Church History Matters Podcast Summary
Episode: 095 “Peace on Earth”—How Can We Help? An Interview with Patrick Mason
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host: Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths
Guest: Patrick Mason, Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture at Utah State University
Introduction
In the Christmas Eve 2024 episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths conclude their nine-episode series on peace and violence in Latter-day Saint history. They welcome Patrick Mason, a renowned Latter-day Saint historian and scholar in peace studies, to discuss how members of the Church can actively contribute to fostering peace on Earth. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding both the challenges and the theological foundations that guide pacifism within the faith.
Guest Introduction and Background
[03:06] Patrick Mason:
Patrick Mason introduces himself as the Leonard Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture at Utah State University and co-host of the Proclaim Peace podcast alongside Jennifer Thomas of Mormon Women for Ethical Government. He shares his journey into peace studies, highlighting transformative experiences during his undergraduate and graduate studies, particularly at the University of Notre Dame, where he encountered prominent peace activists.
Notable Quote:
"Peace studies kind of crystallized it. It gave me language, it gave me applications, but the basic principles I had because I'm a Christian."
— Patrick Mason [02:32]
Understanding Peace Studies
Patrick elaborates on his academic pursuit of peace studies, describing it as an interdisciplinary field that examines the causes of conflict and the avenues for peaceful resolution. He recounts his transformative experience at Notre Dame, interacting with global peace activists and recognizing the alignment between his Christian faith and the principles of peace studies.
Notable Quote:
"I have all these amazing scripture. We have this amazing history. We have lots of things where we sort of tried things for a while, and for various reasons, it didn't work out at the time. But I think we can go back to those things and always be plumbing the depths of our own tradition."
— Patrick Mason [08:28]
The Complexity of Religion and Violence
A central theme of the discussion revolves around the inherent complexities within religious texts and traditions concerning violence and peace. Patrick argues that no religion is inherently violent or peaceful; rather, each contains resources that can lead to both outcomes.
Notable Quote:
"Every Religion has resources that can lead a person or a group to practice and exercise violence. And they also have tremendous resources that can lead people and inspire them to be peacemakers."
— Patrick Mason [16:09]
He emphasizes the importance of individual choice in leveraging these resources towards peaceful ends, challenging simplistic characterizations of religions as inherently violent or peaceful.
Scriptural Interpretation and Peace
The conversation delves into specific scriptural passages from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, analyzing their implications for peace and violence. Patrick highlights how certain verses have been traditionally interpreted to justify violence but argues for a more nuanced understanding that aligns with Christ’s teachings on peacemaking.
Notable Quote:
"The lesson I want students to learn is that you get to choose, right? If you want to find justifications for violence in your scriptures and in your history, you can find it. But it's your choice. If you want to find the resources to become a powerful force for peace, for justice, for solidarity, for reconciliation in the world, you can find that too."
— Patrick Mason [18:59]
Case Study: Zion's Camp
Using Zion's Camp as a historical case study, Scott and Casey probe the apparent contradictions between communal efforts that could have led to violence and the overarching call for peace within the Doctrine and Covenants. Patrick navigates through controversial scriptural interpretations, asserting that the teachings ultimately promote nonviolent resilience and proactive peacemaking.
Notable Quote:
"When threatened, we become anti-enemy instead of pro-kingdom of God. We train a man in the art of war and call him a patriot... perverting the Savior's teaching to love your enemies, bless them, to curse you, do good to hate them and pray for them."
— Patrick Mason [39:25]
The Role of Church Leaders in Promoting Peace
Patrick discusses the current emphasis by church leaders, like President Nelson, on peacemaking amidst global and societal contention. He attributes this focus to prophetic guidance aimed at addressing modern fractures and guiding members toward Christ-like peaceful living.
Notable Quote:
"I think it's prophetic for apostles of the Prince of Peace to point us to a better way and to say that if we're going to be followers of the Prince of Peace, then that's what it should look like."
— Patrick Mason [47:53]
Practical Steps for Latter-day Saints
In advising listeners on practical peacemaking, Patrick suggests:
-
Scriptural Study:
- Examine scriptures through the lens of peacemaking.
- Identify and apply peacemaking principles found within sacred texts.
-
Engagement with Organizations:
- Participate in initiatives like Mormon Women for Ethical Government, which promotes nonpartisan peacemaking efforts.
- Learn and adopt their six principles of peacemaking.
-
Community Involvement:
- Engage in local peacebuilding activities, such as supporting refugees, addressing homelessness, and fostering reconciliation within communities.
Notable Quote:
"The Ward is a great laboratory for being peacemakers... learning how to engage a conflict more constructively."
— Patrick Mason [55:06]
Inspiring Example: Rwanda Reconciliation
Patrick shares a poignant experience from his trip to Rwanda, witnessing firsthand the power of forgiveness and reconciliation post-genocide. He describes communities where survivors and former perpetrators live side by side, actively working towards mutual understanding and peace.
Notable Quote:
"To see these two people and this entire community that is literally based on the principle of reconciliation, it's actually working. It's real."
— Patrick Mason [55:53]
Conclusion
As the episode wraps up, Scott and Casey reflect on the insights shared by Patrick, emphasizing the feasibility and necessity of peacemaking within the Latter-day Saint community. They encourage listeners to adopt proactive measures in their own lives and communities to embody the principles of peace taught by Christ.
Final Notable Quote:
"Peace on earth. That's what the angel said."
— Patrick Mason [60:04]
Key Takeaways
- Choice in Interpretation: Members can choose to emphasize either peace or violence based on their interpretation of scriptures.
- Active Peacemaking: True peacemaking involves active, proactive efforts rather than passive non-resistance.
- Scriptural Foundations: The teachings of Christ, especially His sacrificial death, provide a foundational model for nonviolent peacemaking.
- Community as a Laboratory: Local church communities (wards) serve as optimal environments to practice and implement peacemaking strategies.
- Inspirational Models: Real-world examples, like Rwanda, demonstrate the transformative power of forgiveness and reconciliation.
Resources Mentioned
- Proclaim Peace Podcast: Co-hosted by Patrick Mason and Jennifer Thomas.
- Mormon Women for Ethical Government: An organization promoting ethical governance and peacemaking.
- Book: The Radical History and Potential of Latter-day Saints by Andrew Bolton, Tonalin Ford, and Patrick Mason (upcoming release).
Closing Remarks
The hosts thank Patrick Mason for his invaluable contributions and encourage listeners to engage with the upcoming series on the Doctrine and Covenants. They highlight Scripture Central’s mission to make church history accessible and defendable, inviting listeners to support the organization through donations.
Produced by: Scott Woodward
Edited by: Nick Galetti
Show Notes and Transcript by: Gabe Davis
Further Information:
Visit scripturecentral.org for more resources and to support the production of quality content aimed at enhancing Gospel study and promoting peace.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions of Episode 095 of the Church History Matters podcast, providing an informative overview for those who have not listened to the episode.