Perspectives on War and Violence
There are several perspectives on the problem of violence. When, if ever is it appropriate to go to war? Were Joseph Smith and the Mormons justified in their raid on Davies County? Did the Mormons bare any responsibility for the tragedy at Haun’s Mill? In the videos below you can hear three different Mormon perspectives on war and violence. These were difficult and nuanced issues then, and they remain to be today.
Andrew Bolton is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Community of Christ. He is a historian and is actively involved in peace ministries around the world. His article on “Learning From Haun’s Mill” is included in the Trouble in Zion comic book (available in the TIZ Store).
Alexander Baugh is a professor of Church History at Brigham Young University and is author of “A Call To Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Missouri”.
Armand Mauss is a professor emeritus and sociologist. He is the author of “The Angel and the Beehive” and “All Abraham’s Children”.