Two thousand stripling warriors

The 2000 stripling warriors (also known as The Army of Helaman) were an army of young men reported in the Book of Mormon. They were part of the first generation of Ammonites brought up in Jershon. The generation before had made an oath after their conversion to never again engage in warfare; this group was organized by their sons to ensure the integrity of that covenant. Helaman, the son of Alma the Younger and the leader of the Church of Christ, was recruited to be their commander. The army was used extensively and was one of the Nephite's most effective military units. Though every soldier was wounded at one time or another, there were no fatalities. Mormon, the compiler of the book, and Helaman, their commander, attributed this to the upbringing provided by their mothers and the great faith they exhibited.

In modern Mormon culture, young men are encouraged to be like the stripling warriors by emulating their faith in overcoming insurmountable odds and to trust in the faith that their mothers raised them with. A popular T-shirt depicts three large Lamanite soldiers with the words "Momma's Boys" on the top as a reference to the young warriors. The symbolism of the 2000 stripling warriors is commonly used for other purposes, such as missionary work, college study, military service or excellence in sports.

Between pacifism and militarism

The story of the stripling warriors presents an interesting juxtaposition of pacifism and militarism among believers. The Ammonite parents of the stripling warriors were the last of a thread of pacifism and martyrdom in the Book of Mormon that starts with the prophet Abinadi's appearance to wicked King Noah in the highland land of Nephi.

• Abinadi is martyred after preaching before the court of King Noah and his wicked priests. The preaching and martyrdom lead to the conversion of one of the priests, Alma.
• Alma and his flock of believers in the wilderness of the land of Nephi submit to oppression without fighting. Their burdens are lifted and their escape is facilitated miraculously. They end up in the Zarahemla lowland.
• Alma's son Alma is converted miraculously from a rebellious youth, embarks on a mission back up to the land of Nephi, and his Lamanite converts there lay down their lives before their antagonistic attacking brethren, which leads to additional conversions.
• The missionaries and Lamanite converts migrate to Zarahemla where they are protected by the military, including the stripling warriors. This ends the Abinadite thread of pacifism.