How we cite our quotes: (Letter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
My father stood up from his chair. He said, "I remember when you walked to the pulpit in that shot-up, bloody shirt with that pistol in your belt. And I had a thought as powerful and clear as any revelation. And it was, This has nothing to do with Jesus. Nothing. Nothing." (1.7.44)
Ames's father and grandfather disagree passionately about the morality of violence and war. While his grandfather was personally involved in violence and urged his congregation to join the cause of the North in the Civil War, his father would have none of it, believing the way of Jesus precluded ruled out war for any reason.
Quote #5
In course of time I learned that my grandfather was involved pretty deeply in the violence in Kansas before the war. (1.7.54)
Ames's grandfather killed a man—shot him and left him to die. He was aiding John Brown, an abolitionist who resorted to armed insurrection to fight against slavery. Does that justify his actions at all? Why or why not? How does Ames think about this act?
Quote #6
But my father did hate war. He nearly died in 1914, from pneumonia, the doctors said, but I have no doubt it was mainly from rage and exasperation. There were big celebrations all over Europe at the start of the war, as if the most wonderful thing were about to happen. And there were big celebrations here when we got involved. Parades and marching bands. (1.7.58)
Do you think Ames's father's hatred of war played any role in his leaving ministry? Were his views unpopular with his congregation? Why or why not?