Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Address

Abraham Lincoln, in his second Inaugural Address (1865), asserts that the terribly long and bloody Civil War that was destroying the country was a punishment from G-d for the 250 years of slavery in America. He puts his speech in context, describes the unfolding of the Civil War as result of the issue of slavery, explains how each side prays for assistance in the war, and uses Biblical references to argue that slavery is the terrible offense that is causing God to punish them with such a bloody war. Lincoln’s purpose is to give hope and strength to the Union, and send the powerful message that they are on the right side of this, and hence must finish off what they began. He speaks directly to the members of the Union that are physically or emotionally pained by the war, and seek comfort during this difficult time of war.

In my Judaic classes over the years, I have learned in great detail of the large role that G-d and religion played and continues to play in war. The Hebrew Bible describes miraculous battles which the Israelites won only through divine help, such as the war against Amalek (Exodus 17), the battle of Jericho (Joshua 6), and the war against Midian (Judges 7); to name a few. In all these cases, the Jews were assisted by G-d in an open and obvious way and were successful in defeating their enemy. In their conquest of Canaan, the Jews were also driven by a religious cause-to reclaim and conquer the land promised to their forefathers by G-d Himself. Throughout history, other groups have fought in the name of religion and G-d as well, like the Crusaders who fought Muslims for control of the Holy Land in “Holy Wars” motivated by religious goals.

In modern times, the Zionist movement has driven Jews to fight to reclaim their homeland once again, which many view not only as a historical homeland, but a land that they have a divine right to. At the same time, many Muslims believe that they are the ones with the divine right to the land, and this is one of the driving factors in the long fight for the land of Israel.

Moreover, throughout history and even until today, religious people who fight in wars have seen G-d as a fatherly figure who is with them and can help them in war. This must have added a certain sense of security and confidence in soldiers who believe in G-d, as they fight with the knowledge that they fighting with the Almighty by their side.  

All in all, religion and G-d have played a very large role in either impacting the result of a war, being the cause of war, or giving soldiers an added comfort in the belief that there is a fatherly figure looking out for him in war.