The Lincoln Hypothesis by Timothy Ballard

Description: Abraham Lincoln became the sixteenth US president during a very dark time in America's history. Author Timothy Ballard explores the crucial role that President Lincoln played to bring this nation closer to heaven. Readers will see Lincoln as a man inspired of God who invoked a covenant relationship between America and its maker—not unlike the national covenants invoked by righteous leaders in the Book of Mormon. In addition, The Lincoln Hypothesis reveals documented evidence that Abraham Lincoln did, in fact, check out the Book of Mormon as he struggled with making some of the most critical decisions of his presidency. Did he read it? Did it influence him? Was the Book of Mormon a key factor in Lincoln's success and the healing of a nation?

The author states, "As you read, you will, like a prosecutor reviewing a case, or like a jury determining a verdict, identify valuable pieces of evidence that can be fully substantiated. You will also identify pieces of evidence that cannot. I ask you to consider all the evidence and weight it accordingly. Through this study, many questions regarding the interplay between the restored gospel and the Civil War will be answered. New questions may emerge that will not be so easily answered. Either way, in the end you will find yourself on a most exhilarating investigative journey."

My thoughts: The book is a well written research on Abraham Lincoln and the life he led to arrive where he did. It is clear the author spent incredible amounts of time researching the subject and, based on his findings, draws conclusions that he whole heartedly embraces. I found the conclusions he made to be refutable although I lack the desire to prove or disprove the hypothesis. 

It is of my opinion and many others (as well as the author) that Abraham Lincoln is a great leader and foreordained to be where he was at that particular point in history. I completely subscribe to the idea that Lincoln was inspired and sought inspiration throughout his presidency. Shortly after the death of his beloved son, Lincoln found himself in a very dark, personal era. It was at this point in time that he turned more fully to God and emerged from the tunnel with more exact ideas for the country's unification; a unification that included Abolition. Abolition was not previously part of Lincoln's plan, although he was deeply disturbed with the idea of slavery. 

The book chronicles Lincoln's personal life with his presidential life and draws conclusions regarding scriptural and apostolic revelation.

Readers who enjoy history of both the early years of the nation and the Church will enjoy this book.