Is Pre-Emptive War Justifiable? (LDS perspective)

Well done video I came across several years ago. Kudos to the person who put this together. I only uploaded it to YouTube. Please click "Show more" to read below-

The propaganda surrounding war is so entrenched in our society we have grown up accepting some very erroneous ideas regarding war such as; war is a necessary evil and accomplishes good things, war is patriotic, God is on our side because we are the "good guys" fighting for "freedom" throughout the world. We have become "pro" war, even believing that aggressive or pre-emptive strikes are justifiable.

To my fellow Latter-Day Saints (who should know better), ponder the statements in the video and read the scripture references below. The Lord has revealed His position on war and when it is justified.
See Doctrine & Covenants 98: 33-37 (also verses 14-16).
http://lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/98.33-37?lang=eng#32

The struggles of the ancient people chronicled in the Book of Mormon further demonstrate the policy of fighting strictly DEFENSIVE wars on YOUR land. Once you begin pre-emptively "taking it to the enemy" you have crossed a line. (see following references)
3 Nephi 3: 20-21
http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/3.20-21?lang=eng#19
Mormon 3: 10-11 & 14-16
http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/morm/3.10-11,%2014-16?lang=eng#9
Mormon 4: 4-5
http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm/morm/4.4-5?lang=eng#3

America's current war policy goes against these principles. We have crossed the line and will surely face the prophesied consequences unless we correct our course.

The only presidential candidate who articulates the proper role regarding war is Ron Paul. How come Romney and Huntsman (LDS candidates) have it wrong?

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• War
• pre-emptive war
• aggressive war
• offensive war
• freedom
• lds leaders
• war policy
• policy regarding war
• book of mormon
• ron paul
• preemptive
• war in iraq
• war in afghanistan
• Iran
• war on terror
• terror

[jodybright]

This video is true. However one example of justified war, which is found in the B of M, is a just strike on an enemy before a known impending attack. This, by definition, is an example of preemptive war, a strike to preempt a verified intent to attack one's people. This does not devalue this movie in the least as no such thing was ever verified on Iraq. Two things must be verifiable to justify such a strike, capability & real intent on the part of an enemy. I only suggest a change to the title.

[iBikeForFun]

Your point seems reasonable. As I read where one army strikes out against another, I've looked to see if a pre-emptive strike was ever considered justifiable before the Lord. In every instance, the tipping point seems to hinge on where the strike/attack takes place. If within their own lands it is justifiable, but if beyond their borders it is not. They lose all divine help. I have yet to find an exception (see scriptural references below). Wouldn't this principle still apply to us?

[7a1227music]

why is there a MITT Romney "Donate" add on this video?

[iBikeForFun]

@7a1227music

It's just one of those random ads that pop up at the bottom of the screen. Apparently the ads key-in to certain words used in the video description text. I used Romney's name in my description. I'm a Ron Paul supporter, go figure!

[deejtechno22]

I hate asking this but what is that music at the beginning?

[deejtechno22]

@rhetrozenberg potd

[spmuwa]

@iBikeForFun Yes it still applies. The Lord says that an offensive position is never authorized unless He commands it(D&C 98:33-38)We are justified in defending ourselves but we are to not be guilty of the neither the first nor second offense(Alma 43:46-47) The Lord says that if we will not revile against our enemies but patiently endure we will be blessed multi-fold(D&C 98:23-32) God truly is a God of peace that is why He has commanded us to"Therefore renounce war and proclaim peace"(D&C 98:16)

[rhetrozenberg]

The constitution is hanging by a thread, and Willard Romney wants to snip it.

[peaceliberty4all]

@iBikeForFun There is no exception with regards to pre-emptive war. What you posted is correct and what I have been trying to point out to my family since we went to war with Iraq. Sadly some just refuse to see it. We were told the BOM is written for our day, yet we ignore what is in it. Maybe it's just because a lot of people skip the war chapters, idk. I just can't understand how any LDS or Christian for that matter can be ok with these wars.

[Origin305]

Everyone should subscribe to World Affairs Brief. Thats all I am going to say. And ofcourse Ron Paul 2012

[Origin305]

This video is great. Thanks for putting this together.

[bradleylax22]

Simply Amazing

D&C 98:4-7

Mormons who support Romney are flat out disobeying a Prophet. I do it all the time when I sin, but my sins don't directly affect a countries' freedom or a Church's reputation. Romney will destroy the Constitution further. Wake up u blind MOrmons, use discernment!

[helptruthprevail]

Now make a video on the Church's stand on debt and civil liberties and we'll be set. Thank you!

[helptruthprevail]

@jodybright yes you are correct but there was still a declaration of war and the enemy was targeted and the Nephi's knew who the enemy was and why they were fighting.