My Perspective of The Family Proclamation

As we look at the “THE FAMILY - A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD” some things catch my interest at a glance. Firstly, the title is all capitalized which to me implies this is important information that requires my attention. Another observation is each paragraph starts the same way, capitalized. That beneficial to the reader if they want to look at a particular portion of the proclamation. Throughout this semester I am seeking to answer some questions such as How does same-gender marriage effect children in a same-sex relationship? As a “responsible citizen”, how can I promote principles from the Family Proclamation? As a husband how can I “affirm the importance of the sanity of life within God’s eternal plan?” (The Family, para. 6, 10).

The proclamation is a warning, a spiritual education to the world’s inhabitants. It plainly instructs us on the framework of Heavenly Father's Eternal Plan of Happiness as believers or non-believers alike. As pointed out in the second paragraph “the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.” Also identified in this paragraph is the fundamental truth that marriage “is between a man and a woman and is ordained of God.” (The Family, para. 2). How divine is the proclamation, received through divine revelation? Gordon B. Hinckley over a decade ago presented the proclamation to the world. A needed precursor to Satan’s brazen attack on the family. He uses such things as the “no-fault Act” which in simple terms allows married couples to divorce for any reason and no evidence. (Family Law Act 1975). The adversary is deceiving humankind in many ways. Another area is same-sex attention and marriage which in this current decade has been ratified in courts of law, canvassing the globe like an uncontrollable infectious virus.

While the proclamation is a stern warning to the unbelievers, it is more than that. Let us focus on the other audience “the believer.” Many people from all walks of life inside and outside of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live by good Christian values. The proclamation is a vehicle to bring souls unto Christ. For those in the church, the declaration is a roadmap that will lead them to the Temple. Married couples can be sealed for time, and all eternity, this is the most significant blessing we can receive on earth. For those that live a covenanted life, the benefit of being able to navigate this earthly journey is made lighter. Trials and tribulations are lightened on our backs. It gives structure, direction and the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our role as parents is to teach our children. Our leaders have taught that the purpose of this generation is to prepare the world for the Lord’s second coming. “Your mission will be a sacred opportunity to bring others to Christ and help prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.” (Anderson, 2011).

The following text is direct from the proclamation, I didn’t want to mince words and I also wanted the reader to understand that I take this seriously, “WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.” (The Family, para. 9)

As we read in the Old Testament we are made “in the image of God” (Gen 1:27), “Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny,” (The Family, para. 3). I must confess that this statement, “Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose” (The Family, para. 3) is beyond my comprehension. I understand that man and women have particular roles and complement each other through marriage. When I knew that Karen was my “the one,” I still doubted. I took it to the Lord for clarification, and the response astounded me, I felt prompted that, “you can marry anybody you like – it doesn’t matter. What does matter is the effort the couple put into the marriage! If a couple devotes themselves to the Lord, and to each other, Jesus Christ can make up the difference. All you have to do is live the gospel and serve God and make your bride your queen.” I did not see that coming, but it was the answer I needed to here. How awesome is that!

What I have written is a surface evaluation of the proclamation. It requires a more in-depth study from the reader to digest the eternal principles and blessings contained therein. I wanted to conclude by discussing ways in which I intend to deepen my understanding and commitment to principles and practices from the proclamation. I have increased my knowledge on how to talk about the proclamation. Thomas Draper discusses “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” (The Family, para. 8) in our current textbook, (Draper, et al., 2016, 331). This chapter was illuminating to me as it explains “the board cultural discussion going on about the meaning of family.” He encourages the reader to understand the different areas of influence that cause people to question. The information they are basing their conclusions on, and is it arcuate and correct? The chapter takes the reader through how to discern what is truth and error, with a definite “Nothing for sure,” meaning the social sciences have their place as a secondary witness, nothing is absolute, (Draper, et al., 2016, 331).

For the first time I felt that I had read an honest statement about the social sciences; meaning I can review information from credible sources and use that information to defend “The Family Proclamation”. I can now discuss these concepts with family and friends and possibly later to a broader audience. Another way I can commit and deepen my understanding of the proclamation is to live by example. We should be proud, not overbearing that we are married; married in a heterosexual partnership, that we love our family and we live God’s commandments.

Finally, my passion, to serve those around me. I do this as a father, a priesthood leader, and a home teacher. Professionally, I am changing my employment and get educated to become a family therapist. By doing this I can get in touch with the people and walk among them as the Savior did teaching correct principles and helping those that need professional guidance.

References

Anderson, N. L., “Preparing the World for the Second Coming”, Ensign, 2011. https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/preparing-the-world-for-the-second-coming?lang=eng

Federal Register of Legislation, Family Law Act 1975, C2018C00003, 2, pp. 1-380. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018C00003

Hawkins, A.J.; Draper T. W.; Dollahite, D. C.; “Successful Marriages and Families”, BYU Studies and School of Family Life, 2016. pp 323-331.

The Family: A Proclamation to The World. (Nov, 1995), Ensign, 25, p. 102. https://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/11/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng,

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