Thinking in Public with Albert Mohler Abraham Lincoln: God's Providence, Natural Law, Liberal Democracy — A Conversation with Historian Allen Guelzo
Jul 31, 2024
Allen Guelzo, a renowned historian with a focus on Abraham Lincoln, dives deep into Lincoln's thoughts on democracy and moral complexities. He reassesses Lincoln's legacy, emphasizing his eloquence and intellectual depth amid contemporary polarization. Guelzo discusses Lincoln's evolving faith and his nuanced views on slavery, particularly in relation to the Civil War. By drawing parallels with leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt, he examines the philosophical underpinnings of leadership in preserving democracy and explores Lincoln's unique interpretation of liberal democracy.
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Democracy In A Time Of Shadows
- Allen Guelzo argues democracy faces a collapse of confidence across the political spectrum in the modern era.
- He frames his book as written "in a time of shadows" reacting to that democratic anxiety.
Lincoln Provokes Both Left And Right
- Guelzo notes critics on right and left will challenge Lincoln as a democratic model for different reasons.
- Right objects to Lincoln's lack of church affiliation while left objects to his market-friendly economics.
Lincoln’s Unexpected Erudition
- Guelzo recounts Lincoln spontaneously quoting scripture and poets, including a David-in-the-cave passage and Alexander Pope.
- Visitors repeatedly expected a homespun figure and left surprised by his memory and erudition.