THE DIVINE N NATURE OF F FAMILY Its ts P Purpose, P Power & P Preservation
President Thomas S. Monson “The calling of lecturer does not exist in the church. A lecturer imparts knowledge, but a teacher enables students to teach one another. ”
Elder Richard G. Scott “ Assure that there is abundant participation because that use of agency by a student authorizes the Holy Ghost to instruct. It also helps the student retain your message. As students verbalize truths, they are confirmed in their souls and strengthen their personal testimonies. ” (“ To Understand and Live Truth,” Address to CES Religious Educators, February 4, 2005)
President Boyd K. Packer “ It is one thing to receive a witness from what you have read or what another has said; and that is a necessary beginning. It is quite another to have the Spirit confirm to you in your bosom that what you have testified is true. ” (The Candle of the Lord, Ensign, January 1983)
The family is ordained of God. It is the most important unit in time and in eternity. (Handbook 2, section 1.1.1)
Elder David A. Bednar We have been counseled strongly by the First Presidency to devote our best efforts to the strengthening of marriage and the home. Such instruction has never been more needed in the world than it is today, as the sanctity of marriage is attacked and the importance of the home is undermined.
‘No Fault’ Statutes in all 50 states California ‘No Fault’ Statute
“We know the statistics – that children who grow up without a father are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime; nine times more likely to drop out of schools, and twenty times more likely to end up in prison. They are more likely to have behavioral problems, or run away from home or become teenage parents themselves. And the foundations of our community are weaker because of it.” President Barack Obama Apostolic Church of God (June15, 2008)
The Family is Central to the Creator’s Plan for the Eternal Destiny of His Children
Heavenly Home God is our Heavenly Father, and we lived in His presence as part of His family in the premortal life. There we learned our first lessons and were prepared for mortality (see D&C 138:56)
The Role of Families in God’s Plan As part of our Heavenly Father’s plan, we were born into families. He established families to bring us happiness, to help us learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and to prepare us for eternal life. (Handbook 2, section 1.1.4)
Family as Highest Priority “ However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform. ” (First Presidency letter, Feb. 11, 1999)
Divine Design for Family Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Marriage between a man and a woman is essential to God’s eternal plan
Handbook 2, 1.3.1 The nature of male and female spirits is such that they complete each other. Men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. . . . Exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom can be attained only by those who have faithfully lived the gospel of Jesus Christ and are sealed as eternal companions [husband and wife]. (Handbook 2, 1.3.1)
Elder Bruce C. Hafen Even secular marriage was historically a three- party covenant among a man, a woman, and the state. Society has a huge interest in the outcome and the offspring of every marriage. So the public nature of marriage distinguishes it from all other relationships. Guests come to weddings because, as Wendell Berry said, sweethearts “say their vows to the community as much as to one another,” giving themselves not only to each other, but also to the common good [of the community]. . . .
Elder Bruce C. Hafen [All newly married couples will face trials and opposition that will test their marriage.] Only then will they discover whether their marriage was based on a contract or a covenant. When troubles come, the parties to a contractual marriage seek happiness by walking away. They marry to obtain benefits and will stay only as long as they’re receiving what they bargained for. But when troubles come to a covenant marriage, the husband and wife work them through. They marry to give and to grow, bound by covenants to each other, to the community, and to God. Contract companions each give 50 percent; covenant companions each give 100 percent.
Why does Traditional Marriage Exist? • To bring a man and a woman together as husband and wife to be father and mother to any child their union produces. • To encourage and hold men responsible for the creation of a human life and the necessity of providing for and protecting mother and child. • It has been long established that a home with a father and mother, raising the off-spring of their union, is the most stable of all familial relationships.
Why is Society involved in Marriage • Societies through history and around the world have recognized and protected marriage because it benefits society in a way that no other relationship does (encourages child birth and facilitates the most stable child-rearing environment). • Marriage is society’s least restrictive means of ensuring the well-being of children. Marital breakdown weakens civil society and the notion of limited government. The breakdown of family is extremely costly to society.
Defending Traditional Marriage • How many of you have been asked one of the following questions? – Why is the Church so opposed to same-sex marriage? – Why are Mormons so judgmental and prejudice toward same-sex couples? – Shouldn’t a same-sex couple have the same rights that heterosexual couples enjoy? – It doesn’t affect me, so what does it matter? • What are the repercussions of same-sex marriage?
David Popanoe Rutgers University The burden of social science evidence supports the idea that gender differentiating parenting is important for human development and the contribution of fathers to child rearing is unique and irreplaceable. We should disavow the notion that mommies can make good daddies, just as we should disavow the popular notion that daddies can make good mommies. The two sexes are different to the core and each is necessary culturally and biologically for the optimal development of a human being.
Divine Design for Family • Married (husband & wife): • Monogamy (Cleave unto spouse; become one flesh) • Exclusivity (Law of Chastity) • Permanency (Sealed for time and all eternity ) • Father as provider & protector • Mother as primary nurturer • Child raised by biological Father & Mother • Gender-differentiated parenting • Gospel – centered home
Same Gender Marriages • Married (husband & wife): • Monogamy (Cleave unto spouse; become one flesh) • Exclusivity (Law of Chastity) • Permanency (Sealed for time and all eternity ) • Father as provider & protector • Mother as primary nurturer • Child raised by biological Father & Mother • Gender-differentiated parenting • Gospel – centered home
Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor their marital vows with complete fidelity.
What Matters to Children? • Biological relationships matter to children • Gender-differentiated parenting matters to children (both father & mother). • Stability matters: – Credible research studies suggest the same adverse trends in single-parent, step-parent & cohabitating homes are manifest in same-sex marriages, if not more pronounced. – Over time the many assertions of normality of same-sex families will be proven inaccurate.
God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks Knowledge of God’s plan for His children gives Latter-day Saints a unique perspective on marriage and family. . . . We know that the marriage of a man and a woman is necessary for the accomplishment of God’s plan. Only this marriage will provide the approved setting for mortal birth and to prepare family members for eternal life. We look on marriage and the bearing and nurturing of children as part of God’s plan and a sacred duty of those given the opportunity to do so. We believe that the ultimate treasures on earth and in heaven are our children and our posterity.
Disability, death and other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation.
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