Religion and the battlefield

[chaplain]

I am doing research on the role of religion within the Confederate and Union troops. Recently a film and companion book, "God and Generals" was released, and it dealt with the religious beliefs and actions of many key figures in the war (e.g., Stonewall Jackson). The book made no comment on the hypocrisy of "Christians" blowing the brains out of their fellow "Christians", as Southern Baptists were killing Northern Baptists, and vice versa. The book tried to paint these "religious" men as honorable, upright citizens who trusted in God in battle. I felt is was too rose colored, and not a word of criticism against these men was voiced throughout the book.

In any case, my point here is not to review the book for you, but rather to seek further historic information regarding this topic. Specifically:

Christian preaching and tract handouts were common events among both sides, particularly in the South. Has anyone ever encountered where these efforts in fact caused soldiers to give up fighting altogether? For example, did any soldier who "got saved" come to the realization that killing one's enemies doesn't quite fit into Christ's teaching to "love your enemy"? Are there any documented instances where soldiers deserted their troops or refused to fight AFTER getting religion? I am not talking about conscientious objectors who refused to even respond to the draft/call up. But rather, I am looking for instances where the preaching efforts that occurred IN the troops resulted in a change of heart regarding fighting among the soldiers?

Also, any instances of how both sides (Union and Confederate) dealt with conscientious objectors (based on religious grounds) would likewise be helpful.

Please send any responses to hostsafe@Xhotmail.com (remove the letter X)

[johan_steele]

I can't say that I have ever run across anything of the like referencing troops who were saved deserting or any other such shennanigans. At some point I have read that Concientious Objectors or others who were Drafted that had religious grounds for refusing to fight were made musicians or attached to the medical corps. I can't say that I've run across anything on such a subject on the CSA side of the argument.

Good luck on your research.

[scone]

I have a book on Edward McKendree Bounds titled:
E.M. Bounds - "The man whose life of prayer inspired millions" By Darrel D. King

E.M. Bounds at the age of 28 enlisted in co. b of the 3rd Missouri Infantry (CS) as a Chaplain.

Its a Great book on a most wonderfull man. Chaplain Bounds had many Sorrows come his way through out his life but his faith in God kept him strong. After the Civil War and until his death in 1913 he wrote 20 + books on prayer most if not all are still in print today some can be found on line..
He also help with the planing of the Carnton Confederate Cemetery in Franklin. you can find out more about him by using yahoo to search for e.m. bounds

but on to your question.. This isnt really what you looking for but is still interesting.

In the book it says that during the seige of Atlanta union troops were often reported to stop their shelling in the evening so they could hear the hyms of worship coming from the rebel troops, many times joing in the songs of praise with their enemy and calling request of prayer across Confederate lines

Bounds was wounded at the battle of franklin yet and even though his wound was servere he still went about tending to the wounded not only medically but spiritually as well.

After being released from a nashville Pow stockade after the war, Chaplain Bounds returned to franklin.

Bounds personal witness quicky cought the attention of Colonel Opedyke of the 125th Ohio vol. Infantry. Opedyke could not understand the compassion this preacher still wearing his confederate uniform, had for the soldier in blue. He saw that the concern Bounds had for the souls of his men was far more effective in reaching them spiritually than anything he had ever seen, even amung their own chaplins. As his respect for Bounds grew, Opedyke moved his troops out of a church and off of the church grounds they had occupied since march of 1862.