The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Patriotic, Conservative, and Champions of Traditional Family Values

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Patriotic, Conservative, and Champions of Traditional Family Values

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) is often recognized for its strong adherence to conservative values, its deep patriotism, and its commitment to fostering traditional family structures. These attributes have made the LDS Church a bastion of conservative American ideals, contributing significantly to the preservation of these principles in contemporary society. This article explores why the LDS Church and its members are among the most patriotic, conservative Americans, and how their commitment to traditional family values leads to some of the longest-lasting marriages in the country.

Deep-Rooted Patriotism

The LDS Church has a long history of patriotism and support for the United States. This deep-rooted patriotism is reflected in various aspects of church teachings and practices.

Founding Beliefs: The LDS Church teaches that the United States Constitution is a divinely inspired document. This belief fosters a profound respect for the principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law that the Constitution embodies .

Service and Citizenship: Church members are encouraged to be active participants in their communities and to engage in civic duties. Many Latter-day Saints serve in the military, hold public office, and contribute to public service projects, demonstrating their commitment to the nation .

Celebration of National Holidays: The LDS Church actively participates in the celebration of American national holidays, such as Independence Day and Memorial Day, emphasizing the importance of remembering and honoring the sacrifices made for the country’s freedom .

Conservative Values

The LDS Church’s adherence to conservative values is evident in its teachings and the lifestyles of its members.

Moral Integrity: The LDS Church places a strong emphasis on personal morality and integrity. Church members are encouraged to live by high ethical standards, including honesty, chastity, and sobriety. These values are reinforced through church teachings and the personal conduct of its members . 

Pro-Life Stance: The LDS Church is firmly pro-life, advocating for the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. This stance aligns with broader conservative values that emphasize the protection of the unborn .

Religious Freedom: The LDS Church actively supports religious freedom, advocating for the rights of individuals to practice their faith without government interference. This commitment to religious liberty is a core conservative principle .

Commitment to Traditional Family Values

One of the most notable aspects of the LDS Church is its unwavering commitment to traditional family values. This commitment is reflected in the church’s teachings on marriage and family life.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World: In 1995, the LDS Church issued "The Family: A Proclamation to the World," which outlines the church’s beliefs regarding the importance of the family. The proclamation emphasizes that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children .

Marriage and Stability: Studies have shown that members of the LDS Church have some of the longest-lasting marriages in America. This can be attributed to the church’s teachings on the sacred nature of marriage and the support systems in place for married couples .

Parental Roles: The LDS Church teaches that parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness. Fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. These traditional roles contribute to stable family environments where children can thrive .

Strengthening Family Bonds

The LDS Church places significant emphasis on strengthening family bonds through various practices and programs.

Family Home Evening: One unique practice in the LDS Church is Family Home Evening, a weekly event where families gather to pray, study scriptures, and enjoy activities together. This practice helps to reinforce family unity and communication .

Church Programs: The church provides numerous programs aimed at supporting families, such as youth programs, marriage enrichment courses, and family counseling services. These resources help families navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships .

Community Support: The strong sense of community within the LDS Church provides an extended support network for families. Members often help each other through difficult times, offering both practical assistance and emotional support .

Conclusion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands out as a leading example of patriotism, conservative values, and commitment to traditional family structures. The church’s teachings and practices foster a deep love for country, high moral standards, and strong, enduring family bonds. These attributes not only contribute to the well-being of individual members and their families but also to the broader American society, reinforcing the values and principles that have long defined the nation.

References

Founding Beliefs: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2021). "The Inspired Constitution". Retrieved from churchofjesuschrist.org.

Service and Citizenship: LDS Living. (2018). "Latter-day Saints in Public Service and Politics". Retrieved from ldsliving.com.

Celebration of National Holidays: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom. (2020). "Church Celebrates 4th of July with Gratitude for Religious Freedom". Retrieved from newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org.

Moral Integrity: Deseret News. (2019). "How LDS Church Leaders Teach Members to Uphold High Moral Standards". Retrieved from deseret.com.

Pro-Life Stance: National Right to Life News. (2021). "The LDS Church’s Strong Pro-Life Advocacy". Retrieved from nrlc.org.

Religious Freedom: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom. (2018). "LDS Church’s Commitment to Religious Freedom". Retrieved from newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (1995). "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". Retrieved from churchofjesuschrist.org.

Marriage and Stability: Journal of Family Psychology. (2016). "Religiosity and Marital Stability: The LDS Church’s Role". Retrieved from apa.org.

Parental Roles: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2020). "The Role of Parents in the Family". Retrieved from churchofjesuschrist.org.

Family Home Evening: Ensign. (2019). "The Impact of Family Home Evening on LDS Families". Retrieved from churchofjesuschrist.org.

Church Programs: Deseret News. (2020). "LDS Church Programs That Strengthen Families". Retrieved from deseret.com.

Community Support: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (2017). "The Importance of Community in the LDS Church". Retrieved from churchofjesuschrist.org.