“Lesson 27 Class Preparation Material: Promoting and Defending the Family as the Fundamental Unit of Society,” The Eternal Family Teacher Material (2022)
“Lesson 27 Class Preparation Material,” The Eternal Family Teacher Material
Lesson 27 Class Preparation Material
Promoting and Defending the Family as the Fundamental Unit of Society
President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “The world needs to know what the [family] proclamation teaches, because the family is the basic unit of society, of the economy, of our culture, and of our government. And as Latter-day Saints know, the family will also be the basic unit in the celestial kingdom” (“What Matters Most Is What Lasts Longest,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2005, 42). As you think about the fundamental role the family plays in society and eternity, consider what you can do to promote and defend it.
Section 1
What influences are contributing to the disintegration of the family?
Many factors are weakening the family in modern societies. Because the Lord loves and wants to bless us, He speaks through prophets to warn us of these and other dangers. Latter-day prophets have warned that “the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Evidence of “the disintegration of the family” surrounds us. For example, we see
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increases in unmarried cohabitation, in children born outside of marriage, and in single-parent families;
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decreases in marriages and birth rates;
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the prevalence of abortion, divorce, abuse, and dysfunction in family life; and
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public policies and media that undermine the family.
(See Bruce C. Hafen, “The Proclamation on the Family: Transcending the Cultural Confusion,” Ensign, Aug. 2015, 54; Dallin H. Oaks, “Protect the Children,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 43; “Divorce,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 70; Julie B. Beck, “Teaching the Doctrine of the Family,” Ensign, Mar. 2011, 14.)
The Apostle Paul warned of dangers that would exist in the last days.
Study in Preparation for Class
Read 2 Timothy 3:1–6, 13, and ponder how the conditions Paul described contribute to the disintegration of the family. Consider also how the disintegration of the family can accelerate these attitudes in society. (You might want to read the footnotes or look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary to deepen your understanding of this passage.)
Elder Bruce D. Porter, formerly of the Seventy, discussed one reason men and women have become “lovers of their own selves” (2 Timothy 3:2):
The disintegration of millions of families has taken place in part because popular media and culture have glorified the pursuit of self: of the wholly autonomous individual unconnected with social or moral obligations, free to pursue whatever ends he or she chooses so long as it does not cause direct physical harm to other aggrandizing selves. (“Defending the Family in a Troubled World,” Ensign, June 2011, 15)
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What effects do you think the disintegration of the family has on society? What examples have you seen of these effects?
Section 2
What responsibility do I have to promote and defend the family?
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have given this charge: “We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).
There are many ways we can fulfill this prophetic charge. Consider some of the following ideas:
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Work to strengthen your own family.
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Learn the issues that threaten the family where you live.
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Support or defend political leaders, organizations, and public policies that promote the family.
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Use social media to promote positive family values.
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Look for opportunities to share gospel teachings and your feelings about the family.
Our family circumstances do not have to be perfect for us to promote or defend the family. Our voices are needed, whatever our family circumstances.
While serving in the Young Women General Presidency, President Bonnie L. Oscarson taught:
We need to boldly defend the Lord’s revealed doctrines describing marriage, families, the divine roles of men and women, and the importance of homes as sacred places—even when the world is shouting in our ears that these principles are outdated, limiting, or no longer relevant. Everyone, no matter what their marital circumstance or number of children, can be defenders of the Lord’s plan described in the family proclamation. (“Defenders of the Family Proclamation,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 15)
There may be times when you feel afraid to promote or defend the family because of opposition you may experience. Consider how you can draw strength from the actions of Captain Moroni and the Nephites, who courageously stood up to Lamanite aggression “to support their lands, and their houses, and their wives, and their children” (Alma 43:9).
Act
Make a simple plan of actions you can take to better promote or defend the family. Be prepared to share at least one idea from your plan in class.
Section 3
How can I be more confident in talking with others about the Lord’s teachings on the family?
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency noted that teachings in the family proclamation are “visibly different from some current laws, practices, and advocacy of the world in which we live” (“The Plan and the Proclamation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 29). Over the course of your life, you will likely discuss topics related to marriage and the family with people who hold views that differ from yours. At such times, refrain from becoming confrontational (see Doctrine and Covenants 19:30). Rather, strive to be among the “peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3; see also verses 4–5) and to “[speak] the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught about following the example of Jesus Christ in how we respond to individuals who may oppose our beliefs:
To respond in a Christlike way cannot be scripted or based on a formula. The Savior responded differently in every situation. When He was confronted by wicked King Herod, He remained silent. When He stood before Pilate, He bore a simple and powerful testimony of His divinity and purpose. Facing the moneychangers who were defiling the temple, He exercised His divine responsibility to preserve and protect that which was sacred. Lifted up upon a cross, He uttered the incomparable Christian response: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
Some people mistakenly think responses such as silence, meekness, forgiveness, and bearing humble testimony are passive or weak. But to “love [our] enemies, bless them that curse [us], do good to them that hate [us], and pray for them which despitefully use [us], and persecute [us]” (Matthew 5:44) takes faith, strength, and, most of all, Christian courage. (“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 72)
Consider how the following principles can help you as you talk with others about marriage and the family:
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Follow the Spirit. The Spirit can help you know what to say and what not to say (see Doctrine and Covenants 100:5–6). His influence can also help you control your emotions (see Galatians 5:22–23).
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Engage in active listening. Give your full attention to others when they are talking. Refrain from interrupting them or coming up with a response in your mind as they speak. To ensure you understand what they have said, you can ask clarifying questions or summarize what you have heard them say.
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Seek to build bridges of understanding. Don’t allow your differences to overshadow what you have in common. As you talk, look for common ground and build on it.
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Share the Lord’s teachings in simple, clear, and noncombative language. Avoid jargon that is unique to members of the Church (see David A. Edwards, “Communication Breakdown,” New Era, Oct. 2012, 32–33). Rather, use words and phrases that are accurate, foster understanding, and promote goodwill. Keep your responses brief. Let love fill your heart so your tone is one of kindness.
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Bear a pure and simple testimony. Your testimony does not need to be prefaced by saying, “I testify …” Rather, you can say things like, “My life has been blessed because … ,” “I have felt … ,” or “This is important to me because …”
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When you disagree, choose to not become disagreeable. Remain calm and respectful so you can foster friendship and not create an enemy. You can express that you respect the other person’s perspective, while also acknowledging that the two of you might not agree on a particular topic. Remember that any spirit of contention will cause the Holy Ghost to leave (see 3 Nephi 11:29).
Ponder in Preparation for Class
What is one way you can improve your ability to have Christlike conversations about marriage and the family with others?