Bachelor of Arts, Ashland University, 2014, History/Political Science

Abraham Lincoln, writes Isaac Arnold, his close friend and biographer, “knew the Bible by heart. There was not a clergyman to be found so familiar with it as he.” It was his mother's recitation of the Psalms and Shakespeare's plays while doing household chores that gave a young Abraham Lincoln a taste for the euphony of words. Throughout his writings and speeches, he frequently, carefully, and intentionally employed biblical imagery, rhythms, phrases, and themes to communicate his ideas. Lincoln spoke in a way that the American people could understand; he spoke the language of the Scripture to a deeply religious nation. Four score and seven years ago comes from Psalm 90. Our fathers sounds like the Old Testament Patriarchs. Brought forth sounds like the Israelite's deliverance from Egypt or the virgin birth. Shall not perish sounds like eternal life. New birth of freedom sounds like salvation. Most importantly, Lincoln borrowed the content of the Bible to show the uniqueness of the American regime and to encourage her people to dedicate themselves to its purpose. In Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 19th, 1863, Abraham Lincoln reminded the American people that the nation, unlike every other country in the world, lives. She was conceived. She was brought forth. She was dedicated to the idea that all men are created equal, and yet, because we have called that truth a self-evident lie, she can only continue living if we rededicate ourselves to that proposition. These brave soldiers have given their lives that that nation might live, but the task is not complete. It falls to the living to restore the nation to life, to bring about a new birth of freedom. Lincoln at Gettysburg invested his politics with the content of the Scriptures. He desired to raise a mirror to America, remind her that she lives, and call her to action.

Committee: Peter Schramm PhD (Advisor); Jeffrey Sikkenga PhD (Committee Member); David Foster PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: American Studies; History; Political Science; Religion