Mormonism & War: Why do Christians claim Mormonism is Peaceful despite its history?

[Gxg (G²)]

Shalom...

Concerning why I am writing this (and I hope this is the right place to do so), I was curious as to whether others have often heard it said that Mormonism is a peaceful religion. I have heard it said, in addition to the peaceful nature of Mormonism (supposedly), that the religion is highly respectful of those who are Native Americans since it was believed that the Hebrew people came to the Americas and were the "other sheep" (John 10) that Jesus spoke on.

However, in doing the review historically on the matter, I am very concerned with the misrepresentation that does not seem to be addressed when it comes to Mormons.....groups which have been noted to be semi-Christian even though there is an extensive history of violence in the camp and much of it is based on the idea that Christianity is apostate. One hundred fifty years ago, the U.S. Army marched into Utah prepared to battle Brigham Young and his Mormon militia which did damage to countless people after harming others:

• -"The Brink of War | History | Smithsonian" ( The Brink of War | History | Smithsonian )
• -"Utah War 1857-1858: Mormon Militarism & the War for Deseret " ( The Warfare Historian: Utah War 1857-1858: Mormon Militarism & the War for Deseret )

Many are not aware of information present on how those in Mormonism actually waged war in the history of Utah when it came to the U.S - and the people they claim were the Biblical Hebrews (Native Americans) in how they actually treated them when it came to expanding into the Western Frontier.

Mormon war on Native Americans (Black Hawk War between Natives and Mormons) - YouTube

A lot of that is simply a reflection of Manifest Destiny - connected with American Exceptionalism ideals that often justified eradication of minority groups in the name of God condoning it. . This is similar to what happened with the Puritans when they came over (at least in certain camps) when they initially came over and later felt it was God's calling for them to treat Native Americans and Blacks in negative ways because of God backing it (even though other Puritans felt otherwise ) - more shared in Utopian Promise as well as Perry Miller's "Errand into the Wilderness" alongside Puritans | Sects and Violence in the Ancient World and The Puritan Origins of Black Abolitionism in Massachusetts | Christoper Cameron - Academia.edu (if wishing to learn on ways that the Puritan tradition was used positively) as well as Civil Religion and the Anglo-and African American Jeramaid

Going back to the original point, of course, I am very surprised at how much it seems the idea of Mormonism is presented as Christian and peaceful when the history does not bear out. Has anyone else here witnessed this and in agreement - or do you feel that it is not what it seems?

 

[bbbbbbb]

This thread will probably be moved to the Unorthodox Christianity board where Mormons will be able to respond and provide their own perspective.

That said, I assuredly do not view Mormonism as a pacifist religion in the least, especially during the reign of Brigham Young.

 

[Rick Otto]

I'm thinking indignation isn't appropriate when I consider how much violence the rest of Christianity has in its past.

 

[yogosans14]

Mormons are just another heretical sect

 

[bbbbbbb]

Mormons are just another heretical sect

That, however, is not the question raised by the OP. There have been many heretical sects that have been utterly pacifist. The question is whether or not the calm, peaceful appearance of the Mormons is a reflection of the reality of their theology or a ruse to attract new members.

 

[Albion]

DO 'Christians claim that Mormonism is a peaceful' religion?

The OP says that it's so, that this is "often" said, but I can't honestly say that I've had that experience.

Yes, it's commonly said that Mormons are family-oriented, patriotic, and friendly, but the idea that the history of the church or the nature of the church is...peacefulness?? That's news to me FWIW.

 

[MKJ]

I can't say that I have ever heard of Mormons described as either peaceful or non-peaceful.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

There have been many heretical sects that have been utterly pacifist. The question is whether or not the calm, peaceful appearance of the Mormons is a reflection of the reality of their theology or a ruse to attract new members.

Doing ministry with Mormons, it is interesting to see how they equate the family-oriented/community focus of where they are with having a history of peaceful intent (especially if/when contrasting themselves with all other camps whom they deemed to be false versions of Christianity who broke away from Jesus, as occurred during the Restorationism Era).

It's odd whenever it is claimed by them they all the resistance to Mormonism that they faced was a result of religious persecution and rejection - but the history simply does not bear that out.

• 1838 Mormon War (aka Missouri Mormon War)
• Mormon War in Illinois (1844–45)
• Walker War (1853)
• Utah War (1857–58)
• Morrisite War (1862)
• Black Hawk War (Utah) (1865–72)
  
  
• Haun's Mill massacre (1838)
• Battle Creek (1849)
• Mountain Meadows massacre (1857)

But as it concerns the present, ever since the 2012 elections, there have been camps of Christians continually noting where Mormonism promotes peace (as they wanted Romney to be president) - in opposition to what our current leadership in government notes. Some were even willing to say Mormonism WAS Christian during the 2012 elections, despite the history of the camp - and have still been preaching that having Mormons in power would be better for the sake of peace. Billy Grahm's Evangelical association even changed the very definition of how Mormonism was considered on their web-site during the election, claiming Mormonism reflected Biblical Christianity - even though it had previously said otherwise. This has had lingering effects unfortunately - and one of my friends who had been doing ministry with Mormons recently had to deal with the same dynamic of Mormons seeing themselves as being more benevolent in their make-up and history than they really are.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I can't say that I have ever heard of Mormons described as either peaceful or non-peaceful.

Have to differ on that one, as it is often promoted as peace

 

[Albion]

Have to differ on that one, as it is often promoted as peace

Well, I haven't heard it either, so I have to question whether the phenomenon is as widespread as you are insisting. You've twice used the word "often" when "occasionally" is probably the better choice.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

Well, I haven't heard it either, so I have to question whether the phenomenon is as widespread as you are insisting. You've twice used the word "often" when "occasionally" is probably the better choice.

One, I have already noted to you in no uncertain terms (and verified with Members Complaint Services) that you are to have NO interaction with me as long as other issues are not addressed. As said before, there are some things I would not wish to avoid before going further in interaction - and I only mention this seeing that you have been commenting on my comments asking for personal interaction with you when I noted I was not going to validate that until other issues were addressed. I hope that this can be understood and I ask that youd' Please respect that or I'm afraid it'll be reported again.

Two, having not heard of something does not change where it has occurred.

Three, as it concerns the OP and the history of Mormonism, violence in its history was the focus when it comes to noting that the religion is pacifist/peaceful - as many in the Mormon world have portrayed it as being and as others in the Evangelical world pointed out when saying that Mormonism was Christian, as occurred often during the 2012 elections and has occurred since when talking to other Christians celebrating Mormonism. The same goes with Mormons who have noted that Mormons are peaceful people - with the emphasis on where Mormons are family-oriented, friendly, community-focused and seeker-friendly on many levels....and where Mormons contrast themselves with Christians often. Ancient Faith Radio did a good job addressing the matter - as seen in Mormonism and Orthodox Christianity

It is not occassional with how this happens, as it is frequent whenever evangelism occurs.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I assuredly do not view Mormonism as a pacifist religion in the least, especially during the reign of Brigham Young.

Likewise - trying to promote Mormonism as a pacifist religion whenever it comes to contrasting with Christianity does not seem honest and it does seem many Christians end up getting sucked into the hype due to the family-friendly image that is promoted, from the TV ads to the messages given to others in person and many other things.

 

[Albion]

I can't say that I have ever heard of Mormons described as either peaceful or non-peaceful.

I'm not seeing much on this thread that could be called verification of the idea that Mormonism is often described as inherently peaceful, either.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

That said, I assuredly do not view Mormonism as a pacifist religion in the least, especially during the reign of Brigham Young.

I think one of the main problems that many have when it comes to Mormonism is the fact that others are not aware of the history and where the concept of "peacefulness" was actually presented (counter to the facts behind what occurred) - although many who used to be Mormons have come out and spoken on the issue and addressed what many seem slow to believe..

For reference:

• A Mormon Theology of Pacifism | Jeremiah Stoddard
  
• A Mormon Theology of Pacifism | Jeremiah Stoddard
  
• Why We're Afraid of Mormons | BU Today | Boston University
  
• The Mormon Church and the Spanish-American War: An End to Selective
  [*]Pacifism
  
• Mormon Fundamentalism and Violence: A Historical Analysi - Ex Mormons
  
• Proclaim Peace: Christian Pacifism from Unexpected Quarters

In regards to the concept of peacefulness, it is unfortunate to see how many of the positive things advocated within Mormonism (i.e. family focus, community, love/relationships, devotion to the country/nationalism, etc.) do not allow for others to see it as it is. I've had it where friends did ministry to those trapped in Mormonism and the concept of peacefulness was often brought up as a reason for why they chose to stay

 

[SolomonVII]

...

 

[SolomonVII]

Mormonism has never been portrayed as pacifist.

What people commend Mormonism for is its high level of faith, and strong family values.
The Mormon family is still a very vibrant one in America, compared to any other minority.
Yes, it is heretical, and preposterous theology, but it ought to be an item of acute embarrassment for other Christians from more solid theological systems to be failing so utterly at family life in comparison.

Pacifsm, on the other hand, is immoral. Preserving life is primordial value, and pacifists do not respect themselves or those with them enough to do what is necessary to preserve life.

 

[GratiaCorpusChristi]

DO 'Christians claim that Mormonism is a peaceful' religion?

The OP says that it's so, that this is "often" said, but I can't honestly say that I've had that experience.

Yes, it's commonly said that Mormons are family-oriented, patriotic, and friendly, but the idea that the history of the church or the nature of the church is...peacefulness?? That's news to me FWIW.

I can't say that I have ever heard of Mormons described as either peaceful or non-peaceful.

I have to agree. Family-oriented, patriotic to the point of nationalism, and sometimes annoyingly nice, but never peaceful.

But even then, the OP is right that there is a long history of violence on the part of Mormonism.

 

[Targaryen]

I have to agree. Family-oriented, patriotic to the point of nationalism, and sometimes annoyingly nice, but never peaceful.

But even then, the OP is right that there is a long history of violence on the part of Mormonism.

The whole Blood Atonement doctrine, even if it's "repealed" kind of says it all in terms of Mormon heresy and violence.

 

[Defensor Christi]

I'm thinking indignation isn't appropriate when I consider how much violence the rest of Christianity has in its past.

Agreed...on a side note, this would be more productive if Mormons could post here...IMHO

 

[Albion]

Mormonism has never been portrayed as pacifist.

What people commend Mormonism for is its high level of faith, and strong family values.

It might be fair to say that they think of themselves as peaceable, however.

When anything touching upon this topic has come up in the Unorthodox doctrines forums, the Mormon posters have automatically pictured their founders as peace-loving victims of the unprovoked violence visited upon them by everyone else. A mention of the Mountain Meadows massacre routinely brings a denial that it had anything to do with Mormons.