American History Hit Lincoln & God: Scepticism to Spiritualism
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May 29, 2023 
Joshua Zeitz, author of 'Lincoln's God: How Faith Transformed a President and a Nation', delves into Abraham Lincoln's intriguing spiritual journey. He explores how Lincoln evolved from skepticism to spiritualism, particularly during the tumultuous Civil War. The conversation uncovers the impact of Lincoln's unique relationship with religion on his political decisions and personal life, including the influence of his wife Mary Todd Lincoln's beliefs. Zeitz also highlights the Northern churches' pivotal role in supporting the Union and shaping Lincoln’s rhetoric.
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Lincoln's Early Religious Skepticism
- In his early political races, Lincoln faced rumors of being an atheist, a scoffer, and opposing Christianity.
- This was notable because America was experiencing a Great Evangelical Awakening, making his views controversial.
Lincoln's Rejection of Calvinism
- Lincoln's father followed a strict, predestination-focused Calvinist Baptist faith.
- Lincoln rejected this and his father's limited ambition, aligning with a rising market economy that valued agency.
Religious Diversification in 19th Century America
- The 19th century saw a rise in diverse religious sects in America, a shift from Puritanism, and anti-Catholic sentiment.
- This religious diversification coincided with modernization, a move away from European traditions, and the growth of a market economy.
