Confidence and Character: The Religious Life of George Washington

His birthday was once celebrated as a national holiday and his portrait once adorned the walls of almost every classroom in the United States. He was a victorious Revolutionary War general a crucial influence in the creation of the Constitution and the first President of the United States. Today unfortunately many only know Americas first hero and the Father of His Country as a slaveholder with wooden teeth or as the somber-looking man on the one-dollar bill. To many he remains a distant mysterious and unapproachable figure from a day long gone. The truth about George Washington however is much different. He was Americas most successful venerated and indispensable founding father. So who was this man? What made him such a singularly successful leader? What lessons can be learned from his life? Confidence and Character: The Religious Life of George Washington examines religions impact on the private and public man. Too often ignored underemphasized suppressed or distorted Washingtons religious faith fundamentally inspired and nurtured his worldview vocational performance and leadership. This is the Washington we need to get to know and learn from even today. James A. Pingel II is Assistant Professor of Education Secondary Education Department Chair and Adjunct Professor of History at Concordia University Wisconsin. He lives in Sheboygan WI with his wife and two children.