George Washington's Sacred Fire

by Peter A. Lillback, Jerry Newcombe

From the Publisher
What sets “George Washington’s Sacred Fire” apart from all previous works on this man for the ages, is the exhaustive fifteen years of Dr. Peter Lillback’s research, revealing a unique icon driven by the highest of ideals. Only do George Washington’s own writings, journals, letters, manuscripts, and those of his closest family and confidants reveal the truth of this awe-inspiring role model for all generations. Dr. Lillback paints a picture of a man, who, faced with unprecedented challenges and circumstances, ultimately drew upon his persistent qualities of character – honesty, justice, equity, perseverance, piety, forgiveness, humility, and servant leadership, to become one of the most revered figures in world history. George Washington set the cornerstone for what would become one of the most prosperous, free nations in the history of civilization. Through this book, Dr. Lillback, assisted by Jerry Newcombe, will reveal to the reader a newly inspirational image of General and President George Washington.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Presidents, Historical

1198 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2006

About the author

Peter A. Lillback is an American theologian who serves as President and Professor of Historical Theology and Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. He is also President of the Providence Forum and a senior editor at Unio cum Christo. Ordained in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, he holds credentials as a teaching elder in the Presbyterian Church in America. Lillback earned degrees from Cedarville University, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Westminster Theological Seminary. He is the author of George Washington’s Sacred Fire.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm unsure how to review this book. While reading, Washington, the man became very personal to me. I now know why he is called "The Indispensable Man". This book made George Washington, alive to me. So, I say read this book. Introduce yourself to George Washington. Maybe he will speak to you too.

This is my favorite book on Washington because it made reading him easy. It is his words, given structure. The last 1/4 of the book is a glossary of his views on issues that effect us today. You want to know what he thought of taxes.... look up taxes.

As an American I have taken much for granted. I have always liked history, but never made myself a historian. This book along with several others has changed that. In the past several years I have felt very disconnected. In the core of my being I feel that something within our nation is off. I now know it is "us"... Americans. We have lost site of "our" history. We have become lazy and in being so have charted the course we are on.

Lost and unaware of how to change that 'off' feeling in my gut. I found myself reading Washington, Madison, Franklin, Paine, Lincoln and many others. Not books about them by others. Their own words, their writings, their feelings. Reading our 'founding fathers' isn't easy. Old english can be tedious. If you stick with it, the history and wisdom the words impart become poetic. George Washington gives me hope... he settle's that 'off' feeling.

The concept, if we do not know history we are doomed to repeat it.... is so true. We are repeating it now. Everything the founding fathers went through. They did, so we would not find ourselves in the position we are in today.

Washington would be ashamed of what Americans have become. But even today, he remains the same "The Indispensable Man".


George Washington's Sacred Fire

[Ethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this book you will never again be able to accept that George Washington was a deist.

[Neil McKinlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

The American people are experiencing a grass-roots level rediscovery of who they are as a nation. It turns out that the people have been discovering that the text books from which they were taught at school had been tampered with, to the point that relatively few of them now know very much that’s factual about the beliefs held by their founding fathers.

The good news is that there is now a hunger for truth sweeping America. Her people have a renewed interest in the beliefs of those who signed the Declaration of Independence and were involved in writing the Constitution. It is good to see that God has not deserted America in that we are seeing His people there beginning to throw off the atheistic shackles of Secular Humanism with its attendant free-speech stifling Political Correctness.

As America recovers from her bout of amnesia a proliferation of books are appearing, books that restore her neglected Christian heritage, books that remove the distortions of decades of misguided social engineering.

One book coming out of this rebellion against historical revisionism is George Washington’s Sacred Fire by Peter A Lillback with Jerry Newcombe.

Sacred Fire comprises of some 1187 pages. It is well sourced from original documents and the endnotes themselves could fill a book! Gone is the Secular Humanist’s misleading portrayal of George Washington as some sort of vague Deist. From his own mouth and pen Washington's Sacred Fire is solely and purely the Triune God who alone gives true liberty. Lillback irrefutably demonstrates that Washington was a dedicated follower of the GodMan Jesus Christ.

I was particularly interested in Washington’s insistence on Chaplains in his army. Says Lillback,

“George Washington insisted on godly conduct and leadership in his army. He did not permit swearing, cursing, or drunkenness, which might impede rather than implore the ‘blessings of Heaven.’ Precisely a year before America’s Declaration of Independence was dated, Washington’s general orders declared,

"The General most earnestly requires, and expects, a due observance of those articles of war, established for the Government of the army, which forbid profane cursing, swearing and drunkenness; And in like manner requires and expects, of all Officers, and Soldiers, not engaged on actual duty, a punctual attendance on divine Service, to implore the blessings of heaven upon the means used for our safety and defence.

"Precisely to help engender such a standard from his Christian soldiers, Washington instituted chaplains in the Revolutionary Army:

"The Hon. Continental Congress having been pleased to allow a Chaplain to each Regiment, with the pay of Thirty-three Dollars and one third pr month—The Colonels or commanding officers of each regiment are directed to procure Chaplains accordingly; persons of good Characters and exemplary lives—To see that all inferior officers and soldiers pay them a suitable respect and attend carefully upon religious exercises. The blessing and protection of Heaven are at all times necessary but especially so in times of public distress and danger—The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavour so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country.



"But Washington’s understanding of the value of chaplains did not begin with the Revolutionary army. In fact, when he was a young soldier, George Washington found himself in disagreement with his employer, the governor of Virginia, over the issue of chaplains. The young man, only in his twenties, was earnestly seeking chaplains to be a built-in part of the army (at the time, it was the British Army).” (Sacred Fire, p. 181-2)

Let’s pray that the Sacred Fire that ignited the passion for the individual’s liberty from oppression from Pope or Prince or Government at the time of the founding of America will burn in the hearts of her people once more. For that Sacred Fire is Truth that glows in the dark. It is a liberating Liberty, the kind of freedom that is found only in Washington’s God and in His Son Jesus Christ who died and rose again to set us free. Jesus Christ is the Truth. He alone sets us truly free.

Pray therefore that the Holy Spirit will continue the work He has begun. That America, that great Christian experiment, may no longer suffer collective amnesia brought on by a bout of insidious Secular Humanism, but rediscover who she is, a people whose rights and liberties come from God, a nation built upon the Bible.

[Tim Chavel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for those who want to know more about our first President's faith. It is very long but worth the read. The author does a great job using first source documents. I am very happy to report that without a doubt President George Washington was a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ! The book has ten appendixes and the endnotes start on page 959 and go through 1155. The author, Peter A. Lillback, did much research for this fantastic book! I highly recommend it.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

This 2006 release and national best seller from Peter Lillback and Jerry Newcombe was written for just one purpose: to answer the question, “was George Washington a Christian or not?” The authors remind us of that purpose in every chapter, if not every page. Enough already! We get it!

It took Lillback and Newcombe 725 pages to answer the question. That’s not counting the 458 pages of appendix, end notes and index. This is a monster book to read! Not only is its mere size intimidating to the casual reader, but, the authors quote Washington and his contemporaries over and over and over again, using the very same quotations. There is an awful lot of duplicate and repetitious material here. The other snooze factor with this work is the fact that 99 percent of the quotations are nearly incomprehensible because of the archaic nature of the stilted language of the colonial period. Not to mention the fact that no one ever seemed to use a period, but every sentence is strung together by an endless parade of commas and phrases which form one very long paragraph. This is very tough and ponderous reading.

I think Lillback and Newcombe created this monstrous work for two reasons: to intimidate Washington’s critics by the sheer volume of their material to overwhelm them with facts, in an attempt to browbeat them into admitting Washington’s Christianity. The second reason is, they intended this to be a source book for future historians to use in analyzing the contribution of America’s founding father. For revisionist historian Paul Boller and others like him, this is an in-your-face weapon.

But, even Lillback and Newcombe admit, their own 1187-page analysis of our first president may not be enough. As they summarized on page 720, “Those who demand and require a Deist Washington will never be satisfied with Washington’s own words . . . They will simply refuse to allow their historically unfounded faith to be enlightened by the very words of Washington. To such close-minded secularists . . . his heartfelt words do not matter. . . . Their view of Washington will not be altered even by the primary sources---the very words of Washington himself.”

[Deborah Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

George Washington's Sacred Fire
Every American needs to read George Washington's Sacred Fire by Peter A. Lillback for a valuable understanding on the beginnings of our nation and how truly a historic moment in time this was. Showing the "Providence of God" in the start up of this new country and the man who was chosen to lead us all.

Get in touch with the language of the day, the honor and principles expected and know how George Washington was absolutely the best possible choice of men ever to lead a nation. I doubt any man/or woman has since measured up in honor, faith, and respect of a people.

Read the actual words of George Washington written in letters to family, friends, officers, and leaders of other nations. Judge for yourself his character and the meanings behind the sacred texts that gave our country it's start. Realize the fall and failure of the office of president since that time in the men who have since sat in that seat of power. I highly recommend this book to everyone I know or shall ever know. You'll want to keep this one in your personal library forever.

[Sean McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost halfway through this tomb of a book. I must say, this work really leaves no stone unturned and dismantles the claims by modern scholars that Washington was a Deist like Jefferson or Franklin. Lillback makes an excellent case that Washington was in fact in the tradition of Low Church Anglicanism and was very active in his service of the church. One intriguing fact I had not known before was that Washington served on the Religion Committee (along with Patrick Henry and Richard Henry Lee) when he served in the House of Burgesses. Part of the purpose of this committee was to stem the tide of Deistic influence in Virginia. Hard to imagine a Deist serving in this capacity.

Update: I finally completed this book and I highly recommend it. Another thing I learned was just how connected the Masons were with Christianity in the eighteenth century. It was only at the end of the eighteenth and into the early nineteenth century that Masonry moved away from Christianity. Many Christians, like Washington in his early life, were members of the masonry. This book is massive and with its endless appendices and hundreds of end notes, anyone that takes up the task to argue for a deistic Washington in the future must deal with the arguments of this work.

[Jasmine Shadows]

Before I write anything regarding this book let me say that I am glad that I read it. I had begun this book quite some time ago, and I had set it down and forgotten about it. I did pick it back up with the determination that I finish it this year.
You will notice that I did not give it any star rating. The reason for this is that I would not really know what I would give it. There are portions of the book that I found to be a bit repetitious, and for those that need a reminder of prior excerpts that would be good. I am not one who needs a great deal of repetition. His research of George Washington was wonderful. For that I would definitely give him a better rating. The content is something that definitely needs to be read by the public, and I am glad that it has made it to the bestseller list. I believe that I had a different anticipation of the book, and was a little thrown off by that. It is not a book to be read through quickly for there are too many facts included that could be missed. So yes I would recommend it to others looking for an accurate account of the truth of George Washington's spiritual beliefs and walk.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for everyone to read. 5 stars strictly goes to the enormous effort the authors took to carefully construct Washington’s character using predominantly Washington’s own writings. 5 stars also to the preservation of true history. Remember this:

“Who controls the past, controls the future. Who controls the present, controls the past” George Orwell

[Christopher Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book, which shows that George Washington was not a Deist as some have claimed, but rather an orthodox Anglican with Latitudinarian tendencies.

One of the more persuasive arguments in the book, which the authors probably don't emphasize enough, is that Washington served as a godfather for some eight children and served as a very active lay-leader in his church, both of which required subscription to the Church of England's 39 Articles of Religion. Subscription was where unorthodox Anglicans, such as Jefferson, usually drew the line. Jefferson refused to become a godparent for this very reason. Other persuasive evidences of Washington's orthodoxy include his strict Sabbatarianism, his frequent private practice of prayer, his service on a Burgess committee to check the menace of Deism, his enjoyment of sermons berating French infidelity, and his expressions of reverence for the Bible. (He endorsed a “self-interpreting” evangelical study Bible, kneeled and kissed the Bible at his inauguration, and referred to the Bible variously as the Word of God, Holy Writ, and scripture.)

The authors also eviscerate all the major arguments for Washington's supposed deism. Far from never mentioning Jesus Christ, as some have claimed, Washington talked about Jesus on a number of occasions and even referred to him as "Divine". As for the claim that Washington abstained from Communion, the authors show that he participated in Communion at various times throughout his life, not only before but also during and after the Revolutionary War. There was a period of time when he temporarily abstained, but this is likely due to political differences between Washington and the local bishop rather than any kind of unorthodoxy on Washington's part.

One downside of the book is that it comes across as blatantly ideological. Lillback is a Prebyterian minister. One of his stated purposes in the book is to "empower, enable, and defend the presence of a strong Judeo-Christian worldview in the ongoing development of our state and national government and courts." The authors favorably quote another writer's opinion that "Tolerance was an American Christian contribution to the world ... so now we have a unique situation in America, where everybody's tolerated except the ones that came up with the idea." Given this embattled frame of mind, it should come as no surprise that the authors strike a very oppositional tone in making their argument. They portray the secular historians who have interpreted Washington as a deist as basically deliberate distorters of history who will never change their minds in the face of any quantity of evidence. This sense of themselves as combatants in an ideological war unfortunately induces Lillback and Newcombe to overstate many of their conclusions and to overinterpret many of their sources.

The thesis of the book is ultimately persuasive, and I'm inclined to agree with the authors that the behavior and verbiage they describe is that of an orthodox Christian rather than a deist. However, the presentation leaves something to be desired. It's a shame that the book is marred by so much distracting polemic and exaggeration. It's also unfortunate that the book is so immersed in the “Christian nation” controversy that it fails to fully appreciate Washington's faith as an object of intrinsic historical interest rather than just as a means to political ends.

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lillback rescues Washington from the charge of Deism, but not Masonry.

Thesis: George Washington was neither a Deist nor a modern Fundamentalist Evangelical. Rather, he was an orthodox Latitudinarian within the Anglican church. This means that while he did not have the outward, expressive, emotional zeal of 20th century counterparts, he did have a real faith in a Personal Triune God, and sucha faith did inform his public policies and inspire commitments.

Critics object that Washington never referred to Jesus; refused to partake of the Lord's Supper, and among other things, used Deistic language. Lillback skillfully rebuts all claims:

(1) Washington did refer to Jesus, and those who say otherwise just ignore several letters where he recommends "the author of our Faith" (a reference to Christ in the book of Hebrews), and the religion of Jesus to the Indians. Also, Washington didn't like to speak of himself at all. It is not the case that he refused to speak of his Faith. Rather, he refused to speak of Washington.

(2) It is true at times that Washington refused to take communion, but a number of points need to be made: a) this was not like the modern, high church Episcopalism. Due to the lack of ministers, and the frontier nature of the church, congregations would celebrate communion only a few times a year (in other words, imagine any random evangelical church).

(3) Did Washington use Deistic language? Lillback tries to answer no on two counts. Dr Lillback shows that terms that Deists use were actually Christian terms that were subsequently stripped of their orthodox meaning. Therefore (2) if he used Deistic language, his lifestyle and other references indicate that he did not mean by it the same thing Deists meant by it." While that may be true, it is also assuming what one is trying to prove.

EDIT: Several years later I feel i have to qualify my initial praise. I'm still judging the book in terms of Lillback's aims and goals: if you are wanting to see what Washington said concerning religion, and what he could and could not have meant by them, Lillback gives you close to 1,000 pages. While Lillback is correct to point out Washington was not a Deist, he does not rescue Washington from the Masonic charge--and given the diabolical nature of masonry from masonry's own testimony (see below). While some of the openly satanic writings appear after Washington, and one shouldn't commit the anachronistic fallacy, one is safe to presume continuity between 18th century freemasonry and Hall.

Further EDIT: I had quoted in my review Masonic authority Manley Hall where he states Masons worship Lucifer. People got angry. Either Masonic sources speak authoritatively and represent Masonry, or they don't. If the latter, then why do they bother writing? Also, and this point is routinely ignored by critics/defenders of Washington/defenders of Lucifer, is that I realize Washington probably didn't believe the same type of devil-worship that Hall and Pike believe. I am simply pointing out his legacy is in brotherly communion with such people.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great history of George Washington. It's too bad that its not in print anymore. I had to get an employee at Borders (when it was going out of business) to go in a back room and check their remaining stock for it. I got lucky!

Anyway, the book was very accurate and helped me to pass the Revolutionary War part of my APUSH class last year. I though it was very well-written. It takes a while to read simply because it is so long. Totally worth the time, though! :)

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a VERY large volume of information, but is a wonderful collection of evidence regarding the debate over the Christian faith of George Washington. It is not possible to read this book and not understand the misinformation gendered by those who would propose that the Father of Our Country was a Deist. It is so important for all of us as American citizens to understand that our country was based on Christian principles, and that men like Washington had a strong Christian faith. Much of the evidence is in Washington's own words in written documents, letters and speeches, but is also found in the documents and letters of others, and in the extensive collection of sermons collected by him. Why is it important to know all of this? Because the very foundation of our country is crumbling under the effect of falsities and misunderstandings of the true nature of our beginnings. We have to care about why our country was founded and on what principles, because not knowing lets us fall prey to those who would undermine all that we stood for in the beginning and should continue to stand for. The book is repetitive, and could have been perhaps 2/3 as long. But, I did not mind coming across the same information more than once considering the importance of what I was reading. I came to know George Washington much more intimately than I have through any of the biographies I have read. Even if you simply use this book as a reference guide, it should be on the book shelf of every patriotic American!

[Gary Webber · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent and thoroughly researched book on the faith of George Washington. It is a strong rebuke to the historical revisionists who would make the first President a Diest.

In an effort to so carefully and completely refute these claims, the authors have amassed a mountain of evidence which they present and repeat for 725 pages and then add another nearly 200 pages in appendices. The footnotes are also quite extensive. In their zeal to defend the faith of our Founding Father, I fear they have produced a work too extensive for most readers to digest and appreciate.

I made my way through this book out of shear determination. While it solidified my confidence in the Christian faith of George Washington, it ceased to inspire or engage me long before the final chapters. Perhaps the authors would consider an abridged version that deletes the extensive repetitions and offers a more accessible source for those who are less likely to read such a lengthy and scholarly work.

[Benjamin Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Washington was a Christian

I really liked the book and the many sources sited. The one negative is the constant questioning of Thomas Jefferson's Christian beliefs- why work so hard to prove Washington was a Christian and yet perpetuate the Deist lies hoisted upon Jefferson? Others can disagree with my analysis of Jefferson, and this is not written about him, but to point out at every opportunity that he was not "an orthodox believer in Jesus by virtually anybody's reckoning" is reckless to put it kindly.
Bittom line, "Sacred Fire" is a fine, well-sourced book venerating the Father of this great nation and setting the record straight about this mighty man of Christ

[Mark K. Vogl · Rating 4 out of 5]

950 plus pages, heavily footnoted, work to reveal George Washington's faith and belief in Providence. A massive work, this book has a purpose, a purpose that is important in today's America, and its ongoing Culture War. Secular humanists invaded the halls of academia and have worked hard to erase American history. The statues falling now, are mere echos of classroom "fake history" taught in many, if not most American colleges. This book is heavily footnoted and is an eye opening account of Washington's Christian character.

[Joeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me along time to complete this one with 10 appendix.. I love Lillback’s in-depth study of “The Words of Washington” rather that historian fluff.. Oh that’s today’s generation were not so gullible to the secular falsehoods which portray our Washington as an enlightened deist. His “Sacred Fire” is this generations most treasured heritage.. I pray it continues to guide and light America’s path toward civil and religious liberties.

[Stephen P · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarly work in which the author, with the significant use of original source documents, demonstrates the Biblical faith of George Washington. The author demonstrates that, contrary to current interpretation, Washington possessed a personal faith in the trinitarian God of the Bible that guided his daily decisions.

[Ty Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extensively researched, this book is the final word on who Washington was. Not as easy to read as other biographies, but a breath of fresh air on the fact of his faith. Unfortunately others downplay or are dishonest concerning Washington’s devout Christianity. But this is who the man was! I recommended this book to those who love American history. A must read!

[Bob DeLacy Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a while to read this wonderful book on George Washington's Sacred Fire. It is the Bible of his faith. It counter acts anyone's doubts. He was not a deist as some wrote. But they are wrong because in the 1st President's own ✍️ he talked of a Divine Providence. God. Revisionists have failed.
After completing this book 📖. Tis well.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

As there are 15 years of research that went into this, was not surprised at how much information was provided about George Washington's life - what surprised me was how detailed and well-referenced that information is...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything about the history of our country, especially about the the strength and perseverance needed to break with England and become our own independent land! History classes need to have outside reading so the real history can come to life for the students.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could have been a 5. I just saw it in my bookshelf but it has been a while since I read it. I remember really liking it and it was a definite 'keeper'.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring. It is books like these why people believe history is boring

[Nadine Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great historical book I lost after the hurricane.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[B. Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a real look into the man that the Father of our nation was, regardless of what your college professor might have told you.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

BW

[Jim Swike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected, maybe you will feel differently.

[Tina John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book about 5 years ago because I heard a lecture where the person referred to this book. I have it on my shelf and read it from time to time. It's massive but fascinating.