The American Miracle: The Case for Divine Providence in United States History

by Michael Medved

LUCKY . . .OR BLESSED?

The history of the United States displays an uncanny pattern: At moments of crisis, when the odds against success seem overwhelming and disaster looks imminent, fate intervenes to provide deliverance and progress. Historians may categorize these incidents as happy accidents, callous crimes, or the product of brilliant leadership, but the most notable leaders of the past four hundred years have identified this good fortune as something else—a reflection of divine providence. In The American Miracle, bestselling author and radio host Michael Medved recounts some of the most significant events in America’s rise to prosperity and power, from the writing of the Constitution to the Civil War. He reveals a record of improbabilities and amazements that demonstrate what the Founders always believed: that events unfolded according to a master plan, with destiny playing an unmistakable role in lifting the nation to greatness.

Among the stirring, illogical episodes described here:

• A band of desperate religious refugees find themselves blown hopelessly off course, only to be deposited at the one spot on a wild continent best suited for their survival

• George Washington’s beaten army, surrounded by a ruthless foe and on the verge of annihilation, manages an impossible escape due to a freakish change in the weather

• A famous conqueror known for seizing territory, frustrated by a slave rebellion and a frozen harbor, impulsively hands Thomas Jefferson a tract of land that doubles the size of the United States

• A weary soldier picks up three cigars left behind in an open field and notices the stogies have been wrapped in a handwritten description of the enemy’s secret battle plans—a revelation that gives Lincoln the supernatural sign he’s awaited in order to free the slaves

When millions worry over the nation losing its way, Medved’s sweeping narrative, bursting with dramatic events and lively portraits of unforgettable, occasionally little-known characters, affirms America as “fortune’s favorite,” shaped by a distinctive destiny from our beginnings to the present day.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Historical, Christian, Religion

416 pages, Hardcover

Published November 29, 2016

About the author

American radio show host, author, political commentator, and film critic.

MICHAEL MEDVED’s daily three-hour radio program, The Michael Medved Show, reaches five million listeners on more than three hundred stations coast to coast.

He is the author of twelve other books, including the bestsellers The 10 Big Lies About America, Hollywood vs. America, Hospital, and What Really Happened to the Class of ’65?

He is a member of USA Today’s board of contributors, is a former chief film critic for the New York Post, and, for more than a decade, cohosted Sneak Previews, the weekly movie-review show on PBS. Medved is an honors graduate of Yale with departmental honors in American history. He lives with his family in the Seattle area.

Reviews

[Negin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My knowledge of American history is embarrassingly limited. I did not grow up in the U.S. and when I finally arrived to Oregon as a young college student, my major didn’t require any history courses. I’ve always loved history, but taking it in college didn’t interest me.

When my husband and I were newlyweds living in Southern California, we would usually go to the movies on the weekends. My husband would often recommend that I look up movie reviews by Michael Medved. I think that he was reviewing movies on PBS at the time. It turns out that he’s also written many books. This is the first one that I have read by him. It’s meticulously researched and although there were a few parts that were a bit on the dry side for me, all in all I enjoyed it immensely.

It’s an absolutely fascinating and deep theory about how so many events in American history have been the result of the hand of God and were not accidents. He describes specific incidents where God has worked miracles starting with the Pilgrims and ending with Abraham Lincoln. And no, the book does not claim that America is perfect, but after reading this, I realized that it’s a country that’s incredibly blessed with an exceptional history.

There were two parts that I most loved about this book. One was his amazing description of how he met his wife.



The other is his reminder that although God has intervened in American history, Americans should act nobly and have an attitude of gratitude and humility. In other words, they should not forget how blessed they are, what a truly exceptional and unique country they have, and finally, they should remember to honor Him. I wish that this book would be required reading in high schools or colleges. It would be such an inspiring and refreshing change when compared to all the negativity these days.

[Robin Hatcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book, and I am SO glad that I followed the advice to read it. This is an excellent, excellent history with a clear-eyed and even-handed look at some of the amazing (miraculous) turning points in the formation, building, and preservation of the USA. While looking at the exceptionalism of this nation, the author points out plainly that such is not the same as perfectionism. There is no denying that we had and have our national "sins." But it is popular these days to look only at the negative, to almost feel guilty for the blessings this nation has enjoyed. This history book allows us to look at the positives and be thankful for the blessings that have been showered on us. It encourages as well as educates. Highly recommended.

[Ben Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book by Michael Medved. I listened to the audiobook on the drive from Kansas City to Dallas. Michael did his own voice and he’s great as an accomplished radio personality.

Interesting concept of focusing on various “providential”, “lucky”, “curious coincidences” that occurred during the founding and expansion of the United States. Presidential deaths, battle mishaps, communication errors, delays, etc that changed the course of America and history.

Many people will roll their eyes at the idea that the United States has been blessed, but in a person of faith’s view, every thing is part of God’s plan. The founders talked about it, Presidents talked about it, and Medved lays out this fascinating pattern of “luck” that continually benefited Americas survival and growth.

Naysayers (who’ve already commented on my reading thread) disagree, and/or seem to hold America accountable for the many wrongs of its past, but none of the good. Medved spends the final chapter showing how no other country leads the way, protects others at its own expense (in blood and treasure), and defends the liberty of others like America does.

Good book.

[John Szalasny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an uncorrected proof copy through Goodreads.

After finding out that the author has a syndicated right-center radio talk show, I was concerned that the author would be adding a personal religious slant to a book that refers to Divine Providence in the title. Regardless of your political or religious persuasion, this is a well crafted history of key points in US history through the end of the Civil War.

In each chapter, the author shows how seemingly unconnected events come together to the advantage of building the United States we know today. For example, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock because their boat was blown off course from their original destination at the mouth of the Hudson River. Their uninhabited landing site was cleared of trees (complete with caches of stored food desperately needed by the starving settlers) by a native tribe decimated by smallpox. They meet the only survivor (who was taken captive by an earlier English expedition) who can translate between the surrounding tribes and the English.

The Divine Providence references the comments of contemporary accounts, those of the key players (such as Lincoln) or of those who accompanied these people who saw destiny in the growth of the country. As you read each chapter, it's hard to imagine how they, living in the moment and knowing the details now blurred by time, could have seen things differently.

[Barry · Rating 4 out of 5]

In today’s culture, to believe that God has specifically blessed America is regarded as arrogant and jingoistic at best, imperialist and racist at worst. But throughout our first century, this notion was commonly accepted as the most rational explanation for the otherwise exceedingly unlikely series of events that allowed this fledgling nation to exist and flourish. Medved vividly describes many of these miracles of our history, some well known, others more obscure, that would suggest that Divine Providence must have stacked the deck in our favor. Skeptics will predictably give credit to random chance alone, but believers in a sovereign God will find the argument compelling if not convincing. This doesn’t mean that America is perfect. No country is. But the ideals of our founding are unique, and if they were universally observed the world would certainly be a better place. I only wish that he would have given more examples showing how America has been such a powerful force for good in the world.

Thanks to Mark & Tracie for the great gift!

[Clay Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on American history. Some of it I heard on Michael Medved's radio show.

[Charles Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this book, in short, has a narrative. The author admits it, and the book continually puts forth a certain idea. That idea, namely, that the existence and perpetuation of the rise and power of The United States of America has, at various points in history, been assisted and defended by divine intervention. Those that tend to agree with that narrative will like the book, and those that don't, while they may possibly be somewhat convinced, will find this book less appealing.

Michael Medved makes a very good historical case for his narrative, using concise but informative summaries of several different great lives and events, like George Washington and the American Revolution, and Abraham Lincoln and the civil war. It seems to be, at critical moments, these characters were blessed with a stroke of seemingly impossible good luck, or a touch of uncannily useful inspiration. These historical accounts are by no stretch of the imagination comprehensive, but he stays impressively honest when it comes to the flaws of the characters at hand.

True, Medved does not dwell on the atrocities of war committed by the Americans, the cruel displacement of Native Americans, or the barbarism of slavery, but he never tries to debunk or dismiss any of those things, frankly admitting them to be wrong. He merely makes the case that the United States, despite its shortcomings, (which very often, but not always, paled in comparison to their enemies or counterparts on the world stage) was especially blessed with divine guidance to assist her in her amazing rise to power. He never calls the US perfect by any means, (which honesty earns him his fifth star in my review) but insists that the current generation should acknowledge the assistance of a higher power, and should use that acknowledgement to better itself to yet further advancement.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a different take on our nations history than most historical books do. I've always heard that our nation was favored by Divine Intervention but never really thought about it. Michael Medved explains it in such an interesting way. From the writing of the Constitution until the Civil War he explains all the perils of our country and the amazing ways that they were overcome by a master plan. In this time of so much turmoil and chaos in our government it was such a soothing book to read and gives much hope that all will be well.
There were so many incidents that I wasn't aware of in our history that the book gave me a new interest in our hardships along the way, that we have survived as the most powerful country. Now I am ready to read another book authored by Michael Medved.

[E. Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

American history has been revised and made boring by removing the personal stories of individuals. History is about people in historical moments not the moments themselves or the politics of today. Medved recounts the stories of the people and the divine providence they relied upon. They had faith this guided them to their destiny and American exceptionalism. The evidence is there...it's up to each of us to decide.

[Shannon Farrington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Well documented. Uses first hand historical sources.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe that the premise of this book is an unspoken belief in dispensationalism, meaning that the Lord's new chosen people is the land of America. I fundamentally disagree with this philosophy. Although there are certain situations that are surely miraculous and the Lord's hand was clearly on America's founding, there are many nations and civilizations throughout history where we see this as well. To name a few: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome, and Great Britain.

This book is best enjoyed as a history book with highlights of American personalities and narratives. This is Mr. Medved's strength and his engaging writing about the early American past is second to none.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am simply amazed and provoked at the center of this book, did God make America the tremendous country that could simply define it by "American Exceptionalism"? I cannot deny the facts author Medved illustrates as the "hand of God" and it makes me humble to think what if God did act in the making of my country. Moreover, if God did then what should I do to beacon the call of God? Are you willing to ask yourself that question too? Give this book a read for you will find the American Exceptionalism might be more than any president could denigrate or cheapen.

[Sarah Schulz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I will likely never finish this book; I find the "faith" perspective (really more of a "manifest destiny" perspective) to be not that well supported. I like the feel of it; the idea of Providence guiding us is one that appeals to my real beliefs, but there's just not enough self-awareness of everything else going on during America's history. I found it difficult to roll with and short-sighted. There could be a really good book like this written, but it would have to take a broader view of our history.

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and fast-moving, Medved takes the reader/listener through various events in American history to show a long chain of consistently beneficial occurrences that affirm a pattern or divine design in the American fabric. "The evidence for divine providence doesn't prove that America is perfect, but it does strongly suggest that America is no accident." Make this a must-read.

[Dan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I was pretty familiar with American history, but this was an excellent reminder of many of the stunning events that led to the rise of this country. To me the real success of the book though, is the many questions it raised in my mind that need to be explored further, and which no doubt will lead to even more questions. For example: what are the real differences, if any, that exist between the American worldview and the views of people in other countries? And, for American that do not believe in American exceptionalism, how does that shape the decisions they make, especially political ones?

I, for one, do believe the American ideal is dramatically different than that of, say, the German ideal. I do believe in American exceptionalism. Not because we're better than anyone else, but because of our geography, our providential history, and our dramatically different founding. Even if American exceptionalism were somehow proven not true, the world would be a worse place for losing it. So stand by it. American exceptionalism is worth it.

[booklady]

Ordered this for my husband for Father's Day. Part of the reason I am reading about the French Revolution and studying the people who tried so hard to reproduce what we accomplished in the American Revolution is to see what went right for us and wrong for them. I keep coming back to the same answer--the French tried to do it all on their own whereas here in America, we worked with Divine assistance. Whenever you work in conjunction with God, whatever that is GOOD in what you are trying to do--such as building a God-fearing nation--will succeed. What did not succeed for us and still awaited a long bloody civil war was a united nation, as it was based on the practice of enslaving men, women and children imported from Africa for the purpose of free labor. Some say that people weren't ready to give up slavery yet. I don't know, but I do know that was not of God and had to be eradicated for our nation to go on. Now we are fighting similar un-Godly issues, which if they continue, our nation as we know and love it, will not. God, please help us!

[Casertalaura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Should be read by every American! Michael Medved brings to life God's hand in forming this "favored nation."
I can't believe I never learned about some of these "miracles," like our Union being saved by a message hidden in a cigar box!
Fun to read, especially when chaperoning Annie's class DC trip!!

[Ruby Bibi · Rating 5 out of 5]

“And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?” - Ben Franklin
-This famous biblical reference uttered by Benjamin Franklin is the premise of how historical episodes in the founding and growth of this country and those characters that helped guide it, were instruments of God, in what must have been a pre-ordained plan of the Lord to create this country, with its foundations in biblical teaching, and high morals.
-No history can begin without mention of George Washington. Prior to the Revolutionary War, he developed an almost mystical reputation as someone destined to great things and was impervious to the weapons fired at him. A very telling episode is recorded of an Indian Chief, who had visited him and told him “I called to my young men and said, mark yon tall and daring warrior? His is not of the red-coat tribe - he hath an Indian’s wisdom, and his warriors fight as we do - himself is alone exposed. … Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for him, knew not how to miss - ‘twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we, shielded him from harm. He can not die in battle. … There is something bids me speak, in the voice of prophecy. Listen! The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides his destinies - he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn, will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire!”
-Because of his earlier reputation as a principled and brave leader, he was chosen to be our General in charge of the forces of the colonies. Those forces, though, did not have the training of the British soldiers, nor the arms and they signed up for only one year of service. The forces of these American colonies were suffering many defeats, but the victories that they achieved were nothing short of miracles.
-Several battles are highlighted with a notable one known as the Battle of Boston. In this battle, in the early part of the Revolutionary War, the British had taken over Boston and the American forces now had to retake it, as it was a major port and needed by the Americans. While the British were amassing additional troops by sea into the city, the Americans, who had luckily seized new artillery from the British in a recent raid, now had to set up their defenses right outside the city, but needed to do so without the British observing them. Amazingly, a sudden change in the weather gave Washington the cover he needed. While it was hazy near the British, it was clear and mild for the Americans so that Washington’s two thousand men were able to set up most of a defensive line around the city in one night. The British, though, because they now had nine thousand troops, decided to attack the American strongholds as they knew that by sheer numbers of men, the American army would be overwhelmed and defeated.
-Before the attack could come, the weather suddenly changed again to a fierce storm. The British were unable to assemble their attack force. “The blowing became so fierce that it broke the fleet’s formation, “driving the ships foul of each other, and from their anchors in utter confusion.”” It was as though God had the very heavens fight on the side of Washington and his men.
-The result was for the British General, General Howe, calling off the attack and requesting of Washington that he be allowed to evacuate his troops from Boston unimpeded by Washington’s forces, and in turn, “they would leave Boston without burning the town to the ground.” Abigail Adams, after this turn of events, wrote to her husband, John Adams, “The more I think of it, the more amazed I am that they should leave such a harbor, such fortifications, such intrenchments, and that we should be in peaceable possession of a town which we expected would cost us a river of blood.”
-As we now jump to the creation of the Constitution, many episodes had occurred which, together, allowed the creation of the document which was and is still considered a masterpiece. For a group of men who had originally intended to only modify the existing agreements, and with all their differing views and needs, to agree on the precepts of the Constitution, is shown to be nothing short of amazing. Charles Pinckney, wrote in 1788 of the Constitution, “When the great work was done and published… I was struck with amazement. Nothing less than that superintending hand of Providence, that miraculously carried us through the war (in my humble opinion), could have brought it about so complete, upon the whole.”
-We continue with how the Louisiana Purchase was made, with a detailed explanation of how France originally intended to develop the land in conjunction with Santo Domingo, their island stronghold, which was producing the bulk of the profits coming from the Caribbean to Europe. What began with a revolt in the island against the French, resulted in massive casualties to the French army, mainly from illness, and was followed by a series of implausible occurrences which all combined, resulted in the French offering to sell the entire land of the Louisiana Purchase for the shocking low sum of $15 million. It’s another amazing story which the author explains in very lucid terms and is just as amazing as the victories of the Revolutionary War which could not have happened without the guidance of a Heavenly force.
-We continue with the life story of Sam Houston, who was the heroic leader who brought independence to Texas; to the purchase by the United States of the Southeastern territories from Mexico; to the amazing battles won by Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812 with a threadbare army; among those battles being the Battle of New Orleans against the British elite soldiers who defeated Napoleon’s Army. The author then surprises us with information that only surfaced about 50 years ago, which showed how vital it was for Jackson to win that battle.
-We finally follow the life of Abraham Lincoln and are surprised to learn of the many attempts that were made on his life, which all failed. It was only after the conclusion of the Civil War, when, by a series of mishaps in which the security detail was not present, that John Wilkes Booth saw his opportunity to kill the President. It was as though God was protecting Lincoln time and again until the fateful day when the Civil War would be declared as ended. Lincoln had made it his mission to end the war and bring peace to the country and it was apparently God’s plan as well. By an odd twist of fate, his proclamation of being kind to those who battled against the Union army in order to heal the wounds of war, had touched those who fought from the south, and his death, which was now mourned by both North and South, helped to heal the country.
-Each section of this book is written with great skill and the tension of each of the time periods is very well portrayed. When reading history, it’s important to read it as current events of that time period, and the author gives an excellent picture of the different elements that were affecting the course of events. You feel that each page that is completed, forces you to continue to the next, as the suspense of each of the stories is felt throughout.
-This is a book that is a must read to get a better appreciation of the miracles that shaped this country which remains a bastion of hope for the world.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever ready about American history. I was absolutely inspired as I read it. What a stirring look at the amazing work that God has done in our country. And how timely this book is given the current revisionist historians of today who are attempting to remove or discredit our Christian heritage. The modern secular humanist liberal completely misunderstands American exceptionalism.
As a Christian, the Bible is filled with flawed people that God used. The Bible is not the most exceptional book because of humanity. The Bible is exceptional because it's the story of God working in the Earth, through the gathering of a special people becoming a nation, out of which our savior Jesus was born.
America is very similar. Our nation is exceptional not because we're better or worth more than everybody else. America is exceptional because of God working through our nation to bring good to the world, especially with recognizing Israel as a nation in 1948 and financing the work of the Gospel around the world, not to mention helping to save the world twice in the last century. Why did he choose our nation? Who knows? But that's his prerogative and He is entitled to do as He wishes. Trying to ignore it makes no sense.
America is a miracle, not because we deserve it, but because God has decreed it. That is an undeniable fact of history.

[Bernie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In our daily and life struggles, it is often difficult to see the hand of God. We take it on faith that He indeed is working out His plan for us. Sometimes, and rarely, He gives us immediate and striking confirmation of this. But most times, the confirmation of our faith comes with time..... looking back, we gain some understanding of the reasons for events that have occurred. We understand for example, that God has loved us, even when that love has taken the form of chastisement. And in this we know that we are blessed.

In the "American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic" Michael Medved looks back at Americas blessed unique, exceptional and even improbable history and listens as he puts it, "for God's footsteps". Then he convincingly documents them in an exciting fashion that makes his book nearly impossible to put down. Undoubtedly, God has worked great miracles in directing the rise of this great country.

Medved states "A dictionary definition of "miracle" describes an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. The rise of the American Republic qualifies on all counts."

Read this book and I think you will decidedly agree.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Medved, known now as a national talk show host and a couple of decades ago as a PBS film critic is also a major student of history. With near photographic memory, there are few people that know more about American history than Medved.

In this book Medved advances the proposition that the events in the history of America are a result of the hand of God. No doubt secularists will roll their eyes at such a claim, but those people of faith should be more inclined to read this book with an open mind.

Other writers have also noticed the many events in American history that seem to defy the odds. The generation of Americans that lived during the American Revolution easily acknowledged the role of Divine providence time and again.

Medved retells the stories of the indestructible George Washington, the many times the American army avoided defeat at the hands of the superior British army.

Medved also covers the unlikely victory of the Americans at New Orleans in the War of 1812 and the many unlikely events that resulted in Texas and California becoming part of the United States.

He ends with many stories about Lincoln in the Civil War including the many failed attempts to take his life.

Highly recommended.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

confidence in providence, population grew 5x to 1826, Adams-bright or black via use or abuse in politics, Jefferson-burst chains not saddle on back rights of self-govt difference of opinion but not of principal, Federalists and Republicans, James Monroe 3 who died on July4th, 1607 first 15 years 80% died as 90%+ of natives via disease, Pope Paul III no slavery, Howell with 32k on Staten Island set to defeat Washington while fog enabled 9k to escape Brooklyn, Washington in 1755 only one of 17 mounted to survive, small state vote debate, Jackson 1813 3prong British attack Baltimore Champlain New Orleans and misfiring pistol, Houston wounds miss first wife then 13 children to 67 and refused secession and slavery, Mexico agreement as govt collapsed Trist to republican, Lincoln horrors blues melancholy electoral votes 10%win succeed with divine 63/152 words early questioning of Christianity lost dispatch of plan mirror images in Springfield modern terrorism of coordinated attacks, America not perfect and no accident, the fragility of faith.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

History is full of "what ifs" and questions such as "how was it possible that...?" Some may scoff at the notion that we are a blessed nation or that God (or Divine Providence) had a hand in the creation or preservation of this great nation, but there are far too many coincidences to explain away how a largely unindustrialized nation of 13 colonies with little cohesion, no standing army, no money, and no navy could beat a wealthy, established nation with a well-trained & well-supplied army and the strongest navy in the world not just once in 1776-1783, but again in 1812-1814. Medved discusses this, the Founding Fathers, the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln's improbability of becoming President right when a badly fractured nation needed him most, and other events in our history pointing out facts and quotes from historical fingeres themselves to either explain or to plant questions in the minds of readers. All in all a fascinating read.

[June · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for a great read about American miracles! Unfortunately, Medved started disappointing me with his anti-Obama Politics in the very first chapter page 15, & pages 266, 362, & 375 that I read on my Kindle. So this is a Political narrative from Medved's side of Politics which contribute to the divide in the USA of today. It does not deserve one star. But I was being charitable.

[Adam Housley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoy Medved on the radio, so I was shocked at how much I disliked this book. Despite my own Christian faith and belief that God blessed the founders of our country, I just could not follow Medved's case for divine providence.

[Michael]

This is well-written. Michael Medved writes clearly and engagingly. He is an intelligent man, and he is doing a good job of creating a readable history of the early republic. The thing is, though, his thesis is wrong. If you believe in God (and I am far from convinced), you have to believe--in Medved's mind--that the creator of the universe has somehow chosen the United States of America for special attention, and that this attention makes us 'exceptional.' The proposition is arrogant beyond my ability to describe in words (and the author is far from the only one who believes this to be true). The idea is insane, it is self-serving, and it is a distraction from what's really gone on in our history.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same 4th of July, fifty years after the document was proclaimed. The Pilgrims just so happened to find a good place to settle (an area that had been abandoned by a Native American tribe which had been decimated by a plague. So much for Wampanoag exceptionalism, I guess). An eerie fog rose from the Hudson River when General Washington--who was called 'bullet-proof' because he seemed to dodge bullets in battle--had to evacuate his troops from New York. And on and on. The Hand of Providence? God bless America?

A long time ago, I read a book called Sophie's World in which the author explained that in a world where a lot of things happen, there are going to be coincidences, and that the chance of something unusual happening is much less than the chance of an invisible, omnipotent, omniscient being guiding some--but not all, or all, but inexplicably--events in our world. Stuff happens. None of it is magical, and it is the pinnacle of hubris for us as Americans to tell ourselves that God Himself has singled us out for his blessings. It is a foolish, even dangerous, notion. It's immature.

So is American exceptional? Of course! We are a unique society that has produced incredible things. We are fortunate to have adopted ideas like individual freedom, free enterprise, ordered liberty, limited government, etc. that have allowed our people to flourish and innovate and create. That's not God: that's us. That's people. Giving the credit for our accomplishments to God diminishes the very real accomplishments of people, of human beings who think and plan and experiment and create and fail then try again, and live their lives as best they can in our New World. Stop dragging magic into it. It's nonsensical.

At the end of the day, as much as I like and respect religion, I am a humanist. There is just us, and what our forefathers have created here in America is a wonderful, wonderful place where we will ever strive toward 'a more perfect union' where 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' will remain our greatest aspirations, and where ( I hope!) the 'better angels of our nature' will forever be on the rise. These words, these ideas, these institutions, are the work of men, not gods. Let's give ourselves some credit, people.

So I don't believe in Providence (theologically speaking. Providence, RI is about an hour from where I am writing right now). I believe in people. I believe in ideas. I believe in looking to our past for guidance about our future, and I believe that I am incredibly fortunate to have been born in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world again," Thomas Paine said, and I agree! So let's march ever forward into the new(-ish) century, honor the great sacrifices of those who came before us, and forever improve what Lincoln called 'this last, best hope of earth.'

No magic necessary.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Medved has written a supremely riveting account of dozens of incredible events and "coincidences" in our country's history, from the arrival of the Pilgrims through the Lincoln period, which, taken together, cannot help but point to the divine providence in the book's title.

The Pilgrims, for example, braved a 66-day sea journey to the New World in 1620, and despite huge loss of life among them during their first, extremely harsh winter, continually saw the hand of God in their ability to endure these conditions, including being blown off course by 250 miles in a later ship passage meant to bring them to friendlier turf. They landed in a far more sustainable environment, where they "coincidentally" met an English-speaking Indian named Squanto who proved an invaluable asset to them.

The deaths of both Thomas Jefferson and his former political enemy, John Adams, both on the 50th Fourth of July since the nation's founding was also such a wildly improbable event that some historians were prompted to conjure conspiracy theories to explain it.

I had never known of the story of Nicholas Trist, who managed to negotiate an incredible deal to purchase California from Mexico at a bargain basement price of $15 million (the U.S.'s original offer had been $50 million). More incredible was that Trist made this deal after Polk had officially fired him, and just days after gold had first been discovered at Sutter's Creek. Trist's rogue action ensured that gold-rich California belonged to the United States despite the president's having soured on the idea.

Much attention is given to the equally improbably rise of Abraham Lincoln from a near completely unknown senator to president during the ravages of the civil war, and his astonishing ability to lead the nation despite his own severe bouts of depression and total lack of personal or professional experience in military matters.

Every page is rich with colorful, historical detail, filling in so much history that is as unknown as it is, indeed, providential.

[Shane Seyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The American Miracle is a book that I truly liked the premise of the story being how God intervened in all of American history. This book is truly well written, but it just wasn't the book for me. We take a journey through the biggest moments of American history, from the times of settlement to almost modern times. The most interesting moment in this book was when a British soldier could have shot George Washington in the back, but decided it was dishonorable. If he had shot him the Americans would have lost the war. With time passing, we had several close calls. The next moment that I think is incredible is the whole period of Civil War times. Imagine if Lincoln was on the opposite side of the arguement? Would everything be changed and we have two countries instead of one unified people? Thankfully, God did not have this in mind, and lead Lincoln through signals and teachings to the truth and justice that everyone deserves. We don't actually get to the times of World War 1 or 2 or even the Korean War, because it wasn't focused on American teritory, but we did truly have blessings during this time as well.

The reason I'm giving this book a three star review is because I don't like the book. but it is expertly written again and the research is astounding with how much was put into it. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves history and truly believes in God's intervention.

[Doug Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful, stimulating, inspiring discussion of the role of divine providence in American history. Covering the period from 1620-1865, author Michael Medved highlights a series of fortuitous events that led to the remarkable rise of the United States. These include, for example:

(1) The nighttime escape of the Continental Army in the summer of 1776 from Long Island, aided by a timely fog;
(2) George Washington's escapes from death in Western Pennsylvania during his youth, and later during the American Revolution;
(3) the amazing work of the constitutional convention in Philadelphia in 1787;
(4) the sequence of events leading to the Louisiana Purchase in 1803;
(5) the unlikely victories at the Battle of New Orleans and Battle of San Jacinto;
(6) the efforts of "rogue diplomat" Nicholas Trist that led to the American acquisition of California just before gold was discovered there;
(7) the election of the relatively obscure Abraham Lincoln as president in 1860;
(8) the discovery of some battle plans of the Army of Northern Virginia in 1862 that helped turn the tide of the Civil War.

Medved concludes with reflections on the implications of the blessings America has received. These have always been calls to accountability, not arrogance, he asserts.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating, meticulously researched, and brilliantly argued book from Yale-trained historian and center-right radio talk show host Michael Medved. This is a refreshingly clear-eyed take on American history during a time when guilt and hand-wringing seem to be the preferred attitude toward our past, and efforts are being made to scrub public discourse of all references to God and religion. There’s no doubt the founders of this country—and other influential figures in our history—fully believed in divine providence and felt God’s hand guiding them, preserving them, protecting them in truly miraculous ways. The George Washington and Abraham Lincoln chapters were especially engrossing, as was the history of the Mayflower Pilgrims. The events simply defy rational explanation. We have either been extraordinarily lucky or richly blessed. I believe the latter. No, America is not and has never been perfect, but we have an exceptional history and, I believe, a divine calling and role in world events, past and present. I say this not with superiority but with humility and gratitude—and a sense of responsibility. We can, we should, we MUST remember our miraculous history and do better than we’re doing right now. We have much to live up to as a country.