#7 General Washington | Four Bullets

Dr. Stephen Phinney: Most Christian historians see Washington’s survival as a result of his immovable faith and virtue, as he was a devout believer in Christ.

"Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet! I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle and after all could not bring him to the ground!” -Indian Warrior Who Shot General Washington 

George Washington was a brave and blessed leader.

During the French and Indian War, he fought against the French and their Indian allies. In one battle, he had two horses shot under him, and four bullets went through his coat. He was not hurt at all. He thanked God for protecting him. He later became the first president of the United States over the popular belief that God saved his life to lead the people.

Washington was a young officer in the Virginia militia who served under the British commander, General Edward Braddock. In 1755, they led an expedition to capture Fort Duquesne, a French stronghold at the junction of the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers. On July 9, they were ambushed by a large force of French and Indian warriors near the Monongahela River. The British regulars were unprepared for the guerrilla tactics of their enemies and suffered heavy casualties. Washington stepped up to fill the void, riding forward despite his illness. He relayed orders and rallied troops. Four bullets pierced his coat and hat, but the young officer emerged unscathed, saying:

"By the all-powerful dispensations of Providence, I have been protected beyond all human probability or expectation."

Washington believed that God had a special Divine purpose for his life and that he was destined for greatness. As a trained student of war, he also learned valuable lessons from the defeat, such as the importance of discipline, adaptability, and intelligence in warfare. He applied these lessons in his later campaigns as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

George Washington was a man of resolute faith who believed in God’s providence through Jesus Christ and His grace. He was raised and baptized in the Anglican Church. While wanting a more personal relationship with his Savior, he attended services of various Christian denominations throughout his life. He also supported religious freedom and tolerance for all Americans, regardless of their beliefs. He often expressed his gratitude and trust in God in his speeches and writings, and he sought Divine guidance and assistance in his public and private affairs. He was not a dogmatic or sectarian Christian, but rather a humble and sincere one who lived out the principles of Christ’s love, justice, and service. History notes he had ambitions to become a preacher later in his life.

Undergoing the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attended any one contest since the creation… the Hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this … the course of the war … that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith … But it will be time enough for me to turn Preacher when my present appointment ceases. -George Washington 1778

It has been a common Christian belief that Washington’s survival was a sign of God’s providence and protection, as he believed, he was chosen by God to lead the American Revolution and the new nation. Washington had a habit of frequently referencing God and His Divine providence in his speeches and writings, such as his first inaugural address, where he said, "it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe."

Most Christian historians see Washington’s survival as a result of his immovable faith and virtue, as he was a devout believer in Christ who attended church regularly and faithfully practiced Christian morals and values. The lion’s share of historians points to his personal and public conduct, such as his respect for religious freedom, his support for chaplains and days of prayer, and his avoidance of swearing and gambling. They also cite his reputation as a man of honor, integrity, and humility and his contributions to charity and Christian education.

Some sectarian Christians may see Washington’s survival as a coincidence or a natural outcome, as he was a skilled and experienced soldier who wore a thick coat and rode a large horse. They excuse the Divine intervention as a scientific occurrence, such as the accounts of his battles, the nature of his wounds, and the medical treatments he received. However, American history did not hold up this ideation as true.

Ultimately, it is difficult to read the minds of dead heroes, know their beliefs, values, and perspectives, as well as their knowledge and understanding of their personal faith and legacy, but in this story, we know by his recorded words that Washington’s immovable faith in Christ had much to say.

Dr. Stephen Phinney

Identity Politics | Co-writer: Judge Mark T. Boonstra