Posted by rayww on August 17, 2004, at 10:04:56
It bothers some that war takes up such a huge page of history, even scripture. I have often wondered why one third of the Book of Mormon focuses on war, and why such great detail is given to strategem when every word is supposedly inspired instruction for our day.
The message of war in scripture is very clear. It is all right with God to use strategem in preserving our rights, freedoms, and family. A reoccurring theme in scripture finds people who hate the church trying to destroy it, and the followers of Christ trying to preserve their freedom.
Now, don't lose me on this because I think it is a significant thought, and I am struggling to write as I think.
The evil side of the battle attacks the innocent. But while evil is preparing for attack, the righteous are fortifying, strengthening, and preparing to defend their rights, freedoms, and family. So, evil attacks, but good defends.
One particular example that was studied yesterday in every Mormon Sunday School class around the world was a battle where through strategem, a huge army was defeated by a very small number because of their fortification and preparation, and reliance on God for direction.
http://scriptures.lds.org/query?words=Alma+43-47&scripturesearch_button=SearchHow does this apply to our day? Our battle is similar in many ways. When the Lamanites attacked they were naked, wearing only a loin cloth. How much nudity and porn is there in the world today? The Nephites appeared in protective armor with their weakest cities fortified with tall mounds of dirt, and high walls. The Gospel of Christ is fit for the weakest of all saints. The Nephites positioned themselves in strategic areas, surrounding the enemy from all sides, so the enemy had nowhere to turn but defeat. We can likewise develop positions on values and commandments that cannot be broken when attacked by Satan.
There is so much symbolism in the war chapters of the Book of Mormon.
God allows strategem to fight the battle against Satan (which is real). He allows it in defending the family, preserving our freedom, and protecting agency.
Trouble comes when we confuse the issues and begin thinking evil is good and good is evil. If we get caught up in the wrong cause, we do not fight the good battle. There is much battle taking place on the Internet. I have heard of Anti-Mormon, Anti-Christian, Anti-Sematic, and anti just about everything. Anti is used in another text too --- Anti-Christ.
The good battle is fought by fortifying ourselves against the firey darts of Satan. It is found in strengthening our stakes (churches), and in perfecting our homes, teaching our children, loving our spouses, and trusting our relationships. It is found in helping our neighbor, loving our friends, paying attention to the simple needs of those around us, and of course increasing our "FAITH".
I have tried to write this generically, using my Mormon stories as an example. I would hope that before anyone attacks my belief (in their heart), they will internalize my example into their own situation and then answer my question, What is the good battle? (or the God battle)
poster:rayww
thread:378625
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20040729/msgs/378625.html