Evangelical View on War
Evangelicals generally hold to a “just war” theory when it comes to the use of military force. According to this belief, war can be justified if it meets certain criteria, such as being a last resort, having a just cause, and being undertaken with the right intentions. Many Evangelicals also emphasize the need to protect the innocent and uphold justice when considering military action.
LDS / Mormon View on War
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the LDS or Mormon Church, teaches that war should only be engaged in when necessary for the defense of one’s country or family. They believe in following the laws of the land and honoring governments and leaders while seeking for peaceful resolutions to conflicts whenever possible. The LDS Church also promotes the idea of seeking to establish peace and avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.
Differences in Views
One key difference between the Evangelical and LDS views on war lies in the criteria for justifying military action. While Evangelicals rely on the “just war” theory, which sets specific conditions for when war can be considered just, Mormons focus on the principles of defense, obedience to governments, and seeking peaceful resolutions.
Overall, both Evangelicals and LDS members seek to uphold principles of justice, peace, and the protection of innocent lives when considering the use of military force. Their beliefs on war are guided by a desire to align with God’s will and promote the well-being of humanity.