Does Mormon believe in fighting?

Question

Is there a Mormon that can answer my question?

Does Mormon believe in fighting especially the US troops? Would they called it a sin or a blessing?

I am doing some research about Mitt Romney and whether he would be good but he appear to show 50/50 for the support on US troop. He stated that his son's choice "was his decision" regarding whether he want to volunteer to serve in the military.

Answer 1

Latter-day Saints in the military do not need to feel torn between their country and their God. In the Church, “we believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (Articles of Faith 1:12). Military service shows dedication to this principle.

If Latter-day Saints are called upon to go into battle, they can look to the example of Captain Moroni, the great military leader in the Book of Mormon. Although he was a mighty warrior, he “did not delight in bloodshed” (Alma 48:11). He was “firm in the faith of Christ,” and his only reason for fighting was to “defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion” (Alma 48:13). If Latter-day Saints must go to war, they should go in a spirit of truth and righteousness, with a desire to do good. They should go with love in their hearts for all God’s children, including those on the opposing side. Then, if they are required to shed another’s blood, their action will not be counted as a sin.

LDS are a very patriotic people on the whole

Answer 2

Phrog's reply said it best. I was in the Army for five years when the missionaries knocked on my door. I stayed 15 more years as a careerist and never once regretted it. I saw combat time in the Dominican Republic and in Vietnam.

We in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints adamantly believe we must sustain the leadership of our country and to follow the prescribed laws. That also means to sustain and support our country in the military.

As for your direct question if Mormon believed in fighting the answer is a strong yes! Mormon, a prophet of God who had abridged the Book of Mormon and handed it down to his son, Moroni, was perhaps the youngest general in the history of civilization other than Alexander the Great.

I have a strong sense you meant to say if Mormons believe in fighting, but your question was explicitly talking about the prophet Mormon.

Answer 3

Mormons can believe individually on wars and fighting -- See Harry Reid (D) and Mitt Romney (R)

The Book of Mormon has Teachings that include wars and battles -- and especially defending Liberty, family, God, religion, freedom, peace.

I am not a Republican but I am a Conservative and I believe in a strong military and defending our borders and even fighting over seas for liberty.

Not fond of the Iraq war but we are in it and we need to fight to win!!!

We need to support our troops with love and money.

God Bless America

D

Answer 4

Mormons believe in defending oneself. It's a God given right.

Mormons likewise believe in being subjected to governments. (It's an Article of Faith of ours). Whether a war is justified or not says nothing of the soldier. An LDS soldier fights because it is his / her duty.

I ASSUME that as a RELIGIOUS PERSON, Mitt Romney would exercise his duty, if elected, as Commander in Chief with great prudence (but not necessarily more so than a non-religious president would).

Answer 5

To answer the questions specifically mentioned: Angel Moroni and the tablets: Moroni is a man who is spoken of in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is a record of ancient people who lived on the American Continent. Basically a record of Christ's dealings with the inhabitants of the American Continent. Moroni helped put the book together, lived around 400 AD, and later came back as an angel to visit Joseph Smith and show him where the records were hidden. The records were indeed written on golden plates. The Book of Mormon was translated from these plates. Lost tribes. Part of the mission of the Book of Mormon is to testify of Christ, along with the Bible to prepare for Christ's second coming to reign upon the earth. The lost tribes are to be gathered. The Lord has covenanted to do so in scripture, and the lost tribes are being gathered to hear the word of the Lord from the corners of the earth. Humans being reincarnations: Mormons look at life in 3 parts: pre-life. This life, and an after-life. It is believed that humans lived in Spirit form with God before this life, and that there was a plan of existence/salvation put forth that would allow us all to come to earth, learn, gain a physical body (like it is believed that God the Father has) and gain valuable experience. In order to allow for this, Christ was named as our Savior. Lucifer (Satan) did not like the plan, rebelled, and was cast out. We all came to earth, and there is an afterlife following. Mormons do believe in the Trinity in its pure form. Which is that there is God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. And they are 3 seperate, distinct human beings. Mormons claim to be a restored church. Claiming that when Christ came to earth, he set up a church based upon apostles and prophets and revelation from God to men with priesthood authority. The apostles were martyred, and the church fell apart, ie there was an apostasy or a breakdown of he church Christ established. Thus, when Joseph Smith came along, it is believed he is a prophet like Moses, or John the Baptist who the Lord called to restore the true gospel, church, and principles of Christ's church to the earth. It is believed he recieved authority to do so, and that the church is led by revelation through a modern prophet just like the days of the Bible. Of course, there is much more to it. If you have more questions, just ask. I can give a neutral answer. Later.

Answer 6

Of course, it would be preferred whenever possible to avoid fighting. However, sometimes it cannot be avoided. I believe the Mormons' view on fighting can be summed up pretty well with this verse from the Book of Mormon:

"Now the Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood if it were necessary; yea, and they were also taught never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives."

Answer 7

As previously stated, "We believe in being subject to Kings, Rulers, Presidents, and Magistrates. In obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.

In other words, We believe that it is our responsibility to go to War if the Government of the land in which we live, requires it. and yes that can even mean fighting in war against a fellow member of the Church.

It may be difficult for you to understand. But unfortunately that's how it is.

Answer 8

My husband is a good Mormon and was with the USAR and even deployed to Iraq. It is actually really common for LDS people (especially men) to join the military. We believe in being patriotic and we love our liberty and our freedom. We value this almost as much as we value our faith.

Answer 9

Some do. My dad went through the Air Force to pay for college. His dad was in the army during WW II.

Here's a good site to see the Church's position.

Answer 10

We believe that fighting is ok when it's necessary. To uphold our freedom or defend our families.