Response to more anti-Confederate press
Religious radio talk-show host Rabbi Shmuley Boteach recently published an article that stated, "As an American who loves his country, I am appalled by the persistence of Confederate hero worship in the South 140 years after the Civil War's end. After all, the South fought for a truly evil cause." Read complete article "The Sin of Confederate Hero Worship" Article Here Although I have enjoyed some of his articles in the past, I had to respond negatively to this one. My letter is below. I will keep you posted on his reply.

Rabbi,

As one who has (on occasion) enjoyed your radio show, I am well aware of your intelligence, faith and wonderful common-sense conservative views. However, your recent column on the so-called "sin of Confederate hero worship" was in stark contrast to the usual wit and insight that I am used to hearing (and/or reading) from yourself.

As both a Christian and Civil War Historian, I must voice my displeasure with your anti-Confederate remarks. I live in Fredericksburg, VA - just off of Jefferson Davis highway - and about 5 miles from the Stonewall Jackson Shrine. I am glad that you toured our area. I love living here.

I also write articles for our local paper and have been a strong supporter of both the teaching of unbiased history and heritage preservation. I have also published two Christian-based biographies on General Stonewall Jackson (entitled "Onward Christian Soldier") and General JEB Stuart (entitled "Christian Cavalier").

I have spent the better part of my 33 years on this earth studying the War Between the States and the Word of God. Although I am by no means an "expert" like yourself, I have come to the conclusion that many of the men who commanded troops and/or carried the "stars and bars" on behalf of the Confederate States of America - were (in their minds) defending their homelands from the invasion of a republican force sent to nullify their state's rights.

Now I am a realist, and I also acknowledge that many others did fight to preserve slavery, BUT not all - and to remember the fallen "heroes" who died fighting on behalf of their God and country is not a sin in any form. Many of these men were very devout Christians and men of high morale-character. That is why I chose to write these intimate portraits of men who practiced a faith that was both inspiring and infectious.

Articles like yours are stereotypical and uninformed. They simply further the ignorance of the "general" American public, and help to spread discontent between the north and south.

I invite you to visit my website and I would be more than happy to send an electronic version (PDF file) of my biographies for your review. Both are not long pieces (75-pages) and focus on the spiritual side of these men as the foundation of faith that enabled them to reach legendary heights both on the battlefield and also in death. They are stories about faith, and grace, and leaving behind a meaningful legacy as a believer in the Lord above. These men were soldiers - but more importantly, they were fathers, sons, brothers, and husbands.

As I stated in my opening paragraph, I have enjoyed several of your commentaries in the past, but this article is most offensive - not only to southerners - but to the memories of these great men in gray.

I thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to your reply.
Michael Aubrecht