In this compelling study of the moral principles that most influenced the thinking of Abraham Lincoln, historian Allen Jayne argues persuasively that Lincoln regarded the Declaration of Independence, above all other documents, as the most important embodiment of American principles. This "American manifesto", as Jayne calls it, with its eloquent expression of the ideals of individual liberty and government created to protect and preserve that liberty, was the script that Lincoln followed in his struggle to preserve the Union and extend individual liberties to African Americans. Moreover, Jayne demonstrates that Lincoln's philosophy was rooted, not in a Bible-based evangelical Christian perspective, but in the European Enlightenment and deism, which so profoundly influenced the thinking of Thomas Jefferson and other Founding Fathers. Jayne begins with a chapter devoted to the influence of deism on Jefferson's formulation of the Declaration of Independence. Next, he discusses Lincoln's adoption of the deistic perspective and the crucial role that the Declaration played in his thoughts and actions. He also considers Lincoln's moral sense, based on deism's tolerance of different belief systems and universal moral idealism. Finally, he describes Lincoln's role as chief advocate for the Declaration's principles and how the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address reflect this underlying philosophy. This insightful look into the thinking of one of our nation's greatest presidents during a time of crisis is highly relevant in today's climate of religious extremism and debates over the balance between individual liberty and national security.
Lincoln: And the American Manifesto
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From Publishers Weekly
In this thorough examination of Abraham Lincoln's ideology, Jayne argues that Lincoln's greatest accomplishments-including his Emancipation Proclamation and Gettysburg Address-were heavily influenced by his unbending belief in the Declaration of Independence's primacy among the trappings of United States democracy. Tracing Lincoln's evolving and often contradictory views on slavery and race through pivotal historical moments such as the Dred Scott decision, Jayne demonstrates that Lincoln possessed a complex understanding of the ways slavery was entrenched in his nation, as well as a natural tendency toward prudence. Something of a "religious radical" himself, Lincoln's personal Christian theology-heavily influenced by deist thinkers like Theodore Parker-emphasized God above Jesus and placed great confidence in man's moral capacity; in Lincoln's eyes, that moral capacity formed the bedrock of democracy. Lincoln regarded the Declaration of Independence itself as a kind of national "ancient faith" and looked to it reverently, ultimately concluding that "those who deny freedom for others deserve it not for themselves," and, conversely, "In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom to the free." This volume will appeal as much to Civil War history buffs as to those who simply admire Lincoln as a singular leader and thinker.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
"Relatively few [scholars]...have dug deeper and tied Lincoln to Jefferson himself, or Jefferson's ideas about moral philosophy; and almost no one has done so using religious thought and the nature of God as the primary vehicle for this connection. Allen Jayne does all of these things, and does them well, in this fascinating new intellectual history...Lincoln's religious thought, like so much else in his life, was richly complex and even at times contradictory. Most of all, it was quite unorthodox. Allen Jayne's fine new study is a tremendous step forward in our understanding that this was so." -- Brian Dirck, Journal of Church and State, Vol. 50, No. 1, Winter 2008
"This complex book is an important evaluation of what Lincoln thought and why he thought it...Highly recommended." -- Choice, April 2008
"For several generations, scholars have been usefully debating the origins of Abraham Lincoln's core political and philosophical beliefs...Jefferson scholar Allen Jayne has now weighed in with his own thoughtful assessment. The author of such books as Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and The Religious and Moral Vision of Thomas Jefferson, Jayne has no doubt that Lincoln's ideology sprang directly from--and remained permanently bound to--Jefferson's declaration. Moreover, he suggests that Lincoln's most notable efforts as an orator and chief executive, the Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation, both owed strong debts to the first founding document. Not since Douglas L. Wilson began focusing on Lincoln has a Jefferson scholar stirred Lincoln waters so intriguingly. Diligent research into both classic and current Lincoln literature and a clear proficiency in Jefferson studies support Professor Jayne's cogent, often profound, arguments...Jayne's Gettysburg Address section is extremely well argued, and particularly intriguing in its suggestion that the "deistic God of reason and freedom" (197) inspired the phrase, "this nation, under God" (actually an afterthought by Lincoln-- probably not pronounced at Gettysburg, or if so, ad-libbed, and inserted into subsequent drafts). Jayne goes on to analyze other key phrases with similar acuity, offering a particularly riveting argument for four distinct similarities between the Declaration and the Gettysburg Address: (1) both were written in "moments of crisis"; (2) both included "reasoned expressions of idealistic political philosophy"; (3) both included "justifications for war"; and (4) both were "manifestos ... of national intentions, motives, and worldviews" (217)...Jayne concludes with an unadulterated appreciation, marveling that both Jefferson and Lincoln understood "that those imbued--with all-inclusive, universal moral ideas--like the deistic equal rights of all human beings contained in the Declaration--will be large-minded and tolerant human beings" (285). That argument not only invites readers to reconsider Lincoln in light of his moral indebtedness to core Enlightenment ideals, but demands, albeit only by implication, that we apply the same kind of scrutiny to our modern aspirants for the office that both Jefferson and Lincoln held. Thus, this book has double value. It teaches important lessons about both the past and the future. Jayne's volume will serve well in graduate courses, is fresh enough in approach to appeal to Lincoln students, and might be profitably read by anyone who plans to vote in 2008...A final note: between its covers, Jayne's is an important contribution to the Lincoln bookshelf." -- Harold Holzer, Perspectives on Political Science, Fall 2007
"This complex book is an important evaluation of what Lincoln thought and why he thought it...Highly recommended." -- Choice, April 2008
"For several generations, scholars have been usefully debating the origins of Abraham Lincoln's core political and philosophical beliefs...Jefferson scholar Allen Jayne has now weighed in with his own thoughtful assessment. The author of such books as Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and The Religious and Moral Vision of Thomas Jefferson, Jayne has no doubt that Lincoln's ideology sprang directly from--and remained permanently bound to--Jefferson's declaration. Moreover, he suggests that Lincoln's most notable efforts as an orator and chief executive, the Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation, both owed strong debts to the first founding document. Not since Douglas L. Wilson began focusing on Lincoln has a Jefferson scholar stirred Lincoln waters so intriguingly. Diligent research into both classic and current Lincoln literature and a clear proficiency in Jefferson studies support Professor Jayne's cogent, often profound, arguments...Jayne's Gettysburg Address section is extremely well argued, and particularly intriguing in its suggestion that the "deistic God of reason and freedom" (197) inspired the phrase, "this nation, under God" (actually an afterthought by Lincoln-- probably not pronounced at Gettysburg, or if so, ad-libbed, and inserted into subsequent drafts). Jayne goes on to analyze other key phrases with similar acuity, offering a particularly riveting argument for four distinct similarities between the Declaration and the Gettysburg Address: (1) both were written in "moments of crisis"; (2) both included "reasoned expressions of idealistic political philosophy"; (3) both included "justifications for war"; and (4) both were "manifestos ... of national intentions, motives, and worldviews" (217)...Jayne concludes with an unadulterated appreciation, marveling that both Jefferson and Lincoln understood "that those imbued--with all-inclusive, universal moral ideas--like the deistic equal rights of all human beings contained in the Declaration--will be large-minded and tolerant human beings" (285). That argument not only invites readers to reconsider Lincoln in light of his moral indebtedness to core Enlightenment ideals, but demands, albeit only by implication, that we apply the same kind of scrutiny to our modern aspirants for the office that both Jefferson and Lincoln held. Thus, this book has double value. It teaches important lessons about both the past and the future. Jayne's volume will serve well in graduate courses, is fresh enough in approach to appeal to Lincoln students, and might be profitably read by anyone who plans to vote in 2008...A final note: between its covers, Jayne's is an important contribution to the Lincoln bookshelf." -- Harold Holzer, Perspectives on Political Science, Fall 2007
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
An extended but reasonable argument advancing the author's views -- as opposed to a balanced presentation --on the political/religious mind of our greatest president.
To Dr. Jayne Mr. Lincoln was a rational deist, like Thomas Jefferson, rather than a mainstream Christian. And abolishing slavery was the long sought goal of the man who would become our 16th president, who based his thinking on the clear text of the country's founding document, The Declaration of Independence.
This interesting book reinforces the notion that religious tolerance and equal treatment of citizens are bedrock principles of the successful political society represented by the United States, which is still -- or should be still -- a model for the modern world.
One annoying style habit of the author is to refer the reader back to prior chapters for points made. For example on p. 215 this device is used four times. Also, a jarring note is struck on p. 274 where the author quotes Sean Hannity for a particular point (an actually well made point). Sean Hannity, the often-loud talk-show host, cited in a serious book on Abraham Lincoln?
To Dr. Jayne Mr. Lincoln was a rational deist, like Thomas Jefferson, rather than a mainstream Christian. And abolishing slavery was the long sought goal of the man who would become our 16th president, who based his thinking on the clear text of the country's founding document, The Declaration of Independence.
This interesting book reinforces the notion that religious tolerance and equal treatment of citizens are bedrock principles of the successful political society represented by the United States, which is still -- or should be still -- a model for the modern world.
One annoying style habit of the author is to refer the reader back to prior chapters for points made. For example on p. 215 this device is used four times. Also, a jarring note is struck on p. 274 where the author quotes Sean Hannity for a particular point (an actually well made point). Sean Hannity, the often-loud talk-show host, cited in a serious book on Abraham Lincoln?
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Lincoln regarded the Declaration of Independence as the greatest embodiment of American principles.
August 4, 2007
Format:Hardcover
College-level holdings strong in early American political history and social biography would do well to consider Lincoln and the American Manifesto: unlike most coverages its focus is on the moral principles that influenced his thinking, with historian Allen Jayne arguing that Lincoln regarded the Declaration of Independence as the greatest embodiment of American principles. Lincoln's moral perspective and his influence on creating the beliefs and ideals of the American union makes for absorbing discussions perfect for classroom debate and college-level study.
Format:Hardcover
This is a fascinating and remarkable journey into the mind of Lincoln, in which the influence of his religious beliefs and moral foundation on his thinking, goals, and decision-making are described. Allen Jayne presents well-documented evidence that Lincoln's religion consisted of a simple belief in God, without the dogmatic trappings of traditional Christianity, which he rejected. Dr. Jayne draws this conclusion through Lincoln's own statements, the testimony of those who knew Lincoln, the philosophers whose works Lincoln studied, and from key phrases in his speeches and writings that reflect deistic principles. This book should go a long way in finally settling any remaining debate over Lincoln's religious views.
The author notes that a similar deistic belief system was held by Jefferson (as is well-known, and which was explored in previous works by Dr. Jayne), and that the Declaration of Independence was created and exists quite apart from Christian dogma. Indeed, as one reads the Declaration (provided in the book), it is evident that Christian dogma are not only absent from its text, but are completely unnecessary to convey its purpose. One of Dr. Jayne's points is that a belief only in "nature's God" without dogmatic constraints, along with the intellectual concepts as enunciated by Locke and others, comprised the foundation of thought that led to the Declaration. Dr. Jayne emphasizes the basic roles of reason and morality (not necessarily of Christian origin) in the founding of the United States as enunciated in its manifesto - the Declaration.
Into this framework arises Lincoln, whose spiritual and intellectual make-up were in harmony with those of Jefferson and the other founders. It became Lincoln's mission to fulfill the Declaration by establishing and maintaining freedom for all, while preserving the Union. In the political actions he took to help accomplish these, he often communicated the notion of "God's will" to abolish slavery or to achieve victory. But Lincoln believed this God was universal - and was not necessarily associated with Christianity or any other faith. Dr. Jayne presents strong evidence for this, and establishes an insight into Lincoln that is clear and believable. As an example, the narrative exposes instances of Lincoln's need to phrase statements in such a way to satisfy the Christian constituency, while not allowing them to discover that he was in fact not one of them. As a consequence, Lincoln, already known as a master politician, is shown to be even more so in this study. Dr. Jayne writes well, convincingly, and is supported by solid and exhaustive research. The book is a must-read for the Lincoln scholar, or by anyone with an interest in history.
The author notes that a similar deistic belief system was held by Jefferson (as is well-known, and which was explored in previous works by Dr. Jayne), and that the Declaration of Independence was created and exists quite apart from Christian dogma. Indeed, as one reads the Declaration (provided in the book), it is evident that Christian dogma are not only absent from its text, but are completely unnecessary to convey its purpose. One of Dr. Jayne's points is that a belief only in "nature's God" without dogmatic constraints, along with the intellectual concepts as enunciated by Locke and others, comprised the foundation of thought that led to the Declaration. Dr. Jayne emphasizes the basic roles of reason and morality (not necessarily of Christian origin) in the founding of the United States as enunciated in its manifesto - the Declaration.
Into this framework arises Lincoln, whose spiritual and intellectual make-up were in harmony with those of Jefferson and the other founders. It became Lincoln's mission to fulfill the Declaration by establishing and maintaining freedom for all, while preserving the Union. In the political actions he took to help accomplish these, he often communicated the notion of "God's will" to abolish slavery or to achieve victory. But Lincoln believed this God was universal - and was not necessarily associated with Christianity or any other faith. Dr. Jayne presents strong evidence for this, and establishes an insight into Lincoln that is clear and believable. As an example, the narrative exposes instances of Lincoln's need to phrase statements in such a way to satisfy the Christian constituency, while not allowing them to discover that he was in fact not one of them. As a consequence, Lincoln, already known as a master politician, is shown to be even more so in this study. Dr. Jayne writes well, convincingly, and is supported by solid and exhaustive research. The book is a must-read for the Lincoln scholar, or by anyone with an interest in history.
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Declaration of Independence, Dred Scott, Second Inaugural, Supreme Court, First Inaugural, Gettysburg Address, Moral-Sense Theory, Theodore Parker, United States, Nature's God, The Declaration's Advocate, Civil War, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Old Testament, Westminster Confession, New Haven, New Testament, Revolutionary War, Age of Reason, Jesus Christ, Popular Sovereignty, South Carolina, John Locke, Living God, Emancipation Proclamation Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
deleted provision, testing whether that nation, simpler propositions Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Declaration of Independence, Dred Scott, Second Inaugural, Supreme Court, First Inaugural, Gettysburg Address, Moral-Sense Theory, Theodore Parker, United States, Nature's God, The Declaration's Advocate, Civil War, Kansas-Nebraska Act, Old Testament, Westminster Confession, New Haven, New Testament, Revolutionary War, Age of Reason, Jesus Christ, Popular Sovereignty, South Carolina, John Locke, Living God, Emancipation Proclamation Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Front Flap | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Flap | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
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