The Lincoln Hypothesis: A Modern-day Abolitionist investigates the possible Connection between Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and Abraham LIncoln Hardcover – May 12, 2014

This is an awesome book! A must read for every American.

I have been deeply interested in The Civil War for many years. I have read over a dozen books about Abraham Lincoln. Through my research, I have come to know through spiritual manifestations that Timothy Ballard is correct in his hypothesis about Lincoln and The Civil War. I am so grateful that Mr. Ballard answered the "call" to write this book. Through his unique experiences and access to research materials he is particularly qualified to teach us what he learned through his research. Even though I had surmised much of these truths through inspiration, prayer, and pondering, I am supremely glad that now I have the sources and stories to credibly support my own impressions as I read about the life of Lincoln and The Civil War.This book is a gem. I recommend it greatly. There is, however, one very unique thing about this book. It's uniqueness lies in the fact that the reader will have to do what Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, the other Founding Father's, and Joseph Smith had to do in their lives; the reader has to absorb the evidence, analyze the feelings in their soul, and then Faithfully move forward, or in this particular case, Faithfully recognize both the special nature of The United States of America and the most important fruit of the creation of this nation...the restoration of God's true Church with the required Temples and Priesthood power to fulfill God's Plan of Salvation.Certainly, that is a bold claim. But is it anymore bold than a sitting U.S. President claiming that the War is not the nation's but God's and that the citizens "earned" the war through sin?Both are very bold claims and both are true! My greatest hope is that this book will inspire readers to begin to research The Book of Mormon to find out for themselves what, we now have evidence Abraham Lincoln learned, as he read The Book of Mormon!You will not regret reading this wonderful book!

To me, Abraham Lincoln is one of the spiritual giants in America's history. I also believe Joseph Smith to one of the spiritual giants of our day. Timothy Ballard compares the lives of these two men and how their worlds cross and parallel each other. Its a documented fact that Abraham Lincoln checked a Book of Mormon out of the Library of Congress and had it for several months. Mr Ballard hypothesizes that the Book of Mormon influenced Abraham Lincoln in his spiritual evolution. At the beginning of the Civil War Lincoln did not intend to free the slaves. That was not his political platform. His intent was to unite the country and leave slavery intact in the South. As the war continued without success Lincoln came to the conclusion that it was God's intent that the slaves were freed and that he was an instrument in the hands of the Lord to do it. He became determined to do God's will. He became convinced that America was being punished by God for the terrible sins of slavery (read his 2nd Inaugural Address). This book details this change of heart and is supported by many quotes from letters and journals from those around Lincoln (Lincoln didn't leave his own journal).I found this book fascinating and difficult to put down. Being LDS would bring a greater understanding to some of the passages in the book, but one doesn't have to be LDS to enjoy it and be inspired by Lincoln's greatness of spirit. He truly was America's "savior."

History, as we know it, is comprised of actual events and period-specific interpretations of those events, both of which are layered with modern-era lenses. I've read Ballard's books on the American Covenant and thoroughly enjoyed the lens by which he views history. It is gospel-centered, scripture-based, and lifts the reader above the fray of tit-for-tat arguments on what any one person was thinking in the moment. It puts historical events in a sensible context that LDS readers can easily relate to. His American Covenant books have helped me gain new insights and understanding in my personal scripture study. And I understand the ongoing "war in heaven" in a way I never have. This book is different than his others. Not only is it a quicker read, but Ballard seems to deliberately and explicitly warn the reader that he is making jumps and connecting dots that are a little further apart. He is endeavoring to understand the silent history of Lincoln, the personal changes that Lincoln experienced in his life's crucible. If for no other reason, it's worth the read to learn of Ballard's experience in the Library of Congress with the very Book of Mormon that Lincoln checked out so many years ago. Even if you're out to discredit Lincoln, Ballard, or the Mormons it's hard to get through that personal narrative without the chills. I am yet again inspired by Ballard's simple hypothesis and construction of evidence. No question this book will spark debate and create lovers and haters.