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REVIEWS: Onward Christian Soldier:
The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall
You
certainly have what it takes. Best of luck with
your book.
Jeff Shaara, author of Gods and
Generals
This is a masterful work done by
one who takes the time to document the facts. Many
are unaware of the spiritual side of Confederate
General 'Stonewall Jackson'. This book does not
rewrite history. However, it does give us a closeup
view of the heart of a man who seeks God in his
pursuit to be all he can be while acknowledging the
sovereignty and providence of the Almighty God of
the Bible. A 5 star work, indeed.
A. Frank Parker (Amazon.com)
Author Michael Aubrecht has once
again demonstrated his considerable narrative
abilities in his book, Onward Christian Soldier:
The Spiritual Journey Of Stonewall. The book takes
the reader on a delightful journey through the life
of Civil War general Stonewall Jackson, while
giving an historical perspective concerning
Jackson’s strong Christianity, which is many times
overlooked in secular titles.
I
can’t say enough about the writing style of author
Michael Aubrecht. He makes it look easy. True, he
had a fascinating topic to begin with, but the
engaging, almost breezy, writing makes this book
even more enjoyable. Even those with merely a
passing interest in historical biographies will
find this offering more than worth their time and
money. Five stars!
Craig Alan Hart, Christian author
and critic: Christian Book
Reviews
Aubrecht's book includes events and
words seen as the building blocks of Jackson's
spiritual edifice, whose stated faith is "Duty is
ours. Consequences are God's." Aubrecht shows how
the strategist evolved, how he became important to
the troops, how his death affected the outcome of
the war. In this story of an apparently humorless
man, the only comedy was the fatal comedy of
errors: shot by his own forces, dropped from his
stretcher as he was being evacuated. This story of
a southern icon, a top tourist attraction in our
day, is a bold statement about the power of faith
in the struggle of good vs. evil. Not everyone will
be of the same mind about it. Aubrecht's work
resonates as we wage yet another war.
Between The Lines, Book Review by
Derval C. Brown
Fredericksburg Front Porch (June 2005) Read complete
review
Michael Aubrecht is a busy, busy,
writer with much talent and much to say. His
"Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of
Stonewall" in telling detail surveys the life and
times of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. It is
a Christian-based historical biography. "Christian
Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart" is a
companion volume focusing on the similar life and
death of General JEB Stuart. If insights into
larger than life figures is your "bag," then look
for Michael Aubrecht's gems!
Harvey Frommer, author of 34 sports
books, including the classics: New York City
Baseball and Rickey and Robinson: The Men Who Broke
Baseball's Color Line
Your tone was wonderfully
simplistic and conversational. I plan to suggest it
as an addition to the "recommended reading" list
for students at my alma mater, Antietam Bible
College.
Heather Carr, Publish America
editor
Onward Christian Soldier, by
Michael Aubrecht is a riveting and inspirational
look deep into the spiritual heart of General
"Stonewall" Jackson. While many volumes speak of
his genius on the battlefield, few have addressed
what was clearly for Stonewall, the foundation of
his genius and success. Aubrecht's work does this
succinctly, accurately and with every respect to
those who are interested in Civil War who may hail
from either side of the Mason-Dixon line.
Reverend Mike Motsko, Spotsylvania
Presbyterian Church
Michael Aubrecht's Onward Christian
Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall, is an
historical account of the military, personal, and
spiritual life of General Thomas "Stonewall"
Jackson. It is certainly enlightening to say the
least, providing a seldom seen perspective on the
great southern Civil War leader. Actually, Mr.
Aubrecht's writing technique and perspective are
seldom seen in secular books on any historical
figure and provides a delightful way to read and
obtain such perspective on this much loved
Confederate general.
Written in such a talented, smooth
and articulate way, you could easily believe
Aubrecht's General Jackson is the hero of a
historical novel. Yet Onward Christian Soldier: The
Spiritual Journey of Stonewall presents the facts
of his life and Christian faith, but reported in
such a manner as to not get in the way of an
entertaining story. This is American history you
will not have to struggle to read and understand.
Mr. Aubrecht has an impressive writing talent and
it shines through this highly polished book. If
there is a downside to this book, it must be that
it is a quick read and you come away wanting
more.
Careful to not to get overly
dramatic, descriptive or bogged down in useless
facts about General Jackson's daily life, Mr.
Aubrecht lures you from one life-changing event to
the next, from one chapter to the next. Using
writings, quotes, newspaper clippings and other
sources that support the story, each chapter sheds
light on the General's personal life, its many
sorrows, and his deep and growing faith.
Stonewall Jackson was so much more
than what our high school history books told us.
Read this gripping story of how this historical
American figure came to the point of nearly
changing our nation's structure. I see the American
Civil War's southern perspective a bit more clearly
now having read Onward Christian Soldier: The
Spiritual Journey of Stonewall, a saga of
character, faith, and courage--and so will
you.
Dennis A. Beaudry, author of A
Meeting in the Air and The State of
Christianity
Mr. Aubrecht takes us back through
history to introduce General "Stonewall" Jackson.
In his very interesting and informative book, Mr.
Aubrecht portrays an image of Thomas Jackson that
leaves one in awe of this amazing general. Through
all of the General's heartaches and losses he
steadfastly honors and prays to God. General
Jackson was indeed a wonderful mentor for his
troops as well as everyone he encountered though
his rather short but significant life.
Mr.
Aubrecht truly accomplished the amazing skill of
allowing one to enter the story and become part of
it. This will be a book I will long
remember.
Marie Carroll, author of Feeling
the Hurt, Healing the Heart
The story of Stonewall Jackson
stirs the imagination with pictures of the South in
the 1800s and of a man's faith which was larger
than his legend. This historical look at Jackson
gives you a view from a Christian perspective
before and during the Civil War. Thomas Jackson
answered the call of duty from the Lord, his faith
stronger than the sword he carried or the cannon
balls he faced on the battle field. A change of
faith led Jackson on a new course in life changing
him forever, making him into one of the greatest
hero's of the South. The Civil War that tore our
country in half as described in the book takes you
to the root of the North versus South. The book
takes you on a spiritual journey back in time as
men fought for beliefs and God. This book is not
just for Christians, it holds lessons in love, life
and honor for all.
Ronald Nussbeck, author of The
Deception and Retribution
Having read as many biographies
about Stonewall Jackson as was possible, I was
pleased to come across a biography about Thomas
Jackson that has it's focus on "Stonewall" Jackson
the Christian soldier and man. The book is a short,
yet deep account of the spiritual side of General
Jackson, often overlooked by almost all histories
of the man. Thomas Jackson was a deeply Christian
man and in my opinion, perhaps the greatest
American hero that graced our nation.
Michael Aubrecht's book opens a
door to what lived inside of Thomas Jackson, and
having looked inside, we can only wish that such
men were leading our country in these dark hours.
Mr. Aubrecht's book is a wonderful addition to any
Christian library. Having conversed with him, and
having read his wonderful book, I can honestly say
that he has put flesh and bone on "Stonewall"
Jackson, a man who was under the blood of his
Savior, Jesus Christ.
Mark Shane Slattery
I bought this book, as well as
"Christian Cavalier" (also authored by Aubrecht),
as an escape from the cliched romance novels that
I'd become far too bored with, as well as something
for my husband and I to share (he's not much into
romance, hehe). "Onward Christian Soldier" is the
spiritual biography of the late, great Thomas
"Stonewall" Jackson. Aubrecht wished to go above
and beyond the norm of biographical works of those
who fought so valiantly in the Civil War, and
approach the subject from a Christian perspective.
Best. Decision. Ever.
Honestly, until I read this book, I
really didn't know much about the United States'
Civil War. It was one of those things I never
learned about because I was far too proud of a
Canadian to concern myself with the history of the
United States (though my knowledge of the history
of Canada is even more limited than that of the
United States).
When I turned the last page and
closed the book, I had tears in my eyes. Aubrecht
had so well-defined "Stonewall's" position of faith
and family that it made it impossible not to come
to care for this man. This book was obviously well
researched by Aubrecht, though Aubrecht's own faith
in God might very well have been the reason this
book was so well written.
One
of my favorite quotes from the book comes from
Jackson, himself: "You see me severely wounded, but
not depressed--not unhappy. I believe it has been
done according to God's holy will, and I acquiesce
entirely in it. You may think it strange; but you
never saw me more perfectly contented that I am
today; for I am sure that my Heavenly Father
designs this affliction for my good. I am perfectly
satisfied that either in this life, or in that
which is to come, I shall discover that what is now
regarded as a calamity is a blessing."
A
beautiful testament to a Christian soldier's life.
Even some of the great leaders of the Christian
faith do not have a testimony that comes as close
to this. A touch of romance, a touch of heartbreak,
determination, fear - it's all in there! My only
qualm is that it wasn't as long as I would have
liked. A very well written, studied, thought-out
piece here, and I look forward to reading
"Christian Cavalier" next. This Jew-girl gives
"Onward Christian Soldier" by Michael Aubrecht a
4.5 out of 5!
Jezreel Cohen, Jezreel Reviews
More To Come
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