Lincoln's Christianity by Michael Burkhimer

[Gene C]

I don't feel like I know enough to answer your question regarding Mr. Burkhimer

It is almost impossible to get inside Lincoln's head to know what his religious beliefs are. There comes a time in his life where he is looking for answers and guidance to some deep questions and problems. He turns to his bible and people who's knowledge of the bible he respects. With this additional knowledge, he either reaffirms or modifies his thinking. Those who personally knew Lincoln comment that Lincoln displays many of the behaviors we associate with Christianity,
specifically those mentioned in Paul's letter; Galatians chapter 5, verses 22-26.
(Not wanting to take things out of context I have posted more than the short passage mentioned. The entire letter of Galatians, 6 short chapters, will take less than 30 minutes to read.)


13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 However, if you continually bite and devour one another, beware that you are not consumed by one another. 16 But I say, live by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh has desires that are opposed to the Spirit, and the Spirit has desires that are opposed to the flesh, for these are in opposition to each other, so that you cannot do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God!

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also behave in accordance with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, being jealous of one another.

New English Translation (NET) from Biblegateway.com

While we may question Lincoln's Christianity on doctorinal issues, he seems to understand and try to live by the intent of biblical teachings in shaping his character, lifestyle and attitudes. These he learned from his youth and maintains throughout his life.