More books have been written about Abraham Lincoln than any figure in world history except Jesus. And our appetite for more shows no let-up; between 2007 and 2011 over 700 more were published. What is it that so many still find so compelling in our 16th President? Lincoln endured a powerfully unique trial of personal-internal and public-political stress and pressures. He was tempted by suicide more than once. And yet he persevered to survive and save the nation in its hour of greatest peril. How? we will search for answers by learning of Lincoln the man, the human person: his uncommon vulnerabilities; his singular struggles as child, husband, father, and friend.

We will explore his life-long battle with depression; we’ll trace his vital religious journey and quest to know the will of God as well as his courageous capacity to grieve, his remarkable ability for forgiveness, and his imperative sense of humore.

A careful consideration of Abraham Lincoln’s character can assist us in the fulfillment of our own humanity. Our classes will employ a seminar style with individual and group discussion. Some film will be inclued. Journal articles will be assigned before each session. Our text will be The Inner World of Abraham Lincoln by Michael Burlingame.