What does the Ukraine War mean in Latter-day Saint Christian ethics? Latter-day Saints view all violence, even justified self-defense, as an aberration from divine love and affection, underscoring the call for universal repentance and reconciliation.
If President Zelenskyy sought guidance from a sacred text, would Ukraine capitulate or continue the fight?
Plenty of horrifying things in history have been justified as accomplishing “great good.” That’s true of the atrocities in Ukraine. And it’s also true of those tearing apart the faith of believers young and old.
Is it possible to passionately fight to defend families, land, country, and rights without devolving into bloodlust and soul-sucking rage? Captain Moroni says yes
Among the interesting details in LDS Daily’s stellar reporting today is about a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse that is being used to house and support refugees leaving the country. The baptismal font has been adapted to be used as a shower, and local church members come to the building every day to help clean. https://news-uk.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/places-of-refuge-from-the-storm Latter-day Saint Meetinghouse in Ukraine Used as Refugee Station This is an important article highlighting the ways we can in our own small spheres make a big difference in helping the lives of others. A full list of efforts the Church is making in helping with the current refugee situation can be found at the Church’s newsroom.
As valuable as it can be to stay updated on world affairs, the intimate and incessant witnessing of human heartache in the digital age can be overwhelming and distract from other important things. Don’t be afraid to set some boundaries.
Are all refugees welcome, or only the ones who look like us?
Amidst lots of talk justifying inaction or neutrality in regards to Ukraine, Christians have a much harder time defending such a conclusion if they take their own scriptures seriously.
If we are advancing God’s desired peace and love for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, let’s not overlook the clear scriptural justification for strong intervention as an expression of that same love and desire for peace
If we can’t even agree about the threatened invasion of a democratic, sovereign nation playing out before us, what does that say about our own condition as an American people?
