Mormon beliefs state that the family is central to the plan of our Heavenly Father. The Family is designed to act as the focal unit of society both on earth and in the eternities. Because of this an important emphasis is placed upon family.
A Mormon family typically consists of husband, wife, and children. Marriage is considered to be a sacred covenant between husband and wife and not easily discarded. Members of the Church are encouraged to work through their problems and not get divorced. A Mormon family tends to be larger than average since members feel it is their duty and privilege to bring spirits to this earth and raise them in the Church. They believe that the law given to Adam and Eve "to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force."
The Church teaches that in a Mormon family, "Husband and wife have a solemn obligation to love and care for each other and for their children." 2 Fathers are to primarily provide for the material needs of the family. Mothers are to stay at home and nurture their children. Fathers and mothers work together as equal partners to teach and raise their children. "The righteous molding of an immortal soul is the highest work we can do, and the home is the place to do it."
Parents in a Mormon family are under sacred obligation to teach their children. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches, "As parents have children… and teach them not to understand the doctrine… the sin be upon the heads of the parents."
The home is the place where children are best taught and should be gospel-centered. President Joseph F. Smith said, "Do not let your children out to specialists … , but teach them by your own precept and example, by your own fireside. Be a specialist yourself in the truth. … Not one child in a hundred would go astray, if the home environment, example and training, were in harmony with the truth in the gospel of Christ, as revealed and taught to the Latter-day Saints."
The Mormon Church has set aside Monday night for every Mormon family to hold a Family Home Evening, which usually consists of a lesson about a gospel principle and other activities. Members are promised that “regular participation in family home evening will develop increased personal worth, family unity, love for our fellowmen, and trust in our Father in heaven."
A Mormon family is also taught to pray together as a family both morning and night, as well as hold individual prayers. Daily scripture study as a Mormon family is also encouraged.
Joseph Smith taught that is it within Mormon temples that families are sealed together using the power of the priesthood. This sealing binds the family together and ensures that if members live righteously that the family unit will continue for eternity and not be disbanded upon death. An eternal family is the ultimate goal of every Mormon family.
For more information about Mormon Families: