LDS Church Teachings on Marriage, Family, and Morality

The Church's council to the Law of Chastity

Try to avoid anything that could lead to sexual trangression

Dallin H oaks Levels of pornogrphaic Involvement

1. Inadvertent Exposure.

2. Occasional Use.

3. Intensive Use.

4. Compulsive Use.

The purpose for Intimacy in Marriage by Spencer W. Kimball

"The Bible celebrates sex and its proper use, presenting it as God-created, God-ordained, God-blessed. It makes plain that God himself implanted the physical magnetism between the sexes for two reasons: for the propagation of the human race, and for the expression of that kind of love between man and wife that makes for true oneness. His commandment to the first man and woman to be 'one flesh' was as important as his command to 'be fruitful and multiply.'"

Elizabeth VanBenBerghe says what lie about sexuality within marriage

Married couples have a less fulfilling sex life than those who remain single

Wendy Watson Nelson, what A symbol of Unity

Fortunately, this husband doesn't have to figure out by himself how to prepare for marital intimacy, and neither do you. Consider some of the spiritual truths we have discussed. We start with the foundational understanding that intimacy of any kind involves reciprocal feelings of trust and emotional closeness and an open communication of thoughts and feelings. Hence, the more a husband and wife experience open communication, trust, and emotional closeness with each other, the greater their prospects for enjoying true marital intimacy. The more unified spouses are in all areas of their lives, the more intimate their relationship will be. Physical intimacy then becomes a symbol of their overall unity. True marital intimacy becomes a time for them to draw closer to each other by uniting their whole souls—bodies and spirits.

Different Kinds of Intimacy

• Emotional intimacy: being on the same wavelength and feeling close

• Intellectual intimacy: sharing thoughts and ideas

• Aesthetic intimacy: sharing the beauties of the world

• Creative intimacy: sharing acts of creating together

• Recreational intimacy: playing together

• Work intimacy: sharing common tasks in closeness

• Conflict intimacy: facing and struggling with challenges and differences

• Crisis intimacy: coping together with problems and pain

• Spiritual intimacy: experiencing the "uniting of spirits"

Elder Bednar's POV on sex

"[Sexual relations] are in mortality one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential and a way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife"

Sacred Decisions for having childern is what

We express deep gratitude for the enormous faith shown by husbands and wives (especially our wives) in their willingness to have children. When to have a child and how many children to have are private decisions to be made between a husband and wife and the Lord. These are sacred decisions--decisions that should be made with sincere prayer and acted on with great faith.

Applies to birth control, and that it is up to the couples to decide

The Church's policy on abortion in handbook

The Lord commanded, "Thou shalt not ... kill, nor do anything like unto it" (D&C 59:6). The Church opposes elective abortion for personal or social convenience. "Abortion is not considered to be the same as murder but like unto it." Members must not submit to, perform, arrange for, pay for, consent to, or encourage an abortion. The only possible exceptions are when:

Pregnancy resulted from forcible rape or incest.

A competent physician determines that the life or health of the mother is in serious jeopardy.

A competent physician determines that the fetus has severe defects that will not allow the baby to survive beyond birth.

Handbook 1 (2010) 17.3.1

Russel Nelson, When does meaningful life begin?

Nearly all legislation pertaining to abortion considers the duration of gestation. The human mind has presumed to determine when "meaningful life" begins. In the course of my studies as a medical doctor, I learned that a new life begins when two special cells unite to become one cell, bringing together 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 from the mother. These chromosomes contain thousands of genes. In a marvelous process involving a combination of genetic coding by which all the basic human characteristics of the unborn person are established, a new DNA complex is formed. A continuum of growth results in a new human being. Approximately 22 days after the two cells have united, a little heart begins to beat. At 26 days the circulation of blood begins. To legislate when a developing life is considered "meaningful" is presumptive and quite arbitrary, in my opinion.

Russel M Nelson Alternatives to Abortion

To add another serious sin to a serious sin already committed only compounds the grief. Adoption is a wonderful alternative to abortion. Both the baby and the adoptive parents can be greatly blessed by the adoption of that baby into a home where the child will be lovingly nurtured and where the blessings of the gospel will be available.

What does Russel M Ballard say about Circumstances surrounding Suicide

I feel that the Lord also recognizes differences in intent and circumstances

Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide. Only the Lord knows all the details, and he it is who will judge our actions here on earth.

When he does judge us, I feel he will take all things into consideration: our genetic and chemical makeup, our mental state, our intellectual capacity, the teachings we have received, the traditions of our fathers, our health, and so forth.

David A Bendar, Parenting Principles Suggestion #1,2,3

Expressing love to eachother

Within the walls of our own homes, we can and should bear pure testimony of the divinity and reality of the Father and the Son, of the great plan of happiness, and of the Restoration.

What they would say they remember is that as a family we were consistent.

Principles Happy Families are built upon according to the Family Proclamation

Faith

Prayer

Repentance

Forgiveness

Respect

Love

Compassion

Work

Wholesome recreational activities

Communication Types

Personal

At this level, we share our opinions, beliefs, ideas, values, and feelings.

Validating

The squeeze of the hand, an arm around each other, an expression known only to the spouse- all convey positive value and meaning to the spouse in non-verbal ways.

Showing appreaction

Superfical

Examples of superficial topics include weather, sports, cars, church, movies, jobs, etc..

Dallin oaks Personal and priesthood lines of Revelation

Balaence between personal and priesthood lines

Jeffery Holland Most important things to avoid with marraige

Abuse of any kind, berbal, emiotanl, physical

Orson F. Whitney,When Children wander

While we may despair when, after all we can do, some of our children stray from the path of righteousness, the words of Orson F. Whitney can comfort us: "Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them, and sooner or later they will feel the tentacles of Divine Providence reaching out after them and drawing them back to the fold. Either in this life or the life to come, they will return. They will have to pay their debt to justice; they will suffer for their sins; and may tread a thorny path; but if it leads them at last, like the penitent Prodigal, to a loving and forgiving [mother's and] father's heart and home, the painful experience will not have been in vain. Pray for [our] careless and disobedient children; hold on to them with [our] faith. Hope on, trust on, till you see the salvation of God"

The responsibility of parents

DC68:25-26

Parents are respnabiltiy about hte gospel

Jeffrey R. Holland,Teaching our children the gospel

Live the gospel as conspicuously as you can. Keep the covenants your children know you have made. Give priesthood blessings. And bear your testimony! Don't just assume your children will somehow get the drift of your beliefs on their own . . .

David A bendar, Teaching the gospel

Parents should be vigilant and spiritually attentive to spontaneously occurring opportunities to bear testimony to their children.

the less regimented such testimony sharing is, the greater the likelihood for edification and lasting impact. ...

Julie B. Beck aim for what

Aiming for precision not perfection title

James E faust Parenting & Hypocrisy

Parental hypocrisy can make children cynical and unbelieving of what they are taught

If children are expected to be honest, parents must be honest. If children are expected to be virtuous, parents must be virtuous. If you expect your children to be honorable, you must be honorable.

James E Faust, what is most imporatnt Parental discipline

Certainly the overarching and undergirding principle is that the discipline of children must be motivated more by love than by punishment.

Brigham Young what should you do Chastising Children

If parents do not discipline their children, then the public will discipline them in a way the parents do not like. Without discipline, children will not respect either the rules of the home or of society.

Be limited in childern displince

The two factors in disciplining kids

Affection, and Expectation

The Lord's counsel on chastising

Show love more then chastised and show what was wrong

D&C 121:

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

David R Seely What does "help-meet" mean in Hebrew

The Hebrew term for the phrase "help meet for him" ('ezer kenegdo) literally means "a helper suited to, worthy of, or corresponding to him."

M. Russell Ballard Types of Family Councils

First, a general family council consisting of the entire family.

Second, an executive family council consisting of a mother and father.

Third, a limited family council consisting of parents and one child.

Fourth, a one-on-one family council consisting of one parent and one child.

M. Russell Ballard, "Family Councils," April 2016 General Conference

Linda K Burton Five Questions to test happiness and unity in Marriage ?

1. When was the last time I sincerely praised my companion, either alone or in the presence of our children?

2. When was the last time I thanked, expressed love for, or earnestly pleaded in faith for him or her in prayer?

3.When was the last time I stopped myself from saying something I knew could be hurtful?

Pride put out pride aside

4. When was the last time I apologized and humbly asked for forgiveness--without adding the words "but if only you had" or "but if only you hadn't"?

5. When was the last time I chose to be happy rather than demanding to be "right"?

Dallin H Oaks, What kids really want for dinner

There is inspired wisdom in this advice to parents: what your children really want for dinner is you.

Temporal v. spiritual

Everything is Eternal DC29

34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

Gordon B. Hinckley, The Root cause... of issues of marriage

"I am satisfied that money is the root of more trouble in marriage than all other causes combined."

Robert D Hales, When is it ok to go into debt?

Yes, if you are smart

Some debt incurred for education, a modest home, or a basic automobile may be necessary to provide for a family. Unfortunately however, additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses. And for both debt and addiction, the hopeful solution is the same— we must turn to the Lord and follow His commandments. We must want more than anything else to change our lives so that we can break the cycle of debt and our uncontrolled wants.

Robert Hales What does Provident Living mean? 4 ways

joyfully living within our means,

being content with what we have,

avoiding excessive debt,

and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies.

We can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior's example to serve and bless others.

Robert D. Hales ,Princicples of Provident Living 4 ways

1. Husbands and wives should counsel together and use family councils to make financial decisions.

2. The foundation of provident living is the law of the tithe.

3. Be an example with the payment of fast offerings. (A fast offering is at least the cost of the two consecutive meals from which we fast each month.)

4. Establish a family budget and involve children.

Robert D. Hales,E what is education for?

Education will prepare you for what is ahead, including marriage.

Mary N. Cook Women and Education

Value Education

I know that my education prepared me for a life that has been nothing like I had envisioned as a young woman. I thought I was studying education to teach school and my future children, but I did not know the Lord was also preparing me to teach English in Mongolia on a mission with my husband and to teach the young women of the Church throughout the world and to teach my grandchildren the value of knowledge—all wonderful blessings I could never have imagined.

The Five Principles of economic constancy

Pay an honest tithe

Live on less than you earn

Learn to distinguish between needs and wants

Develop and live within a budget

Be honest in all your financial affairs

Elder Benson's council to mitigate poverty

"The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums."

-Elder Rasband Being fair to others, what needs to be done

"We believe in creating a space for everyone to live their conscience without infringing on the rights and safety of others. When the rights of one group collide against the rights of another, we must follow the principle of being as fair and sensitive to as many people as possible. The Church believes in and teaches "fairness for all."

Being Selective and Wise, and laws, whats a big no no

Do not force your beliefs

First, when believers in Jesus Christ take their views of truth into the public square, they must seek the inspiration of the Lord to be selective and wise in choosing which true principles they seek to promote by law or executive action. Generally, they should refrain from seeking laws or administrative action to facilitate beliefs that are distinctive to believers, such as the enforcement of acts of worship, even by implication. Believers can be less cautious in seeking government action that would serve principles broader than merely facilitating the practice of their beliefs, such as laws concerning public health, safety, and morals.

Dallin H. Oaks Tolerance v. truth, 2 side coin?

"For persons who believe in absolute truth, tolerance for behavior is like a two-sided coin. Tolerance, or respect, is on one side of the coin, but truth is always on the other. You cannot possess or use the coin of tolerance without being conscious of both sides."

What is the Church's Stance politcally for?

What the church does:

Encourage its members to play a role as responsible citizens in their communities, including becoming informed about issues and voting in elections.

Expect its members to engage in the political process in an informed and civil manner, respecting the fact that members of the Church come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and may have differences of opinion in partisan political matters.

Request candidates for office not to imply that their candidacy or platforms are endorsed by the Church.

Reserve the right as an institution to address, in a nonpartisan way, issues that it believes have significant community or moral consequences or that directly affect the interests of the Church.

What is the Church's Stance polically against?

What the church does not do:

Endorse, promote or oppose political parties, candidates or platforms.

Allow its church buildings, membership lists or other resources to be used for partisan political purposes.

Attempt to direct its members as to which candidate or party they should give their votes to. This policy applies whether or not a candidate for office is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Attempt to direct or dictate to a government leader.

Gordon Hinckley The benchmark for for judging worldly philosophies

The Family: A Proclamation to the World" we were grateful for and valued the clarity, simplicity, and truth of this revelatory document. The proclamation on the family has become our benchmark for judging the philosophies of the world, and I testify that the principles set forth within this statement are as true today as they were when they were given to us by a prophet of God nearly 20 years ago.

A word from Sister Bonnie Oscarson, what do we need to do

"You may not be experiencing exactly what the proclamation describes, but it is the Lord's pattern and we should strive to realize it best we can."

Stand by it

"There are three principles taught in the proclamation which I think are especially in need of 'steadfast defenders'"

3 principles for steadfast defenders

Marriage between a man and woman

The divine roles of fathers and mothers

The sanctity of the home

Gordon B. Hinckley, Context of the Family Proclamation

[W]e have felt to warn and forewarn.

In furtherance of this we of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles now issue a proclamation to the Church and to the world as a declaration and reaffirmation of standards, doctrines, and practices relative to the family which the prophets, seers, and revelators of this church have repeatedly stated throughout its history.

Todd Christofferson Guidelines for finding true doctrine

Mutiple teachings

The President of the Church may announce or interpret doctrines based on revelation to him (see, for example, D&C 138). Doctrinal exposition may also come through the combined council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see, for example, Official Declaration 2). Council deliberations will often include a weighing of canonized scriptures, the teachings of Church leaders, and past practice. But in the end, just as in the New Testament Church, the objective is not simply consensus among council members but revelation from God. It is a process involving both reason and faith for obtaining the mind and will of the Lord.

What was important about Malachi's 4:5-6 Prophecy?

It is a conditional

Heavenly Mother What do we know about her?

She is a key part of the Plan of Salvation

She is a part of the "divine design" taught in The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Gordon B. Hinckley, A caution about Heavenly Mother

The fact that we do not pray to our Mother in Heaven in no way belittles or denigrates her.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie The Son as a Revelation of the Father

"The perfect revelation of God came in the meridian of time... [when] he sent his Son into the world so that all men, seeing the Son, could envision perfectly who and what the Father is. The four Gospels contain the most comprehensive revelation of God the Father of any scriptures because they show forth what kind of a being the Son is, and men knowing the Son thereby know the Father."

What is the biggest aspiration? President Dallin H. Oaks

"Our theology begins with heavenly parents. Our highest aspiration is to be like them."

Our Relationship to God

All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.

Where is hell in the plan?

Hell is sepration of God

The highest degree of Glory in the Celestial Kingdom

D&C 131:1-4

1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.

What do we know about Satan's Plan?

He sought to destroy agency

Three Pillars of Eternity

the creation, the fall, and atonement

Russel M Nelson The length of Creation

Whether termed a day, a time, or an age, each phase was a period between two identifiable events—a division of eternity."

Evolution & Creation

The church has no official position on evolution , but we believe that all life is of divine origin

Men and Women were in the beginning with God, and can receive the fullness of His glory (D&C 93)

Dallin H. Oaks, Two great Commandments

"This commandment [to "be fruitful and multiply"] was first in sequence and first in importance. It was essential that God's spirit children have mortal birth and an opportunity to progress toward eternal life."

Conditions for Agency

1. Eternal Law

2. Opposition

3. Knowledge of good and evil

4. The power to choose

Dallin H. Oaks Eve's role in God's Plan

She is imopratnt

Conditions in the garden

2 Nephi 2:22-23

22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.

23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.

The Events of the Atonement

The Garden of Gethsemane

The Cross of Calvary

The Ministry in the Spirit World

The Resurrection

M. Russell Ballard The role of gender and priesthood in the organization of the church

the Lord has not revealed why He has organized His Church as He has.

M. Russell Ballard, Access to the priesthood

Both have access

They are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. While the authority of the priesthood is directed through priesthood keys, and priesthood keys are held only by worthy men, access to the power and the blessings of the priesthood is available to all of God's children.

The Proclamation on the Role of Women & Men

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. ... 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 are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

Proclaimation, Same Sex Attraction and the Law of Chastity

"The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. ... 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 are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

The church's stance on LGBTQIA+ Rights

Treat everyone with respect

All ordinances that are not linked to biological-sex

Reliable Sources of Doctrine

Current, correlated publications

Cumulative teachings of current General Authorities and officers of the church

The united voice of the first presidency and the twelve apostles

Harmonized doctrine in the scriptural canon

The doctrine of christ