Bonds of Affection: Civic Charity and the Making of America -- Winthrop, Jefferson, and Lincoln

Religion and Politics

by Matthew S. Holland

Notions of Christian love, or charity, strongly shaped the political thought of John Winthrop, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln as each presided over a foundational moment in the development of American democracy. Matthew Holland examines how each figure interpreted and appropriated charity, revealing both the problems and possibilities of making it a political ideal.

Holland first looks at early American literature and seminal speeches by Winthrop to show how the Puritan theology of this famed 17th century governor of the Massachusetts Colony (he who first envisioned America as a "City upon a Hill") galvanized an impressive sense of self-rule and a community of care in the early republic, even as its harsher aspects made something like Jefferson's Enlightenment faith in liberal democracy a welcome development . Holland then shows that between Jefferson's early rough draft of the Declaration of Independence and his First Inaugural Jefferson came to see some notion of charity as a necessary complement to modern political liberty.

However, Holland argues, it was Lincoln and his ingenious blend of Puritan and democratic insights who best fulfilled the promise of this nation's "bonds of affection." With his recognition of the imperfections of both North and South, his humility in the face of God's judgment on the Civil War, and his insistence on "charity for all," including the defeated Confederacy, Lincoln personified the possibilities of religious love turned civic virtue.

Weaving a rich tapestry of insights from political science and literature and American religious history and political theory, Bonds of Affection is a major contribution to the study of American political identity. Matthew Holland makes plain that civic charity, while commonly rejected as irrelevant or even harmful to political engagement, has been integral to our national character.

The book includes the full texts of Winthrop's speech "A Model of Christian Charity"; Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration and his First Inaugural; and Lincoln's Second Inaugural.

Genres: History, Religion, Politics

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 2007

Reviews

[Nathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As brilliant and inspired by genius as they are, the provisions of the Constitution are insufficient to hold a nation together. The American people must also have love for God and their fellow man. Holland tells why this is so, and illustrates it by showing how Abraham Lincoln guided our nation through its worst crisis, drawing upon a spiritual tradition beginning with John Winthrop and continuing through Thomas Jefferson. Christlike love is also the remedy for today's mess.

[Courtney Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well researched and well reasoned (it is a very academic book). I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The insights were both interesting and enlightening.

[Jenn Palomino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another CLI book written by one of UVU former presidents (my claim to fame is that as a student he bought me a milkshake once during an official visit for a study “abroad” I did (student teaching in the Navajo Nation)). Not to say that this wasn’t good, but I’m just not a fan of Thomas Jefferson for many reasons so that section dragged for me. I’m a cliche but the Lincoln section was the best, what a great man.

[David Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admit that (for me) the most interesting section was all about Lincoln. That was enlightening for me to read more deeply about him as a man and a politician. I highly recommend the entire book -- especially in these days of such strong political division and almost sheer hatred.
Civic charity is (today)! something that should be studied and practiced by all.

[Brittany Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

for a book about civic charity, you really don't hear much about it. nevertheless, it's still a good read and a great reminder that without charity we are nothing. I love how Holland manages to tie together Winthrop's approach to charity and Jefferson's approach to charity with Lincoln's approach to charity.

[David Heywood · Rating 5 out of 5]

What made this book most interesting to me was living with Dr. Holland and his family during a London study abroad. During my stay, Prof Holland lectured on Winthrop, even taking us to a church where Winthrop likely lectured.

[Mandy]

One of my favorite professors at BYU, I'm anxious to read what appears to be a very interesting book!

[Laura-Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found it interesting but repetitive in many parts.