This Sunday after service I was able to see some of the promotional pieces that have been developed to help advertise Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church’s Community Lecture Series. This includes large graphically designed posters, speaker Bio handouts, and these wonderful ‘playbill’ cards that have the speakers and schedule on one side, and information about our church’s various beliefs and bible-study programs on the other.

The goal of this series, sponsored by our Adult Ministry, is to invite the general public in for non-religious lectures, with hopes that they will return at a later date for worship. It is a great idea to help boost membership without getting too preachy and it is a privilege an honor for me to be included on the bill with these nationally acclaimed speakers. When ‘my’ posters and handouts, are produced closer to my turn in April, I’ll be sure to post a copy here.

Although I am doing (and turning down) more and more talks here in Fredericksburg this one has the potential to be one of the largest audiences. Plus the fact that it will be taking place in my own church makes it extra special. I am hoping to have the event video-taped for posting on YouTube. Next Thursday evening (Jan. 31) begins the series and I will certainly be attending. Here is the official press announcement from The Free Lance-Star:

Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church will host a series of lectures by nationally known speakers. The first lecture in the series, "The Tragedy of Virginia Tech," will be presented by Dr. Roger Depue on Thursday, Jan. 31. Depue, one of eight experts appointed by Gov. Kaine to study the tragedy and make recommendations to prevent such crimes, is a 21-year veteran of the FBI and a former chief of the Behavioral Science Unit, made famous by the movie "The Silence of the Lambs." The lectures are free and will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the church sanctuary, 11121 Leavells Road, directly across from Battlefield Elementary School. Receptions and book signings will follow the lectures.

Today I received a very heartfelt and thought-provoking email from a female, African-American educator in Richmond who is currently conducting a study on “God and the Confederacy.” Her query was an offer to open up a dialogue between the both of us to discuss the faith of the South's Confederate heroes, as well as the spiritual dilemma surrounding secession, slavery, and how the Lord may have used them for His purpose.

Her email was very touching from one devout believer to another and she stated that: “While interests and perspectives may differ, we share Christ and all His benefits. As a Christian sister, I want to know your heart (my brother's heart) concerning the idea of any discrepancy between men of faith like Robert E. Lee; Stonewall Jackson; and J. E. B Stuart, fighting for the cause of the Confederacy while believing on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Needless to say I immediately wrote her a lengthy reply, offering my support in any way, and inviting her to initiate the discussion. I also explained that although I am primarily a Confederate historian, I am by no means an apologist and I fully recognize the moral conflict that existed in the hearts and minds of of these Christian soldiers.

The irony of this exciting project is that the teacher found me through another academic's blog that has been known to criticize my work from time-to-time. She was apparently impressed with the way that I defended myself as a Christian, and she tracked me down via Google. Obviously we were meant to connect, as I no longer visit that blog and/or participate in online debates anymore. Thank the Lord for ‘Archives.’

I’ll let you know how our conversations go and what spawns from it. It will be a blessing indeed to exchange opinions and perspectives, with a fellow believer. This is a perfect example how people of faith can come together across all social, political, and racial boundaries to learn more about each other’s point of view and ultimately become closer together in the Body of Christ. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: We have been sharing some very lengthy and insightful email conversations. I am hoping to quote some of them here in the near future. This discussion will be ongoing as time permits and I'll be sure to let you know what comes of it. She is looking at writing a book on this examination into how slavery and the Confederacy fit into the Lord's purpose.

Today is one of my favorite holidays of the year here in the Old Dominion. Short of our Founding Fathers (Washington, Jefferson, Madison), few Virginians have contributed more to their state’s legacy than Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson.

Celebrated in the Commonwealth of Virginia, the original holiday, created in 1889, honored Lee's birthday. Jackson's name was added to the holiday in 1904. Most government offices are closed today and many history and heritage organizations are holding special celebrations honoring two of the south’s favorite sons.

This evening I will be reading to my youngest children from several storybooks that introduce kid's to Civil War and Confederate history. One title is The Story of Robert E. Lee as well as a recent present from their grandparents titled The Story of Gettysburg. Both of these wonderful Christian books were written for very young children (3+) by Patricia Pingley and favor a religious/southern point of view.

"I can only say that I am a poor sinner, trusting in Christ alone for salvation." - General Robert E. Lee

“Our God was my shield. His protecting care is an additional cause for gratitude.” - General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson

The Southern Cross, a Civil War Devotional
by Michael Aubrecht, Foreword by Richard G. Williams Jr.
Spring 2008 (Patriot Press), 6x9. Softcover. 184 pages.
ISBN# 978-0-9796000-1-2

Now that the pages are at the proofer (en route to the printer), I can finally post a few samples.

As with works in this genre, each section covers a specific virtue and each page contains a relevant verse of Scripture, an associated quote and a short vignette on a related topic. I have defined five major categories that express the virtues of a Christian soldier. They are: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor and Mercy. Each of these is illustrated by some of the most inspirational stories to come out of the Civil War. There are forty of these uplifting devotions, as well as ten encouraging essays that address some of the subject matter in greater detail. I have also included a special sermon that was presented to Confederate soldiers in the field. This impassioned speech reinforces the power of the prayer warrior.

Much like my previous Christian biographies were written to be both educational and inspirational, this book is also intended to serve a much greater purpose. Devotionals are extraordinary works and the life lessons and Scripture references that they contain can be reviewed again and again.

I hope and pray that the readers of this book will find something that touches them and stimulates a further interest in the reading of God's Word. This after all, is the foundation for the entire project, as well as my own prime directive. In fact, nothing would please me more than to know that someone put down my book and picked up the Holy Bible. Simply stated, the Lord has blessed me in so many ways and I want to share His grace and providence with you.

As a bonus, I have also enclosed a wonderful bible-study aid that will enable you to read the entire Good Book in one-year, cover-to-cover. A reading plan for 365-days of daily bread will enable the reader to apply the principles of these patriots in their own lives.

Sneak Peek Here (PDF)

I would be remiss if I didn’t at least acknowledge the untimely death of Chess Master Bobby Fischer. Bobby of course was a prodigy of epic proportions who later became an eccentric, anti-Semitic, and anti-American recluse, living abroad while hiding from the U.S. Government. Despite his fall from grace, there is no denying his impact on the “Game of Kings.” I for one am in awe of his infinite genius on the chessboard and prefer to remember him in his younger days. Fischer of course became a Cold War icon when he dethroned the Soviet Union's Boris Spassky as world champion in 1972. In his final years, Bobby railed against the chess establishment, alleging that the outcomes of many top-level chess matches were decided in advance.

For more, visit my favorite fan-site dedicated to Fischer’s playing days.

My friends over at Civil War Historian magazine’s Message Board directed me to a very impressive-looking graphic novel project that is underway depicting the controversial life of Confederate General Patrick Cleburne.

It is titled “CLEBURNE The Graphic Novel” and is being produced by Justin Murphy. After visiting the author’s mySpace page and viewing the scrollable interior thumbnails of the comic, I must say that I am VERY impressed. Civil War comics have disappointed me in the past, but this truly is a graphic novel of epic proportions.

According to Justin Murphy’s blog bio: The controversial and true story of Irish immigrant and Confederate General Patrick Cleburne and his plan to enlist slaves to fight for the South during the American Civil War. According to Cleburne’s proposal all African Americans who served the Confederacy as soldiers would receive their freedom upon enlistment. This was a revolutionary concept for its day and sent Cleburne’s life spiraling down a perilous road. Set during the critical year of 1864, and culminating in the bloody Battle of Franklin, CLEBURNE is a tale of unbeatable courage in the face of racism, conspiracy and war. CLEBURNE is a 200-page, full color Graphic Novel with a creative team that includes author & artist Justin Murphy (a 2006 award winning playwright at the New York International Fringe Festival), inker Al Milgrom (a Marvel Comics veteran who has worked on books like The Incredible Hulk & X Factor), and colorist J. Brown (Marvel Comic’s Civil War & Captain America). Upon publication date of November 2008 readers will be able to find CLEBURNE at their local comics shops and bookstores or online at: www.rampartpress.com.

I can’t wait to get a copy of what looks to be a highly original and wonderfully illustrated story of one of the south’s greatest patriots.

[Tip of the Hat to our good friend David Trimble over at Still On Patrol for bringing this extremely disturbing event to my attention.]

Apparently there is to be some kind of “Service of Repentance Over Slavery” scheduled to take place at the National Cathedral. This is, without question, one of the most ridiculous things that I have ever heard of. To even propose the notion that Christians living over 140 years after the institution of slavery should be attending a mass to repent for the sins of their ancestors is mind-boggling. Are they serious?

I thought that the public apologies over slavery that have been issued in recent years by former slave-state governments were a nice, but ultimately empty gesture on behalf of the ‘PC’ politicians. This however is a VERY different issue. To even propose the idea that repentance is required TODAY and that and the petition of such absolution should be attended to in a special church service is beyond ludicrous. What do WE (as in all of us) have to repent for?

PLEASE DON'T MISUNDERSTAND ME. To hold a special service at the country's premiere house of worship in order to pay homage to those who suffered the sins of bondage, and/or to recognize those who fought to end the institution of slavery is absolutely justified and acceptable, but to use the term ‘repentance’ as the foundation for such a service is another reason why so many people are becoming put-off by the reiteration of the slavery issue and wish that we could all just get over it.

Think about it folks... This is like telling John Wilkes Booth's ancestors that they need to ask forgiveness and do penance for Lincoln's assassination.

David speaks much better than I do on the subject: …how ridiculous is the notion of "repentance" over 140 years later, by people who had absolutely nothing to do with American slave trade or practices?  I find it absurdly ironic that the same portion of our society who refuses to allow the truth of our history be taught in the schools and who wants to sweep the American Civil war under a rug as if it never happened now also wants everyone to "repent" of slavery.  We cannot teach how many northerners made their fortune in the 18th-century slave trade, nor how terribly racist all of American society was, not just the South.  Our children remain largely ignorant of all, which transpired leading up to the Civil War and how dramatically all of that affected who we are today as a country and as a people.  And yet we ask people to feel guilt about what happened many generations in the past and "repent" of it?  Nonsense.

If modern America (and the church) wants to repent, I can think of a million other things that we should all be ashamed of - things that are occurring in our times, and being perpetrated by us – things that truly make us guilty and in need of absolution. Slavery is NOT one of them.

Howdy folks. I will be busy all week preparing The Southern Cross files for delivery to the publisher and printer. Please excuse the lack of posts. Be back next week (if not sooner). Update: 1/17. Finished files are now at the proofer en route to the printer. Announcements, samples, and promo links coming soon. TSC will be available in March/April. Stay tuned for details.

HAVE A HAPPY LEE-JACKSON DAY (my favorite VA holiday)!

"I, therefore, can anticipate for you many years of happiness and prosperity, and in my daily prayers to the God of mercy and truth I invoke His choicest blessings upon you." - Excerpt from a Letter from Robert E. Lee to his son dated 1867

I have received so many emails from well-wishers wanting to see a photo of Jackson, that I had no choice but to comply. Behold the littlest general :)

It is with tremendous gratitude that I announce the wonderful folks at Patriot Press have agreed to publish my Civil War Devotional “The Southern Cross.”

This 200-page manuscript has been circulating between secular and Christian publishers for the last 6 months and I could not have asked for a better group to represent the title. Patriot Press is dedicated to publishing high-quality history books with a strong moral and spiritual message. They are a perfect fit for a book that highlights 50, Christian-based CW stories. (PP also carries author Jessica James who penned the critically acclaimed "Shades of Gray.")

‘The Southern Cross’ is a labor of love and contains 40 vignettes, 10 encouraging essays, 5 period-sermons, 50 photos, and a verse index. As with most works in this genre, each chapter covers a specific virtue of the Christian soldier: Courage, Duty, Faith, Honor, and Mercy, and each segment contains: a period photo, topical verse of scripture, an associated quote, and an inspirational story of faith under fire. Our good friend, historian and author Richard Williams Jr. wrote the book’s Foreword. Although the selections tend to focus on the Confederacy, there are some stories from the Union side depicting Christian fortitude and compassion.

Plans are already in the works to produce 40 radio spots on our local Gospel/Bluegrass station here in Fredericksburg (a reading for each devotion) and my friends at the newspapers and magazines that I write for are also interested in helping to promote this title. I’ll have plenty of details to come in regards to this title’s release and availability, as well as my new relationship with Patriot Press. The goal is to have the title available in time for my speaking engagements this spring.

Praise the Lord! In Him all things are possible.