Robert S. Wood
Encyclopedia
Robert S. Wood has had a career in the dual areas of state and religion, both as a leader and advisor to senior civilian and military officials of the United States Government in the area of National security
affairs, and as a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
as a child, receiving the Aaronic priesthood in his youth, and Melchizedek priesthood as a young man. He was selected as a delegate from Idaho to the international YMCA
Centennial Conference, traveling from Canada, through the Panama Canal, and throughout Europe.
After high school, Wood began studies at Stanford University, where he met Dixie Leigh Jones. He served in the French Mission from 1957 to 1959, and when he returned to the United States to complete his degree in history, he and Dixie began dating. He recalls, “Probably the most significant question she asked after we had been dating for a while was when she looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Robert, are you going to stay active?’ ” His answer was clear, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on 27 March 1961.
At Stanford, Wood became interested in international affairs, particularly European affairs. He relates that it was while he was writing his honors thesis that he came across the book, A World Restored
, by Henry Kissinger
. Because of the impact that book had on him, he applied to Harvard, to study at the school where Kissinger was teaching.
The Woods are the parents of four daughters and the grandparents of thirteen grandchildren. According to Wood, “Two things explain our family .... First, Heavenly Father just sent us four terrific kids. And second, their mother … I would never have been able to do anything that I’ve done professionally or in the Church had I not married the right woman who asked the question, ‘Are you going to stay active?’”
at the United States Naval War College in Newport
, Rhode Island
, where he also served as Dean of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group
, and Dean (later, Dean Emeritus) of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, a focal point of strategic and campaign thought in the naval services and a major research group in the national security field.
As part of his responsibilities at the Naval War College, and to the larger military and civilian infrastructure, he has directed war gaming, research, and analysis, for decision makers at the senior levels of the U.S. government, earning his reputation as one of the world's leading authorities on gaming and simulations as an aid to decision-making. After serving as Dean of the Naval War College Strategy Department from 1980-1983 Wood was appointed as Dean of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies in 1983. During his time in this position, the four elements of the Center - wargaming, advanced research, the Strategic Studies Group, and the Naval War College Press-- "were integrated to become the CNO
's think tank of first resort." During this period, in his capacity as Director of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, he oversaw the largest gaming series in U.S. history, "The Global War Games" which included hundreds of senior military and civilian leaders who came together for a two to three week period to explore conflict and crisis scenarios, and to explore alternative strategies, policies, and operational plans. During the course of his career he has provided advice on a number of occasions to the White House, the Congress, and the Department of Defense, and represent the United States in meetings with Soviet and British officials during the Cold War.
Wood received a bachelor's degree
in history from Stanford University
and master's
and Ph.D.
in political science
from Harvard University
. In addition to teaching the Naval War College
, Wood has held faculty positions at Harvard University
, Bentley College
, the University of Virginia
, the University of Tilburg and the University of Groningen
. Additionally, he has served as visiting professor and lecturer
at many prominent universities and institutions at home and abroad, and has been a frequent lecturer at the National Defense University
and at all of the U.S. Military Senior Service Schools, the NATO Defense College
, and the Federal Executive Institute
. He has also authored, co-authored, edited, or contributed to 21 other books and numerous articles on public affairs, executive development, international affairs, and national security policy.
in the French
Mission
of the church. Prior to his call as a general authority, his many other leadership positions included service as an area seventy, regional representative of the Twelve
, stake president, and a bishop in the LDS Church. He became a general authority in April 1999 when he was asked to join the Second Quorum of the Seventy at the church's general conference
in Salt Lake City, Utah
. As part of his many other contributions to the church, he was sent to South America, where he was responsible for overseeing all social, humanitarian and ecclesiastical affairs for Northern Brazil.
In 2009, Wood was called as president
of the Boston Massachusetts Temple
, succeeding President Kenneth G. Hutchins. His wife, Dixie Jones Wood, would serve as Temple matron.
Wood has represented the LDS Church in many interfaith organizations and events, including the Council on Foreign Relations
(CFR) Religious Advisory Committee.
or state established church
—was good for both the church and the state, allowing a variety of religions to flourish. Speaking at the Toronto based Center for New Religions, Wood said that the freedom of conscience and assembly allowed under such a system has led to a "remarkable religiosity" in the United States that isn't present in other industrialized nations.
Wood believes that the U.S. operates on "a sort of civic religion," which includes a generally-shared belief in a creator who "expects better of us." Beyond that, individuals are free to decide how they want to believe and fill in their own creeds and express their conscience. He calls this approach the "genius of religious sentiment in the United States."
National security
National security is the requirement to maintain the survival of the state through the use of economic, diplomacy, power projection and political power. The concept developed mostly in the United States of America after World War II...
affairs, and as a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
Personal life
The youngest of four children, Wood was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Blanche and John Albert (Jack) Wood. He was baptizedBaptism (Mormonism)
In Mormonism, baptism is recognized as the first of several ordinances of the gospel.-Overview:Much of the theology of Mormon baptism was established during the early Latter Day Saint movement founded by Joseph Smith, Jr...
as a child, receiving the Aaronic priesthood in his youth, and Melchizedek priesthood as a young man. He was selected as a delegate from Idaho to the international YMCA
YMCA
The Young Men's Christian Association is a worldwide organization of more than 45 million members from 125 national federations affiliated through the World Alliance of YMCAs...
Centennial Conference, traveling from Canada, through the Panama Canal, and throughout Europe.
After high school, Wood began studies at Stanford University, where he met Dixie Leigh Jones. He served in the French Mission from 1957 to 1959, and when he returned to the United States to complete his degree in history, he and Dixie began dating. He recalls, “Probably the most significant question she asked after we had been dating for a while was when she looked me straight in the eye and said, ‘Robert, are you going to stay active?’ ” His answer was clear, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on 27 March 1961.
At Stanford, Wood became interested in international affairs, particularly European affairs. He relates that it was while he was writing his honors thesis that he came across the book, A World Restored
A World Restored
A World Restored: Metternich, Castlereagh and the Problems of Peace 1812-1822 is a book by Henry Kissinger published in 1954. "A World Restored, Metternich, Castlereagh and the conservative politics in a revolutionary world" is an important seminal work on European diplomacy...
, by Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger
Heinz Alfred "Henry" Kissinger is a German-born American academic, political scientist, diplomat, and businessman. He is a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He served as National Security Advisor and later concurrently as Secretary of State in the administrations of Presidents Richard Nixon and...
. Because of the impact that book had on him, he applied to Harvard, to study at the school where Kissinger was teaching.
The Woods are the parents of four daughters and the grandparents of thirteen grandchildren. According to Wood, “Two things explain our family .... First, Heavenly Father just sent us four terrific kids. And second, their mother … I would never have been able to do anything that I’ve done professionally or in the Church had I not married the right woman who asked the question, ‘Are you going to stay active?’”
National Security Affairs
Wood was the holder of the Chester W. Nimitz Chair of National SecurityNational security
National security is the requirement to maintain the survival of the state through the use of economic, diplomacy, power projection and political power. The concept developed mostly in the United States of America after World War II...
at the United States Naval War College in Newport
Newport, Rhode Island
Newport is a city on Aquidneck Island in Newport County, Rhode Island, United States, about south of Providence. Known as a New England summer resort and for the famous Newport Mansions, it is the home of Salve Regina University and Naval Station Newport which houses the United States Naval War...
, Rhode Island
Rhode Island
The state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, more commonly referred to as Rhode Island , is a state in the New England region of the United States. It is the smallest U.S. state by area...
, where he also served as Dean of the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group
Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group
The Chief of Naval 0perations Strategic Studies Group was established by Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Thomas B. Hayward in 1981. The Group is co-located at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, but receives its direction and makes its reports only to the Chief of...
, and Dean (later, Dean Emeritus) of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, a focal point of strategic and campaign thought in the naval services and a major research group in the national security field.
CNO
CNO is a three-letter initialism. It can mean:* "chartay nahi o??" BFSF, abbreviated CNO in the context of the GPS* Chief of Naval Operations* Chief Networking Officer* Chief Nuclear Officer* Chief Nursing Officer* Chino Airport IATA symbol: CNO...
's think tank of first resort." During this period, in his capacity as Director of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, he oversaw the largest gaming series in U.S. history, "The Global War Games" which included hundreds of senior military and civilian leaders who came together for a two to three week period to explore conflict and crisis scenarios, and to explore alternative strategies, policies, and operational plans. During the course of his career he has provided advice on a number of occasions to the White House, the Congress, and the Department of Defense, and represent the United States in meetings with Soviet and British officials during the Cold War.
Wood received a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in history from Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
and master's
Master's degree
A master's is an academic degree granted to individuals who have undergone study demonstrating a mastery or high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice...
and Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a Doctor of Philosophy, an academic degree.Ph.D. may also refer to:* Ph.D. , a 1980s British group*Piled Higher and Deeper, a web comic strip*PhD: Phantasy Degree, a Korean comic series* PhD Docbook renderer, an XML renderer...
in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
from Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
. In addition to teaching the Naval War College
Naval War College
The Naval War College is an education and research institution of the United States Navy that specializes in developing ideas for naval warfare and passing them along to officers of the Navy. The college is located on the grounds of Naval Station Newport in Newport, Rhode Island...
, Wood has held faculty positions at Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
, Bentley College
Bentley College
Bentley University is a private co-educational university in Waltham, Massachusetts, west of Boston. Founded in 1917 as a school of accounting and finance in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, Bentley moved to Waltham in 1968...
, the University of Virginia
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, founded by Thomas Jefferson...
, the University of Tilburg and the University of Groningen
University of Groningen
The University of Groningen , located in the city of Groningen, was founded in 1614. It is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands as well as one of its largest. Since its inception more than 100,000 students have graduated...
. Additionally, he has served as visiting professor and lecturer
Visiting scholar
In the world of academia, a visiting scholar or visiting academic is a scholar from an institution who visits a host university, where he or she is projected to teach , lecture , or perform research on a topic the visitor is valued for...
at many prominent universities and institutions at home and abroad, and has been a frequent lecturer at the National Defense University
National Defense University
The National Defense University is an institution of higher education funded by the United States Department of Defense, intended to facilitate high-level training, education, and the development of national security strategy. It is chartered by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, with Navy Vice Admiral...
and at all of the U.S. Military Senior Service Schools, the NATO Defense College
NATO Defense College
NATO Defense College is an international military college for North Atlantic Treaty Organization countries located in Rome, Italy.-History:...
, and the Federal Executive Institute
Federal Executive Institute
The Federal Executive Institute is an executive and management development and training center for governmental leaders located on a campus near the center of Charlottesville, Virginia, less than a mile from University of Virginia....
. He has also authored, co-authored, edited, or contributed to 21 other books and numerous articles on public affairs, executive development, international affairs, and national security policy.
Service in the LDS Church
From 1957 to 1959, Wood served as a missionaryMissionary (LDS Church)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the most active modern practitioners of missionary work, with over 52,000 full-time missionaries worldwide, as of the end of 2010...
in the French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
Mission
Mission (LDS Church)
A mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a geographical administrative area to which church missionaries are assigned. Almost all areas of the world are within the boundaries of an LDS Church mission, whether or not Mormon missionaries live or proselytize in the area...
of the church. Prior to his call as a general authority, his many other leadership positions included service as an area seventy, regional representative of the Twelve
Regional representative of the Twelve
Regional representative of the Twelve, commonly shorted to regional representative or regional rep, was a priesthood calling in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between 1968 and 1995...
, stake president, and a bishop in the LDS Church. He became a general authority in April 1999 when he was asked to join the Second Quorum of the Seventy at the church's general conference
General Conference (LDS Church)
General Conference is a semiannual world conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints held in April and October, where members gather in a series of two-hour sessions to listen to instruction from Church leaders...
in Salt Lake City, Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
. As part of his many other contributions to the church, he was sent to South America, where he was responsible for overseeing all social, humanitarian and ecclesiastical affairs for Northern Brazil.
In 2009, Wood was called as president
Temple President
Temple president is a priesthood leadership position in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A temple president's primary responsibility is to supervise the affairs of an LDS temple in both an administrative and spiritual capacity....
of the Boston Massachusetts Temple
Boston Massachusetts Temple
The Boston Massachusetts Temple is the 100th operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The Boston Massachusetts Temple is located in the Boston suburb of Belmont, Massachusetts and was dedicated for use on 1 October 2000. When LDS Church President Gordon B...
, succeeding President Kenneth G. Hutchins. His wife, Dixie Jones Wood, would serve as Temple matron.
Wood has represented the LDS Church in many interfaith organizations and events, including the Council on Foreign Relations
Council on Foreign Relations
The Council on Foreign Relations is an American nonprofit nonpartisan membership organization, publisher, and think tank specializing in U.S. foreign policy and international affairs...
(CFR) Religious Advisory Committee.
Views
Wood's career in both church and state was based in part in his strong belief that the United States was the model for the world in terms of how a separation of church and state—no state runNational church
National church is a concept of a Christian church associated with a specific ethnic group or nation state. The idea was notably discussed during the 19th century, during the emergence of modern nationalism....
or state established church
State religion
A state religion is a religious body or creed officially endorsed by the state...
—was good for both the church and the state, allowing a variety of religions to flourish. Speaking at the Toronto based Center for New Religions, Wood said that the freedom of conscience and assembly allowed under such a system has led to a "remarkable religiosity" in the United States that isn't present in other industrialized nations.
Wood believes that the U.S. operates on "a sort of civic religion," which includes a generally-shared belief in a creator who "expects better of us." Beyond that, individuals are free to decide how they want to believe and fill in their own creeds and express their conscience. He calls this approach the "genius of religious sentiment in the United States."
External links
- Religious reflections and testimony of Robert S. Wood, "Mormon Scholars Testify," posted June 2010.
- "You're going to be OK...but," Address on the Happiness of Mortality, Keynote Address at the Annual Evergreen Conference, September 13, 2003.
- Video, "Instruments of the Lord's Peace," General Conference Reports, April 2, 2006, Brigham Young University TV.
- "Elder Robert S. Wood Speaks on the Holy Ghost," Report on May 13, 2003 Devotional Address delivered by Robert W. Wood at Brigham Young University, BYU Public Relations Office, May 15, 2003.
- Description of Wood's book, The Complete Christian, with extensive excerpt from the book's introduction. Posted on September 24, 2007.
- Wood's article on LDS ideas about war and peace, for the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol 4, copyright 1992, Macmillan Publishing Company.
- Video: "The Future Isn't What it Used to Be," "Presidential Lecture" delivered by Wood at Brigham Young University-Hawaii, March 21, 1996. (Note: video includes invocation delivered by Wood's daughter, Rachel.)