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.

Dr.,

I do not know of any army anywhere that would allow the tracts of the religious ideology of passivism or non violence to be distributed to it's armed forces. In fact I would think rather that the tracts given out were war confirming aspects of the Christian faith. That and to help curb the inevitable military troubles of Gambling, Drunkenness, Dallying with prostitutes, Profanity, Slothfulness and Thievery.

http://members.tripod.com/~greatamer...ry/gr02012.htm

Or for a strictly northern view you might try

http://www.nhc.rtp.nc.us:8080/serve/...fo/cwnorth.htm

And I think this site is may be as helpfull as any online on any topic

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amhome.html



Sorry I can’t help more

YMOS
tommy

[blue_zouave]

Chaplain, a book that may help is called "A Shield and a Hiding Place." I'm not at home right now so I can't cite the author. It deals with religion during the ACW.

Zou