Newly resurfaced letter brings the question of Abraham Linclon’s faith to the fore
April 17th, 2011 - 2:49 pm ICT by ANIWashington, Apr 16 (ANI): A 19th-century letter which resurfaced recently has brought the question of former US President Abraham Lincoln’s religious faith on the forefront.
Lincoln is known for many things. He led the nation through the Civil War, emancipated the slaves and delivered eloquent speeches about democracy and liberty. But his religious views have long been a matter of debate.
Now, the three-page letter, which was written by Lincoln’s old law partner, William Herndon, and just went up for sale for a price of 35,000 dollars, claims that Honest Abe was driven not by faith, but by politics, reports Discovery News.
The letter offers a rare view of Lincoln’s inner life from someone who knew him before he went to Washington.
“Mr. Lincoln’s religion is too well known to me to allow of even a shadow of a doubt; he is or was a Theist & a Rationalist, denying all extraordinary — supernatural inspiration or revelation,” Herndon wrote in the letter, signed Feb. 4, 1866, a year after Lincoln’s assassination.
Notably, Herndon’s personal experience with Lincoln was limited to his pre-presidential period, when religion was completely absent from his life. After Lincoln left for the White House, the two never met up again.
The rediscovered letter is undoubtedly an important document about an important historical figure, and experts maintain that it adds depth to our knowledge of Lincoln’s personal life. (ANI)
- 'Lincoln tried to deport slaves to British colonies' - Feb 12, 2011
- Lincoln urged Britain to help set up colony for freed slaves - Mar 06, 2011
- Abraham Lincoln wanted to deport slaves to British colonies, reveals book - Feb 12, 2011
- Australian distrust of Muslims widespread: Rights report - Mar 21, 2011
- Lincoln had 'secret talks' with Britain to set up colony for freed slaves - Mar 06, 2011
- Taylor Swift visits military cemetery - Aug 05, 2011
- Generation X more loyal to religion than baby boomers - Aug 27, 2010
- Akbar was a colourful man: Belgian historian (With Image) - May 04, 2011
- Religion gives people more self-control - Jan 25, 2012
- Donner Party Documents Found With Lincoln's Handwriting - Jul 21, 2010
- Hindus welcome inclusion of Paganism in UK's Lincolnshire County schools - Nov 11, 2010
- Zed blames religious leaders for what Pope warns as "people of God turning non-believers" - Apr 22, 2011
- India, Japan to continue robust defence ties - Sep 21, 2011
- Zardari remembers slain minorities minister - Mar 06, 2012
- Hindu & Jewish leaders suggest making religion vibrant and challenging - Sep 29, 2010
Tags: 19th century, abraham linclon, abraham lincoln, discovery news, eloquent speeches, forefront, honest abe, law partner, many things, personal experience, personal life, president abraham lincoln, rare view, rationalist, religious faith, religious views, revelation, shadow of a doubt, slaves, william herndon