Christ in the Camp

CHRIST IN THE CAMP or Religion in the Confederate Army This book is not for the person who has a passing interest in religion in the Civil War or for the person who would like a "readers-digest" version condensation. It is in depth and detailed. It will introduce the reader to the names and places, revivals and prayer meetings, salvation preaching and the dedication of the officers. It was written a mere 22 years after the conclusion of The Civil War/The War of the Rebellion/The War of Northern Aggression. It is quite fascinating to see Jackson and Lee in this setting. It is written by J. William Jones, the chaplain of the Army of Northern Virginia so it is an up close and personal look. For the student of the Civil War interested in a deeper understanding this book is invaluable.

Takes you back to a time when God was clearly placed first in the lives of most Americans. Refreshing, insighful and inspiring throughout. Highly recommended!

Ironically, I bought this book at the Fredericksburg VA battlefield visitor's center - the area of the one of the Army of Northern Virginia's greatest revivals. I bought this book back in the 1990's and just recently started to read and finish this book. The book is written by one of the former chaplains in the Army of Northern Virginia and is a record of the revivals the army experienced during the Civil War. Mentioned throughout the book are several examples of entries by various chaplains and preachers of soldiers (officers and enlisted) coming forward to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Other areas covered by the book include: 1. Example of Christian officers in the Army of Northern Virginia - Lee, Jackson, Gordon, Ewell, etc. 2. Profiles of several chaplains who served in the army. 3. Places of revival - Fredericksburg, Winchester, etc. 4. Revivals that took place in various brigades - Lane, Daniel, Cobb, Hoke, Law, Barksdale, Dole, Armistead, and several others. A great book to read if you are interested in the religious life of the Army of Northern Virginia during the Civil War. Highly recommended!

This book came to be recommended by a pastor whose great-grandfather had been in the Union Army during the Civil War. I found the work very interesting, on several scores. One..it was fascinating to read the way in which people wrote in the days of the war. It may be unfair but seemingly safe to assume that most people in those days were illiterate and unable to write/read.. yet the accounts presented in this book spell out a different picture..of a time when men had skills to paint meaningful word pictures..a skill that is quickly fading away in our day. It was also interesting to note that the men in gray were praying to the same God as were the men in the blue. This irony was also evident in Michael Shaara's award winning book, The Killer Angels of 1974..a work about Gettysburg. If nothing else, this work of Dr. Jones presents yet another piece of important information in regard to the battle between the states and deserves to be reviewed by any serious student of American history. The work is not about the war so much as it is about the men behind the cannons, behind the rifles, seeking God in difficult moments, and of pastors and others who were there in those dark days, shedding light into a dismal situation. Though the book is written from the Southern perspective, we may wish to assume much of the same kind of evangelistic efforts were being conducted north of the Mason-Dixon Line. This is an old book but simply because it is old doesn't mean it isn't valuable. There are treasures here to be appreciated.

First, I was surprised to find this book on line. My version is one of the original printed books, which sells for $150.00. ( this book is a real bargain at this price!)J.W. Jones was a Chaplain who knew Lee, Jackson, Gordon and others very well. Jones meet with them, prayed with them, and of course was with them in the Army of Northern Virginia.This is not a "WAR" of "BATTLE" book, but exemplifies the religious character of the aforementioned people. On this basis, I have to give it five stars. As a book that touches your heart, with the feeling of those men that served in the ANV, I also give it the maximum of five stars.I would like to quote just one page---"Christ in the Camp" by J. William Jones D.D. page 50, Sprinkle Publications.1886 Feb 1864, Chaplains, Rev. J.W. Jones and Rev. B.T. Lacy, visited Lee along the Rapidan as a committee of the Chaplains Association.After the meeting their were about to leave Lee's tent when Mr. Lacy said, ----" I think it right that I should say to you, General, that the chaplains of the army have a deep interest in your welfare and that some of the most fervent prayers we offer are in your behalf." The old hero's face flushed, tears started in his eyes, and hereplied with choked utterance: "Please thank them Sir,---I warmly appreciate it. And I can only say that I am nothing but a poor sinner trusting in Christ alone for salvation, and need all of the prayers they can offer me."There are many pages of similar content. This book sits in a place of Honor in my Library.