Religion-Theology

Question

Themes of sacrifice and redemption were important during the Civil War. What did it mean then to understand death and suffering in a theological way? 

Answer 1

To answer this, I would look at the motivations of Union soldiers to actually engage in combat. Whether you view it as propaganda to motivate men to fight, or as a genuine reflection of their desire to free slaves, The Battle Hymn of the Republic communicates that engaging in violence for a just cause is a form of enacting God's judgement. Moreover, it requires sacrifice on a part of those involved. The last verse reads "As He (Jesus) died to make men holy, let us die to make men free." Implying that the theology at the time didn't view suffering as evil and something to be avoided, but rather a necessary part of a godly life that does not let evil go unpunished.