The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) officially teaches that its members should strive to be peacemakers and renounce war, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and peaceful solutions to conflict. They believe that violence, when committed by a Church member, goes against the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Church condemns political violence and vigilantism, encouraging members to seek change through peaceful means and to obey the law. While acknowledging instances of violence in their history and scriptures, the Church maintains that these should not be used to justify violence in the present and that the overwhelming message of their scriptures is against contention. They also state that "blood atonement" is not a doctrine of the Church and that all redemption comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ. The Church does not promote or oppose capital punishment, considering it a matter of civil law, and prohibits lethal weapons in Church buildings, except for law enforcement officers. Members serving in the military are encouraged to seek divine guidance and are not considered guilty of murder for acts committed in the line of duty, especially if in self-defense or defense of others, with the intent of their heart being the important factor.[1]

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The official stance of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) regarding killing other people and violence is that its members should strive to be peacemakers, renounce war, and promote peace.[1] The Church teaches that violence committed by a member is contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ.[1]

Here's a breakdown of their official position and related historical context:

Peacemaking and Renouncing War

The LDS Church emphasizes that followers of Jesus Christ should be peacemakers. They are taught to "love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).[1] A modern revelation instructs them to "renounce war and proclaim peace" (Doctrine and Covenants 98:16).[1] [2]

Condemnation of Violence and Extremism

The Church condemns political violence and vigilantism, urging members to seek change peacefully and to obey the law.[1] President Dallin H. Oaks has taught against the anger and hatred often seen in political debates, stating that members should "peacefully accept the results of elections" and "not participate in violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome."[1] President Russell M. Nelson has also encouraged members to be peacemakers in all aspects of their lives, including political involvement, and to "lay aside bitterness" and "bury your weapons of war."[1] The Church explicitly states that when a member commits a violent crime, "he or she is acting against the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church."[1]

"Blood Atonement"

The concept of "blood atonement," which suggested that certain grievous sins could only be atoned for by the shedding of the sinner's own blood, is not a doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.[1] [3] The Church teaches that all redemption comes through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, making forgiveness of sin and salvation possible for all.[1] [3] While some early Church leaders used this phrase in fiery sermons, the Church now clarifies that these were often hyperbole intended to provoke repentance and that there is no direct evidence it was ever practiced by Mormon leadership in their capacity as leaders of both church and state.[1] [3] [4]

Capital Punishment

The Church's official position on capital punishment is that it neither promotes nor opposes it.[1] They consider it a matter to be decided by civil law.[1] Historically, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young held views that supported capital punishment, with Smith favoring execution methods involving the shedding of blood.[4] However, the modern Church's stance defers to legal systems.[1]

Guns and Gun Ownership

The Church acknowledges that gun laws vary globally and expects members to sustain the laws of their respective countries.[1] They also encourage working to establish laws that protect all people.[1] Importantly, the Church prohibits the carrying of lethal weapons in Church meetinghouses and temples, with the exception of current law enforcement officers.[1]

War and Military Service

The Church's scriptures "strongly condemn wars of aggression but sustain obligations of citizens to defend their families and their freedoms."[1] Members are called to military service in many nations and are expected to be subject to the laws of the land.[1] In situations where peace and national obligation seem to conflict, members are encouraged to seek divine guidance.[1] The Church's General Handbook clarifies that "murder does not include police or military acts in the line of duty" and that taking a human life might not be defined as murder if it was accidental or in defense of self or others. The "intent of our heart" is considered the important factor.[1]

Historical Context and Scriptural Interpretations

The Church acknowledges that ancient scriptures contain accounts of violence, some appearing divinely sanctioned, but stresses that these "should never be used to justify violence in the present."[1] They cite examples like Nephi's command to kill Laban as a rare exception, with "Thou shalt not kill" remaining the standard.[1] While the Book of Mormon describes wars and war heroes like Captain Moroni, it also highlights that Moroni "did not delight in bloodshed" and that "he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me but is of the devil."[1]

The Church also addresses historical instances of violence involving Mormons, such as the 1838 Mormon War and the Mountain Meadows Massacre, acknowledging them as tragic events and "terrible and inexcusable departure from Christian teaching and conduct."[1] [3] [5] They recognize that early Mormons faced significant persecution, including mob attacks and forced relocations, but also that early Mormons organized militias and were involved in violent confrontations, sometimes acting as instigators.[3] [5]

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