The Divine Nature of Family
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that families are not just a social convenience or earthly necessity—they are ordained of God and central to His eternal plan for His children. Family relationships can continue beyond death and throughout eternity.
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
In 1995, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," which serves as the definitive statement on the Church's doctrine regarding families. This inspired document declares fundamental truths about the divine nature and eternal purpose of families.
Eternal Families: The Ultimate Goal
One of the most distinctive and beautiful doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the belief that family relationships can continue forever. Through sacred ordinances performed in holy temples, husbands and wives can be sealed together for eternity, and children can be sealed to their parents.
Temple Marriage and Sealing
Temple marriage, or "sealing," is more than a wedding ceremony—it's an ordinance that binds families together for eternity. When couples are married in the temple by priesthood authority, they are not united "until death do you part," but for "time and all eternity."
Children Sealed to Parents
Children born to parents who have been sealed in the temple are automatically sealed to their parents. Children who are adopted or whose parents join the Church later can also be sealed to their parents through temple ordinances, creating eternal family bonds.
Core Principles of LDS Family Life
Divine Identity
We believe that each person is a beloved child of God with divine potential and eternal worth. This understanding shapes how family members treat one another.
Sacred Roles
Fathers and mothers have sacred responsibilities to provide for, protect, and nurture their children in love and righteousness.
Mutual Respect
Successful families are based on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.
Eternal Purpose
Families exist not just for temporal happiness, but to help each member progress toward eternal life and exaltation with God.
The Role of Parents in LDS Families
Fathers
Fathers are called to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. 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
Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. This sacred responsibility includes teaching children the gospel of Jesus Christ, helping them develop strong testimonies, and creating a home environment where the Spirit can dwell.
Shared Responsibilities
While fathers and mothers have distinct roles, they are equal partners who work together to fulfill their family responsibilities. Both parents share the obligation to teach their children, and circumstances may require individual adaptation.
Practices That Strengthen LDS Families
Family Home Evening
Weekly family meetings that include gospel instruction, family activities, and quality time together. Usually held on Monday evenings.
Family Prayer
Daily family prayers where family members gather to thank God, ask for blessings, and seek guidance together.
Family Scripture Study
Regular reading and discussion of scriptures as a family, helping children develop testimonies and understanding of gospel principles.
Family History Work
Learning about ancestors, sharing family stories, and performing temple ordinances for deceased family members.
Service Together
Families serving others in their community, congregation, and extended family, teaching children the joy of service.
Sabbath Observance
Keeping the Sabbath day holy as a family through worship, rest, and activities that invite the Spirit into the home.
Challenges and Support
We recognize that not all families fit the ideal described in the Proclamation. Single parents, childless couples, and those who have lost family members can still participate fully in the blessings of eternal families. The Church provides support and teaches that God's plan is inclusive and accommodating of all circumstances.
For Single Members
Single members are valued and loved. The Church teaches that those who remain faithful but do not have the opportunity for eternal marriage in this life will not be denied any blessing in the eternities.
For Struggling Families
When families face challenges, the Church offers resources including:
- Counseling and support from local leaders
- Family services and addiction recovery programs
- Strong communities of support within congregations
- Professional resources and referrals when needed
Children in LDS Families
Children are viewed as a heritage from the Lord and are to be welcomed into families with joy and gratitude. LDS parents strive to:
- Teach gospel principles through word and example
- Create loving homes where children feel safe and valued
- Encourage education and the development of talents
- Prepare children for missions and temple marriage
- Help children develop testimonies of Jesus Christ
- Show unconditional love while maintaining appropriate boundaries
The Home as a Sacred Space
LDS families strive to make their homes places where the Spirit of the Lord can dwell. This includes:
- Displaying pictures of Jesus Christ and temples
- Playing uplifting music and avoiding inappropriate media
- Creating environments of peace and love
- Making the home a place of learning and growth
- Establishing family traditions that strengthen relationships
Extended Family and Ancestors
The concept of eternal families extends beyond the immediate family to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and ancestors. LDS families emphasize:
- Genealogy and family history research to connect with ancestors
- Temple work for the dead to provide saving ordinances for deceased family members
- Family reunions and gatherings to strengthen extended family bonds
- Sharing family stories to help children understand their heritage
A Message of Hope
The doctrine of eternal families brings immense hope and comfort to Latter-day Saints. Death is not the end of family relationships—it's simply a temporary separation. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and sacred temple ordinances, families can be together forever, continuing to grow, learn, and love throughout eternity.
Living the Gospel in Family Life
LDS families strive to live gospel principles in their daily interactions:
- Forgiveness - Quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness
- Service - Looking for ways to serve one another
- Gratitude - Expressing appreciation for family members
- Patience - Understanding that growth takes time
- Love - Showing Christ-like love in word and deed
- Unity - Working together toward common eternal goals