Who is your favorite historical figure?
“A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” – Theodore Roosevelt
When asked to name my favorite historical figure, I don’t hesitate: Theodore Roosevelt. A man of grit, vigor, vision, and virtue. And while no man compares to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, if I had to name one human figure outside of Scripture who lived with relentless purpose, it’s Roosevelt. Not because he was flawless—but because he was fueled by faith.
Roosevelt wasn’t merely a president, soldier, or adventurer. He was a Christian statesman who saw the world through a moral lens sharpened by Scripture, family discipline, and a sense of sacred duty. In his public and private life, he embodied what it means to be in the arena—not for self-glory, but for God’s justice.
A Soul Steeped in Scripture
Roosevelt was born into a devout Dutch Reformed family in New York City. His father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr., was a philanthropist who made Christian charity a way of life. His mother, Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, came from a Southern Baptist background. Faith wasn’t ornamental in the Roosevelt household—it was the moral foundation.[1]
Roosevelt read the Bible daily and even taught Sunday school early in his life. He wasn’t quiet about his beliefs, famously asserting:
“I believe that the more thoroughly the Bible is read and assimilated, the better will it be for the average man.”[2]
He insisted on the centrality of Christianity in public life and warned against the dangers of secularism and moral relativism. For Roosevelt, character was king, and character was forged in obedience to God.
Faith-Driven Leadership
Roosevelt’s faith didn’t hide behind private devotion—it showed up in policy. He rooted his conservation efforts in Genesis 2:15, understanding that man was given the earth not to exploit, but to steward. As president, he created five national parks, 18 national monuments, and over 150 national forests—not out of progressive sentiment, but because he believed God entrusted man with dominion that demands restraint.
His “Square Deal” was an appeal to Biblical fairness. He hated monopolies not just for economic reasons, but because unchecked greed violated the law of God. In his 1905 inaugural address, he quoted Scripture openly, invoking divine justice as the ultimate measure of government:
“No man is above the law, and no man is below it.”
That’s the Book of Proverbs in political form.
Courageous Masculinity and Christian Meekness
Roosevelt famously said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” But what made him fascinating was how often he chose to speak softly. He was decisive and muscular in foreign policy, yes, but he also wrote poetry, grieved deeply, and loved reading Scripture. This balance of strength and humility reflects the very nature of Christ (Philippians 2:5–8).
In Roosevelt, we see an echo of the Biblical model of manhood—not toxic, not passive—but bold and broken, brave and deeply accountable to the Lord.
Why Roosevelt Still Matters
In today’s culture—shaky with compromise, identity politics, and moral confusion—Theodore Roosevelt is a spiritual landmark. He reminds us that greatness isn’t measured by power, fame, or legacy but by conscience, courage, and Christian conviction.
He stood against corruption and popular opinion when it meant honoring the truth. He read his Bible. He prayed with his family. He fought hard, laughed harder, and carried a deep sense that God was watching, always.
Roosevelt wasn’t perfect—he made political missteps, overreached at times, and had the flaws any larger-than-life figure would—but unlike so many leaders today, he feared God more than men.
“The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first.”[3]
That sounds more like a sermon than a soundbite.
Scriptures That Shaped a President
- “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
- “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
- “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” – Genesis 2:15
- “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5
Conclusion: A Man Beside the Man
If Jesus Christ is the perfect Son of God—our Savior, example, and eternal King—then Theodore Roosevelt is, at the very least, a powerful echo of how conviction, courage, and Christian worldview can ripple through time.
He didn’t just lead America—he lived like he’d one day answer to God. And in the end, that’s the only kind of leader worth admiring.
Turabian-Style Footnotes
- Edmund Morris, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (New York: Random House, 1979), 25–27.
- Theodore Roosevelt, The Man in the Arena: Speeches and Essays by Theodore Roosevelt (New York: Harper & Row, 1957), 61.
- Roosevelt quoted in Paul Johnson, A History of the American People (New York: HarperCollins, 1997), 648.
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