These essays reveal how the scriptures, prophetic teachings, history, culture, rituals, and traditions of Mormonism have been, are, and can be used as warrants for a wide range of activities and attitudes--from radical pacifism to legitimation of the United States' use of preemptive force against its enemies. As a relatively young religion that for much of its early history was simply struggling for survival, Mormonism has not yet fully grappled with some of the pressing questions of war and peace, with all of the attendant theological, social, and political ramifications. Given the LDS Church's relative stability and measure of prominence and influence in the early twenty-first century, the time is ripe to examine the historical, spiritual, and cultural resources within the tradition that provide a foundation for constructive dialogue about how individual Latter-day Saints and the institutional Church orient themselves in a world of violence. While recognizing the important contributions of previous scholars who had offered analysis and reflection on the topic, these essays offer a more sustained and collaborative examination of Mormon perspectives on war and peace, drawing on both historical-social scientific research as well as more normative (theological and ethical) arguments.
Contributors:
Patrick Q. Mason
J. David Pulsipher
Richard L. Bushman
Joshua Madson
Morgan Deane
Robert A. Rees
F.R. Rick Duran
Mark Ashburst-McGee
Jennifer Lindell
Ethan Yorgason
Jesse Samantha Fulcher
Robert H. Hellebrand
D. Michael Quinn
Boyd Jay Petersen
Loyd Ericson
Eric A. Eliason
Gordon Conrad Thomasson
Ron Madson
Mark Henshaw
Valerie M. Hudson
Eric Jensen
Kerry M. Kartchner
John Mark Mattox
"Whatever your current opinion on the topic, this book will challenge you to reflect more deeply and thoroughly on what it means to be a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, in an era of massive military budgets, lethal technologies, and widespread war." -Grant Hardy, Professor of History and Religious Studies, University of North Carolina, Asheville, Author, Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Reader's Guide
"This volume provides a fitting springboard for robust and lively debates within the Mormon scholarly and lay community on how to think about the pressing issues of war and peace." -Robert S. Wood, Dean Emeritus, Center for Naval Warfare Studies, and Chester W. Nimitz Chair Emeritus, U.S. Naval War College
"This collection of differing views by thoughtful scholars comprises a debate. Reading it may save us in the future from enacting more harm than good in the name of God, country, or presumption." -Philip Barlow, Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture, Utah State University, Author, Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion
