The Civil War as a Theological Crisis

By: Mark A. Noll

Narrated by: Marc Cashman

The Civil War was a major turning point in American religious thought, argues Mark A. Noll. Although Christian believers agreed with one another that the Bible was authoritative and that it should be interpreted through commonsense principles, there was rampant disagreement about what Scripture taught about slavery.

Furthermore, most Americans continued to believe that God ruled over the affairs of people and nations, but they were radically divided in their interpretations of what God was doing in and through the war.In addition to examining what white and black Americans wrote about slavery and race, Noll surveys commentary from foreign observers. Protestants and Catholics in Europe and Canada saw clearly that no matter how much the voluntary reliance on scriptural authority had contributed to the construction of national civilization, if there were no higher religious authority than personal interpretation regarding an issue as contentious as slavery, the resulting public deadlock would amount to a full-blown theological crisis. By highlighting this theological conflict, Noll adds to our understanding of not only the origins but also the intensity of the Civil War.

The book is published by University of North Carolina Press.

©2006 University of North Carolina Press (P)2010 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"An informative account of the theological dramas that underpinned and were unleashed by the Civil War... This book's substantive analysis belies its brevity... This slim work of history is surprisingly timely." ( Publishers Weekly)

Well researched and well written

I found this book fascinating, albeit a bit distressing. I wish these theological issues were settled years ago. Maybe then, so we could have avoided the hate and division which continue to plague us to this day. Think of the lives that could have been saved, not just during the civil war, but ever since. The lynchings, the riots, the wreckage in our communities! It’s so senseless.

Great Theological Resource for the Civil War

This book helps one to understand how the theological landscape was during the Civil War. It is a great resource because it helps one to understand how and why America was divided on the issue and ways in which the outside world looked at it. While many can quickly criticize the South for its views on slavery, this book helps us to see why they acted the way it did and how it wasn't as simple as we may assume. May we give grace and pray that the Lord would allow us to remove our blinded cultural sins and represent him more fully.

History

What made the experience of listening to The Civil War as a Theological Crisis the most enjoyable?

Various viewpoints carefully set out, and relevance to theological struggles today, for example in my Episcopal Church, where extremely conservative voices argue Scripture minutely, while ignoring its sweep.

Theological crisis/Civil War

Very informative work that brought a lot of light to the issues were enduring with regard to race relations that have evolved since the Civil War era.

Comprehensive and Exhaustive

A comprehensive and exhaustive review and analysis of theological views about slavery before and during the Civil War. Noll's findings are often surprising and immensely insightful.