The Importance of Traditional Marriage and the 'Proclamation on the Family' in Today's World
By Bobby Darvish
darvishintelligence.blogspot.com
As an Iranian-American, a former Imam, and someone who once held significant positions in Muslim organizations like CAIR-Columbus and the Muslim Forum of Utah, I have experienced many shifts in my understanding of faith, family, and societal values. In embracing Christianity and becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), I found not only spiritual fulfillment but also a profound appreciation for traditional values. Among these values, none is more crucial to preserving societal stability and God’s design than upholding the definition of marriage between a man and a woman, as articulated in the LDS Church’s Proclamation on the Family.
Traditional Marriage as a Foundation for Society
The family, rooted in the union of a man and a woman, has always been the building block of healthy societies. The unique roles that men and women bring to marriage are complementary; together, they provide the stability, guidance, and nurturing environment necessary for raising children. It is this fundamental relationship that the Proclamation on the Family defends, emphasizing that gender is an essential characteristic that defines each person’s identity and purpose. In a world that increasingly seeks to redefine or dissolve the concept of family, the Proclamation on the Family stands as a bulwark of truth, reminding us of divine principles that are unchanging and non-negotiable.
The Proclamation on the Family and Its Relevance Today
Since its release in 1995, the Proclamation on the Family has become more relevant than ever. It provides clarity amid cultural shifts that pressure institutions to redefine marriage and family structures. This document reaffirms the eternal nature of marriage as ordained by God, stressing that families are central to His plan for our happiness and progression. In today’s world, where social policies are influenced by transient societal norms rather than eternal truths, the Proclamation on the Family is a steadfast reminder that the structure of the family is not just a social construct—it is divinely instituted and essential to human flourishing.
The Dangers of Compromising on Marriage
There has been an increasing push within many religious organizations, including some factions within the LDS Church, to accommodate societal trends by redefining marriage. However, the moment we start compromising on such fundamental principles, we risk unraveling the very foundation upon which our values are built. Marriage between a man and a woman is not merely a cultural tradition but a sacred covenant with eternal consequences. This covenant cannot be reshaped or diluted to align with the shifting ideologies of the day without detrimentally impacting society, the family unit, and ultimately, individual happiness.
Why the LDS Church Should Never Negotiate on This Principle
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a sacred duty to uphold God’s teachings on family and marriage. It is crucial that the Church remains unwavering in its commitment to these doctrines, as compromising would signal a departure from God’s truths. As Christians, we are called to love and serve all individuals, regardless of their personal choices, but love does not mean abandoning or altering divinely appointed standards. The strength of the LDS Church lies in its adherence to gospel principles that have withstood the test of time, and it must not waver in defending traditional marriage.
In my journey from Islam to Christianity, I have come to see that strong societies stem from strong families, grounded in traditional values. When the family unit is compromised, society suffers—just as we see in countries where the family structure has been altered or weakened under secular or socialist influences. Maintaining the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for the spiritual and social health of communities.
Conclusion
The Proclamation on the Family is a call to all who seek a higher standard of living based on eternal truths. It is a declaration that family relationships, created and nurtured through traditional marriage, are at the core of our existence and purpose on earth. The LDS Church must continue to stand firm in its teachings on marriage, showing that truth is unyielding, even when society attempts to sway otherwise. Now, more than ever, the principles of the Proclamation on the Family must be upheld with conviction, as they form the foundation for a strong, righteous society and a path to joy and salvation.
Citations:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "The Family: A Proclamation to the World." (1995). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world
- Bednar, David A. "Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan." Ensign, June 2006. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2006/06/marriage-is-essential-to-his-eternal-plan
- Oaks, Dallin H. "Defending the Family in a Troubled World." Ensign, May 2015. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/05/defending-the-family-in-a-troubled-world
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