Institute
Proclamation on the Family Discussion Questions

“Proclamation on the Family Discussion Questions,” Preparing for an Eternal Marriage Teacher Manual (2003), 81–82

“Discussion Questions,” Preparing for an Eternal Marriage, 81–82

Proclamation on the Family Discussion Questions

Paragraph 1

  1. Why is it important to give heed to the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as the Lord’s representatives on the earth on the subject of marriage and family life? (see D&C 107:22–24).

  2. Do you believe marriage is ordained of God and is a sacred privilege and obligation? Why is it not good for man or woman to be alone? (see also “Marriage for Eternity,” student manual, 167).

  3. What do you think is the purpose of dating? (see also “Dating Standards,” student manual, 51).

  4. What place does the family have in the Creator’s plan for His children”? (see also Dallin H. Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness,” student manual, 259).

Paragraph 2

  1. How would you explain to a friend why you believe that each of us is a “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, … has a divine nature and destiny”?

  2. How does this knowledge inspire you to treat those you date with respect?

  3. Why do you think it is important to know that “gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose”?

  4. What traits do you see in men and women that help you believe that each has divine roles and responsibilities? (see also “Men’s Divine Roles and Responsibilities,” student manual, 200; “Women’s Divine Roles and Responsibilities,” 347).

  5. Do you have any gender-related issues that are unresolved? (see Dallin H. Oaks, “Same-Gender Attraction,” student manual, 294).

Paragraph 3

  1. Do you believe that marriage and family relationships can last forever when sealed in the temple? (see also “Marriage for Eternity,” student manual, 167).

  2. Why do you think that eternal relationships can only begin with sacred covenants? (see also “Covenants and Ordinances,” student manual, 38).

  3. What kind of commitment must you have to honor the promises you will make as part of eternal marriage? (see also “Commitment,” student manual, 21).

  4. What must you do besides being married in the temple to ensure that your marriage lasts for eternity?

Paragraph 4

  1. Why do you think the Lord has commanded us to multiply and replenish the earth? (see also “Birth Control,” student manual, 14; “Parenthood: Creating a Gospel-Centered Home,” 241).

  2. How prepared do you think you are for the responsibilities of parenthood?

  3. How can a husband and wife determine how large a family to have?

  4. Why is it important to live the law of chastity before and after marriage?

Paragraph 5

  1. What are your views on abortion?

Paragraph 6

  1. What do you think it means to love and care for your spouse and children? Give examples (see also “Parenthood: Creating a Gospel-Centered Home,” student manual, 241).

  2. What do you plan to do to provide for your children’s physical needs? their spiritual needs?

  3. What do you see as the husband’s role in rearing and providing for children? the wife’s role?

  4. What are you doing now to prepare for the responsibilities of parenthood?

  5. How will you teach your children “to love and serve one another [and] to observe the commandments of God”? How well could they learn these lessons from your current example? (see also “Teaching Children the Gospel” [in “Parenthood: Creating a Gospel-Centered Home,” student manual, 248]).

  6. How will you teach your children “to be law-abiding citizens”? How well could they learn this lesson from your current example?

Paragraph 7

  1. How would you describe your commitment to creating a happy, enduring marriage? (see also “Divorce,” student manual, 73).

  2. How important is chastity before marriage? fidelity within marriage? Why?

  3. What can you do to ensure that you remain completely faithful to your spouse?

  4. Why is it important for a father to be actively involved in family life? (see also “A Father’s Duty” [in “Parenthood: Creating a Gospel-Centered Home,” student manual, 251]).

  5. Why is it important to build family life “upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ”?

  6. Give an example of a way to build your family life on each of the following principles:

    • Faith

    • Prayer

    • Repentance

    • Forgiveness

    • Respect

    • Love

    • Compassion

    • Work

    • Wholesome recreational activities

  7. How committed are you to establishing and maintaining your marriage and family according to these fundamental principles?

  8. How have you used these principles during courtship to build a foundation for your relationship?

  9. “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.” What do you think this means? What might fathers do to obey this principle? (see also “Men’s Divine Roles and Responsibilities,” student manual, 200).

  10. “Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children.” What do you think this means? What might mothers do to obey this principle? (see also “Women’s Divine Roles and Responsibilities,” student manual, 347).

  11. In what ways might parents help each other in their “sacred obligations”? (see also “Equality of Men and Women,” student manual, 79).

  12. Are there any “individual adaptations” in roles you would like to make in your future marriage? What might be the consequence of doing so? Explain (see also “Mothers’ Employment outside the Home,” student manual, 237).

Paragraph 8

  1. Why is it important to know that those “who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God”? (see also “Fidelity in Marriage,” student manual, 111).

  2. What are your views on spouse abuse? child abuse? emotional abuse? date abuse? (see also “Abuse,” student manual, 3).

  3. What can you do to ensure that abuse is not part of your relationship?

  4. What are you willing to do to strengthen your marriage?

Paragraph 9

  1. What is the warning and promise given by the Lord’s prophets to those who fail to heed His proclamation?

  2. What can you do to help promote the values in the proclamation on the family in your community?

Additional Questions

Discuss why it is important to know the attitude of a potential marriage partner in each of the following areas. Does this person:

  • Know how to manage money?

  • Have a good work ethic and good habits?

  • Enjoy family life?

  • Treat parents well?

  • Understand the divine roles and responsibilities of husbands and wives, mothers and fathers?

  • Observe the Sabbath day?

  • Pay an honest tithe and pay offerings?

  • Observe the counsel of general and local priesthood authorities?