| Because of his Progressivism at home and diplomacy abroad, Woodrow Wilson stands out as one of the most significant American Presidents. Yet he also was a lifelong, faithful Presbyterian who regularly read his Bible and prayed. Wilson's Christian faith should be seen as a central influence in his private and public life. So that scholars may better understand Wilson's place in history, this dissertation examines Wilson from his birth in 1856 to his Democratic campaign for governor of New Jersey in 1910, focusing solely on the molding religious influences in his life and the religious expressions he left.; The first three chapters are a chronological survey of his childhood, education, and marriage. Though not a member of the clergy, Wilson never considered his work anything less than the advancement of God's will and himself God's instrument. The last four chapters cover activities and beliefs across his adult life including: church attendance, academic career, his belief system, and a look forward to his Presidency, including his diplomacy with Mexico.; This study demonstrates that Wilson's religiosity was influential in every facet of his life. Further, Wilson's understanding of the religious issues of his day helped to position him to ascend the ladders of power in order to advance his views of democracy, first within academia, later the United States and ultimately the world. |
