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Nathan Bedford Forrest's Redemption
While much has been written about Forrest's notorious life as a slave trader, Civil War general, and early leader of the Ku Klux Klan, his later Christian conversion and renunciation of his racist views are largely overlooked. This book is specifically devoted to the spiritual aspect of Forrest's life. By God's grace, he changed his ways.
- GenresCivil War
176 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 19, 2014
Predestination and Sovereign grace expose the Pharisee in all of us. We won’t “bad” people to “really get it good and hard,” but then God saves them. This offends many. Predestination is offensive because if Forrest received forgiveness, then Christians are obligated to forgive him, too.
The author gives a decent summary of Forrest’s life. The style is obviously pastoral, not historical. He has read all of the relevant material and is accurate in his analysis of it. There are some problems which I will list at the end of the review.
Forrest’s enigma is that he exhibited Christian principles before his conversion. Even more, these very principles enable him to succeed. Yet, he refused to call himself a Christian. Part of the problem is that he knew he was obligated to hard violence in defense of Southern women and culture, yet he could not see--like many Christian pacifists today--that there is no tension between hard violence and holy violence when we defend the weak. It is a shame Forrest did not have good teaching on this point.
Forrest’s heroics make for good fiction, except that they are real. Passing over these (admittedly exciting) stories we will look at his rise through the Confederate ranks to emerge the military genius and hero to oppressed Southern women and children, both white and black.
The author does a good job in showing what really happened at Ft Pillow, where Forrest was accused of butchering surrendering troops. A quick listing of the facts shows that the case against Forrest wouldn’t stand in any court:
Forrest urged Union commander Bradford to surrender. Bradford refused, raised the flag high, and fought. If anything, he is the guilty one.
Only 42% of the Union garrison died. Not only is that remarkably low for Civil War standards, if Forrest truly wanted to massacre the garrison, well, why didn’t he?
Many of the soldiers who surrendered their weapons picked them back up. In any military or police setting, drawing a weapon on an armed military opponent is a death sentence. This is common-sense.
While it’s possible that Forrest’s men executed the soldiers at point blank range, a more likely explanation for the powder burns is that Forrest had long told his men to fight primarily with revolvers and shotguns, and given the close-quarters combat of the fort, this makes more sense.
The Union garrison at Ft Pillow had long raped and extorted the local population. It was so bad that Union commanders ordered a stop to it (which was disregarded by Booth and Bradford).
After the War:
Legend has it that he started “The KKK.” Lost Cause adherents try to vindicate Forrest by saying it wasn’t the same Klan as it was today. Of course, that’s true--but what’s the point? No one will believe it. They will also point out that the Radical Republican governor of Tennessee called for the slaughter of most Southerners in the state, and so the Klan was formed as a defense unit. Again, that’s true but no one will believe it.
What is historically verifiable, though, is that Forrest did not start the Klan. Forrest denied he was ever a member (though Morton says he was). In any case, Forrest was instrumental in stopping the Klan during its first phase.
Conversion
It is better to speak of Forrest’s regeneration than trying to pinpoint a specific conversion experience. Regeneration is the new birth. Conversion is a revival back to life (which may at times overlap with regeneration). I disagree with Kastler that the sermon on Matthew 7 was the “defining moment.” I think his praying a few weeks earlier was. But no matter. It is a beautiful story nonetheless.
Evaluation
The book is quite good. Kastler (for the most part) keeps a tight narrative. I read the book in one afternoon. There is a lot of speculation and sometimes it gets the better of Kastler. While I am sure Forrest was a “racist” (whatever that Marxist term means), Kastler contradicts himself on this point. He accuses Forrest of racism but never gives a specific example. And I don’t think racism governed Forrest’s actions in the slave-trade. For one, Forrest refused to break up families, 2) Forrest, having grown up poor, was likely more influenced by money than some sinister racist plot, and 3) the Freedman’s Bureau, no friend to white Southerners, criticized Forrest for being too nice to blacks!
The author gives a decent summary of Forrest’s life. The style is obviously pastoral, not historical. He has read all of the relevant material and is accurate in his analysis of it. There are some problems which I will list at the end of the review.
Forrest’s enigma is that he exhibited Christian principles before his conversion. Even more, these very principles enable him to succeed. Yet, he refused to call himself a Christian. Part of the problem is that he knew he was obligated to hard violence in defense of Southern women and culture, yet he could not see--like many Christian pacifists today--that there is no tension between hard violence and holy violence when we defend the weak. It is a shame Forrest did not have good teaching on this point.
Forrest’s heroics make for good fiction, except that they are real. Passing over these (admittedly exciting) stories we will look at his rise through the Confederate ranks to emerge the military genius and hero to oppressed Southern women and children, both white and black.
The author does a good job in showing what really happened at Ft Pillow, where Forrest was accused of butchering surrendering troops. A quick listing of the facts shows that the case against Forrest wouldn’t stand in any court:
Forrest urged Union commander Bradford to surrender. Bradford refused, raised the flag high, and fought. If anything, he is the guilty one.
Only 42% of the Union garrison died. Not only is that remarkably low for Civil War standards, if Forrest truly wanted to massacre the garrison, well, why didn’t he?
Many of the soldiers who surrendered their weapons picked them back up. In any military or police setting, drawing a weapon on an armed military opponent is a death sentence. This is common-sense.
While it’s possible that Forrest’s men executed the soldiers at point blank range, a more likely explanation for the powder burns is that Forrest had long told his men to fight primarily with revolvers and shotguns, and given the close-quarters combat of the fort, this makes more sense.
The Union garrison at Ft Pillow had long raped and extorted the local population. It was so bad that Union commanders ordered a stop to it (which was disregarded by Booth and Bradford).
After the War:
Legend has it that he started “The KKK.” Lost Cause adherents try to vindicate Forrest by saying it wasn’t the same Klan as it was today. Of course, that’s true--but what’s the point? No one will believe it. They will also point out that the Radical Republican governor of Tennessee called for the slaughter of most Southerners in the state, and so the Klan was formed as a defense unit. Again, that’s true but no one will believe it.
What is historically verifiable, though, is that Forrest did not start the Klan. Forrest denied he was ever a member (though Morton says he was). In any case, Forrest was instrumental in stopping the Klan during its first phase.
Conversion
It is better to speak of Forrest’s regeneration than trying to pinpoint a specific conversion experience. Regeneration is the new birth. Conversion is a revival back to life (which may at times overlap with regeneration). I disagree with Kastler that the sermon on Matthew 7 was the “defining moment.” I think his praying a few weeks earlier was. But no matter. It is a beautiful story nonetheless.
Evaluation
The book is quite good. Kastler (for the most part) keeps a tight narrative. I read the book in one afternoon. There is a lot of speculation and sometimes it gets the better of Kastler. While I am sure Forrest was a “racist” (whatever that Marxist term means), Kastler contradicts himself on this point. He accuses Forrest of racism but never gives a specific example. And I don’t think racism governed Forrest’s actions in the slave-trade. For one, Forrest refused to break up families, 2) Forrest, having grown up poor, was likely more influenced by money than some sinister racist plot, and 3) the Freedman’s Bureau, no friend to white Southerners, criticized Forrest for being too nice to blacks!
June 24, 2013
Ten years ago, I spotted a family name in Robert Selph Henry's biography on Forrest. This set off an obsession that led me into Civil War Reenacting, compulsive book buying, appearances on the History Channel, a screenplay adventure, and a mini-odyssey across the Mid-South in search of a forgotten gravesite.
The name was "Stainback," and it was the name of the Rev. G.T. Stainback, the Memphis pastor who would shepherd America's most notorious legend into the arms of his Savior. Rev. Stainback is my cousin, and according to my research, my great-grandfather resided with him while a teenager. The young man and his war-widowed mother stayed with their elder while Stainback served a church in Columbus, Mississippi, his original home, eventually migrating to Texas in 1874. Stainback returned to Memphis, where he was ordained, the following year after my relatives left and became the Forrests' pastor. Rev. Stainback was the one to deliver Forrest's eulogy - a powerful speech that testified to God's power but also acknowledged Forrest's journey.
I was so compelled by this incredible story of Forrest's salvation, repentance and amends that I wrote a screenplay about it, seeking at the time to push the idea on some Hollywood connections I had formed via my work in Washington. Ron Maxwell himself dismissed the idea to me, saying many had tried to adapt Forrest's story but couldn't make sense of it. Another producer was worried Hollywood's black community just wouldn't go along, citing Denzel Washington as an unofficial "approver." I received some interest via a studio associated with The History Channel, but nothing panned out. I eventually forgot about the project, and ultimately this incredible story, as life rolled along.
I discovered Rev. Kastler's 2-year-old book on Goodreads earlier this year and finally had time to read it. I was overjoyed at his diligent research and careful examination of Forrest's character defects. The single greatest treasure of his book is Forrest's speech at the Pole-Bearer's picnic in 1875. Other biographers touch on it, but attempt to characterize the event as Forrest trying to curry interest with Northern financiers for his failing railroad. But Kastler lays out the sovereign work of the Lord in the old general's heart, and in that context, the 1875 speech is quite moving. I would argue that modern revisionists have been so eager to write off this episode and Forrest's sanctification because they don't want to believe God can truly change the heart of the wicked more than any political myth they feel they must preserve. This is actually the heart of faith - to believe that God can and does change us.
Kastler's magnificent book is a gracious reminder of this power to its reader. One later winter day in 2005, I dragged my family into Columbus, MS to the old Confederate cemetery with scant information that Stainback was buried there. Getting frustrated with two screaming toddlers, I stopped on one of the roads to try and get my bearings. I felt a strange presence and spun around, standing right in front of my cousin's tombstone. It is among the most intense experiences of my life. God surrounds us with reminders of his faithfulness always, even when we pick up our Kindle!
The name was "Stainback," and it was the name of the Rev. G.T. Stainback, the Memphis pastor who would shepherd America's most notorious legend into the arms of his Savior. Rev. Stainback is my cousin, and according to my research, my great-grandfather resided with him while a teenager. The young man and his war-widowed mother stayed with their elder while Stainback served a church in Columbus, Mississippi, his original home, eventually migrating to Texas in 1874. Stainback returned to Memphis, where he was ordained, the following year after my relatives left and became the Forrests' pastor. Rev. Stainback was the one to deliver Forrest's eulogy - a powerful speech that testified to God's power but also acknowledged Forrest's journey.
I was so compelled by this incredible story of Forrest's salvation, repentance and amends that I wrote a screenplay about it, seeking at the time to push the idea on some Hollywood connections I had formed via my work in Washington. Ron Maxwell himself dismissed the idea to me, saying many had tried to adapt Forrest's story but couldn't make sense of it. Another producer was worried Hollywood's black community just wouldn't go along, citing Denzel Washington as an unofficial "approver." I received some interest via a studio associated with The History Channel, but nothing panned out. I eventually forgot about the project, and ultimately this incredible story, as life rolled along.
I discovered Rev. Kastler's 2-year-old book on Goodreads earlier this year and finally had time to read it. I was overjoyed at his diligent research and careful examination of Forrest's character defects. The single greatest treasure of his book is Forrest's speech at the Pole-Bearer's picnic in 1875. Other biographers touch on it, but attempt to characterize the event as Forrest trying to curry interest with Northern financiers for his failing railroad. But Kastler lays out the sovereign work of the Lord in the old general's heart, and in that context, the 1875 speech is quite moving. I would argue that modern revisionists have been so eager to write off this episode and Forrest's sanctification because they don't want to believe God can truly change the heart of the wicked more than any political myth they feel they must preserve. This is actually the heart of faith - to believe that God can and does change us.
Kastler's magnificent book is a gracious reminder of this power to its reader. One later winter day in 2005, I dragged my family into Columbus, MS to the old Confederate cemetery with scant information that Stainback was buried there. Getting frustrated with two screaming toddlers, I stopped on one of the roads to try and get my bearings. I felt a strange presence and spun around, standing right in front of my cousin's tombstone. It is among the most intense experiences of my life. God surrounds us with reminders of his faithfulness always, even when we pick up our Kindle!
April 24, 2012
This book presents a unique view of Nathan Bedford Forrest from an ordained minister who suggests that Forrest found peace in his later years. Rest in peace, General.
February 16, 2023
4.5 stars. A really rewarding book looking at one of the most infamous men who lived through the Civil War, and was changed by Christ late in his life. Kastler speeds through his life, dotting in Bible passages where elements of Forrest’s life remind us of the truth found there. My only comment is that Kastler sometimes jumps a bit in chapters to other bits and pieces, but otherwise a very well written biography.
January 29, 2022
Jesus Saves “That Devil Forrest”
This is the story you have never heard about one of the most notorious Confederates of the Civil War. A slave trader, gambler, racist, and brilliant cavalryman Nathan Bedford Forrest is legendary for many reasons. Some good, many bad. This book tells his story. Much of his story has been told in a more in depth way by other biographers, but here we get a missing piece. This book tells the story of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s conversion to Christ and the fruit of his repentance as he changed his views on race, began to control his legendary temper, and plainly stated his support for political equality for all men. Forrest has had many books written about his legendary life as a sinner. This is the story with the final chapter that speaks of his redemption in Christ.
This is the story you have never heard about one of the most notorious Confederates of the Civil War. A slave trader, gambler, racist, and brilliant cavalryman Nathan Bedford Forrest is legendary for many reasons. Some good, many bad. This book tells his story. Much of his story has been told in a more in depth way by other biographers, but here we get a missing piece. This book tells the story of Nathan Bedford Forrest’s conversion to Christ and the fruit of his repentance as he changed his views on race, began to control his legendary temper, and plainly stated his support for political equality for all men. Forrest has had many books written about his legendary life as a sinner. This is the story with the final chapter that speaks of his redemption in Christ.
February 2, 2025
Excellent book that tells the story of Bedford Forrests last days.
February 2, 2013
When most people hear the name Nathan Bedford Forrest, they immediately think of the man who founded the Ku Klux Klan. Author Shane Kastler takes time in this intriguing bio to lay that notion to rest. Forrest was a member of the Klan and had quite a different vision for the organization than people commonly think of when they hear about the 20th century version of the KKK.
This, however, is not the main theme of Kastler's book. He, rather, takes great pains to show how God slowly and inexorably led a great sinner to faith in Christ. Prior to the Civil War, Forrest was a highly successful farmer and later a slave trader. He ammassed quite a fortune before enlisting in the Confederate army. Though he had no military training whatsoever he quickly demonstrated a knack for military strategy and quickly rose through the ranks to Major General by war's end. His military brilliance, leadership and fearlessness in battle were qualities known and feared by Union generals.
After the war, in spite of his many business successes, Forrest seemed to experience the Midas touch in reverse. Every venture he set his hand to seemed to fail. Kastler shows how the Lord used these many experiences and placed Godly people in his life who eventually turned a hardened warrior, racist, gambler and fearless warrior into a humble son of the living God.
Kastler says, "History continues to malign the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest, but Forrest found redemption in Jesus Christ, and in Forrest's story, we find hope for all sinners. In Forrest's story we see that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. In Forrest's story we find hope that our loved ones who refect Christ might still have a change of heart in the end. In Forrest's story we see that God's grace truly is amazing."
This, however, is not the main theme of Kastler's book. He, rather, takes great pains to show how God slowly and inexorably led a great sinner to faith in Christ. Prior to the Civil War, Forrest was a highly successful farmer and later a slave trader. He ammassed quite a fortune before enlisting in the Confederate army. Though he had no military training whatsoever he quickly demonstrated a knack for military strategy and quickly rose through the ranks to Major General by war's end. His military brilliance, leadership and fearlessness in battle were qualities known and feared by Union generals.
After the war, in spite of his many business successes, Forrest seemed to experience the Midas touch in reverse. Every venture he set his hand to seemed to fail. Kastler shows how the Lord used these many experiences and placed Godly people in his life who eventually turned a hardened warrior, racist, gambler and fearless warrior into a humble son of the living God.
Kastler says, "History continues to malign the memory of Nathan Bedford Forrest, but Forrest found redemption in Jesus Christ, and in Forrest's story, we find hope for all sinners. In Forrest's story we see that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. In Forrest's story we find hope that our loved ones who refect Christ might still have a change of heart in the end. In Forrest's story we see that God's grace truly is amazing."
April 28, 2013
I gave this book a higher rating, not for its literature, but for its story. For those who are not students of the American Civil War, the name Nathan Bedford Forrest, can evoke either vitriol or blind adoration. He is the war's most polarizing figure. His life has been told many times: his birth in poverty, his imposing physical presence, his violent temper, his lack of education, his tendency to gamble, his prewar success as a slave trader, farmer, and land speculator, his rise from private to general, his remarkable military successes (29 horses shot from under him, wounded 4 times, killed perhaps 30 men in close order combat), the Fort Pillow incident, and his post-war membership in the early Ku Klux Klan. The accounts, myths, and rumors compound one another to the point that the truth of the man is uncertain. This little book, written by a Baptist minister, while heavy on theology, is still a remarkable account of redemption. Like John Newton, the slave trader turned minister, who wrote "Amazing Grace," Forrest goes thru a remarkable transformation. Yes, he was humbled by failing health and business ventures, but still he became a new man by way Christian conversion. His wife, Mary Ann, was a primary factor in his redemption as well as his own insight. He later resigned from and denounced the Klan (he did not found it by the way) and became a prominent advocate of racial reconciliation, which brought much criticism from his supporters. This account fills out the man and makes another case for telling the story of "that Devil Forrest" - a famous quote by General Wm. Sherman. All in all, a remarkable, while flawed man.
May 6, 2011
Preacher by day and Confederate apologist by night, Shane Kastler mixes a little of both in this book about one of the most controversial civil war generals. The alternate title of this book could be "Forrest Wasn't Really That Bad After All - And He Got Even Better After The War".
The best parts of the book were the slim chapters that discussed Forrest's conversion near the end of his life. Kastler shows a sure hand in discussing the heart of a man who calls on God for forgiveness and the relevant scriptures. Those passages were illuminating, but unfortunately too few to bring redemption to this biased Lost Cause fable.
The majority of the book is spent maligning the Yankees who prowled Dixieland during the war and the Carpetbaggers after the war. Meanwhile the Confederate soldiers are spared any serious criticism. Of course, this is to be expected from an author who lists membership in Sons of Confederate Veterans on the dust cover.
What is not forgivable, however, is the author's glossing over of the Ku Klux Klan and the racist policies of post-war south. Kastler spends all his energy explaining how this organization was a just and reasonable response to Radical Reconstruction which so unfairly ruled after the war. It is outrageous that he could excuse the lynchings, murders, and other outrages of this time period that led to a lost century for freedom in the south.
The best parts of the book were the slim chapters that discussed Forrest's conversion near the end of his life. Kastler shows a sure hand in discussing the heart of a man who calls on God for forgiveness and the relevant scriptures. Those passages were illuminating, but unfortunately too few to bring redemption to this biased Lost Cause fable.
The majority of the book is spent maligning the Yankees who prowled Dixieland during the war and the Carpetbaggers after the war. Meanwhile the Confederate soldiers are spared any serious criticism. Of course, this is to be expected from an author who lists membership in Sons of Confederate Veterans on the dust cover.
What is not forgivable, however, is the author's glossing over of the Ku Klux Klan and the racist policies of post-war south. Kastler spends all his energy explaining how this organization was a just and reasonable response to Radical Reconstruction which so unfairly ruled after the war. It is outrageous that he could excuse the lynchings, murders, and other outrages of this time period that led to a lost century for freedom in the south.
July 27, 2014
An interesting book. I enjoyed and appreciated the religious and theological viewpoint, and learning about Forrest's conversion.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews