Did Abraham Lincoln Believe in God? The Raab Collection Has the Answer

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Newly Discovered Historical Document from Lincoln's Confidante for Offered for Sale by The Raab Collection

Philadelphia, PA, April 11, 2011 (PressReleasePoint) -- The Raab Collection, the nation’s leading dealer in important historical documents, has the original and previously missing letter that casts light on Abraham Lincoln’s religious beliefs. Now available for sale, the letter was written by Lincoln’s long-time confidante and law partner and is a key piece of evidence in the 150 year-old debate about whether Lincoln was a Christian.

Valued at $35,000, the document was written by William Herndon in Springfield Ill on February 4th, 1866. It reads: “Mr. Lincoln's religion is too well known to me to allow of even a shadow of a doubt; he is or was a Theist & a Rationalist, denying all extraordinary – supernatural inspiration or revelation. At one time in his life, to say the least, he was an elevated Pantheist, doubting the immortality of the soul as the Christian world understands that term. He believed that the soul lost its identity and was immortal as a force. Subsequent to this he rose to the belief of a God.” Full background and images at http://www.abrahamlincolnautographs.com/

Next week marks the 150th anniversary of the firing on Ft. Sumter and the start of the Civil War - a conflict that would see victory for the Union and the assassination of President Lincoln. Debate about his religious beliefs began soon after his death and continues today.

“The question of Lincoln’s religious beliefs has been debated for 150 years even though Lincoln rarely spoke of his beliefs and never belonged to any formalized church,” said Nathan Raab, Vice President of the Raab Collection. “The letter penned by Lincoln’s close friend, confidante and law partner, William Herndon, reveals a complex set of beliefs and ultimate belief in God.”

About The Raab Collection
The Raab Collection has handled many important historical autographs and has represented the families of many famous Americans including Thomas Jefferson, Dwight Eisenhower, and Gerald Ford. For more information visit http://www.abrahamlincolnautographs.com/
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