8/24/04
Theology 300-7
Was James Longstreet a person of faith?
My interpretation of a man of faith is a man who has trust and confidence in himself and those he surrounds himself with. From his portrayal by Michael Shaara in The Killer Angels, I find James Longstreet to be a man of great faith. In the book Longstreet has faith in himself, his cause for being in the war, and his faith in others and their abilities. He also has respect for life and is against unnecessary bloodshed.
James Longstreet shows faith in himself by maintaining confidence in his own abilities. He believes that the best way to fight the Union army is through defensive warfare and he suggests new strategies to Lee about trench warfare. He always “will speak his mind” to general Lee about when he believes an attack will not succeed, thus showing his faith in himself. His faith in himself is also apparent in his trust of his instincts, when he feels that someone will not be persuaded or sees that the men will not survive the attack he always trusts what he feels.
James Longstreet does not believe in the cause of fighting for slavery. He does not believe in fighting for his home with his family by his side. James Longstreet fights because it is his job and he is a professional. He has faith that he can possibly succeed in winning the war because of his trust in his fellow generals and commanders.
James Longstreet shows that he is a man of faith by trusting other people and their decisions even when they directly contradict his own belief. Multiple times Lee has Longstreet attack the Union army only to be defeated with great losses. Each time Longstreet’s faith in Lee is steady. Longstreet has faith in the structure of the army so he is willing to follow every order no matter what the cost. Longstreet puts his faith in his men and commanders when he sends them into battle having confidence that his men will give all they have to give.
Because of his faith in himself, his cause, and the army he is a part of, James Longstreet is a man of faith. However I believe that his respect for life is also significant because it pains him to see men sent to definite slaughter. He is moved to tears when he must attack against the fortified position and sends his men to their deaths.