Stewardship, Not Theft: A Theological Perspective on Land and Responsibility

Jun 27, 2025

The notion of living on "stolen land" has become a charged phrase in contemporary discourse, often invoking guilt or defensiveness. However, an alternative perspective rooted in theological principles, particularly those found in the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), reframes this concept. This essay argues that rather than residing on stolen land, individuals are stewards of inherited land, entrusted by God to care for it responsibly. This stewardship extends beyond physical land to encompass one’s body, mind, soul, and talents, all of which ultimately belong to God, the Creator of the universe. By exploring LDS doctrine, this essay will demonstrate that the concept of stewardship provides a framework for understanding human responsibility over earthly resources, aligning with divine purpose and ownership.

The Divine Origin of Land and Humanity

Central to this thesis is the belief that God created the world and all its lands. In LDS theology, the creation narrative establishes God as the ultimate source of all existence. The Book of Moses, part of the LDS Pearl of Great Price, describes God’s creation of the earth and His declaration that it was “good”: “And I, God, called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters, called I the Sea; and I, God, saw that all things which I had made were good.” (Moses 2:10).1 This act of creation underscores that the earth and its resources belong to God, not humanity. Humans, as God’s children, are not owners but caretakers of what He has provided.

LDS doctrine further teaches that Adam and Eve, the first mortal parents, were given dominion over the earth. The Book of Genesis, as interpreted in LDS scripture, states, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:26).2 In LDS theology, this “dominion” is not a license for exploitation but a divine mandate for stewardship. The LDS Topical Guide clarifies that dominion implies an authority, power, or rule that is to be exercised through responsibility to care for and improve the earth, not to dominate it selfishly.3 Thus, the land is inherited through divine appointment, not stolen through human conquest.

Stewardship as a Divine Command

The concept of stewardship is a cornerstone of LDS theology and directly supports the idea that individuals do not live on stolen land but are responsible for inherited land. According to Bishop Gérald Caussé in his October 2022 General Conference address entitled, “Our Earthly Stewardship,” “the word stewardship designates a sacred spiritual or temporal responsibility to take care of something that belongs to God for which we are accountable.”4 Biship Caussé added, “As God’s children, we have received the charge to be stewards, caretakers, and guardians of His divine creations.”5 In the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of modern revelations received by Joseph Smith, God commands His people to act as stewards over His creations: “It is expedient that I, the Lord, should make every man accountable, as a steward over earthly blessings, which I have made and prepared for my creatures. I, the Lord, stretched out the heavens, and built the earth, my very handiwork; and all things therein are mine.” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:13-14).6 This passage emphasizes that all earthly blessings, including land, are divine gifts for which individuals are accountable.

Stewardship, in this context, is not merely about physical land but extends to all aspects of life. Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in his October 2009 General Conference talk: “In the Church, stewardship is not limited to a temporal trust or responsibility. President Spencer W. Kimball taught: ‘We are stewards over our bodies, minds, families, and properties.…A faithful steward is one who exercises righteous dominion, cares for his own, and looks to the poor and needy.’”7 The Apostle Paul’s teaching, echoed in LDS thought, declares, “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).8 Similarly, the Doctrine and Covenants instructs members to develop their talents and use them for God’s purposes: “For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward. Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–27).9 This holistic view of stewardship reinforces the idea that all aspects of existence—land, body, mind, and talents—are divine trusts, not possessions gained through theft.

Reframing the "Stolen Land" Narrative

The accusation of living on stolen land often stems from historical events involving conquest, colonization, or displacement. While these events are undeniably part of human history, the theological perspective offered here shifts the focus from ownership to responsibility. If all land belongs to God, as LDS doctrine asserts, then no human can truly “steal” it, as no one holds ultimate title. Instead, humans are entrusted with its care. The Book of Mormon, another LDS scripture, teaches that the earth is given to all of God’s children to “possess” temporarily as righteous and obedient stewards, not as permanent owners; and, God warns that those who reject Him and fight against liberty will lose their stewardship and the lands of their inheritance (2 Nephi 1).10

This perspective does not dismiss historical injustices but reframes them within a divine context. LDS leaders have emphasized the importance of acknowledging past wrongs while focusing on present responsibilities. For example, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, first counselor in the First Presidency and president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has taught that reconciliation involves “healing relationships” and acting justly in the present, rather than being paralyzed by historical guilt.11 By viewing land as inherited through divine stewardship, individuals can focus on using it responsibly—caring for the environment, respecting others’ rights, and fostering community—rather than debating ownership.

Ultimate Ownership Belongs to God

The culminating principle of this thesis is that everything belongs to God. LDS doctrine teaches that humans are temporary stewards, not permanent owners. The Psalmist declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1).12 In LDS theology, this truth extends to all aspects of life. The Doctrine and Covenants further clarifies, “For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:17).13 This passage highlights God’s abundant provision and humanity’s agency to act as stewards.

By recognizing God’s ultimate ownership, individuals are freed from the burden of claiming land as their own or defending it as stolen. Instead, they are called to use it wisely, in harmony with divine principles. This includes caring for the environment, as LDS teachings encourage sustainable practices and respect for God’s creations.14 It also involves using one’s body, mind, soul, and talents to serve others and glorify God, aligning with the LDS emphasis on charity and service: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).15

Conclusion

The idea of living on “stolen land” is reframed through the lens of LDS theology as living on inherited land, entrusted by God to His children as stewards. Drawing from LDS scriptures and teachings, this essay has shown that the earth and all its resources belong to God, who created them. Humanity, beginning with Adam and Eve, was given dominion as a responsibility, not a possession. Stewardship extends beyond land to include one’s body, mind, soul, and talents, all of which are divine gifts to be used responsibly. By embracing this perspective, individuals can move beyond divisive narratives of theft and focus on their divine mandate to care for the earth and each other, acknowledging that everything ultimately belongs to God. This theological framework offers a hopeful, purposeful approach to living as stewards in a world created by a loving Creator.

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