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Abraham Lincoln: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership Kindle Edition

by Elton Trueblood (Author), Gustav Niebuhr (Foreword) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 105 ratings
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Many writers have explored Lincoln's leadership; others have debated Lincoln's ambiguous religious identity. But in this classic work, Christian philosopher and statesman Elton Trueblood reveals how Lincoln's leadership skills flowed directly from his religious convictions—which explains how the president was able to combine what few leaders can hold together: moral resoluteness with a shrewd ability to compromise; confidence in his cause while refusing to succumb to the traps of self-righteousness or triumphalism; and a commitment to victory while never losing sight of his responsibility for—or the humanity of—his enemy. These rich meditations offer deep wisdom and insight on one of the most effective leaders of all time.

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  1. Print length
    194 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    HarperOne
  5. Publication date
    November 13, 2012
  6. File size
    994 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“One of the most fascinating and revealing pictures of Lincoln ever published.” — Floyd S. Barringer, M.D., president of the Abraham Lincoln Association

“Trueblood serves as a worthy guide in returning us to the unparalleled drama of Lincoln within our nation’s most important struggle.” — From the foreword by Gustav Niebuhr, Syracuse University, author of Beyond Tolerance

“Arguably the greatest American President, Abraham Lincoln emerged as the great spiritual leader to carry our nation through her greatest spiritual anguish. Elton Trueblood vividly traces the tangled human pilgrimage which led to such astonishing spiritual leadership and shows us what we can learn.” — Richard J. Foster, author of Celebration of Discipline

“As a spiritual counselor to American presidents, from Hoover to Reagan, this is Elton Trueblood at his finest” — Paul N. Anderson, professor of biblical and Quaker studies, George Fox University

“A singularly persuasive and moving elucidation of Lincoln’s spiritual pilgrimage.” — Charles L. Wallis, editor of Our American Heritage

About the Author

Elton Trueblood (1900-1994) wrote several bestselling religious titles and taught philosophy at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B009AL0B0E
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperOne (November 13, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 13, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 994 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 194 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 105 ratings

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Elton Trueblood

Elton Trueblood

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
105 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Derek Atkins
5.0 out of 5 stars A Profound Examination of Lincoln's Spiritual Life
Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2013
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This book, written by Elton Trueblood, is a penetrating, well-researched look at Abraham Lincoln's theological convictions. Instead of asking what Lincoln's religion was, Trueblood focused on Lincoln's thinking about religion - in his opinion, a far more interesting question. I agree with Trueblood's approach, and this eminent scholar does a fantastic job of exploring Lincoln's theology.

Trueblood argues that Lincoln experienced profound spiritual growth primarily through experiencing great suffering, especially with the intense personal, political, and national suffering he encountered as President of the United States. Trueblood also dismantles some of the common arguments that Lincoln was not a believer, noting for example the mountains of evidence - including Lincoln's own words - that Lincoln in fact had a profound belief in Christianity (even if there are some indications that he wasn't completely orthodox), in contrast to the lone claim of one-time colleague William H. Herndon that Lincoln was an unbeliever. He also takes careful note of other facts, such as the fact that in Lincoln's day, only 23% of Americans actually became church members, as opposed to 60% of Americans being church members in Trueblood's own time, a contrast that helps explain why Lincoln's lack of church membership should in no way be construed as evidence that Lincoln didn't believe in Christianity.

But beyond these interesting facts, Trueblood's chief accomplishment is to paint a vivid portrait of Lincoln's understanding of the theological importance of the American Civil War, highlighting Lincoln's paradoxical thinking that shaped his most famous speeches, including the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Speech. This book helped me to gain a deeper understanding not only of Lincoln's own personal theology, but also enabled me to deepen my own understanding of America's role in history, including America's role in our world today.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to have a deeper understanding of those influences that most profoundly shaped Lincoln's understanding of his times, and of his role in meeting the great crisis that took hold of his beloved nation while he was President.
16 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A Spiritual Giant
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2017
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I REVIEWED THIS BOOK IN OUR BOOK CLUB. My approach was to follow Lincoln's spiritual growth from boyhood to death. I devoted only a brief time to his home life, early school experience and the books that that he had access to in his earliest years to set the background for his voracious reading habits. I took the various periods in his life and picked out those instances that illustrated how he was growing spiritually and how that affected decisions he made. Of course, we were all acquainted with his marriage, his years as lawyer, his government service, his presidential years and the Civil War years, but many in book club were surprised to learn that he had been developing spiritually to such a great extent during his lifetime. It seems that the many books we had read individually over the years either did not explore this side of him or treated it lightly while Mr. Trueblood went to great lengths to document this man's spiritual growth This book was good reading and we were able to understand his decisions as President at this interesting period and his dreams for the future of America in the context of his spiritual growth. I gifted each woman I a copy of this book and hope that they will pass it along. Patricia M. Redd
4 people found this helpful
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Dale Countryman
4.0 out of 5 stars My thoughts.
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2017
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Abraham Lincoln: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership is an inoffensive, focused treatise on Lincolns spiritual maturation gained primarily during the time he served as president. Well organized thought leads the reader along at Lincoln's side as he struggles to make sense of Gods role in His relationship with mankind, eventually coming to the understanding the enormity of his part in this tragic time for the nation and for "God's almost chosen people."
4 people found this helpful
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Barbara Zweigart
5.0 out of 5 stars When one considers the life of Abraham Lincoln
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2018
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When one considers the life of Abraham Lincoln and those who knew him, one could come to the conclusion that he was not a Christian. But God's Holy Word tells us in First Corinthians 4:5 "Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God."

After reading Mr. Elton Trueblood's book "Abraham Lincoln: Lessons in Spiritual Leadership" I truly believe that Abraham Lincoln was definitely a Christian.

Read this book and see the evidence that he presents.
One person found this helpful
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Ginacarp
5.0 out of 5 stars Profound but Subtle
Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2021
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Trueblood’s account of Lincoln as a theologian and political thinker is both profound and subtle. He marshals the vast evidence with a light and efficient touch, leaving the reader to ponder his own relationship to political power, freedom and divine will.
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S. Woodworth
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books ever on Christian leadership
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2014
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I have read may books on leadership, many of them Christian. But none has matched the depth of understanding that Elton Trueblood brings to the intersection of Christian faith and leadership. I have also read a few biographies of Lincoln, and I was always left with the impression that he was a believer, but not certain about it. Trueblood finds that it is in Lincoln's private letters that he reveals the depth of his devotion and the important turning points in his faith. What struck me most is the revelation that Lincoln received in a time of deep depression in the middle of the Civil War. It lifted his spirits and changed the course of history, and it all came down to a deeper understanding of the sovereignty of God. Highly recommended!
7 people found this helpful
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tcfoster12
5.0 out of 5 stars side of Lincoln not told enough about
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2019
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Abraham Lincoln believed in God and sought guidance from God all of His life. In this book it is brought to light in an very engaging read.I read a lot of books on Lincoln and i enjoyed and learned a lot about what made him the great President and man that he was.
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Terence
3.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2018
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I enjoyed it although I wouldn't say it was great. It makes a compelling case for Lincoln's faith.

Although, it doesn't weaken my faith to believe that he had doubts and that he struggled with organized religion.

Trueblood does a good job highlighting how his faith evolved and impacted how he thought and spoke.
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Beverly Honsberger
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great book to be read again and again
Reviewed in Canada on February 16, 2017
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This is a book that should be read by every political leader today. It demonstrates that not only did Lincoln use the Holy Bible as an instrument to learn to read but that he also absorbed the teachings within and applied them to the real life, one of the worst, confrontations barring two world wars ever endured by one nation.
That he did it with humility and compassion and at the end of the war wanting to treat the southerners as citizens of the nation only is a testament to the true greatness of the man.
It is no wonder that Abraham Lincoln is viewed as the best president ever of America and that his life from humble beginnings was enhanced by the almighty word of God.
This kind of thinking could definitely help the leaders of the world turn this world around.
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