Description
Book SynopsisThe scope of this work reveals the fact that the military chaplaincy has existed in a recognizable form for more than 1600 years. Contributors analyze specific historical moments in its development, beginning in antiquity and progressing through the Crusades, the English Civil War, the American Civil War, both World Wars, and the Vietnam War.
Trade Review“The Sword of the Lord merits a place on the bookshelf for its extensive mapping out of the fairly confined terrain of chaplain studies. The twelve essays gathered here … are a welcome addition to this too often neglected aspect of military and religious history. It is a valuable addition to the literature on those figures who stand at a unique intersection of religion and the military.” —Journal of Military History
"This is an original, informative and thought-provoking volume that will be of as much interest to scholars in the field of war studies as to those in religious studies." —Journal of Ecclesiastical History
"Doris Bergen's edited collection of essays, The Sword of the Lord: Military Chaplains from the First to the Twenty-First Century, is a refreshing reminder of the value of questions well asked—What has changed across two millennia of chaplaincy? What has remained the same?—and answers thoughtfully formulated." —The Journal of Religion
“The book is a good introduction to the history and basic challenges of military chaplaincy. The chapters range across historical periods as distinct as the Roman Empire, the Crusades, the American Civil War, both World Wars and Vietnam. It will be of interest to chaplains and military historians, who are its principal audience.” —Anglican Theological Review
“…a very informative and readable history of military chaplains. It’s a book that all who are interested in reflecting on the nature and purpose of ministry would benefit from.” —Contact
"...a riveting account.... Recommended." —CHOICE
“This volume is given great force by two chapters written by chaplains sharing their experiences….” —The Catholic Historical Review
"This book is recommended for Catholic libraries, for historians, for theologians who are interested in questions of just war and support for our troops, and for general readers." —Catholic Library World
“These well-written essays fill a gap in our understanding of the roles played by military chaplains through the ages. This book will prove valuable to general readers, historians, and theologians interested in the interplay between religion, politics, and war.” —History: Review of New Books
“... a useful introductory survey of the history of military chaplaincy in Europe and North America from antiquity to the present day. Doris Bergen has assembled a team of contributors who have written stimulating essays that go some way towards illuminating the history of this venerable and controversial ministry.” —Theology
