My story on researching Stonewall started in 2013 when I proposed a graduate-level research paper on the Civil War, proposing a paper titled God’s Friend or Foe: The Confederate Army. Being a Yankee, I aimed to prove how wrong the Confederates were. My professor kindly informed me I would be shocked by the Christianity found in the Confederacy and urged me to proceed carefully, though he said I could still proceed. I thought about it and revised my paper to the Confederate Army and God. My professor was right, and I came out shocked—most of what I thought I knew was wrong.

Dear Readers:

Hello, my name is David T. Crum. Several of you might have read some of my articles in the past two years on The Aquila Report. I have even received friendly emails and notes from others disagreeing with me on some issues.

I have had the privilege of having many articles on Stonewall Jackson published by The Aquila Report, Log College Press, and the Scottish Reformation Society.

My story on researching Stonewall started in 2013 when I proposed a graduate-level research paper on the Civil War, proposing a paper titled God’s Friend or Foe: The Confederate Army. Being a Yankee, I aimed to prove how wrong the Confederates were. My professor kindly informed me I would be shocked by the Christianity found in the Confederacy and urged me to proceed carefully, though he said I could still proceed. I thought about it and revised my paper to the Confederate Army and God. My professor was right, and I came out shocked—most of what I thought I knew was wrong.

Doctoral work studying George W. Truett actually led me to further studies on Stonewall Jackson. In 2021, I began exploring Jackson and his Christian faith. Jackson was not just a believer but a staunch follower of the Presbyterian faith, a detail that resonates with many readers.

There are several books on Jackson and his beliefs, though I sought to accomplish something different with my book, Stonewall Jackson: Saved By Providence. I aimed to defend his beliefs and prove he was no “fanatic” yet a biblical, born-again Christian. Yes, even in Jackson’s day, biblical Christians had a reputation as fanatics, not much different from today.

Sure, Jackson is a controversial figure today because of his connection to the Confederacy. Though, he should not be. Those acquainted with him know he fought for Virginia and initially aimed for a unified United States.

Researchers have thoroughly examined Stonewall’s military brilliance, bravery, and amazing leadership skills. Once you start studying Jackson, it is apparent that the man correlated all aspects of his life to his faith. He had a tough life and experienced much sorrow and heartache, but his faith never wavered and served as an evangelistic tool for others, most notably the soldiers who fought under him.

His dream was to have a Christian army, a realization he knew was impossible in this fallen world. It, however, did not mean he gave up on Christian standards and principles dictating behavior and actions within his ranks.

Throughout my book, I present Jackson’s life from childhood to his untimely death while corresponding with the Westminster Standards and leading Presbyterians of his day. The aim is simple: Did Stonewall Jackson fall in line with notable voices of his day? Was he a biblical Christian or a fanatic?

Scottish Presbyterian and John Knox expert Dr. Douglas Somerset stated of Jackson, “He [Jackson] was noted as an eminent Christian and was a supporter of the religious revival in the Confederate Army in 1863.”

While Christians should never idolize any man, we can learn from and appreciate those who walked before us. Was Stonewall Jackson perfect? Of course not, and he would undoubtedly admit so. He is, however, a Christian role model for us today.

As a self-proclaimed patriot, most of my ancestors fought for the Union in the Civil War. Like many of you, I have descendants (several great-grandfathers) who were patriots and fought in the American Revolution. I am even a direct descendant of Pilgrim Father John Robinson (my great-grandfather was a Robinson and adopted as a Crum).

That said, Stonewall Jackson is one of my favorite people to study in history because of his Christian faith. He was not a traitor…

As most know, firm believers existed on both sides of the conflict. My research primarily centers around Jackson’s faith, with few military accounts provided. It is not a theological or military history book, but perhaps best described as a devotional. There is some valuable information for those who want to learn a bit about theology and history.

Stonewall is still a legend, especially in Scotland and the southern part of the United States.

As we know, even in our country, people still frown upon any association with Stonewall. I have experienced this, having articles on Stonewall denied by conservative academic journals and publications. I have even had colleagues and family ask, “Are you sure you want to publish this book in today’s society?” I have been called a Yankee and Lincoln lover by some, and a supporter of the Lost Cause argument by many others.

So, to address the elephant in the room, yes, Stonewall Jackson was associated with the Confederacy and slavery. I make it clear in the book that the slavery practiced in the U.S. was unbiblical and a tragic stain in American history. We can never condone the enslavement of any person. I also recognize that Stonewall is misunderstood here.

In the end, I take the position of Dr. Douglas Somerset, who firmly stated the following about Jackson:

Satan tries to push human cultures from one extreme to another. In one generation, slavery is callously tolerated; in another generation, the condemnation of slavery becomes excessive, as if there were no other sin in the world. Many of those most vehement in their opposition to historic slavery support the destruction of unborn children in the womb. While denouncing the sins of the past, they defile their hands with the equally heinous sins of the present.

I ask my fellow Christians to consider reading my book. Stonewall Jackson’s Christian life offers lessons for all of us to learn.

Stonewall Jackson: Saved by Providence can be ordered here and here.

David Crum holds a Ph.D. in Historical Theology. He serves as an Assistant Professor of History and Dissertation Chair. His research interests include the history of warfare and Christianity. He and his family are members of Christ the King Church, in Easton, Maine.