Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address

President Abraham Lincoln, in his "Second Inaugural Speech" (1865), asserts that slavery was the cause of the Civil War, and the war would only end when God felt that America had paid the consequences for their sins. Lincoln describes how the issue of slavery is what spurred the war into action, brings in biblical verses and allusions to show that the war is divine retribution from God, and ends off with a hope that the nation will be able to heal itself and rebuild in unity after the war will end. Lincoln's purpose was to give answers to the American people regarding the cause and length of the war, in addition to giving his own religious and political opinion on the issue, emphasizing the evil of slavery, pointing to it as the root of the death and destruction caused by this war. He speaks with a passionate, yet critical tone towards the American people, both Northerners and Southerners, and acts as a sort of religious leader preaching about the divine providence of God on this war. 

 The role of God in war dates back to ancient history, where pharaohs, emperors, and kings would pray for God to be with them in their battles, and accredit Him with their victories and losses. Especially in religious nations, God was the driving force in war, and His will was what determined the outcome. This was especially true in Judaism, where the nation would not even go out to battle if they knew that God would not be on their side, and where they relied entirely on His support and miracles to defeat their enemies. In Islamic terrorist groups, God is the driving force behind their motives and their purpose for war is entirely religiously based. They devote themselves completely to God, ready to sacrifice their lives in order to die while bringing "honor" to His name. Although this is not necessarily the case in modern Israel or America, per se, war is definitely something that brings out a bit of religion in everyone. War is chaotic, unpredictable, devastating and shocking, where your life is on the line at every moment, and the only thing you could do is pray that you survive. As the saying goes, "there are no atheists in foxholes," showing that in times of true crisis, most people turn to a higher power, placing their lives in the hands of God to give them a sense of comfort and belief. Without faith that someone or something is there looking out for you and helping you stay alive, it is hard to stay strong and brave in the atmosphere of war. 

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