by Bonnie L. Oscarson
". . .There is a war going on in this world in which our most cherished and basic doctrines are under attack. I am speaking specifically of the doctrine of the family. The sanctity of the home and the essential purposes of the family are being questioned, criticized, and assaulted on every front."
Recently the Supreme Court of the United States of America has civilized same-sex marriage. This decision definitely attacks the sanctity of the home and the family.
The Church had this to say:
"Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society. His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. We invite all to review and understand the doctrine contained in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.”
(You can read the entire statement HERE.)
"The Family: A Proclamation to the World" was first read 20 years ago! This was two years before homosexuality began to make it's way into Hollywood, and transgender became normalized and acceptable.
"Little did we realize then how very desperately we would need these basic declarations in today's world as the criteria by which we could judge each new wind of worldly dogma coming at us from the media, the Internet, scholars, TV and films, and even legislators."
There is so much goodness and truth contained in this one page Proclamation. It outlines God's plan concerning gender role, how to have a successful marriage and a happy family. It also lists each member's role in the family. The Proclamation ends with a warning:
". . .we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."
"The proclamation on the family has become our benchmark for judging the philosophies of the world. . ."
THE CHALLENGE
". . .be defenders of "The Family: A Proclamation to the World.". . .We need to boldly defend the Lord's revealed doctrines describing marriage, families, the divine roles of men and women, and the importance of homes as sacred places - even when the world is shouting in our ears that these principles are outdated, limiting, or no longer relevant. Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord's plan described in the family proclamation. If it is the Lord's plan, it should also be our plan!"
1. Marriage between a man and a woman
"For anyone to attain the fulness of priesthood blessings, there must be a husband and a wife sealed in the house of the Lord, working together in righteousness and remaining faithful to their covenants. This is the Lord’s plan for His children, and no amount of public discourse or criticism will change what the Lord has declared. We need to continue to model righteous marriages, seek for that blessing in our lives, and have faith if it is slow in coming. Let us be defenders of marriage as the Lord has ordained it while continuing to show love and compassion for those with differing views."
2. Elevating the divine roles of mothers and fathers
"Do we also teach our sons and daughters there is no greater honor, no more elevated title, and no more important role in this life than that of mother or father? I would hope that as we encourage our children to reach for the very best in this life that we also teach them to honor and exalt the roles that mothers and fathers play in Heavenly Father’s plan."
I love the story of Sister Oscarson's daughter defending the role of Mother by practically fighting for the opportunity to teach the children at her elementary school about the career of being a mother.
Remember this DEBATE?
I love the story of Sister Oscarson's daughter defending the role of Mother by practically fighting for the opportunity to teach the children at her elementary school about the career of being a mother.
Remember this DEBATE?
3. The sanctity of the home
"All of us—women, men, youth, and children, single or married—can work at being homemakers. We should “make our homes” places of order, refuge, holiness, and safety. Our homes should be places where the Spirit of the Lord is felt in rich abundance and where the scriptures and the gospel are studied, taught, and lived. What a difference it would make in the world if all people would see themselves as makers of righteous homes. Let us defend the home as a place which is second only to the temple in holiness."
BE DEFENDERS!
"Let us help build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths."
BE DEFENDERS!
"Let us help build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. The Lord needs us to be brave, steadfast, and immovable warriors who will defend His plan and teach the upcoming generations His truths."