Barack Obama’s decision to select the same Bible for his inauguration that Abraham Lincoln used at his first inauguration in 1861 forges an intriguing connection between these two presidents. It’s the latest in a series of purposeful associations, from Obama announcing his run for the White House from the steps of the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., (where Lincoln gave his “House Divided” speech), to a photo-op last week at the Lincoln Memorial.
As with all symbols, the use of the Lincoln Bible — gilt-edged, covered in burgundy-colored velvet — does much more than physically link two administrations. Lincoln made surprising and controversial use of the Bible and faith as president. Will Obama, whose religious beliefs have already played a role in American politics, do the same?
An interesting article, but I’m not sure how controversial Lincoln’s referrences to the Bible really were in his time. The “World” spoke for the so-called Peace Democrats (also known a Copperheads) during the American Civil War and attacked anything associated with the administration. I think most American’s would have readily related to what Lincoln said and especially how he said it in his second inaugural address.
It was a time when biblical language was part of everyday life. Now, if he uses too much of it, the ACLU may sue him.
Pardon me, but I find this deliberate making of parallels with Lincoln to be very odd, somewhat creepy, in fact. Let us judge Obama by his performance in office, deciding after he’s finished which past President he most resembled, if any.
Just like The Episcopal Church has forced the division of that body, so is this president-to-be setting the wedges to divide us.
Don
Maybe Obama should grow a beard, too.
Hopefully, he wont’ be TOO much like Lincoln. I don’t think we really want another armed conflict between American states.