Mormon Family
Mormons believe that having a family is one of the most important things we do on this earth. The programs of the Mormon Church are designed to build up and support the Mormon family unit. Mormons believe that through the Plan of Salvation, and the ordinances of the gospel, families can dwell together forever in God’s kingdom.
Mormons doctrine teaches that a good base for any family is a strong commitment between husband and wife. Mormons support a traditional view of marriage, consisting of a man and a woman lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Worthy members of the Mormon Church are married in the Mormon temple where they make eternal commitments to each other and God. An interesting fact is that the divorce rate of those who are married in the temple is lower than those who are married outside of the temple, emphasizing the seriousness of the eternal covenant and the eternal nature of the Mormon family.
Beliefs concerning the Mormon family can be found in a statement called “The Family: a Proclamation to the World.” It was released by the Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley in response to the rising liberal views on the family. The address outlines the purpose of marriage and its importance. He reminds us of the importance of fidelity and trust in marriage.
Chastity before marriage is absolutely emphasized. Modern science upholds what the Lord has told us since the beginning of time, that chastity outside of marriage and fidelity in marriage brings happiness.
Mormon prophets have encouraged women to stay in the home and raise the children if they are financially able. This brings stability and love to the home, with the focus on the unity of the family rather than on material gain. Mormon men have been encouraged to work and provide monetarily for the family. The roles of father and mother are seen as equally important and necessary, and family culture is a matter decided upon by husband, wife, and the Lord. A number of Mormon wives work outside the home, and some Mormon fathers stay in the home, as necessary. The Mormon family is encouraged to prayerfully find a system that works for its individual financial and emotional needs.
Having and supporting a family through this life is the most important thing we can do on earth. When we die, we cannot take money, our jobs, or our material possessions with us. Family is the only thing we can take into the next life. It is through the family that we will find everlasting happiness. Through God’s plan, families can be together forever.
Further Questions about the Mormon family:
Do Mormons practice polygamy or plural marriage?
What are our roles as fathers and mothers?
How can I teach gospel principles in my home and strengthen my family?
May 14th, 2010 at 4:57 pm
While I am not a Mormon I can state this that on a trip to Salt Lake City last year I was blown away by what I experienced. I saw the love of God everywhere being demonstrated by families. It was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed and got me very interested about the LDS Church. While I am not a Mormon, I have become much more educated and the wrong perceptions and negative ideas I had toward the LDS Church has long passed away giving way to a very deep respect. Seeing faith being demonstrated in the lives of so many people will give you hope once again.
June 21st, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Thanks for your comment. You might also enjoy the following website: http://www.mormonfamily.net
July 25th, 2011 at 12:48 am
Let me start by saying while I don’t believe in a god, I do believe in the lessons that can be learned from the bible and how those teachings can help children grow into good citizens. I do respect you and anyone following a faith. Which brings me to my question and concern. with family life and enteral togethernes being as important as it is where would mormons stand on a member being with someone who supported their belief without question even if they themselves did not believe in god.must a morman marry a mormon to reach the highest state of eternal happieness? Thank you in advance for your time.
July 26th, 2011 at 1:16 pm
First of all, you need to be assured that most who have lived and those who now live will inherit a kingdom of heaven. Also, there is a great deal of enlightenment and healing that goes on in the “spirit world,” where the spirits of the dead go to await resurrection and judgment.
There are many marriages between Mormons and non-Mormons. In many of those marriages, husband and wife have come to an agreement as to how to teach their children and how to practice and support their own religious beliefs.
Temple marriage is a marriage where both husband and wife are worthy members of the Church and desire to covenant for eternity. If they remain worthy, then the covenant is binding and brings with it exaltation to the highest kingdom of heaven.
Mormons are highly engaged in doing work for the dead, including temple sealings of the marriages of their ancestors. So, if a couple realized in death that they wish their marriage were eternal, they can choose to accept the sealing done in their behalf on earth. Eventually, all will have this opportunity, so decisions can be made after this life, also. I hope this is clear. Thanks for your question.
August 9th, 2011 at 9:34 am
Well let me start of with that i’m Christian, Baptist.I was born into it, and yet, I still don’t know much about christian religion. i’m always wanting to learn more.
I’ve always wanted to know more about the ways of the Mormon. It seems like a very interested religion and i would love to learn more.
August 9th, 2011 at 11:53 am
A good place to go for the basics is http://mormon.org. There you can read about the Church and its basic doctrines, learn about everyday Mormons, chat with them, chat with a missionary, and order free scriptures, including the Bible.
September 25th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
I heard that mormons could have more than one wife. I’ve been a christian all my life and i have never seen anything that justified it in the King James Bible. Does it say you can marry more than one person in the King James Bible and if so where or does it say that you can marry more than one person in the book of mormon
September 30th, 2011 at 7:08 am
I never knew much about the Mormon religion but after reading the comments and questions I have learned much. I thank you for opening up to others who don’t understand.
September 30th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
Mormons have only one wife. Plural marriage was practiced by about 25% of Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) during a 50-year period. The Lord commanded the “Saints” to do this, and not one of them wanted to. The Lord said it was to “raise up seed unto Himself.” The Lord then ended the practice of polygamy when the U.S. government set out to destroy the Church. Polygamy ended in 1890, with the punishment of excommunication added in 1904. The Lord revealed that unless He commanded it, men should take only one wife.
At the time of Christ polygamy was common, and if He said something regarding that, it has not been recorded in the Bible. Although Paul talks about monogamy, and even celibacy. (Slavery was also common at the time, and Christ spoke of fair treatment, but didn’t issue a commandment to stop the practice.)
In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Jacob has been commanded by God to speak with sternness to his people. The men, with their unfaithful behavior, were trampling the tender feelings of their wives and children. The Lord commanded them to take only one wife, because they were not righteous enough to take several. Here’s the scripture (there are others in the Doctrine and Covenants that deal with the multiple marriages of David and Solomon — some were approved of God and some were not).
“Wherefore, thus saith the Lord, I have led this people forth out of the land of Jerusalem, by the power of mine arm, that I might raise up unto me a righteous branch from the fruit of the loins of Joseph.
“Wherefore, I the Lord God will not suffer that this people shall do like unto them of old. Wherefore, my brethren, hear me, and hearken to the word of the Lord: For there shall not any aman among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none;
For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts. Wherefore, this people shall keep my commandments, saith the Lord of Hosts, or acursed be the land for their sakes.
“For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things” (Jacob 2:25-30).
November 8th, 2011 at 5:21 pm
My niece became a mormon about 5 years ago and returned from her mission 4 months ago. Since she returned, she does not show any interest in her non-mormon family members or in socializing with any of her long time friends. When she does talk with a family member or friend, it is clear that her only goal is to convert them. These are good, caring people who love her. Why is she acting this way?
November 9th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
my thought and prayers go out to the mormon families of the loved ones that were in the car accident in donna tx on 11/08/2011
November 9th, 2011 at 11:27 pm
Thanks so much. Yes, truly a tragic event. These kinds of things sometimes happen. Most Mormon missionaries are young men between the ages of 19 and 21, or young women between the ages of 21 and 26. Statistics show that they are much safer performing missionary service than following their normal lives at home. Mormons are comforted by their knowledge that families can be reunited in heaven. Again, thank you for taking the time to express your sympathy.
November 9th, 2011 at 11:41 pm
I don’t know, but she may calm down as she re-adjusts to the world around her outside the missionary realm. It’s common for returned LDS missionaries to have to “decompress” from their missionary experience. For all, the world they return to seems pretty worldly. A few are judgmental of their families for a little while, but four months is usually enough. On her mission your niece learned to love the people she served, many of whom were not Mormons and many of whom struggled with all sorts of issues. That unconditional love should carry over from that experience. I’m so sorry she is behaving this way. Perhaps a letter or talk expressing how the non-Mormon part of the family feels would be helpful.