©2006, The University of North Carolina Press,  199 pages in hardback.

In the early and mid-eighteenth century, citizens of the United States were broadly committed to the Bible as God’s authoritative word.  Why, then, did these citizens divide and oppose one another over scriptural teaching regarding slavery?  The author explores answers to this question in his book.

Noll sets the historical context and proceeds to examine the theological positions those committed to the Bible concluded from their study.  Churches had an influential role; and, thus, opposing stances regarding the morality of southern slavery sounded an uncertain trumpet in the political arena.  As denominations divided over this issue, it should not be surprising that the union itself split.  Noll points out that each side zealously considered the slavery issue while insufficient study was given to a more basic question–What is the scriptural teaching on the equality of the races (black and white)?  Had that question been studied and answered properly, it could have been an impetus to reach a unified, biblical solution to the slavery problem.

As Noll further explores this issue, he notes a second aspect of this theological crisis.  Bible-believers in both regions pronounced that God’s providence was on their side.  The contradictory positions ultimately led to a military solution and to a decline of theological influence in the public sphere following the War, a decline that plagues us even unto this day.

Noll expanded his research by citing various writings of Protestants and Catholics in Europe.  As we might expect, they provided a different, but important, perspective that is well worth the attention he gives it.

This book is well-worth reading by those interested in tracing Christianity’s impact on our American landscape.  Readers familiar with Noll’s writings know that his works are well-researched and rewarding.  This one is no different.

The author examines the War from the unique and crucial theological perspective. He offers insightful, scriptural conclusions to the nagging questions arising from the War.

His research has unearthed new sources that shed light on that complex era.  As Christians, let us hope that we will be able to learn much from this book regarding presuppositions and hermeneutics that will allow us to properly address theological issues of our day.

 Review ©2006 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia