In another class I took at BYU-Idaho, I was assigned to read an article entitled, “How We Lost the Plot” by Elder Bruce C. Hafen. In this article he addresses several of the whys marriage has declined as a valuable entity of our society. I remember saying in my mind, “Yes! that’s it”! as Elder Hafen outlined some of the causes. Issues like no-fault divorces and individual rights movements were discussed. Elder Hafen was addressing an LDS audience, with like-minded beliefs in marriage values. His purpose was clear. He did not mince words.
On a blog, such as this, one attempts to be cautious not to rock the boat of social media in an effort to keep contention to a minimum. The topics I am assigned to address are not popular ones. In the years since Elder Hafen’s article, traditional marriage has declined even further in attitudes and doubt about the value of marriage. It is my mission and purpose here on this blog to discuss why marriage is important. I will discuss issues that are not always popular. Most importantly, my purpose is to share my beliefs and my witness of the importance of marriage. I will also be writing from my LDS point of view. My views and opinions will align with the doctrines and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is my position that marriage is an ordinance established by God for the union of a man and a woman. Period! While we may think we can adjust laws and long established values to suit our current societal trends, there will be a cost for doing so.
More than 30 years ago, a prophet of the Lord make the following statement:
” Many of the social restraints which in the past have helped to reinforce and to shore up the family are dissolving and disappearing. The time will come when only those who believe deeply and actively in the family will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gathering evil around us.”
– Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Nov. 1980, 4.
It is my belief that we live now in the time President Kimball then foretold. Evil swirls around us. Families and marriages are being destroyed and re-defined in countless ways. It is my hope and prayer to stand as a voice of warning, issuing a call to arms, if you will, to defend marriage and the family as God has ordained.
A Deseret News version of “How We Lost the Plot” can be accessed here.
The Family -- An Heritage of the Lord 