161st anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg
On this day, we commemorate the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal conflict that unfolded over the course of three days, from July 1 to July 3, 1863. The battle is often regarded as the turning point in the American Civil War, one that significantly influenced the trajectory of the nation’s history. With that in mind, we will explore Christianity during this time of national conflict and polarization.
As the Civil War began, on through the Battle of Gettysburg, the United States was profoundly influenced by religious beliefs. The 1860 Census revealed a rich tapestry of faiths, with 28 Protestant denominations, a burgeoning Jewish population, and an increasing Roman Catholic presence. This religious diversity played a significant role in shaping the era, and understanding Christianity’s impact on this critical juncture in American history is crucial to revealing the heart of a nation at conflict with itself.
A Lutheran Seminary Overlooking the Conflict
Perched on Seminary Ridge, the Lutheran Theological Seminary stood at the center of the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. In the pivotal days of July 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg, it was here that Union cavalry units staunchly defended their positions, repelling the advances of Confederate forces. The seminary played a vital role as a strategic observation point throughout the conflict. The site witnessed occupation by both Union and Confederate troops, changing hands in the ebb and flow of battle. Furthermore, the seminary’s edifice was repurposed as one of the largest field hospitals for the Union army, providing a crucial sanctuary for the wounded soldiers.
Protestant Growth and Revivals
During the Civil War, the majority of religious followers were affiliated with the Methodist (32%), Baptist (19%), or Presbyterian (10%) churches. These denominations experienced growth due to a series of revivals known as the Second Great Awakening. While these revivals were national in scope, they played out locally, shaped by preachers, lay leaders, and congregations. They had a profound impact on American society, including its role in shaping attitudes toward slavery and contributing to the tensions that eventually led to the Civil War.
Women’s Roles in Evangelical Faith
Women played critical roles in the development of evangelical faith. Although they didn’t serve as pastors or deacons, they were influential in Church School (Sunday School) and promoting piety at home while men were away at war. In many congregations, women constituted most full members and had a say in congregational policy and practice.
African American Churches
African Americans, both enslaved and free, developed their own church patterns. In the free states, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (founded by Richard Allen in Philadelphia in 1816) became a center of faith, community, and political activism. In the slaveholding states, worship typically occurred in biracial but segregated churches. Large, all-Black churches existed in urban centers, providing autonomy and a political community for free and enslaved individuals.
During the Civil War, the establishment of autonomous African American churches was a significant achievement. As freedom took hold for African Americans through Emancipation after the Civil War, many congregations split along racial lines, leading to the emergence of separate black churches. These churches provided spaces where free and formerly enslaved individuals could worship without the restrictions imposed by predominantly white churches.
Generals’ Conversions and Theological Perspectives
Key Civil War generals, including Braxton Bragg, Joseph E. Johnston, and John Bell Hood, converted to Christianity during the war. Many preachers, especially in the North, believed that the war would usher in God’s final glorious reign. Both sides initially thought the war would be over in three months, but its duration and impact challenged theological perspectives.
Conversions and Revival also flourished throughout the ranks of both armies. In the Union Army, between 100,000 and 200,000 soldiers were converted; among Confederate forces, approximately 150,000 troops converted to Christ. Perhaps 10 percent of all Civil War soldiers experienced conversions during the conflict.
The conflict compelled American Protestants to confront significant theological dilemmas brought forth by the institution of slavery. This crisis challenged core convictions regarding God, sin, and the path to salvation. Consequently, Christians found themselves reassessing their perceptions of divine justice, the nature of human sinfulness, and the prospects for redemption.
The Union asserted that America occupied a unique position in the annals of world history. Characterized by its republican institutions, democratic principles, and Christian ethics, the United States was perceived as leading the advance of civilization. They believed that a triumph by the Confederacy would threaten this advancement, with potential repercussions for the concept of liberty on a worldwide scale.
During the Civil War, some clergy interpreted the conflict through a millennial lens, utilizing biblical symbolism. They proposed that a victory for the North could herald the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth, in accordance with the prophetic events depicted in the Book of Revelation and other scriptural texts.
Faith During the Days of Battle
During the Battle of Gettysburg, faith played a significant role for many soldiers, both Union and Confederate. Soldiers, caught up in the events of war, clung to their faith commitments and provided powerful testimonies.
Colonel John B. Callis
Wounded during the battle, Colonel Callis had distanced himself from his Christian faith. However, through long conversations and spiritual aid, a Christian Commission delegate named Parvin helped him return to religion. Despite his suffering, Callis found solace in his renewed faith.
Jefferson Coates
An exhibit at the Seminary Ridge Museum showcases religious belongings of soldiers who fought at Gettysburg, for example, a 3-by-2-inch Bible carried by Jefferson Coates. A member of the 7th Wisconsin regiment and recipient of the Medal of Honor, he was blinded on the Gettysburg battlefield but survived.
All together the war would claim some 750,000 soldiers – many of them carrying a Bible or quoting from one in letters home to their loved ones.
President Abraham Lincoln
Although not a soldier on the battlefield, Lincoln faced immense pressure during the campaign. In a moment of crisis, Lincoln, who was never baptized, never took communion, and never joined a religious denomination, locked himself in a room, knelt before God, and fervently prayed for victory at Gettysburg.
Father Corby of the Irish Brigade
At the onset of the Civil War, Rev. William Corby, left his position teaching at Notre Dame to join the predominantly Catholic Irish Brigade. He served as chaplain of the 88th New York Infantry and is best known for giving general absolution to the remaining 500 members of the Irish Brigade on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. During the battle, 27 were killed, 109 were wounded, and 62 were listed as missing.
Summary
The Civil War era was profoundly shaped by Christianity’s influence, which was felt not just on the battlefield among soldiers, but also within civilian life and the broader historical narrative. Christianity was a significant force, molding societal norms, guiding political discourse, and igniting theological discussions that resonated far beyond the war itself.
