Several of his men were wounded, including his dear friend Sergeant Arthur Morris.Įlder Wickman radioed for a medical evacuation helicopter to take the wounded men to safety. A patrol was sent out and a firefight started. On that day his battalion was deep in enemy territory. As he walked the fields and jungles again, in his mind he could hear machine guns and small arms fire and thought of a specific day, April 3, 1966. He called it a “step back in time” 4 because decades before he fought in Vietnam as a US Army infantry officer. He had recently returned from a church assignment in Vietnam. Wickman’s April 2008 General Conference address. How does the Book of Mormon do this? A potent example of this is seen with Elder Lance B. Image: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.īecause the writers of the Book of Mormon had personally confronted the rigors of military action, their words can give meaning to the dedication, sacrifices, and even some of the horrific events that occur during war. Wickman delivering a keynote address at Saints at War. Animated by the teachings and examples in the Book of Mormon, these firm convictions of duty and love for others above self are what inspire many Latter-day Saints to serve in the military. Notwithstanding their deep abhorrence and regret of war, Church members believe “in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” ( Articles of Faith 1:12). but the Church membership are citizens or subjects of sovereignties over which the Church has no control.” 3 It cannot regard war as a righteous means of settling international disputes. The Church itself cannot wage war, unless and until the Lord shall issue new commands. read a message from the first presidency. In the April 1942 General Conference, just four months after the infamous attack by the Japanese military on the American naval base at Pearl Harbor, President J. Jackson pointed out the source of that happiness: “Despite the constant threat of warfare in Captain Moroni’s time, the people were happy then, because they were one and they were living the gospel.” 2 Even in the chaos of war, saints in the military can still look to the gospel and find peace in unity, solidarity, loyalty, and faithfulness. “But behold there never was a happier time among the people of Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni” ( Alma 50:23). It is during a period surrounded by war that Mormon stated the Nephites were happiest. Mormon also knew how to find peace even in the midst of war. Mormon Bids Farewell to a Once Great Nation by Arnold Friberg. He also knew that his book would be read by us in the future ( Mormon 5:9), a time filled with “wars and rumors of war” ( 1 Nephi 14:15-16), and he intended his book to be helpful to us. Mormon personally knew the costs of war, having fought for and lost his people. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion” ( Alma 43:47).Įven though fighting for these ideals is noble and acceptable before the Lord, war can have a high cost, both physically and emotionally. ![]() “The Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. ![]() The Book of Mormon teaches that the defense of family, as well as political and religious freedom, is acceptable before the Lord. Studying the lives and examples of these warrior-prophets and leaders can provide peace and meaning to those who are currently involved in military service and to their loved ones. 1 Additionally, many apostles and other general authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have honorably served in the military. Many ancient prophets righteously led soldiers in necessary battles: Moses, Joshua, King Benjamin, Alma the Younger, and of course Mormon, the complier of the Book of Mormon. Serving one’s country in the military can and should always be seen as a noble service, a service higher than one’s own self.
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