God in the Trenches

Author's Summary

MWSA Review

“This book is written for the skeptical reader.” In the first sentence in God in the Trenches, the author acknowledges that readers will question his work. Author Larkin Spivey discusses his own faith and doubts and offers thought-provoking questions for those who have walked the same path.

“It is obviously not easy to discern how God works in the world... I believe that it is possible to find some events in history where we can see God’s hand at work and even the fulfillment of his purpose.”

Author Larkin Spivey delves deep into both his faith and his knowledge of history to discover God’s intervention in our wars. In each case, an unexplained event changed the course of the war.

Through extensive and meticulous research, Spivey found historical incidents that prove to him that God did indeed guide America to victory. He presents his theories by studying game-changing events in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, WWII and the Cold War. Did God intervene in the course of each war with the purpose of helping America achieve victory?

Spivey bases his premise on his belief that God made man and woman in His image and gave them free will. When our Founding Fathers dedicated our new country to freedom for all, God chose to interact with mankind when this freedom has been challenged.

“I believe that freedom has been an important underlying theme in God’s relationship with mankind and in his purpose for America.” Spivey’s work reaches Americans at a time of political disillusionment, unrest and polarizing views on religion.

Readers will bring to the book their own beliefs. Spivey offers plenty of food for thought. He is a Vietnam combat veteran trained in submarine, parachute and Special Forces operations. He took part in the Cuban Missile Crisis and served President Nixon in the White House. He taught military history at The Citadel. His previous books explore the role God plays in the lives of soldiers.

Reviewed by: Pat Avery (2012)