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REVIEWS: Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall

You certainly have what it takes. Best of luck with your book.

Jeff Shaara, author of Gods and Generals


This is a masterful work done by one who takes the time to document the facts. Many are unaware of the spiritual side of Confederate General 'Stonewall Jackson'. This book does not rewrite history. However, it does give us a closeup view of the heart of a man who seeks God in his pursuit to be all he can be while acknowledging the sovereignty and providence of the Almighty God of the Bible. A 5 star work, indeed.

A. Frank Parker (Amazon.com)


Author Michael Aubrecht has once again demonstrated his considerable narrative abilities in his book, Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey Of Stonewall. The book takes the reader on a delightful journey through the life of Civil War general Stonewall Jackson, while giving an historical perspective concerning Jackson’s strong Christianity, which is many times overlooked in secular titles.

I can’t say enough about the writing style of author Michael Aubrecht. He makes it look easy. True, he had a fascinating topic to begin with, but the engaging, almost breezy, writing makes this book even more enjoyable. Even those with merely a passing interest in historical biographies will find this offering more than worth their time and money. Five stars!

Craig Alan Hart, Christian author and critic: Christian Book Reviews


Aubrecht's book includes events and words seen as the building blocks of Jackson's spiritual edifice, whose stated faith is "Duty is ours. Consequences are God's." Aubrecht shows how the strategist evolved, how he became important to the troops, how his death affected the outcome of the war. In this story of an apparently humorless man, the only comedy was the fatal comedy of errors: shot by his own forces, dropped from his stretcher as he was being evacuated. This story of a southern icon, a top tourist attraction in our day, is a bold statement about the power of faith in the struggle of good vs. evil. Not everyone will be of the same mind about it. Aubrecht's work resonates as we wage yet another war.

Between The Lines, Book Review by Derval C. Brown
Fredericksburg Front Porch (June 2005)
Read complete review


Michael Aubrecht is a busy, busy, writer with much talent and much to say. His "Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall" in telling detail surveys the life and times of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. It is a Christian-based historical biography. "Christian Cavalier: The Spiritual Legacy of JEB Stuart" is a companion volume focusing on the similar life and death of General JEB Stuart. If insights into larger than life figures is your "bag," then look for Michael Aubrecht's gems!

Harvey Frommer, author of 34 sports books, including the classics: New York City Baseball and Rickey and Robinson: The Men Who Broke Baseball's Color Line


Your tone was wonderfully simplistic and conversational. I plan to suggest it as an addition to the "recommended reading" list for students at my alma mater, Antietam Bible College.

Heather Carr, Publish America editor


Onward Christian Soldier, by Michael Aubrecht is a riveting and inspirational look deep into the spiritual heart of General "Stonewall" Jackson. While many volumes speak of his genius on the battlefield, few have addressed what was clearly for Stonewall, the foundation of his genius and success. Aubrecht's work does this succinctly, accurately and with every respect to those who are interested in Civil War who may hail from either side of the Mason-Dixon line.

Reverend Mike Motsko, Spotsylvania Presbyterian Church


Michael Aubrecht's Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall, is an historical account of the military, personal, and spiritual life of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. It is certainly enlightening to say the least, providing a seldom seen perspective on the great southern Civil War leader. Actually, Mr. Aubrecht's writing technique and perspective are seldom seen in secular books on any historical figure and provides a delightful way to read and obtain such perspective on this much loved Confederate general.

Written in such a talented, smooth and articulate way, you could easily believe Aubrecht's General Jackson is the hero of a historical novel. Yet Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall presents the facts of his life and Christian faith, but reported in such a manner as to not get in the way of an entertaining story. This is American history you will not have to struggle to read and understand. Mr. Aubrecht has an impressive writing talent and it shines through this highly polished book. If there is a downside to this book, it must be that it is a quick read and you come away wanting more.

Careful to not to get overly dramatic, descriptive or bogged down in useless facts about General Jackson's daily life, Mr. Aubrecht lures you from one life-changing event to the next, from one chapter to the next. Using writings, quotes, newspaper clippings and other sources that support the story, each chapter sheds light on the General's personal life, its many sorrows, and his deep and growing faith.

Stonewall Jackson was so much more than what our high school history books told us. Read this gripping story of how this historical American figure came to the point of nearly changing our nation's structure. I see the American Civil War's southern perspective a bit more clearly now having read Onward Christian Soldier: The Spiritual Journey of Stonewall, a saga of character, faith, and courage--and so will you.

Dennis A. Beaudry, author of A Meeting in the Air and The State of Christianity


Mr. Aubrecht takes us back through history to introduce General "Stonewall" Jackson. In his very interesting and informative book, Mr. Aubrecht portrays an image of Thomas Jackson that leaves one in awe of this amazing general. Through all of the General's heartaches and losses he steadfastly honors and prays to God. General Jackson was indeed a wonderful mentor for his troops as well as everyone he encountered though his rather short but significant life.

Mr. Aubrecht truly accomplished the amazing skill of allowing one to enter the story and become part of it. This will be a book I will long remember.

Marie Carroll, author of Feeling the Hurt, Healing the Heart


The story of Stonewall Jackson stirs the imagination with pictures of the South in the 1800s and of a man's faith which was larger than his legend. This historical look at Jackson gives you a view from a Christian perspective before and during the Civil War. Thomas Jackson answered the call of duty from the Lord, his faith stronger than the sword he carried or the cannon balls he faced on the battle field. A change of faith led Jackson on a new course in life changing him forever, making him into one of the greatest hero's of the South. The Civil War that tore our country in half as described in the book takes you to the root of the North versus South. The book takes you on a spiritual journey back in time as men fought for beliefs and God. This book is not just for Christians, it holds lessons in love, life and honor for all.

Ronald Nussbeck, author of The Deception and Retribution


Having read as many biographies about Stonewall Jackson as was possible, I was pleased to come across a biography about Thomas Jackson that has it's focus on "Stonewall" Jackson the Christian soldier and man. The book is a short, yet deep account of the spiritual side of General Jackson, often overlooked by almost all histories of the man. Thomas Jackson was a deeply Christian man and in my opinion, perhaps the greatest American hero that graced our nation.

Michael Aubrecht's book opens a door to what lived inside of Thomas Jackson, and having looked inside, we can only wish that such men were leading our country in these dark hours. Mr. Aubrecht's book is a wonderful addition to any Christian library. Having conversed with him, and having read his wonderful book, I can honestly say that he has put flesh and bone on "Stonewall" Jackson, a man who was under the blood of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mark Shane Slattery


I bought this book, as well as "Christian Cavalier" (also authored by Aubrecht), as an escape from the cliched romance novels that I'd become far too bored with, as well as something for my husband and I to share (he's not much into romance, hehe). "Onward Christian Soldier" is the spiritual biography of the late, great Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Aubrecht wished to go above and beyond the norm of biographical works of those who fought so valiantly in the Civil War, and approach the subject from a Christian perspective. Best. Decision. Ever.

Honestly, until I read this book, I really didn't know much about the United States' Civil War. It was one of those things I never learned about because I was far too proud of a Canadian to concern myself with the history of the United States (though my knowledge of the history of Canada is even more limited than that of the United States).

When I turned the last page and closed the book, I had tears in my eyes. Aubrecht had so well-defined "Stonewall's" position of faith and family that it made it impossible not to come to care for this man. This book was obviously well researched by Aubrecht, though Aubrecht's own faith in God might very well have been the reason this book was so well written.

One of my favorite quotes from the book comes from Jackson, himself: "You see me severely wounded, but not depressed--not unhappy. I believe it has been done according to God's holy will, and I acquiesce entirely in it. You may think it strange; but you never saw me more perfectly contented that I am today; for I am sure that my Heavenly Father designs this affliction for my good. I am perfectly satisfied that either in this life, or in that which is to come, I shall discover that what is now regarded as a calamity is a blessing."

A beautiful testament to a Christian soldier's life. Even some of the great leaders of the Christian faith do not have a testimony that comes as close to this. A touch of romance, a touch of heartbreak, determination, fear - it's all in there! My only qualm is that it wasn't as long as I would have liked. A very well written, studied, thought-out piece here, and I look forward to reading "Christian Cavalier" next. This Jew-girl gives "Onward Christian Soldier" by Michael Aubrecht a 4.5 out of 5!

Jezreel Cohen, Jezreel Reviews


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