What religious beliefs did the first president of the United States of America hold and how have they influenced American culture today? Who was Washington's God, did he have a name? I recently finished reading a wonderful book entitled, "Washington's God" that helped me answer these questions and many more about the father of these United States.
In this article, I review "Washington's God" by Michael Novak and Jana Novak. Click play to see my honest Book Review. Be sure to also subscribe to be automatically entered to win FREE tea/books/stuff during Tea End Blog Give-Aways. Already subscribed? Tell a friend!
BOOK STATS
Page Count: 248
Author: Michael Novak & Jana Novak
Published Date: 2006
Publishing Company: Basic Books
Type: Hardcover
PROPRIETY FOR PROVIDENCE
How did Washington link his troop's comportment to divine intervention? Washington believed that troops, individuals, and even an entire nation do wise to actively seek the favor of their creator so as to have providence, or the will of god, on their side.
"They must demonstrate the moral character of the American cause, to make it worthy both of the people in whose name they fought and the Providence whose favor the implored." (Washington's God by Michael Novak and Jana Novak, pg. 30 ¶ 2)
WASHINGTON'S GOD
Washington used several titles (such as creator, lord, maker, etc.) to describe the God he believed to truly govern the free world. There is one name, however, that stands out as a proper name since attributed to the same God of the bible, the God of the Hebrews.
"May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivered the Hebrews from their Egyptian oppressors, [and] whose providential agency has lately been conspicuous, in establishing these United States... , make the inhabitants, of every denomination participate in...the blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah." - (Washington's God by Michael Novak and Jana Novak, viii)
ACCORDING TO WASHINGTON,
WHY IS AMERICA SICK?
Washington believed that the prosperity and health of the United States depended on its respect of morality under the reigns of religious practice. Living up to the motto, "In God We Trust", Washington earnestly encouraged the nation to do the same, convinced that without divine approval the nation would not succeed.
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports.... Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, fro reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? ... Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.." - (Washington's God by Michael Novak and Jana Novak, pg. 171 ¶ 1)
I hope you enjoyed my Book Review of "Washington's God" by Michael Novak and Jana Novak! This book was quite interesting to read, thought-provoking, and eye-opening so perhaps it will be your next favorite read! Be sure to put your opinion in the comments, I'm always willing to hear from you!
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If you could ask Washington 1 question, what would it be?