Was Lincoln a racist?

MAJ Dave Brady - Lincoln believed that all men are created equal as a believing Christian. He was not inherently racist which is the question at issue.
I have been studying history since the early 1960's. The Republican part was birthed on supporting abolition. Lincoln was the first Republican candidate for POTUS and didn't even appear on the first Presidential ballot with the other three candidates yet he was elected President.
Slavery was a secondary matter in part because it is clearly understood that as believers we are slaves to Christ which is clearly expressed in the New Testament.
Lincoln understood that good people on both sides of the slavery issue disagreed very strongly about slavery and abolition of slaves. Slavery was largely seen as an economic issue. After England outlawed the slave trade for British ships in 1808 new slaves could only be produced by salves giving birth. In the two decades prior to the Civil War, tens of thousands of slaves were sold and shipped from Virginia tobacco growing areas to cotton growing areas in the deep south. Cotton farms was much more debilitating and strenuous that tobacco framing had been.
Lincoln was wise enough to know that emancipation was not a sure thing. Unlike politicians of today who develop legislation and declare victory once it has been signed by the POTUS, Lincoln knew that simply emancipating the slaves was no guarantee that they would be freed or safe.
(Join to see)

MAJ Dave Brady - whether he was sincere believer or not will be revealed when the Lord separates the believers from the unbelievers at the Judgement. If he is with those of us who believe it will be interesting to talk with him in eternity on the new earth.
If he is not, I will not miss him since their are no tears in heaven.

MAJ Dave Brady - from my studies of his life especially when he was grieving the deaths of his sons and the carnage that engulfed the nation during the US Civil War he sought comfort from God while he read the Bible. Lincoln was a man much acquainted with grief.
I have known many who claimed to be Christian but were not.
On the other hand, I have known a number of people who have demonstrated through their Christian service and especially growth in grace and Christlikeness over the years that they are sincere believers yet they don't proclaim it.

LTC (Join to see) - Sir, his contemplation of sending slaves back to Africa and not entirely being opposed to ending slavery if the Union wasn't in jeopardy is very evident of him not being pro-black. Now, besides Reagan, Lincoln is on my list of favorite Presidents, but I'm not going to be oblivious to his progressive approach and view on slavery and African-Americans in general. He was also not in favor of interracial marriage as well. These are documented and known facts about President Lincoln and his general views towards African-Americans. Yes, he ardently fought to end slavery, but he was not in total favor of civil rights or equality either; there is a difference in being pro-black and being anti-slavery. Now, you may be expecting me to say President Obama, that is a different conversation as well. The most near pro-black president I can think of since Lincoln would be Grover Cleveland and Theodore Roosevelt respectively - in my opinion.

SFC Randy Purham I appreciate your thoughts. Modern phrases like Pro-Black are difficult to apply with a retrospectoscope. I would say of Lincoln, he was a Rupublican. Taken in historical context, he was extraordinary.

Sir, no doubt he was a Republican by today's standards and even then. Yes, very extraordinary and ahead of his time for not only his mindset, but how he applied himself in everyday life. That is why I too admire him.

MAJ Dave Brady - I appreciate that Sir. Thank you. I studied Lincoln a bit and a fan of Civil War history. I find myself in many conversations about Lincoln and his views towards Slavery and the Union cause. Thanks again.