What does the LDS Church say about wars, whether on our soil or foreign soil?

Question

 

Gramps,

I have heard that the US should not make the first attack in war,  on their own soil, and that the Lord will not be with them if they do. If invading enemies enter but don’t strike, I have also heard that they will not have the Lord backing them if they attack an enemy on that enemy’s soil first.  Is this true?

JJ

 

Answer

 

JJ,

These ideas are fairly common in some Latter-day Saint discussions, but are they actually doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

The short answer is no. The Church has never taught that a nation must always wait for the first shot to be fired before defending itself, nor has it taught that the Lord only supports military action that takes place on a nation’s own territory. What the scriptures and modern prophets teach are principles that help us understand when war may be justified and when it is not.

The starting point for any discussion about war in LDS doctrine is the Lord’s desire for peace. In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord declared:

“Therefore, renounce war and proclaim peace” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16).

This command is one of the clearest statements in scripture regarding the Lord’s preference. God’s people are not to seek conflict, glory in battle, or look for opportunities to fight. Followers of Jesus Christ are to be peacemakers.

The Savior Himself taught:

“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Because of this, the Church has consistently encouraged peaceful solutions to disputes whenever possible.

The First Presidency taught:

“Christ’s Church should not make war, for the Lord is a Lord of peace.”

They further explained:

“The Church itself cannot wage war.” (Renounce War, Proclaim the Gospel of Peace)

These statements make clear that the Church’s mission is spiritual, not military.

While the Lord prefers peace, He also recognizes that there are times when people must defend themselves and others.

The Book of Mormon provides several examples. Captain Moroni did not fight wars to gain territory, wealth, or power. Mormon repeatedly emphasizes that the Nephites fought to protect their homes, families, liberty, and faith.

Alma records:

“They were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children” (Alma 43:45).

Notice what justified their actions. It was not where the battle occurred. It was not who threw the first punch. It was the righteous purpose behind their defense.

The Nephites sought peace whenever possible, but they were willing to defend innocent lives when necessary.

Many of the ideas about “never striking first” come from Doctrine and Covenants 98. In this revelation, the Lord taught the Saints principles of patience, forgiveness, and restraint. He described circumstances in which offenses should be endured and opportunities given for repentance and reconciliation. The overall message is clear: God’s people should not be eager to fight.

However, the revelation does not function as a modern military rulebook for every nation and every circumstance. Rather, it establishes eternal principles of justice, mercy, patience, and justified self-defense.

The Church’s Doctrine and Covenants Teacher Manual explains that in this revelation, the Lord:

“outlined the circumstances when war is justified.”

This is significant. The revelation does not teach that war is never justified. Instead, it explains the principles under which defensive action may be acceptable before God. This is where many members move beyond what the scriptures actually say.

No official Church doctrine states that a nation must literally wait until enemy forces fire the first shot before taking defensive action. For example, suppose a hostile government openly announces plans to invade another country, mobilizes troops, and prepares an imminent attack. Must the threatened nation wait until bombs begin falling before responding?

The scriptures do not directly answer every modern military scenario. Instead, they provide principles:

• Seek peace first.
• Avoid aggression.
• Defend innocent life.
• Act from righteous motives.
• Avoid conquest and revenge.
• Respect human life.

Whether a specific military action meets those standards is often a matter of judgment rather than revealed doctrine.

Another common belief is that God only supports military action conducted within a nation’s own borders. Again, there is no official doctrine that teaches this. The Book of Mormon focuses on why wars are fought, not merely where they are fought.

A nation can act unjustly on its own soil. Likewise, military operations beyond a nation’s borders may be conducted for defensive purposes. Geography alone does not determine whether a cause is righteous.

The Lord judges motives, purposes, and actions. The central question is not, “Whose territory is this?” The more important question is, “Why is this being done?”

Perhaps the most important modern statement on this subject came from President Gordon B. Hinckley during the Iraq War.

Speaking in General Conference in April 2003, President Hinckley acknowledged the terrible realities of war while also recognizing that governments sometimes face difficult decisions regarding defense.

He said:

“There are times and circumstances when nations are justified, in fact have an obligation, to fight for family, for liberty, and against tyranny, threat, and oppression.” (War and Peace)

This statement is important because President Hinckley did not limit justified warfare only to situations in which a nation had already suffered a direct attack. He spoke more broadly about defending liberty and opposing tyranny, threats, and oppression.

At the same time, he emphasized that war should never be viewed lightly. In the same address he declared:

“We of this Church are people of peace.”

President Hinckley’s message reflects the balance found throughout LDS doctrine. Followers of Christ should love peace and seek peace, but they also recognize that there may be circumstances when defending innocent lives becomes necessary.

President Hinckley further cautioned members against assuming that war is automatically righteous simply because a government chooses it. He said:

“We can only pray that God will touch the hearts of those who are responsible for these decisions, that they might be guided to do what is right.”

This reminds us that even when governments act, faithful Saints should remain humble and prayerful rather than assuming every military action has divine approval.

Another important principle is that no nation can automatically assume the Lord is on its side. Throughout history, opposing armies have often claimed divine approval. The Book of Mormon repeatedly teaches that righteousness—not nationality—is what matters to God.

The Lord blesses people and nations when they follow Him and withdraws blessings when they become prideful and wicked. This principle applies to every nation, including the United States. No country receives a permanent guarantee of divine approval simply because it believes its cause is just.

President Gordon B. Hinckley reminded members that while governments may make decisions regarding war, disciples of Christ must continue to seek peace and trust the Lord.

 

Gramps