FAITH AND COURAGE, that without mad cow disease, many more years might have passed before slavery ended.
More books have been written about Lincoln than all the Presidents combined, and for good reason as his life demands such attention. Not for what he accomplished, but how he accomplished it with God, morality and values. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, A MAN OF FAITH AND COURAGE demonstrates these virtues accordingly. The disappointment in the book is the second part where Wheeler dives into the history of the Civil War and it seems to take the book's main point of view away from Lincoln and places it on battles and battle states.
Overall, this book is worth the investment in terms of price and time, only because of the life of Lincoln, not so much the words of the author.
July 24, 2017
This is a bit different take on Lincoln, thru his faith. We know Lincoln didn't usually go to church. He read his Bible regularly, and from it he received a lot of his moral strength to do what he needed to do. Mr Wheeler has collected many stories from Lincolns life as examples of his quiet courage that pulled Lincoln in the right direction. The one set of stories that are scattered thru the book, entail slavery. Lincoln hated slavery but wanted a united country more. But when the time seemed right, he signed the Emancipation Proclamation, the beginning of the end of slavery in the US. While there are many reasons for the slowly changing tides of the war towards the northern victory, the author points out that law coming onto play was also at the beginning of it. While racism was alive and well all over the country, it gave the North a moral high ground as ending slavery was now a part of the war.
March 22, 2022
Thank you, Joe Wheeler for this delightful work! American historians have done a disservice by leaving out Lincoln’s great and deep faith as it was a tremendous foundation for who he was and God’s providential hand in Lincoln’s life. Similarly, historians have done a disservice by leaving out the importance our Founder’s believed that God’s providence was critical to the future of the United States but wouldn’t decree a national faith because of the corruption of European history.
Abraham Lincoln’s faith stories tell of virtue and character. These have been lost in America’s governmental schools, a tragic loss which in great part is why we are experiencing a crisis in education.
Having a God focused life compass was critical for Lincoln just as it is for each of us. Thank you for sharing Abraham Lincoln’s great testament to this reality. May this precious truth find revival in America!
Abraham Lincoln’s faith stories tell of virtue and character. These have been lost in America’s governmental schools, a tragic loss which in great part is why we are experiencing a crisis in education.
Having a God focused life compass was critical for Lincoln just as it is for each of us. Thank you for sharing Abraham Lincoln’s great testament to this reality. May this precious truth find revival in America!
May 15, 2018
This book came into my hands during the early weeks of the 2008 Presidential campaign, and it became (and still remains) my favorite book about Father Abraham and his legacy of courage and compassion. As I eagerly devoured this heartwarming text, I learned not only about the victories that he won but also about the tragedies he encountered along the way, including the tragic deaths of his first love and two of his children. Father Abraham is certainly a larger-than-life figure to us now, but his heroism consisted of making difficult choices as each day brought new challenges his way, especially during the four years of the Civil War.
This book inspired me to get out and vote in 2008 -- and to encourage others to do the same. :)
This book inspired me to get out and vote in 2008 -- and to encourage others to do the same. :)
June 26, 2018
Great book filled with anecdotes and history focusing on his spirituality and daring courage. Well researched and presented. I loved it.
June 28, 2019
2.5 stars
January 21, 2020
This book was interesting with new facts I had not heard of. The author suggests thoughts of the characters that I am not sure should have been in the book. It was however, a good read.
January 2, 2021
Very good perspective; good companion book to Team of Rivals.
September 18, 2021
Simply put: Abe Lincoln is my favorite president of the USA. This book blends both history and a character study into who Lincoln was and why I admire him so.
January 12, 2023
Excellent and well-written. I enjoyed learning about Abraham Lincoln.
January 13, 2023
Wonderful book about a most remarkable man!
January 21, 2024
The polations of today need to live like Abraham Lincoln and correct their moral compuse.
October 17, 2024
Excellent!! This book did a wonderful job of tying Abraham Lincoln and his faith to what he accomplished and believed in. Can’t say enough good things about it.
February 25, 2017
I really liked this book, and I'm going to keep it, which I don't normally do. But there is so much great stuff here about Lincoln's faith, and so many wonderful quotes. He is my favorite historical character, and such a set-apart man. I wish I could've met him, because I'm just not sure there are men like him in existence today.
August 15, 2010
Why I loved this book:
1). It was well-written and engaging. I enjoyed reading it and didn't want to put down.
2). The author stays positive and doesn't delve into potentially negative issues. He deals with Mary Lincoln's depression and break downs with compassion and understanding. The author deals with Thomas Lincoln (Abraham's father) with respect due to a man who was the father of one of the greatest men who ever lived. He only eluded to the strain between father and son once or twice. When we review greatness we need to look at the greatness and not be seeking ways to tear them down.
3). Points how the mentoring process that Lincoln went through to become great. I especially enjoyed learning about his study of Plutarch.
4). The author points how how Lincoln was a man of faith instead of changing him into a non-believer. The author recounts a comment Lincoln made during the Civil War, "I made a solemn vow before God that if General Lee was driven back from Pennsylvania, I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom from the slaves." Modern scholars have changed the first line to read, "I made a solemn resolve...." and this way disconnect him from a belief in God.
5). I felt this was well researched. He notes that unless he could find official documentation he didn't include it as fact. The author states that many quotes are attributed to Lincoln that may or may not be authenic. He choose to stick to the facts.
6). There were a great many historical events leading up to the Civil War that helped set the war in motion. This book lays out these events and they serve as a good first encounter. Included are the events of the Missouri Compromise, Dred Scott Decision, Whig Party, beginning of the Republican party, presidency of Buchanan and Fort Sumter for starters. Like I said this would be a good first introduction to many pivotal events in American History that youth can study.
I found this an enjoyable read that I will keep on my shelf. It will be the book I recommend to my children when they want to learn about Abraham Lincoln.
1). It was well-written and engaging. I enjoyed reading it and didn't want to put down.
2). The author stays positive and doesn't delve into potentially negative issues. He deals with Mary Lincoln's depression and break downs with compassion and understanding. The author deals with Thomas Lincoln (Abraham's father) with respect due to a man who was the father of one of the greatest men who ever lived. He only eluded to the strain between father and son once or twice. When we review greatness we need to look at the greatness and not be seeking ways to tear them down.
3). Points how the mentoring process that Lincoln went through to become great. I especially enjoyed learning about his study of Plutarch.
4). The author points how how Lincoln was a man of faith instead of changing him into a non-believer. The author recounts a comment Lincoln made during the Civil War, "I made a solemn vow before God that if General Lee was driven back from Pennsylvania, I would crown the result by the declaration of freedom from the slaves." Modern scholars have changed the first line to read, "I made a solemn resolve...." and this way disconnect him from a belief in God.
5). I felt this was well researched. He notes that unless he could find official documentation he didn't include it as fact. The author states that many quotes are attributed to Lincoln that may or may not be authenic. He choose to stick to the facts.
6). There were a great many historical events leading up to the Civil War that helped set the war in motion. This book lays out these events and they serve as a good first encounter. Included are the events of the Missouri Compromise, Dred Scott Decision, Whig Party, beginning of the Republican party, presidency of Buchanan and Fort Sumter for starters. Like I said this would be a good first introduction to many pivotal events in American History that youth can study.
I found this an enjoyable read that I will keep on my shelf. It will be the book I recommend to my children when they want to learn about Abraham Lincoln.
December 27, 2023
🖊 My review: While I am interested in Abraham Lincoln, I did not find this book all that interesting to me about his religiosity or spirituality, nor its veering from its focus. For example:
I would like to know the source of the statistic here:
Moreover, what a statement that is, as if no other president before was “their president.” I did not realize we break it down, take sides, and divide like that in the United States . . . Oh! pardon me . . . This book was published in 2008, so that explains it . . . well, since then we have become a chaotically divided country; therefore, it’s Your President; My President. Got it—
The author makes assertions, but many of them are not cited – so where am I to find the source of the following; who said or wrote about that “rhythmic beat” and when was it made?
While there are many citations in this book, it lacks many important ones. I got tired of what seems to me a thrown-together scholarly work, with a bit of pandering, and I closed the cover at 13%.
📌 Would I read this again, you ask, and give it another chance? No; there are other works that will suit my research.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟
🏮 Media form: Kindle Unlimited version.
I would like to know the source of the statistic here:
🔸It had been raining for days. The tens of thousands of people who slogged toward the Capitol in ten inches of mud that memorable morning were worried they wouldn’t even get to hear the president. The rain was coming down in torrents, and if it didn’t stop, Lincoln would be forced to speak inside. And, remarkably, fully half the crowd was black. For the first time in 246 years they could be there to hear their president.
Moreover, what a statement that is, as if no other president before was “their president.” I did not realize we break it down, take sides, and divide like that in the United States . . . Oh! pardon me . . . This book was published in 2008, so that explains it . . . well, since then we have become a chaotically divided country; therefore, it’s Your President; My President. Got it—
The author makes assertions, but many of them are not cited – so where am I to find the source of the following; who said or wrote about that “rhythmic beat” and when was it made?
🔸The Bible was so central to Abe’s formative years that years later, listeners could detect the rhythmic beat of King James Bible English in his greatest speeches as president, making them sound almost biblical. Though there were certain interruptions, Abraham Lincoln’s love affair with the Bible would continue for the rest of his life.
While there are many citations in this book, it lacks many important ones. I got tired of what seems to me a thrown-together scholarly work, with a bit of pandering, and I closed the cover at 13%.
📌 Would I read this again, you ask, and give it another chance? No; there are other works that will suit my research.
🤔 My rating 🌟🌟
🏮 Media form: Kindle Unlimited version.
July 3, 2011
This book was excellent! It gave a wonderful, non-secular, view of Abraham Lincoln's life. I love the information about his Christian faith, because most books leave that out. It explained the spiritual journey Lincoln went through to reach the point where he was able to lead out nation through the toughest time in our history. Excellent Lincoln quotes included as well! Very insiteful and thought provoking. Gave good justice to each character (e.g. not making Mary Todd out to be a devil-wife). I listened to it an unabridged audio book of it by Oasis Audio. Well worth putting on my mp3 player! I loved it so much I'm planning on purchasing it in hard copy.
February 12, 2013
I loved this book because all the interesting stories and anecdotes gave me a unique insight to the personality and character of Abraham Lincoln. I have always loved our 16th president and this book helped me realize exactly why I did. I thought the author portrayed both Lincoln's strengths and weaknesses fairly. I appreciated the fact that Lincoln's faith (which was a large part of his character) wasn't cut out or repressed (as it is in most modern books). Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Lincoln or to anyone who wishes to know more about him!
December 26, 2015
I've never been one to romanticize Lincoln like some do. I recognize that he was an important factor in one of the darkest moments of the U.S.'s history. The best parts of this book are during the Civil War years. The history before that was not engaging. I'm learning that biography just isn't me. I also had a hard time getting through some of the pathos driven writing. It's almost like the author was referring to Lincoln as a saint.
November 29, 2012
The author surely did his research and he did a great job of telling the story. I learned that Abraham Lincoln's grandfather was also named Abraham. I also learned that the 16th president almost faced off in a duel early in his career. But what I liked most was how Abraham Lincoln was presented as a man of faith.
September 28, 2011
I love to read boooks in which a historical figure is authentically portraid. Abraham Lincoln is a much studied and written about person. His legacy is enduring and his faith and courage are wonderfully portaid in this book.
April 7, 2016
This book was wonderful, this man, his Faith in God, his mission and his life was amazing. I'm amazed by the greatest of all Americans. He was a man of word, justice, humbleness and truth. He was, a God servant and he changed not only a country but a lot of people in the entire world.
July 1, 2008
I couldn't put it down. It read like a story book.
July 28, 2009
Great Book
Read
November 21, 2009None
March 27, 2012
interesting to listen to
November 24, 2013
All I can say is wow! The writing was awesome. I couldn't put it down.
September 26, 2014
What an encouraging book! After reading this book, I admire AL all the more, and consider him to be the greatest of all our presidents.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews