The
Christian Reenactor's
Network

Welcome to the CRNetwork, serving Civil War reenactors around the world! We are established in the spirit of the United States Christian Commission of the Federal Army founded in 1861 during the Civil War/War Between the States (WBTS), and of the great 1863-1864 revivals of the Confederate Army, under General Robert E. Lee. Lost in our history books is the fact that within a year after the battle of Manassas/Bull run, both armies more fully recognized the spiritual needs of the soldier, were encouraging prayer meetings, fellowship gatherings, and installing chaplancies. Read the full text of Sullivan Ballou's letter (popularized by the PBS "Civil War" series).

In 1863, the decisive Union victories at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Chattanooga inspired the boys in blue to look heavenward with renewed (or newly-found) faith in God. At the same time, the Great Revival was taking shape, sweeping along the defensive line by the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers of the Confederacy.

The Christian Reenactor's Network endeavors to act as a source of spiritual encouragement, proclaiming the contemporary relevancy of the Bible for the modern Civil War reenactor.  Whether as a reenactor you portray Federal or Confederate, military or civilian--if you are a seeker of Truth, curious of spiritual matters, or even a skeptic, you are welcome to visit these pages. We are committed both to political impartiality and Biblical non-negotiability. Above all, the same faith which compelled thousands of soldiers in both great armies to place personal trust in God can be yours today!

As a hobby, Civil War reenacting is both exciting and educational . Through the efforts of thousands of reenactors around the world, our desire is to pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed during this turbulent and tragic period in American history. Often overlooked, however, is the significance of the religious climate at that time. Belief in, and reliance upon God--and His relevancy to everyday life--was an essential part of the national soul for much of our country's history. You will undoubtedly notice a conspicuous absence of information related to the spiritual moorings of the United States in our history books and among Internet research sources--particularly during the time of the War. Strange, isn't it...

"Any history of this army which omits an account of the wonderful influence of religion upon it--which fails to tell how the courage, discipline, and morale was influenced by the humble piety and evangelical zeal of many of its officers and men--would be incomplete and unsatisfactory" John W. Jones, C.S.A. Chaplain

Why have historians not underscored the pivotal importance of this facet of American life during the nineteenth century? Their focus is typically is limited to era politics, the great battles, and the military leaders. Little mention is made of the role that faith played in the camp and on the field of battle.

"And when he had reached the place of prayer, lo, the camp was there. Bowed heads, bent knees, hats off, silence. Stonewall Jackson was kneeling to the Lord of Hosts, in prayer for his people." Henry K. Douglas, I Rode With Stonewall

To this end, the Christian Reenactor's Network endeavors to help fill a void. Charles Finney, William Lloyd Garrison, Harriet Beecher Stowe, D.L.Moody, chaplain and author D.L.Dabney, Gen. Thomas J. Jackson, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Frederick Douglass, William Pendleton, Leonidas Polk, Julia Ward Howe, Harriet Tubman, Oliver O. Howard, Joshua L. Chamberlain. For each of these and many other Civil War era Christians, God was their source of courage and strength although they differed widely in their religious and political views. If these men and women of valor recognized their need to completely depend on God, why shouldn't we also? The same Creator who met their needs day by day--through warfare, personal challenges, and national turmoil--is the same God who cares for us today.

We invite you to browse these pages and discover that there can be a new life for you regardless of your current circumstances. You can be assured of a meaningful and fulfilling existence. You can have confidence that your eternity with God is for certain. How? We believe, as have untold millions through the years, that real life, abundant life is found through a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 

   A Brief Historic Background

   Welcome!