LDS Freedom Forum

Burying their weapons of war: The example of the Ammonites

By Emily W. Jensen



“What can we learn from the Anti-Nephi-Lehies to help us keep the covenants we make with God?”

This question from the current Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual was the theme of BYU-Idaho history professor J. David Pulsipher’s Mormon History Association presentation Saturday on the Ammonites as examples of pacifists as depicted in LDS curriculum.

Pulsipher combed through LDS curriculum materials to discover how leaders and teachers have approached the Ammonite story as found in Alma 24. Throughout the last 130 years, answers to the above question in LDS curriculum have ranged widely, beginning with curriculum writer George Reynolds’ commentary in the late 19th century. As Pulsipher explained, “Reynolds repeatedly recognized the singular nature of the story, referring to the Ammonite strategy as ‘passive non-resistance.’”

By 1935, there was a direct question regarding war in the Book of Mormon Sunday School lesson manual. Pulsipher cited the lesson titled “When You Think of War” explaining that “the lesson appealed to the Ammonites as evidence of ‘a large body of people’ who ‘would not engage even in a defensive war.’” And then the lesson concludes, “Our attitude, then, toward war should be to avoid it when and if we can. It is better to settle the differences between nations, as we settle differences between individuals, by trying to get together through reasoning and peaceful means.”

In 1940, J. Karl Wood wrote an "Outline Study of the Book of Mormon" for the then-LDS Education Department and in a lesson titled “Non-Resistance” Wood used the Ammonites to, as Pulsipher outlined, “show that Christ’s principle of ‘turning the other cheek’ may be put into practice in a large group of people when imbued by the spirit of Christ.”

But by 1950, interpretation of the Ammonite story as found in LDS curriculum shifted beginning with William E. Berrett’s "Teachings of the Book of Mormon." Pulsipher describes that in Berrett’s “Teachings," and its accompanying teacher’s supplement, Berrett employed similar language, calling the episode "an interesting experiment in non-resistance," and directly addressed its implications for the modern world. But unlike earlier interpreters, Berrett criticized the Ammonite strategies as ineffectual and suggested they were not prescriptive.”

The past few decades have seen a more metaphorical approach to the story of the people of Ammon instead of using their experience as a literal example to emulate. In explanation, Pulphisher cited the 1982 "Seminary Teacher Outline," which “encouraged instructors to ask their students to identify ‘what weapons of rebellion today’s youth need to lay down. … They may mention such things as conflicts with parents, rivalry among friends, anger, disobedience, immorality, drug abuse.’” And Elder L. Tom Perry recently said, “While the message of the story is not to insist on universal pacifism, we do learn that by not returning aggressions from others we can have a profound effect on them. Literally, we can change their hearts when we follow Christ’s example and turn the other cheek. Our examples as peaceable followers of Christ inspire others to follow him.”

“The people of Ammon, who buried their weapons and met their enemies armed only with love and prayer, constitute an extraordinary episode in the Book of Mormon," Pulsipher summarized. "The anomalous nature of their behavior, including the poignant effect it had on their oppressors, begs interpretation about whether their strategy ought to be emulated by individuals and societies.”

Samuel the Lamanite wrote:Remember that the prince of this world has control over armies and navies and will blood and havoc to destroy God's children. I find way too many "saints" who are warmongers. Most saints who are GOPers are warmongers.

Poltax wrote:.....To me this story has nothing to do with being a pacifist and not fighting back. It has everything to do with keeping your covenants when repenting and sticking to them even if you or your friends are being destroyed around you.

Nan wrote:I think this story isn't about what we should do in war. I think it is about laying down our personal weapons of rebellion. We all have them and we must bury them to progress.

Like wrote:

Nan wrote:I think this story isn't about what we should do in war. I think it is about laying down our personal weapons of rebellion. We all have them and we must bury them to progress.

That reminds me.......Have you heard of the book "Burying Our Swords, How Christ Can Remove Rebellion From Our Heart", by Kevin Hinckley? I was at Deseret Book in the bargains book section and saw it was on sale for $1.99 so I got it. The book jacket calls the book an extended parable, it is a story about learning to do things the Lord's way, so we can increase the peace in our lives. I am looking forward to reading this small book, it about 120 pages.

Anyway,just a heads up for anyone who would be interested.....

(Here is a funny side note, I found the book in the bargains section, get this, it was right next to Mitt Romney's book "No Apology" =)) ....I wonder if Sheri Dew would have cow if she knew? ) )

Nan wrote:I know Kevin Hinckley. He is pretty awesome. He lives in Plano. He teaches at both education weeks.

Nan wrote:Will do.
Just thought to add his website for you. http://www.kevinhinckley.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Galticus wrote:

Poltax wrote:.....To me this story has nothing to do with being a pacifist and not fighting back. It has everything to do with keeping your covenants when repenting and sticking to them even if you or your friends are being destroyed around you.

This is the source of the argument. It is all about covenants being kept. The Ammonite adults had been blood thirsty "war-mongers" and were disgusted with their actions. Once they saw the light of Christ, they covenanted to never tread down that path again. Kind of like an alcoholic - once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. They didn't even want the temptation of blood-lust again. They would rather die than tempt themselves, so they made the covenant.

As a side note; after the first slaughter, when more of the Lamanites were converted than of the Ammonites slaughtered, the Lamaites were going to attack the Ammonites again. They wanted them annihilated. The Lord had to instruct Ammon to get the people out because Satan had such a great hold on the wicked that the righteous could no longer be spared. The Lord clearly doesn't want righteous peoples slaughtered without some greater cause (e.g. testing the righteous or converting the attackers).

Truths I think that are self evident:

Pacifism does not equal Peace
War mongering does not equal defending one's OWN LANDS against an enemy that wants your freedom.

Pacifism = submission and ultimate slavery
War Mongering = chasing a supposed threat into every land you can. Which is definitely not the Lords way of doing things in our current situation.

Galticus wrote: This is the source of the argument. It is all about covenants being kept. The Ammonite adults had been blood thirsty "war-mongers" and were disgusted with their actions. Once they saw the light of Christ, they covenanted to never tread down that path again. Kind of like an alcoholic - once an alcoholic, always an alcoholic. They didn't even want the temptation of blood-lust again. They would rather die than tempt themselves, so they made the covenant.