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The Washington Hypothesis
We know that George Washington was a moral man and an inspiring leader, but did he possibly know more than we suppose? Was he a national covenant maker like Moses, Abraham, Lehi, or Captain Moroni? Did he understand that he was fighting for the liberty of a promised land protected by God, a place where the Lord's holy temples could be built?
The Washington Hypothesis explores the intriguing evidence that Washington and the other Founding Fathers knew the Lord had a greater purpose for America. It takes us on a fascinating historical journey through the miracles of the Revolutionary War to the foundational documents of this great nation to the symbolism evident in every corner of the nation's capital. Exploring how Washington's beliefs framed his every action, author Timothy Ballard draws compelling conclusions about the divinity of that great leader's calling. As we see the evidence of the Lord's hand in Washington's life, we may discover a much grander design at work in the founding of our nation.
The Washington Hypothesis explores the intriguing evidence that Washington and the other Founding Fathers knew the Lord had a greater purpose for America. It takes us on a fascinating historical journey through the miracles of the Revolutionary War to the foundational documents of this great nation to the symbolism evident in every corner of the nation's capital. Exploring how Washington's beliefs framed his every action, author Timothy Ballard draws compelling conclusions about the divinity of that great leader's calling. As we see the evidence of the Lord's hand in Washington's life, we may discover a much grander design at work in the founding of our nation.
255 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2016
172 people are currently reading
1503 people want to read
About the author
Timothy Ballard
19 books256 followersTIMOTHY BALLARD graduated cum laude from Brigham Young University in Spanish and political science, then went on to receive an MA (summa cum laude) in international politics from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. Tim has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency as well as an agent for the Department of Homeland Security. He is also the author of The American Covenant: One Nation under God. He lives in Southern California with his wife and six children.
http://deseretbook.com/Timothy_Ballar...
http://deseretbook.com/Timothy_Ballar...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
November 21, 2019
It's 11:15 at night, and I just finished reading The Washington Hypothesis. I am so bugged by some aspects of this book that I can't go to sleep until I spill out this review.
First off, I don't have a problem with the idea that God inspired the founding fathers, and that He intervened in the formation of the United States of America for His own purposes. I also believe that Washington was a good God-fearing man who sacrificed much to do what he believed Divine Providence led him to do. I DON'T believe he was a proto-Mormon who had some inkling of LDS temple symbolism (he was a Mason, duh, that's where he got the compass and square, etc). I think Ballard takes things way too far, though I know there are probably many Mormons who love the tidy self-corroborating package he presents. Even the book's LDS publisher felt the need to include a note clarifying that Ballard's hypothesis is "not a statement of fact... rather, a jumping-off point, a tentative assumption..." Yeah, I'd distance myself. too.
I did learn some new things that reinforce my belief in the goodness and religiosity of the founding fathers. I loved the epithet Benjamin Franklin put on his gravestone. I love the accounts of Washington praying at Valley Forge. Knowing that the Continental Congress repeatedly called for days of national prayer and fasting during the Revolutionary War reminded me how thoroughly God was invited into people's lives at the dawn of our country. My favorite new piece of information is that Washington chose to open his Bible to a very specific page when he took his Inaugural Oath -- Genesis chapters 49 and 50, containing the prophecies of Jacob, including "Joseph is a fruitful bough...whose branches run over the wall...." (very interesting in relation to the Book of Mormon and America as a land for the descendants of Joseph).
But here's my very biggest beef with this "historical work" (and I realize this is a personal issue, and it may not bug some people in the slightest). Ballard relies entirely on secondary sources, and seems to have no concept of their relative value. I was constantly going to the footnotes, wondering where he found these interesting quotes and stories I had never before heard, and could not find satisfactory answers. In the first chapter he gives an incredible quote from an Indian chief who had been impressed with the bulletproof George Washington during the French and Indian War. And guess where this quote comes from - some fabulous eyewitness account? Nope. It's from William Thayer's Young People's Life of George Washington published in 1883. I didn't have to go to graduate school in history to learn that nineteenth century children's hagiographic biography is not an unimpeachable source. Another favorite reference for Ballard appears to be William J. Bennett's patriotic anthology The Sprit of America, a lovely book I'm sure, but not something a serious historian would consider source work. I have no problem with starting with a wide range of secondary sources; they give context and point you toward important primary documents you shouldn't miss. But if you're going to publish history, especially if you're going to make the kind of bold claims Ballard makes about Washington's personal religious understanding, you have GOT to dig deeper. You can't just grab any fluffy book out there on Washington that supports your ideas!
If you liked this book, that's great for you. I'm sure you're Mormon, and I'm also sure you haven't read much academic history. If Ballard helps you feel stronger about the role of America in the Restoration and the place of God in our Nation's history, that is wonderful. Just don't use this as your personal authority on George Washington.
Ok, there's my rant. Now I can go to bed. 2 stars.
First off, I don't have a problem with the idea that God inspired the founding fathers, and that He intervened in the formation of the United States of America for His own purposes. I also believe that Washington was a good God-fearing man who sacrificed much to do what he believed Divine Providence led him to do. I DON'T believe he was a proto-Mormon who had some inkling of LDS temple symbolism (he was a Mason, duh, that's where he got the compass and square, etc). I think Ballard takes things way too far, though I know there are probably many Mormons who love the tidy self-corroborating package he presents. Even the book's LDS publisher felt the need to include a note clarifying that Ballard's hypothesis is "not a statement of fact... rather, a jumping-off point, a tentative assumption..." Yeah, I'd distance myself. too.
I did learn some new things that reinforce my belief in the goodness and religiosity of the founding fathers. I loved the epithet Benjamin Franklin put on his gravestone. I love the accounts of Washington praying at Valley Forge. Knowing that the Continental Congress repeatedly called for days of national prayer and fasting during the Revolutionary War reminded me how thoroughly God was invited into people's lives at the dawn of our country. My favorite new piece of information is that Washington chose to open his Bible to a very specific page when he took his Inaugural Oath -- Genesis chapters 49 and 50, containing the prophecies of Jacob, including "Joseph is a fruitful bough...whose branches run over the wall...." (very interesting in relation to the Book of Mormon and America as a land for the descendants of Joseph).
But here's my very biggest beef with this "historical work" (and I realize this is a personal issue, and it may not bug some people in the slightest). Ballard relies entirely on secondary sources, and seems to have no concept of their relative value. I was constantly going to the footnotes, wondering where he found these interesting quotes and stories I had never before heard, and could not find satisfactory answers. In the first chapter he gives an incredible quote from an Indian chief who had been impressed with the bulletproof George Washington during the French and Indian War. And guess where this quote comes from - some fabulous eyewitness account? Nope. It's from William Thayer's Young People's Life of George Washington published in 1883. I didn't have to go to graduate school in history to learn that nineteenth century children's hagiographic biography is not an unimpeachable source. Another favorite reference for Ballard appears to be William J. Bennett's patriotic anthology The Sprit of America, a lovely book I'm sure, but not something a serious historian would consider source work. I have no problem with starting with a wide range of secondary sources; they give context and point you toward important primary documents you shouldn't miss. But if you're going to publish history, especially if you're going to make the kind of bold claims Ballard makes about Washington's personal religious understanding, you have GOT to dig deeper. You can't just grab any fluffy book out there on Washington that supports your ideas!
If you liked this book, that's great for you. I'm sure you're Mormon, and I'm also sure you haven't read much academic history. If Ballard helps you feel stronger about the role of America in the Restoration and the place of God in our Nation's history, that is wonderful. Just don't use this as your personal authority on George Washington.
Ok, there's my rant. Now I can go to bed. 2 stars.
September 8, 2016
This is a book that postulates that George Washington was inspired by God to lead the British colonies in America to become the United States through a national covenant. There are plenty of miraculous events which Ballard presents to support his theory, and some stories are well-known while others are less so (or obscured by explanations lacking faith). In every major battle of the Revolution, an incredible weather event either saved the colonists or thwarted the redcoats. Through it all, Washington gave the credit to God. Similar to his book The Lincoln Hypothesis, I developed a greater appreciation for a leader that I already revered.
Ballard calls Washington himself the greatest miracle, because he could have become – as so many leaders of popular revolutions before and after him have – a ruler over the people he had freed; instead, Washington continued to acknowledge that it was “Divine Providence” – the hand of God – that had fought his battles for him, and he instead continued to press for liberty, resulting in what became the Constitution of the United States of America.
This was an exceptional read that I recommend to everyone with a love of liberty.
Ballard calls Washington himself the greatest miracle, because he could have become – as so many leaders of popular revolutions before and after him have – a ruler over the people he had freed; instead, Washington continued to acknowledge that it was “Divine Providence” – the hand of God – that had fought his battles for him, and he instead continued to press for liberty, resulting in what became the Constitution of the United States of America.
This was an exceptional read that I recommend to everyone with a love of liberty.
June 4, 2016
This is my kind of history! Loved this.
June 10, 2019
My parents and I started this audiobook on vacation and after getting 1/3 through the book, we decided it wasn't worth finishing. I do not understand why other people are giving this book such a rave review. Have they REALLY not read anything better? Like 1776? Or any other history book? Or done their own scripture study?
I thought this would be about George Washington. But only 5% even mentioned Washington. The rest of the book spouted information that any moderately well-read Latter-Day Saint Christian would already know, loosely woven with personal back story (which, ironically, was my favorite part of the book). I found myself yawning through it and begged my mother to turn it off so that I wouldn't fall asleep while driving.
As my father put it later, "You could look for ANY pattern in history and you WILL find it - regardless of what that pattern might be. It is a faulty design for study." Ballard's research is not very deep, nor is his writing. Perhaps at some point I will try to find a hard cover and see if the rest of the book actually mentions anything about George Washington. Or maybe I will stick to doing my own research and hypothesizing.
I thought this would be about George Washington. But only 5% even mentioned Washington. The rest of the book spouted information that any moderately well-read Latter-Day Saint Christian would already know, loosely woven with personal back story (which, ironically, was my favorite part of the book). I found myself yawning through it and begged my mother to turn it off so that I wouldn't fall asleep while driving.
As my father put it later, "You could look for ANY pattern in history and you WILL find it - regardless of what that pattern might be. It is a faulty design for study." Ballard's research is not very deep, nor is his writing. Perhaps at some point I will try to find a hard cover and see if the rest of the book actually mentions anything about George Washington. Or maybe I will stick to doing my own research and hypothesizing.
January 4, 2017
I am surprised that I never wrote my review on this book. It is a hypothesis, but there are numerous facts and details that I found fascinating and thought provoking. This book gave me a deeper appreciation for George Washington and a new reverence for the picture of him praying that is so famous.
March 7, 2018
I began reading this book (for a book club discussion) with skepticism because I happened upon an unfavorable review (on a blog) of the author’s work on this book – it’s amateur-historical content (not well researched, it said). The blog contained a scathing comment about the publisher being willing to publish a book that posited fiction as fact. Deseret Book’s “Publisher’s Note” at the front of the book explains what a Hypothesis means. Fair enough. Reader be aware. Tip: check out snopes.com for “Washington’s Vision”. It was definitely a piece of fiction, although not Ballard's. Just because something was printed in the past (1861 in this case), and filed in the Library of Congress, doesn't mean it is truth.
I read slowly because I was doing a lot of fact checking in the beginning. At least the book is well annotated. He quotes a lot of different sources. Some are primary sources, and I LOVED reading those - they speak for themselves. Others are from books that I will eventually have to read to see where they are getting their “history”. A lot of it is conjecture - conclusions drawn from some obvious, as well as not-so-obvious, pieces of information. It is definitely written for an LDS audience, or one familiar with LDS doctrine regarding the destiny of the American continent.
My opinion and conclusions: Timothy Ballard is a patriot deep down, and I love that. He is a member of the LDS Church that knows the doctrine and the scriptures – I respect that. He is an emotional writer – one could say a “romantic”, in the tradition of 19th century romantic novelists. That part didn’t seem to jive with what he wanted to say: something more historic and philosophical. Some of it seemed to strongly imply fact and truth when it was really just his own thinking. I didn’t appreciate that. Some of the storytelling elicited some eye-rolling on my part. I don’t love Mormon-provincial or self-centered stories.
BUT… believing in the same scriptures he uses as his underlining premises, I felt that quite a few of the conclusions he drew were thought-provoking and exciting to ponder as real possibilities. I learned a lot of new ideas about Freemasonry, ancient Egyptian worship, and the symbols which are everywhere around Americans – but seldom questioned or understood. I now feel like I need to study more about these things and about Washington and the whole period of the Revolution (although I've done a fair bit already, hence the questions) – to verify and underscore the author’s findings, because his credibility was diminished, in my mind, for presenting some ideas as truth. The fact that he didn't research Washington's Vision a little better was a pretty big blunder, considering how much emphasis he puts on it. That doesn't mean George Washington might NEVER have had a spiritual communication like it or like something else.. I'm open to imagine great possibilities there. It's just that the truth happens to be that we don't KNOW if he did, and what God might have communicated to him. This is not something with which we should trifle.
Isn’t it unfortunate that most information that comes to us these days should be treated carefully, maybe even with some...skepticism??
An A grade for his stated IDEAS, and a D for his writing and some gullibility in his research. My 4 star rating is generous because despite the glaring flaws I liked the thought-provoking aspects of the book.
I read slowly because I was doing a lot of fact checking in the beginning. At least the book is well annotated. He quotes a lot of different sources. Some are primary sources, and I LOVED reading those - they speak for themselves. Others are from books that I will eventually have to read to see where they are getting their “history”. A lot of it is conjecture - conclusions drawn from some obvious, as well as not-so-obvious, pieces of information. It is definitely written for an LDS audience, or one familiar with LDS doctrine regarding the destiny of the American continent.
My opinion and conclusions: Timothy Ballard is a patriot deep down, and I love that. He is a member of the LDS Church that knows the doctrine and the scriptures – I respect that. He is an emotional writer – one could say a “romantic”, in the tradition of 19th century romantic novelists. That part didn’t seem to jive with what he wanted to say: something more historic and philosophical. Some of it seemed to strongly imply fact and truth when it was really just his own thinking. I didn’t appreciate that. Some of the storytelling elicited some eye-rolling on my part. I don’t love Mormon-provincial or self-centered stories.
BUT… believing in the same scriptures he uses as his underlining premises, I felt that quite a few of the conclusions he drew were thought-provoking and exciting to ponder as real possibilities. I learned a lot of new ideas about Freemasonry, ancient Egyptian worship, and the symbols which are everywhere around Americans – but seldom questioned or understood. I now feel like I need to study more about these things and about Washington and the whole period of the Revolution (although I've done a fair bit already, hence the questions) – to verify and underscore the author’s findings, because his credibility was diminished, in my mind, for presenting some ideas as truth. The fact that he didn't research Washington's Vision a little better was a pretty big blunder, considering how much emphasis he puts on it. That doesn't mean George Washington might NEVER have had a spiritual communication like it or like something else.. I'm open to imagine great possibilities there. It's just that the truth happens to be that we don't KNOW if he did, and what God might have communicated to him. This is not something with which we should trifle.
Isn’t it unfortunate that most information that comes to us these days should be treated carefully, maybe even with some...skepticism??
An A grade for his stated IDEAS, and a D for his writing and some gullibility in his research. My 4 star rating is generous because despite the glaring flaws I liked the thought-provoking aspects of the book.
May 13, 2017
I picked up this book because the author is an amazing humanitarian, I wanted to support his efforts with the Underground Railroad and the topic was interesting. I recently finished reading a massive biography of George Washington that approached him as mostly a secular man. What I liked about this book is that the author provides evidence of his religious spirit and belief in God, which is how I always imagined GW, and Ballard did a good job fitting it into God's plan. I also appreciated learning more about Free Masonry.
What I struggled with was 1) the author's extensive daydreaming (not intending to be demeaning here, because he has good thoughts....I just can't come up with a better term), 2) personal anecdotes that seemed to be more appropriate in a personal journal, and 3) too many unsupported hypotheses (although he poses many valid questions). The book could have been half the size. The last two chapters I just skimmed through.
What I struggled with was 1) the author's extensive daydreaming (not intending to be demeaning here, because he has good thoughts....I just can't come up with a better term), 2) personal anecdotes that seemed to be more appropriate in a personal journal, and 3) too many unsupported hypotheses (although he poses many valid questions). The book could have been half the size. The last two chapters I just skimmed through.
August 12, 2016
3.5 stars. Washington's spiritual journey through the Revolutionary War through the eyes of Timothy Ballard. My history loving heart approves.
Erika's Amazon Link
Erika's Amazon Link
August 6, 2016
It was great revisiting how the Lord prepared this country for the restoration of his gospel and foreordain righteous men to assist his purposes. The sad thing is how far we have fallen from righteousness. This election year doesn't help.
November 8, 2018
I found this a fascinating book - mainly because I hadn't heard many of the stories about George Washington and the way his faith was such a part of him. Those are certainly stories I didn't learn in my American History classes. His leadership in the Revolutionary War was definitely providential. Likening George Washington to Moses and Chief Captain Moroni was credible. I've always loved A. Friberg's painting of George Washington kneeling in prayer - The Prayer at Valley Forge - but knew little of the spiritual events that transpired there. In addition to Washington's faith, it was eye-opening to see that prayers were such a part of the Continental Congress - including promoting general special fasting & prayer days. Like the author, I believe American is a land chosen by God, for His purposes. I loved the last chapter that included information that I didn't know about Benjamin Franklin.
In light of the elections held yesterday in our nation, the press conferences held today, the divides and divisiveness, I would say that Ballard's prescription for "saving America" is so needed. In Washington's time it wasn't political suicide to be open about your faith and speak freely about God and his role in your life. It is now. How sad! We should certainly be teaching our youth more in depth about the Founding Fathers.
I would have given this book a higher rating if it weren't for the frequent personal/emotional discovery experiences inserted into the book. At times it felt more like reading a personal journal. His passion certainly is evident but I found that a bit distracting.
In light of the elections held yesterday in our nation, the press conferences held today, the divides and divisiveness, I would say that Ballard's prescription for "saving America" is so needed. In Washington's time it wasn't political suicide to be open about your faith and speak freely about God and his role in your life. It is now. How sad! We should certainly be teaching our youth more in depth about the Founding Fathers.
I would have given this book a higher rating if it weren't for the frequent personal/emotional discovery experiences inserted into the book. At times it felt more like reading a personal journal. His passion certainly is evident but I found that a bit distracting.
October 19, 2016
"Hypothesis: a proposition, or set of propositions, set forth as an explanation for the occurrence of some specified group of phenomena, either asserted merely as a provisional conjecture to guide investigation or accepted as highly probable in the light of established facts."
Timothy Ballard's book is just what he states, a hypothesis. He not only draws on well documented sources and records, he carries it further to include his own suppositions and conclusions regarding the American Revolution and the founding fathers, particularly George Washington. His bottom line, God had a purpose for this nation and the accounts show His guiding, protective hand throughout the long battle for liberty from British rule. Often exhibited directly through the humble but stalwartly faithful leader, General Washington. Ballard carries it even further to suggest that the Godly purpose was so that the religious freedom of America might be the seed-bed for the full restoration of the Gospel. I can imagine naysayers scoffing but I also thought most of Ballard's speculations were incredibly insightful, even enlightening. The only quibble I might have had is the author occasionally lets his passion for his subject run away with him slightly, but I was willing to excuse him that as the ideas in it are not only thought provoking, they're utterly fascinating.
Timothy Ballard's book is just what he states, a hypothesis. He not only draws on well documented sources and records, he carries it further to include his own suppositions and conclusions regarding the American Revolution and the founding fathers, particularly George Washington. His bottom line, God had a purpose for this nation and the accounts show His guiding, protective hand throughout the long battle for liberty from British rule. Often exhibited directly through the humble but stalwartly faithful leader, General Washington. Ballard carries it even further to suggest that the Godly purpose was so that the religious freedom of America might be the seed-bed for the full restoration of the Gospel. I can imagine naysayers scoffing but I also thought most of Ballard's speculations were incredibly insightful, even enlightening. The only quibble I might have had is the author occasionally lets his passion for his subject run away with him slightly, but I was willing to excuse him that as the ideas in it are not only thought provoking, they're utterly fascinating.
November 6, 2017
This isn't the type of book that's hard to put down, but I felt it opened my mind to some new ideas and ways of looking at things about the founding of our country. It talks about the role of George Washington and the other patriots in setting up our country for the Restoration. I loved all the evidence of the ways in which God watched over and protected Washington and his armies.
November 7, 2023
I’m a big history girl but this book got a little too much for me with religion and history. I just got bored. Like information overload maybe. I loved learning more about Washington, American revolution and even about Benjamin Franklin.
I didn’t not realize how much Washington really did not want to be commander in chief for the war. He did it because that was what the people wanted and he felt gods assurance to do it. He was a very religious man. In the end he just wanted to be on his farm with his wife. I love that. I love that he didn’t submit to those that wanted him to be “king George I” he didn’t want a monarchy he wanted a republic ruled by the people. He didn’t want power. Power did not appeal to him. He did not take advantage of it. I think that is such a powerful example for those that followed him in presidency. I did not realize he didn’t have any kids of his own. Or that he adopted his wives children from another marriage. I think he was a man of god and was chosen to lead this country to our war of freedom and I think he was chosen as our first president for a reason.
The American revolution is wild. How many miracles that occurred on those battle fields. If we were to gamble on that war back then everyone would have been 100% betting on the British but somehow we Americans won. I think that was for a reason.
I had no idea Benjamin Franklin was opposed to American fighting the British. He was a British loyalist for a long time. Then he converted to an American loyalist. He went from not believing in god to believing in god and America. He was such good friends with George Washington.
I also had no idea how much bible and God references are throughout our early history. I think it is very cool.
Overall good history book. I liked learning about George Washington. I’m glad he was our first president. He seemed like he would be the best grandpa.
I didn’t not realize how much Washington really did not want to be commander in chief for the war. He did it because that was what the people wanted and he felt gods assurance to do it. He was a very religious man. In the end he just wanted to be on his farm with his wife. I love that. I love that he didn’t submit to those that wanted him to be “king George I” he didn’t want a monarchy he wanted a republic ruled by the people. He didn’t want power. Power did not appeal to him. He did not take advantage of it. I think that is such a powerful example for those that followed him in presidency. I did not realize he didn’t have any kids of his own. Or that he adopted his wives children from another marriage. I think he was a man of god and was chosen to lead this country to our war of freedom and I think he was chosen as our first president for a reason.
The American revolution is wild. How many miracles that occurred on those battle fields. If we were to gamble on that war back then everyone would have been 100% betting on the British but somehow we Americans won. I think that was for a reason.
I had no idea Benjamin Franklin was opposed to American fighting the British. He was a British loyalist for a long time. Then he converted to an American loyalist. He went from not believing in god to believing in god and America. He was such good friends with George Washington.
I also had no idea how much bible and God references are throughout our early history. I think it is very cool.
Overall good history book. I liked learning about George Washington. I’m glad he was our first president. He seemed like he would be the best grandpa.
December 31, 2022
With so much political turmoil in the world, it was completely refreshing to read this book and feel patriotic again. Ballard did such a good job of honestly portraying George Washington without deifying him, but also allowing us to see how he was inspired. I highly recommend this!
April 14, 2021
This book reminded me so much of the Noblebirthright curriculum by Karen Kindrick Cox.
June 30, 2017
This book is written for an LDS audience for which I would rate it 4 stars. For readers of other faiths, I would rate it 3 stars.
The author is somewhat of a renaissance man with a background as a CIA agent who left to run Operation Underground Railroad which rescues children from the sex trafficking industry worldwide. He is also a student of history.
In this book he goes back to original sources to support his claim that the events of the American Revolution were a result of Heavenly intervention. Such a claim has also been made by The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall and more recently by The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic by Michael Medved.
While secular historians discount the religiosity of the times, Marshall, Medved, and Ballard take the original sources at face value.
Time and again things providently turned in favor of the Americans and they really do look like miracles of Biblical proportions, from the bullet proof George Washington who couldn't be killed to battle after battle where the elements worked miraculously in the favor of the Americans.
Ballard brings some insights from an LDS perspective that have not been addressed by others. I found the chapter that covered Washington's first inauguration especially intriguing. Most scholars find the Bible scripture that Washington opened up to for his swearing in to be a perplexing choice. However, from an LDS perspective the scripture (Genesis 49:22) makes perfect sense.
The author is somewhat of a renaissance man with a background as a CIA agent who left to run Operation Underground Railroad which rescues children from the sex trafficking industry worldwide. He is also a student of history.
In this book he goes back to original sources to support his claim that the events of the American Revolution were a result of Heavenly intervention. Such a claim has also been made by The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall and more recently by The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic by Michael Medved.
While secular historians discount the religiosity of the times, Marshall, Medved, and Ballard take the original sources at face value.
Time and again things providently turned in favor of the Americans and they really do look like miracles of Biblical proportions, from the bullet proof George Washington who couldn't be killed to battle after battle where the elements worked miraculously in the favor of the Americans.
Ballard brings some insights from an LDS perspective that have not been addressed by others. I found the chapter that covered Washington's first inauguration especially intriguing. Most scholars find the Bible scripture that Washington opened up to for his swearing in to be a perplexing choice. However, from an LDS perspective the scripture (Genesis 49:22) makes perfect sense.
August 14, 2016
There are a few reasons why this book is crap. First of all, the only way this "hypothesis" works is if you already believe that the Mormon church is the only true church in the world, blah, blah. According to this Ballard guy, God supposedly lead Washington to sacrifice everything--even though he didn't lose anything, which Ballard explains by saying that Washington was protected by God's hand. Duh--in order to make America ripe for the future establishment of the Mormon Church, which could ONLY be established here, because, you know, the US is God's country. Double duh.
This book is so American centrist, so ultra patriotic, and by extension so condescending of every other country out there--just like Joseph Smith's assertion that every church that is not the Mormon Church is an “abomination”--, that I can't see how any church member outside of the Mormon corridor wouldn't be offended by it. This book shows a very clear influence from Ezra Taft Benson and his Birch Society school of thought.
Finally, I am listening to the audiobook of this (which I got in the library. No way I'm giving this guy, Deseret Book, and LDS Inc. a penny), and, as an avid nonfiction audiobook listener, I am not used to having voices read in different voices. That's usually something done for novels and “graphic audiobooks.” The reader guy is pretty good, but when he does his accents he is so over the top that it's quite distracting, annoying and ridiculous.
In conclusion, if you enjoy hate-listening to pseudo history, you can't get better than this!
This book is so American centrist, so ultra patriotic, and by extension so condescending of every other country out there--just like Joseph Smith's assertion that every church that is not the Mormon Church is an “abomination”--, that I can't see how any church member outside of the Mormon corridor wouldn't be offended by it. This book shows a very clear influence from Ezra Taft Benson and his Birch Society school of thought.
Finally, I am listening to the audiobook of this (which I got in the library. No way I'm giving this guy, Deseret Book, and LDS Inc. a penny), and, as an avid nonfiction audiobook listener, I am not used to having voices read in different voices. That's usually something done for novels and “graphic audiobooks.” The reader guy is pretty good, but when he does his accents he is so over the top that it's quite distracting, annoying and ridiculous.
In conclusion, if you enjoy hate-listening to pseudo history, you can't get better than this!
February 26, 2019
I listened to this twice in a row to internalize more details! I loved this book and the insights it gave! Many Thanks to the author!
July 11, 2019
Fascinating proposition as to Washington's connection to Joseph Smith and the restored gospel, the American Covenant, the Revolution, and his role as an instrument in God's hands in the establishment of this free land and a proposal on how we can keep it free.
A few of the interesting things to note:
- What prompted Franklin's change of heart toward the independence? Abigail Adams thought that Franklin's patriotism was intertwined with his religious beliefs. She said, "A true patriot must be a religious man." (Ch. 4)
- Yorktown resident Thomas Nelson, Jr., had served in the Continental Congress and was a Signer of the Declaration. While serving as Governor of VA during the battle of Yorktown, his estate was seized by the British and Cornwallis likely made it his command HQ. When he noticed that Congress was out of cash, he borrowed nearly $2 million using his own property as collateral, and handed it over to the American war effort. In the end, he was unable to make good on his debt and he lost all he possessed. During the siege at Yorktown, Nelson commanded the VA militia and served in the trenches with Washington. He directed the American cannons to destroy his Yorktown home, and to this day, the American cannonballs can be seen in his home, which is now a museum. Nelson is my hero. (Ch. 6)
- By War's end, of the 56 Signers of the Declaration, 9 had been killed, 5 had been captured (and suffered at the hands of the British), 12 had their homes burned, looted, or destroyed, and others went bankrupt by giving all they possessed to the cause of independence. (Ch. 8)
- Madison said of Washington when he saw him in his retreat from New York (in part), "...a deportment so firm, so dignified, so exalted, yet so modest and composed, I have never seen in any other person." (Ch. 8)
- Washington would regularly put himself in harm's way in order to rally his troops to battle. (Ch. 8)
- Washington thought it would be better to lay waste to his beloved Mt. Vernon than to comply with the British demands to give them supplies. He would make these sacrifices while refusing any and all payment due him in his service, even though his overall wealth was diminishing because of it. He sacrificed because of his love of God, country, and covenant. (Ch. 8)
- 5 Founders or influential men were ordained high priests (without explanation) after their temple work was done by Wilford Woodruff: Washington, Franklin, Columbus, Horatio Nelson, and John Wesley. The other men were ordained elders. (Ch. 8)
- The Grand Rotunda of the US Capitol showcases the Apotheosis of Washington, which also depicts (quite unknowingly) 1 Nephi 13 (Nephi's vision of America). The paintings also depict the miraculous victories of the Revolutionary War at Saratoga and Yorktown. (Ch. 8)
- Look to the example of Captain Moroni in electing representatives, engaging them, and in becoming like him.
Pres. Hinckley declared, "For a good while, there has been going on in this nation a process that I have termed 'the secularization of America.' We as a nation are forsaking the Almighty, and I fear that He will begin to forsake us. We are shutting the door against the God whose sons and daughters we are. Future blessings will come only as we deserve them. Can we expect peace and prosperity, harmony and good will, when we turn our backs on the Source of strength? If we are to continue to have the freedoms that evolved within the structure that was the inspiration of the Almighty to our Founding Fathers, we must return to the god who is their true author. God bless America, for it is His creation." (Ch. 9)
-Approx. 220 ft. up from the base of the Washington Monument is a reminder of the crowning feature of the Revolution and a reminder of what the Monument stands for and why we must live the national covenant and fight to preserve it. It's a stone sent by Brigham Young to Wash. DC in 1853 and it was placed inside the Monument to Washington. Engraved on the stone are the words "Holiness to the Lord." (Ch. 9)
- Washington shared the symbols of the American Covenant in his actions (e.g. that he put his hand in Gen. 49-50 when he was sworn in as president; capitol buildings), his dress, and his words (e.g. his prayer to a fellow masonic brother and his written prayer that he recited on Sunday mornings). (see e.g. Epilogue)
A few of the interesting things to note:
- What prompted Franklin's change of heart toward the independence? Abigail Adams thought that Franklin's patriotism was intertwined with his religious beliefs. She said, "A true patriot must be a religious man." (Ch. 4)
- Yorktown resident Thomas Nelson, Jr., had served in the Continental Congress and was a Signer of the Declaration. While serving as Governor of VA during the battle of Yorktown, his estate was seized by the British and Cornwallis likely made it his command HQ. When he noticed that Congress was out of cash, he borrowed nearly $2 million using his own property as collateral, and handed it over to the American war effort. In the end, he was unable to make good on his debt and he lost all he possessed. During the siege at Yorktown, Nelson commanded the VA militia and served in the trenches with Washington. He directed the American cannons to destroy his Yorktown home, and to this day, the American cannonballs can be seen in his home, which is now a museum. Nelson is my hero. (Ch. 6)
- By War's end, of the 56 Signers of the Declaration, 9 had been killed, 5 had been captured (and suffered at the hands of the British), 12 had their homes burned, looted, or destroyed, and others went bankrupt by giving all they possessed to the cause of independence. (Ch. 8)
- Madison said of Washington when he saw him in his retreat from New York (in part), "...a deportment so firm, so dignified, so exalted, yet so modest and composed, I have never seen in any other person." (Ch. 8)
- Washington would regularly put himself in harm's way in order to rally his troops to battle. (Ch. 8)
- Washington thought it would be better to lay waste to his beloved Mt. Vernon than to comply with the British demands to give them supplies. He would make these sacrifices while refusing any and all payment due him in his service, even though his overall wealth was diminishing because of it. He sacrificed because of his love of God, country, and covenant. (Ch. 8)
- 5 Founders or influential men were ordained high priests (without explanation) after their temple work was done by Wilford Woodruff: Washington, Franklin, Columbus, Horatio Nelson, and John Wesley. The other men were ordained elders. (Ch. 8)
- The Grand Rotunda of the US Capitol showcases the Apotheosis of Washington, which also depicts (quite unknowingly) 1 Nephi 13 (Nephi's vision of America). The paintings also depict the miraculous victories of the Revolutionary War at Saratoga and Yorktown. (Ch. 8)
- Look to the example of Captain Moroni in electing representatives, engaging them, and in becoming like him.
Pres. Hinckley declared, "For a good while, there has been going on in this nation a process that I have termed 'the secularization of America.' We as a nation are forsaking the Almighty, and I fear that He will begin to forsake us. We are shutting the door against the God whose sons and daughters we are. Future blessings will come only as we deserve them. Can we expect peace and prosperity, harmony and good will, when we turn our backs on the Source of strength? If we are to continue to have the freedoms that evolved within the structure that was the inspiration of the Almighty to our Founding Fathers, we must return to the god who is their true author. God bless America, for it is His creation." (Ch. 9)
-Approx. 220 ft. up from the base of the Washington Monument is a reminder of the crowning feature of the Revolution and a reminder of what the Monument stands for and why we must live the national covenant and fight to preserve it. It's a stone sent by Brigham Young to Wash. DC in 1853 and it was placed inside the Monument to Washington. Engraved on the stone are the words "Holiness to the Lord." (Ch. 9)
- Washington shared the symbols of the American Covenant in his actions (e.g. that he put his hand in Gen. 49-50 when he was sworn in as president; capitol buildings), his dress, and his words (e.g. his prayer to a fellow masonic brother and his written prayer that he recited on Sunday mornings). (see e.g. Epilogue)
December 1, 2021
This book is an explanation by Timothy Ballard of his journey exploring the history of George Washington and what he did in his life. His Hypothesis, though he thoroughly believes it, is that Washington was influenced by God to make certain decisions that aligned with the Covenant of the Land, explained in the Book of Mormon. I feel a lot of the ideas presented are explained thoroughly and developed through the journey of his exploration quite well. Ballard also uses key moments in history that everyone has learned before, pulling in previous knowledge held by people and expanding upon it, such as the battles Washington went through as well as debates of his colleagues. The intriguing moments are when he pulls in battles or other events that many people haven't heard of, or when he adds unknown information we had no idea about. There are a lot of cool stories of George Washington that I haven't heard of, and these revealed much more about him. I definitely grew respect for Washington and the man he was reading this book. As for the Hypothesis of Timothy Ballard's, I think it really comes up to a point on whether you want to believe it or not; it's a relatively vague subject and idea in the first place, so it's not going to be very set in stone. I think the points he makes are valid, and it is revelatory into George Washington's nature and what he believes. To compare it to another book of Ballard's I have read, The Lincoln Hypothesis, I don't think it was quite as well written, but was still satisfactory.
December 11, 2023
Hmm. So, my husband bought this book a few years back but didn't read it. We were going to donate it to DI without it being cracked open... but I was curious, and it is hard for me to get rid of books I haven't read. I had my doubts because the author is not a historian. I read two chapters. Nope. Not for me. I am surprised that this was sold in the deseret book store. (It is not anymore, but probably for different reasons.) Many American members love this kind of stuff and are easily influenced by anything that links the church, BoM, constitution, founding fathers, the promise land, and Masons, etc.
Although some of it is interesting and even convincing, it usually lacks proper research and evidence. Which is the case here. I get that it says "hypothesis" but too many people read this type of stuff and then repeat it as fact. I think the author does a good job of getting people interested in a topic that he is very interested in.
Although some of it is interesting and even convincing, it usually lacks proper research and evidence. Which is the case here. I get that it says "hypothesis" but too many people read this type of stuff and then repeat it as fact. I think the author does a good job of getting people interested in a topic that he is very interested in.
August 24, 2021
I already admired Tim Ballard but after reading this book I just love him! What a beautiful rendering of the correlation between George Washington and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Starting from the viewing of a beautiful painting/window that he observed as a child in a chapel in California of Jesus Christ and the many beautiful symbols took Tim on a journey throughout our country of America to discover what the painting / window meant. It was an amazing journey starting with the revolutionary war and George Washington and his amazing inspiration and that amazing divine intervention into making sure that America became free, So that it would be free enough to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ into the country through the hands of Joseph Smith the prophet. This book speaks of George Washington being another Moses. I have read and heard many depictions of Brigham Young being the American Moses but I can see here in this book that George Washington was the first one that should have been coined that term. This book was amazing inspiring and thrilling and I learned so much!
March 21, 2022
I love Timothy Ballard’s books because they help me to reflect on our national heritage and see the founding of the United States through the eyes of those who were there. I think the most important thing I learned: the founding of this country was lead by God and the founding fathers understood more about the gathering of Israel and the covenants of God than I ever realized. It’s a shame modern historians try and erase this knowledge when all the contemporary sources point to this exact fact! It wasn’t “chance” or “good luck”. It was lead by God and the miracles that occurred for this nation to exist can be explained (in my mind) in no other fully encompassing way.
May 24, 2022
I just want to meet Tim Ballard and shake his hand! What a wonderful book. It has invigorated the patriot inside my soul. I love this country and pray for it just as Washington did. I am grateful for the miracles on behalf of the birth of this great nation. And since this book has been written the many temples that now bless the land are incredible. Thank you for this book and I will read the other books to.
March 29, 2023
Excellent book. Ballard has become a better author in this book than in Lincoln Hypothesis (though I enjoyed the content of that one as well). Washington was an incredible man and certainly an inspired man devoted to God. Ballard’s insights into the hand of Providence in Washington’s life, and his role in the Revolution are excellent. This is a book that will make you think and help draw connections between God, freedom, and America.
July 8, 2017
Learned to appreciate the "covenant running with the land": America will be a land of liberty so long as those who possess the land choose to worship the God of this land who is Jesus Christ. Appreciated more that our Founding Fathers recognized the hand of Divine Providence in making us a nation.
March 20, 2020
I believe that Washington was led by God. This nation was prepared so that we could have the freedom to worship God according to our beliefs. Some amazing miracles happened to give us our Independence!
December 4, 2020
I learned so much about Washington and the Revolutionary War that I had never heard. It’s sad that in formal education, we don’t learn about the miracles and God’s hand in history. Thanks Tim Ballard for teaching us more about our forefathers.
June 7, 2021
A fascinating book. I loved learning about the many miracles that allowed the America to win the Revolutionary war. I hadn't heard the stories about George Washington and the how amazing and faithful he was. The reason for the 4 star rating is that the book is a little wordy and repetitive and times.
Content:
Sex/Nudity: none
Profanity/Language: none
Gore/Violence: mild (war battles but no gory details)
Drugs/Alcohol: none
Content:
Sex/Nudity: none
Profanity/Language: none
Gore/Violence: mild (war battles but no gory details)
Drugs/Alcohol: none
February 21, 2022
Author did a fantastic job of researching and getting perspective on the situations Washington faced in each of the many crucial points along the path to liberty. This book brings up intriguing thoughts about Washington and his relationship with The Divine which was likely much more complex and powerful than most scholars recognize. My only complaint is the author includes much about his own personal life which slows down the book and progression about Washington.
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