The Importance of the Family in Mormonism

The family is the essential and basic unit of life on Earth and in the eternities. Mormonism teaches important truths regarding the centrality of the family and its eternal destiny. Many of these truths can be found in The Family: a Proclamation to the World, which was issued by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Mormon Church.

Mormons believe the most important work we can do in this life is to protect and care for our families. Mormons believe that our families are eternal. This means that if we live righteously, we can live with our families forever, even after this life. Our earthly homes should be places that allow further progression of our children, who are also children of our Heavenly Father.

Before we came to the earth, Mormonism teaches that we lived with our Heavenly Parents in a pre-mortal world with a Heavenly Father and Mother, who Church members believe are the parents of our spirits. There we prepared to come to earth in the time established by the Lord.

Jesus Christ, under the direction of our Heavenly Father, created the earth to be our mortal home. In this physical world our first parents (Adam and Eve) received the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth. The same commandment is given to all men and women, but special rules apply to using the power of procreation. Men and women need to be legally married to be able to use the sacred powers of procreation in the way that is acceptable to the Lord. Mormonism declares the supreme importance of eternal marriage, a marriage that is performed only in sacred places called temples (see Mormon Temples).

According to the doctrine of Mormonism, only when we are married for time and all eternity in a sacred temple, and we live faithful to God’s commandments until the end of our lives, are we entitled to receive the special privilege of living with our families and with God the Father and Jesus Christ.

Mormons believe Satan is attacking the family today. He knows that families are the most important key to happiness, and by attacking them he is trying to destroy that eternal joy. To combat this, Mormons believe husbands and wives should fulfill their obligations as righteous spouses and parents. The Lord will bless those who strive for family unity and love. Mormons devote their best efforts to creating homes where their children can properly grow and develop, preparing for the challenges of life and learning to rely on the promises of the Lord to all the faithful.