Marriages and Families Blessed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Marriage and family are under attack as never before. 1 Many people dismiss and even mock marriage and family. Increasingly, their definitions have become blurred. But not so with God. Prophets of God have declared: "Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God." 2 Moreover, "the family is ordained of God," and "family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children." 3 Families are "the most important social unit in time and eternity;" 4 families are "the rock foundation, the cornerstone, of civilization…this nation will never rise above its homes and its families." 5

In 1995, the prophet and apostles of God published an inspired proclamation to dispel the confusion about marriage and family and the vicious attacks that are being waged upon them. That definitive statement is called: The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Here are some of the proclamation’s key ideas:

• "We Are Created in the Image of God"
• "Eternal Journey: Our Eternal Journey began with God"
• "Eternal Marriage and Family Relationships Beyond the Grave"
• "Have Children-Parents’ First Commandment is to Have Children"
• "Procreation-God’s Power to Give Life for Husbands and Wives"
• "Life is Sacred: God's Eternal Plan and Why Life is Sacred"
• "Caring Hearts-Caring for Each Other is Christ-like Love"
• "A Child’s Need--Parents and Family are What a Child Needs"
• "The Way to Happiness: Family is the Way to Happiness"
• "Divine Appointment- Parents’ God-Given Responsibilities"
• "Sexual Sin-A Prophetic Warning about Sexual Sin"
• "The Prophets’ Call to the World Concerning Families"

Questions about 'Marriages and Families Blessed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ'

• How bad is the present attack on marraige and family?



• Is there a definition we can count on for marriage and family? Who ordained the institutions of marriage and family?



• What have the prophet and apostles said concerning marriage and family?



• What is the name of the proclamation on marriage and family?

References for 'Marriages and Families Blessed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ'

1. Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p.209; The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p.493
2. The Family: A Proclamation to the World ; D&C 49:15-16 – And again, verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man. Wherefore, it is lawful that he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all this that the earth might answer the end of its creation;
3. The Family: A Proclamation to the World
4. True to the Faith, p.59; Mormon Doctrine, p. 273
5. Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, Country, p. 186