©2005, Mercer University Press, 253 pages in hardback.

How did Christianity impact the lives of confederate soldiers who confessed Christ as their Savior?  The author answers this question by examining the writings of nine soldiers.  These men were from throughout the South. They had different backgrounds, but all were educated and had the time and means to keep a journal.  

The author reveals glimpses of their hopes and fears in the midst of the War and in the post-war days of seven of the men.  Two lost their lives during the War.  Eight were Protestants and the ninth was a Roman Catholic. A number were mature Christians when they entered the War.  Some joined shortly after they confessed Christ as their Lord and Savior in a local church.  The rest became Christians during the conflict.  All grew in their faith despite the temptations that camp life afforded, alongside the horrors of fiery battle, and the sight of newly fallen comrades.

The author incorporates many quotes from their diaries and letters to loved ones to show how they faced the atrocities of war.  

One married man carried the additional burden of keeping his wife’s eyes on the Lord as she considered the very real possibility of his death.  General William Pendleton had to face the death of his son, the loss of his pastorate in Lexington, Virginia, and the possible displacement of his family from their parsonage.  All had to come to terms with a growing reality–the South was being defeated.  Despite these difficulties, the faith of each was unwavering and, in fact, growing.  There was a deepening of the men’s prayer lives and an increased trust in God’s providence.  There was a growing interest in heaven and in evangelism of fellow soldiers.  Protestants put denominational differences aside and worshiped God across denominational lines.

Post-war writings show that the faith of the men continued to be evidenced.  All became involved in local churches.  A number were in leadership positions.  Edward Guerrant became a Presbyterian evangelist.  Giles Cooke became the principal of the first African-American public school in Petersburg.  He later pastored African-Americans at the cost of a number of friendships.  These men were sinners.  They were men of their times.  All, however, were committed to living out their faith in war and peace in a fallen world.

The insights of nine men do not provide a basis for conclusive data as to the overall impact of Christianity during and after the War.  Nevertheless, this book shows the impact of religion on specific men.  We see faith strengthened in the midst of danger and faith persevering in the unthinkable (in their eyes)–the South losing. They continued to believe that God reigns for His glory and has a purpose in His every action.  

One should not infer from the book’s title that these men saw themselves as fighting a war to preserve Christianity.  They viewed the War as one of self-defense of their new country – the Confederacy.

This volume provides encouragement for our faith.  We can realize anew that God is faithful to His promises.  He who brings people to Himself through Christ’s work alone will keep them in that faith.

Those who enjoy studying this War will find this book rewarding.  Also, it should be of interest to any Christian who enjoys reading about the impact of Christianity in the lives of others.

Review ©2007 Byron Snapp, Hampton, Virginia