Mormon Family: Mothers’ & Fathers’ Roles
The responsibility of parents is outlined in “The Family: a Proclamation to the World.” It outlines roles for both men and women. The powers of procreation are to be only used only between husband and wife. The proclamation warns that those who “violate the covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God.” Members of the Mormon religion are to abide by the counsel in this message. It is God’s plan for us to multiply and replenish the earth by having children. Men are expected to try diligently to be providers, to preside with equanimity over the family, and to support their wives as mothers. Women are to bear and love the children and to support their husbands in his duties. Many Mormon women work outside the home, but Mormon families are cautioned to avoid indulging in the kind of materialism that puts women into the workplace unnecessarily. Mormons believe that parents, should teach children through example. Children should be encouraged to live the principles of the gospel and follow God’s commandments. Parents should support and encourage their children to become baptized. In the Doctrine and Covenants 68:25-26, 28, we read that parents are to “teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.” The Mormon Church emphasizes the importance of family recreation. Through spending time with children, we can strengthen our bonds with them. Parents should strive to spend time with their children. Although fathers and mothers are busy with their work schedules and taking care of the family, parents are encouraged to spend quality and quantity time with each of their children. Parents are instructed to create a home for their families where the Holy Ghost can be felt by all.
Because man is given agency, parents are not completely responsible for their children’s actions. Mormons are taught that it is the parents’ responsibility to teach proper principles to their children and they can then govern themselves. Ho
wever, sometimes children rebel against the Lord despite what they have been taught in the home. It can be painful for parents to see their children leave the church and reject Christ. However, God is merciful and forgiving to those who go astray. Parents are to discipline with love and not anger. Abuse of any kind is unpleasing to the Lord.
A strong family is built upon a strong marriage. Couples are expected to continue to strengthen their marriages through mortality and into eternity. However, the Lord understands that people make mistakes, and thus divorce is allowed in the Mormon Church. Those who are in abusive relationships, whether physically or emotionally abusive, are supported by the church in seeking a divorce. However, couples who have lost interest in their marriage or find it too challenging are encouraged to seek counseling and remain committed to each other.
November 2nd, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I’ve viewed a couple of episodes of the new TLC reality show, “Sister Wives”. I googled ‘polygamy beliefs’leading me to this website. I found it difficult to conceive exactly where this biblical practice could be founded on moral grounds. Your explanation put the question into perspective. I also, yesterday evening, had a young man as a guest in my home who happened to be Mormon. So I continued to browse the site. The passage on Mothers & Fathers’ Roles was written so eloquently, that I had to thank you. This coming from a former career woman who struggles w/ my new title every so often. My decision, ofcourse, in knowing it’s the right thing for my family. The above description is right on in knowing where we should stand as mother/father, husband/wife before God. Thank you again & God Bless!!
September 16th, 2011 at 9:26 am
What are the views toward the older generation (the aged and elderly)?
September 22nd, 2011 at 3:06 pm
Views toward the elderly vary from culture to culture, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a world-wide church. However, the Church urges retired couples to “lengthen their shuffle” in providing service all over the world, and senior missionaries help with all sorts of things, including humanitarian aid. We have a “lay clergy,” which means all members serve in congregations or over even larger areas of responsibilities, and the elderly serve also as they can. We are taught to revere our seniors. We are also avid genealogists, and the memories and experiences of our elderly need to be recorded for posterity.
November 9th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
What are the views of the church when a woman who has been divorced with two kids and currently lives out of wedlock with an additional two children say? I have been struggling in and out of a christian church for some time. I know that it is a sin, but how does one join the church (if even possible)? what would be the steps? Also, what if my siignificant other decides not to fallow the church?
November 9th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
Nearly all new converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have made lifestyle changes and gone through the process of repentance by the time they are baptized. The first principles of the gospel are first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, repentance; third, baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins; and fourth, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
In order to get through the process of repentance, faith needs to be strong. That’s why it’s so important to get a spiritual witness straight from God that the Church is true. So that’s the first step, and it’s achieved through personal prayer, and then trusting God when He says He will help you.
In order to qualify for baptism, yes, you’ll have to change your situation, and we all know how tough that is, when love and support, even financial support are all at stake. There are people who can help, and no one could be more helpful than your partner, should he also obtain a witness of the truthfulness of the gospel.
So the first step is to have an honest talk with your partner. Would he be willing to take lessons from the Mormon missionaries to see whether he could accept it? Will he be willing to pray about the things the missionaries teach him and the things he reads in the scriptures? Would he be willing to make the lifestyle changes necessary to become worthy for baptism?
Determining these things will help you make the decisions you personally need to make. One more help, the following are the steps of repentance:
First, to recognize that your behavior is against the commandments of God.
Second, to desire to bring your life in line with God’s desires. This could be called “reconciling yourself” with God.
Third, Ask God for help, and enlist the help of others along the way.
Fourth, restore that which you have stolen or damaged. Now this may sound impossible, and often it is. When we can’t restore what we’ve stolen or damaged, we can still apologize and seek forgiveness from someone we’ve offended.
Fifth, resolve not to commit the sin anymore.
Sixth, keep God’s commandments to the best of our ability.
As we follow these steps, we become more and more in tune to the Holy Spirit and direction from God. The Mormons you know who seem to have it all together are actually repenting all the time, as they find things in their life that offend God.
This is a process, and not instant change. Mormon missionaries can guide you much of the way, and then compassionate “home teachers” and “visiting teachers” from the LDS ward or branch where you live.
Good luck! Let me know if I can answer any other questions you may have.
November 21st, 2011 at 12:22 pm
The scriptures are very clear: we all make mistakes. Big mistakes hurt more, and generally longer. Uncorrected, they can hurt our children, grandchildren, even many generations into the future.
So, we repent. Simple word, simple process. Not easy. Not even close to easy. I look at my own life and see that I need to do more re-penting, prayerful re-thinking. It’s a sorrowful, joyful process. What the Church says is best found in Isaiah 1:18 (16-19). I know it is true.
A couple of times, I’ve had to go to my bishop for help in the process. It has been humbling, and helpful in directing my pondering and prayers.
President Packer has said “Nowhere is the generosity and kindness and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance.”
In the process of prayer, searching and pondering for answers, you’ll need to pour out your whole soul to your Father in heaven about your relationship with your SO. That’s a big, important decision.
God bless you forever.
March 1st, 2012 at 6:58 am
I know this church is true