God on the Western Front

Joseph F. Byrnes presents a profound exploration of faith and conflict in God on the Western Front: Soldiers and Religion in World War I. This historical study examines how religious believers and skeptics sought meaning amidst the destruction of the Great War. By analyzing primary sources from 1914 to 1918, the author investigates the lived religion of German, French, and English soldiers. The narrative moves from the home front to the battlefields of France, incorporating the perspectives of combatants, medical personnel, and various religious leaders.

This work of military and social history transcends national and confessional boundaries by integrating Christian and Jewish viewpoints. God on the Western Front: Soldiers and Religion in World War I examines the intersection of spiritual identity and military experience through the words of both high-ranking generals and average soldiers. It serves as a significant resource for those studying 20th century modern history, religious history, and the social complexities of World War I.