The South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum has opened a new exhibit featuring religion during the Civil War.

Throughout the nation’s history, American soldiers have fought for God and country. During the Civil War, the bonds of country were blurred, but faith in God remained strong on both sides, blue and gray…

An estimated 3,694 Union and Confederate chaplains served during the Civil War. About 150,000 Confederate soldiers converted or were baptized during the war, with a similar number on the Union side.

“Through Fiery Trials” examines the experiences of those chaplains and soldiers, and explores the similar role that religion played for both sides.

The exhibit includes Bibles used by Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, and is intended in part to provide a connection for people who “think of the Civil War as being so far removed from their lives.”

Some people might be surprised to learn that faith and the American servicemember isn’t a new concept.