God's will in warfare: An investigation of American Civil War-Era preaching

This study examines Civil War-era preaching and the concept of God's will in warfare during that timeframe. Ministers held positions of great authority in their communities. Many congregants esteemed them as interpreters of God's Word and His will. During the escalation toward war, many preachers progressed from merely reflecting the sentiments of their church and community to becoming influential molders of public opinion. This study examines that development as well as the clergymen's claims that God favored their particular side in the conflict.;Chapter one of the dissertation explains the motivation, the justification, the organization, and the sources of the study. In the second chapter, the author examines the factors that helped shape Civil War-era preaching. Among these influences are the American Revolution, revivalism, and the religious milieu of that period. Also in the second chapter, the writer examines areas affected by war-period preaching. Such matters include theological shifts, social reform, educational opportunities, and the use of news and media.;Chapter three investigates the various themes of preaching during the War Between the States. Slavery proved the most prominent topic, followed closely by the issue of secession. Many of the sermons during the war period reflected the course of war. Southern sermons from the early years were steeped in enthusiasm and confidence that God would deliver a Confederate victory. As the tides of war shifted, southern sermons displayed a despair that ultimately resulted in the admission of a lost cause. Early northern sermons revealed that the Union seemed overwhelmed at the mounting Confederate victories. When northern successes became more frequent, the clergymen touted God's providential will in preserving the Union and effectively ending slavery. By the end of the war, northern preachers were imagining ways to punish the rebellious southerners.;In chapter four, the author delves more deeply into sermon analysis to demonstrate the convictions preachers held regarding their task, especially as it concerned change, service, and perseverance. The writer also examines the sermon development process to show particular characteristics of exegesis, explanation, and application found within Civil War-era sermons. The investigation of preaching in this chapter also includes a survey of the elements of sermon delivery, such as vivid language, rhetorical devices, and illustrations.;Chapter five serves as the climax of the dissertation. The author explores the minsters' claims of the providential activities of God in the lives of individuals and nations during times of warfare. The writer discusses the preacher's assertions and investigates Scripture to evaluate the validity of their contentions. The chapter concludes with an examination of the notion that God chose a particular side of the conflict The author offers certain observations for the reader's consideration and provides an interpretation of the issue based upon the research.;The writer concludes the work in chapter six. He provides a brief synopsis of his research. He also shows how modern preachers can benefit from this investigation of preaching by observing the boldness, the attempts at biblical accuracy, and the use of authority exhibited by the men who preached during the Civil War-era. The author also suggests possible areas of further research, including the examination of church discipline in the mid-1860's and the investigation of preaching during other American war eras.