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Strengthening Our Families: An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family
Strengthening Our Families
424 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2000
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362 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
October 8, 2012
This was a comprehensive in-depth look at a document I consider to be modern-day scripture, and I used this resource as a component of my daily scripture study. While I can say that I didn't agree with every single argument made, everything was thought-provoking and motivating.
These lectures and essays made me want to be a better wife and mother. There were so many concrete examples and suggestions that made gospel living more tangible. I originally had a borrowed copy from the library, but quickly determined that I wanted this resource in my home and purchased a copy of my own. I will refer to its pages often, both for guidance for specific issues and for lessons for Family Home Evenings.
In an effort to remember the portions that were most compelling, and with a hope to share excerpts in my review, I used colorful Post-It Notes along the sides of the pages. My book is now brimming with colorful paper flags and I couldn't begin to recapitulate them here. That noted, I found the later chapters incredibly interesting, especially Defending the Family Through International Policy, The Proclamation and the Philosophies of the World, and The Centrality of Family Across World Faiths.
These lectures and essays made me want to be a better wife and mother. There were so many concrete examples and suggestions that made gospel living more tangible. I originally had a borrowed copy from the library, but quickly determined that I wanted this resource in my home and purchased a copy of my own. I will refer to its pages often, both for guidance for specific issues and for lessons for Family Home Evenings.
In an effort to remember the portions that were most compelling, and with a hope to share excerpts in my review, I used colorful Post-It Notes along the sides of the pages. My book is now brimming with colorful paper flags and I couldn't begin to recapitulate them here. That noted, I found the later chapters incredibly interesting, especially Defending the Family Through International Policy, The Proclamation and the Philosophies of the World, and The Centrality of Family Across World Faiths.
January 24, 2011
A collection of essays centered on the LDS Church's Proclomation On The Family and the foundational aspects of relationships between the sexes, marriage, and family life. There are a lot of interesting ideas on how to break through misdirected expectations and extra baggage in our relationships. A lot of my favorite parenting ideals are in this book and it gave me new ideas on how to raise my ideals but stay grounded in reality. I loved the essays on developing traditions in order to strengthen family relationships. I liked what the books says about the roles of mothers and fathers and the balance that must be found. The research is interesting for the most part and it gave me a lot of room for self reflection.There were a few places I glossed over because it is a text book and I'm not interested in reading about the history of leisure activities. Overall, definitely worth giving a read if you believe in the importance of family.
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July 16, 2009My boss, Rick Meeves, worked on one of the chapters in this book. He's made reference to it several times to me; since the chapter is on single members in the church and I find it rather interesting the information that they have gathered.
July 22, 2014
This is a really great book and resource. It's a textbook for a BYU class that studies in-depth The Proclamation on the Family. This is a divinely inspired document given by revelation to God's chosen leaders on the earth today. It teaches us who we are, children of a Heavenly Father and part of an eternal family. It outlines the importance of marriage and children today. Strong families bless society and the lives of individuals. It teaches us principles to build strong families and to protect and stand up for these important values and principles wherever we live.
Reading this book gave me an even greater appreciation for these importance principles. It helps me see clearly that marriage is ordained of God and the family is the fundamental unit of society. We learn and grow as we live together in love, with parents and siblings, and build relationships with extended family. Not everyone lives in the ideal situation, but I know that these principles are so important to our happiness and eternal progress. This book goes through each paragraph of the Proclamation and shares scriptural and academic references that further explain and build upon these principles.
There is a lot of great information, but here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Communication is largely a function of the heart....The way we communicate in dating and courtship usually influences how our partner will feel about us and our relationship. Relationships are established upon the comfort and trust created by sincere communication. Positive communication, practiced in dating and courtship, increases the likelihood of greater commitment, better conflict resolution, and more love between partners. Good communication begins with a righteous heart that desires the welfare of the partner (p. 37)."
"The scriptural account suggests that Eve was given stewardship over nurturing mortal life, including providing physical bodies for God's spirit children and for guiding those in a state of innocence to a state of accountability and knowledge before God. Adam received a stewardship of bestowing ordinances and experiences that allowed all to return to the presence of God. In this way, Eve's and Adam's stewardships were interdependent; together these stewardships allowed for the separation from and reuniting with God (p. 64)."
"Let me assure you, brethren, that some day you will have a personal priesthood interview with the Savior, Himself....First, he will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you actively been engaged in making her happy and ensuring that her needs have been met as an individual? Second, He will want an accountability report about each of your children....Third, He will want to know what you personally have done with the talents you were given in the pre-existence. Fourth, He will want a summary of your activity in your Church assignment....Fifth, He will have no interest in how you earned your living, but if you were honest in all your dealings. Sixth, He will ask for an accountability on what you have done to contribute in a positive manner to your community (p. 98, President David O. McKay)."
"Parents become more like Him as they learn to love as He loves. They love not as their children become more lovable, but as the parents are increasingly filled with His love. President Benson has reminded us that 'above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved, wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often.' The more parents purely love their children, the more likely those children will become more lovable It is not so much that the children have changed, but that the parents have changed (p. 116)."
"We should follow Heavenly Father's remarkable example and customize our message and actions of love to the language and understanding of our family members (p. 125)."
"By the time we are adults and ready to marry, many of us have had quite a bit of experience with personal and family prayer. We have recognized that prayer creates a bonding with others, especially family, that can only come through joint prayer and the presence of the Holy Ghost....In the temple, couples begin their married life in the house of God, on their knees, holding hands. There is profound sacredness felt knelling across the altar holding hands, being sealed as one. That sacredness can be retained as a couple kneels daily in couple and family prayer (p. 152)."
"Any man who will make his wife's comfort his first concern will stay in love with her throughout their lives and through the eternity yet to come (p. 172, President Gordon B. Hinckley)."
"Marriage is the highest and holiest of all human relationships....It offers never-ending opportunities for the practice of every Christian virtue and for the demonstration of truly divine love (p. 175, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)."
"Family work links people....can bind us to one another....Ironically, the things commonly disliked about family work offer the greatest possibilities for nurturing close relationships....chores that can be done with a minimum of concentration leave our minds free to focus on one another while we labor. Unlike playing together, which often requires mental as well as physical involvement, sharing an everyday task seems to dissolve feelings of hierarchy, inviting intimate conversation that otherwise might not take place (p. 178)."
"The purpose of a home--to foster growth, forge unity, and learn charity--far exceeds mere economic profit (p. 183)."
"'If there is a humiliation in a man's house, who but the head of that house should or could bear that humiliation?'....'Brother Joseph, my wife does much more hard work than does your wife.' Brother Joseph replied by telling me that if a man cannot learn in this life to appreciate a wife and do his duty by her, in properly taking care of her, he need not expect to be given one in the hereafter (p. 187)."
"Many forms of wholesome recreation, however, require thoughtful planning, creativity, and effort--they are intentional, deliberate activities....To Aristotle, the crowning virtue of the good life is leisure. But leisure does not refer to idleness or napping; it refers to activities by which human beings learn and acquire intellectual virtues. The intellectual virtues, such as art, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, are the highest virtues of the good life. For Aristotle, thinking or using our minds is a distinctly human activity and the ultimate purpose of leisure (p. 194)."
"The appropriate balance of work and recreation depends on the value of each and how they contribute to a meaningful and balanced life (p. 198)."
"Because we know our individual worth is absolute and eternal, we are able to have reverence for our own lives. This reverence has everything to do with who we are, literal sons and daughters of heavenly parents. We do not create our worth, rather we discover it by way of the Spirit (p. 222)."
"This is the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of marrieds or singles or any other group or individual. The gospel we preach is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which encompasses all the saving ordinances and covenants necessary to save and exalt every individual who is willing to accept Christ and keep the commandments that he and our Father in Heaven have given (p. 227, President Howard W. Hunter)."
"While single individuals can take comfort in the promises of future eternal blessings that may be theirs, they must not be complacent about their responsibilities with respect to marriage in this life. As stated in the Proclamation, 'marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.' The Lord requires His children to keep all the commandments in order to be eligible for the blessings He desires to bestow....Citing Genesis 2:18, 'It is not good that man should be alone,' [President Ezra Taft Benson] counseled: 'Understand that temple marriage is essential to your salvation and exaltation....I can assure you that the greatest responsibility and the greatest joys in life are centered in the family, honorable marriage, and rearing a righteous posterity (p. 229).'"
"Live for it. Pray for it. Expect it in the timetable of the Lord. Do not compromise your standards in any way that would rule out that blessing [of eternal marriage] on this or the other side of the veil (p. 230, Elder Richard G. Scott)."
"Wisdom and intelligence must accompany the sense of responsibility for marriage. 'Do not lose hope. But do not become obsessed with ambition to find a companion. Don't rush it unduly and don't delay it unduly (p. 230, President Gordon B. Hinckley).'"
"You who are single and alone, do not fear, do not feel that blessings are going to be withheld from you. You are not under any obligation or necessity of accepting some proposal....which is distasteful for fear you will come under condemnation (p. 230, President Joseph Fielding Smith)."
"While it is true that illness and disability influence all family members, it should not be assumed that all family members have identical experiences (p. 285)."
"While confronting life's crucibles, exercising faith in Jesus Christ involves trusting that the Lord knows what is best for us and can direct our lives in those ways that will allow us to reach our fullest potential. Our trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than our confidence in our own feelings and experience (p. 290)."
Reading this book gave me an even greater appreciation for these importance principles. It helps me see clearly that marriage is ordained of God and the family is the fundamental unit of society. We learn and grow as we live together in love, with parents and siblings, and build relationships with extended family. Not everyone lives in the ideal situation, but I know that these principles are so important to our happiness and eternal progress. This book goes through each paragraph of the Proclamation and shares scriptural and academic references that further explain and build upon these principles.
There is a lot of great information, but here are a few of my favorite quotes:
"Communication is largely a function of the heart....The way we communicate in dating and courtship usually influences how our partner will feel about us and our relationship. Relationships are established upon the comfort and trust created by sincere communication. Positive communication, practiced in dating and courtship, increases the likelihood of greater commitment, better conflict resolution, and more love between partners. Good communication begins with a righteous heart that desires the welfare of the partner (p. 37)."
"The scriptural account suggests that Eve was given stewardship over nurturing mortal life, including providing physical bodies for God's spirit children and for guiding those in a state of innocence to a state of accountability and knowledge before God. Adam received a stewardship of bestowing ordinances and experiences that allowed all to return to the presence of God. In this way, Eve's and Adam's stewardships were interdependent; together these stewardships allowed for the separation from and reuniting with God (p. 64)."
"Let me assure you, brethren, that some day you will have a personal priesthood interview with the Savior, Himself....First, he will request an accountability report about your relationship with your wife. Have you actively been engaged in making her happy and ensuring that her needs have been met as an individual? Second, He will want an accountability report about each of your children....Third, He will want to know what you personally have done with the talents you were given in the pre-existence. Fourth, He will want a summary of your activity in your Church assignment....Fifth, He will have no interest in how you earned your living, but if you were honest in all your dealings. Sixth, He will ask for an accountability on what you have done to contribute in a positive manner to your community (p. 98, President David O. McKay)."
"Parents become more like Him as they learn to love as He loves. They love not as their children become more lovable, but as the parents are increasingly filled with His love. President Benson has reminded us that 'above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved, wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often.' The more parents purely love their children, the more likely those children will become more lovable It is not so much that the children have changed, but that the parents have changed (p. 116)."
"We should follow Heavenly Father's remarkable example and customize our message and actions of love to the language and understanding of our family members (p. 125)."
"By the time we are adults and ready to marry, many of us have had quite a bit of experience with personal and family prayer. We have recognized that prayer creates a bonding with others, especially family, that can only come through joint prayer and the presence of the Holy Ghost....In the temple, couples begin their married life in the house of God, on their knees, holding hands. There is profound sacredness felt knelling across the altar holding hands, being sealed as one. That sacredness can be retained as a couple kneels daily in couple and family prayer (p. 152)."
"Any man who will make his wife's comfort his first concern will stay in love with her throughout their lives and through the eternity yet to come (p. 172, President Gordon B. Hinckley)."
"Marriage is the highest and holiest of all human relationships....It offers never-ending opportunities for the practice of every Christian virtue and for the demonstration of truly divine love (p. 175, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland)."
"Family work links people....can bind us to one another....Ironically, the things commonly disliked about family work offer the greatest possibilities for nurturing close relationships....chores that can be done with a minimum of concentration leave our minds free to focus on one another while we labor. Unlike playing together, which often requires mental as well as physical involvement, sharing an everyday task seems to dissolve feelings of hierarchy, inviting intimate conversation that otherwise might not take place (p. 178)."
"The purpose of a home--to foster growth, forge unity, and learn charity--far exceeds mere economic profit (p. 183)."
"'If there is a humiliation in a man's house, who but the head of that house should or could bear that humiliation?'....'Brother Joseph, my wife does much more hard work than does your wife.' Brother Joseph replied by telling me that if a man cannot learn in this life to appreciate a wife and do his duty by her, in properly taking care of her, he need not expect to be given one in the hereafter (p. 187)."
"Many forms of wholesome recreation, however, require thoughtful planning, creativity, and effort--they are intentional, deliberate activities....To Aristotle, the crowning virtue of the good life is leisure. But leisure does not refer to idleness or napping; it refers to activities by which human beings learn and acquire intellectual virtues. The intellectual virtues, such as art, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, are the highest virtues of the good life. For Aristotle, thinking or using our minds is a distinctly human activity and the ultimate purpose of leisure (p. 194)."
"The appropriate balance of work and recreation depends on the value of each and how they contribute to a meaningful and balanced life (p. 198)."
"Because we know our individual worth is absolute and eternal, we are able to have reverence for our own lives. This reverence has everything to do with who we are, literal sons and daughters of heavenly parents. We do not create our worth, rather we discover it by way of the Spirit (p. 222)."
"This is the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of marrieds or singles or any other group or individual. The gospel we preach is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which encompasses all the saving ordinances and covenants necessary to save and exalt every individual who is willing to accept Christ and keep the commandments that he and our Father in Heaven have given (p. 227, President Howard W. Hunter)."
"While single individuals can take comfort in the promises of future eternal blessings that may be theirs, they must not be complacent about their responsibilities with respect to marriage in this life. As stated in the Proclamation, 'marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God.' The Lord requires His children to keep all the commandments in order to be eligible for the blessings He desires to bestow....Citing Genesis 2:18, 'It is not good that man should be alone,' [President Ezra Taft Benson] counseled: 'Understand that temple marriage is essential to your salvation and exaltation....I can assure you that the greatest responsibility and the greatest joys in life are centered in the family, honorable marriage, and rearing a righteous posterity (p. 229).'"
"Live for it. Pray for it. Expect it in the timetable of the Lord. Do not compromise your standards in any way that would rule out that blessing [of eternal marriage] on this or the other side of the veil (p. 230, Elder Richard G. Scott)."
"Wisdom and intelligence must accompany the sense of responsibility for marriage. 'Do not lose hope. But do not become obsessed with ambition to find a companion. Don't rush it unduly and don't delay it unduly (p. 230, President Gordon B. Hinckley).'"
"You who are single and alone, do not fear, do not feel that blessings are going to be withheld from you. You are not under any obligation or necessity of accepting some proposal....which is distasteful for fear you will come under condemnation (p. 230, President Joseph Fielding Smith)."
"While it is true that illness and disability influence all family members, it should not be assumed that all family members have identical experiences (p. 285)."
"While confronting life's crucibles, exercising faith in Jesus Christ involves trusting that the Lord knows what is best for us and can direct our lives in those ways that will allow us to reach our fullest potential. Our trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than our confidence in our own feelings and experience (p. 290)."
September 22, 2018
Excellent and thorough advice and on making families and therefore society stronger, based on the principles taught in the proclamation on the family that the LDS Church put out in 1995. Lots of quotes from church leaders that expand doctrine and principles, also lots of information from family life science studies. Helpful for everyone. Just organized a little confusingly is my only criticism.
August 29, 2018
I read this for a college class years ago. It is excellent! I need to read it again
October 15, 2020
Articles by BYU professors about subjects concerning the proclamation on the family.
October 2, 2014
The Family A Proclamation to the World
This text has been used to teach classes at the University Level and is therefore not a light read but if undertaken can be enlightening. The traditional definition of marriage as between a man and woman is being questioned and The Family A Proclamation to the World speaks out for the traditional definition of marriage. The arguments are thought out and supported with sources well documented. All arguments will not received or accepted by those not of the Latter-Day faith but they support traditional marriage and families. The tone is not vicious or caustic and does not attempt to dehumanize, something I appreciate.
So many good ideas for any family on how to become united, the importance of traditions and connecting with others in the extended family. It took me about 10 months to thoroughly read the book as I wanted to focus on families in 2014 and this was a way for me to accomplish that goal. I will refer to the book in the future and it has led me to other resources I am now studying,.
This text has been used to teach classes at the University Level and is therefore not a light read but if undertaken can be enlightening. The traditional definition of marriage as between a man and woman is being questioned and The Family A Proclamation to the World speaks out for the traditional definition of marriage. The arguments are thought out and supported with sources well documented. All arguments will not received or accepted by those not of the Latter-Day faith but they support traditional marriage and families. The tone is not vicious or caustic and does not attempt to dehumanize, something I appreciate.
So many good ideas for any family on how to become united, the importance of traditions and connecting with others in the extended family. It took me about 10 months to thoroughly read the book as I wanted to focus on families in 2014 and this was a way for me to accomplish that goal. I will refer to the book in the future and it has led me to other resources I am now studying,.
June 10, 2013
I think I was studying/reading this book for over 3 years. Wow. It makes me want to get a graduate degree in Family Science. I loved almost every minute of this. I was able to soak so much and want to keep it in my list of books to read and reread just so it will stay in my consciousness. There were so many practical applications for strengthening the family as well as solid research behind the pieces of the Proclamation. The only big beef I have are the essays on homosexuality. This was also written more than 10 years ago and a lot has happened church-wise on that front. I loved the scholarly tone and the unequivocal voice for families.
July 18, 2008
I cannot say enough good things about this book. I am continually looking to it for information and inspiration. It was the textbook for a class that I took at BYU. I loved the class and the book so much that I kept the book instead of selling it back after the class was over. It covers nearly every subject about families and marriages.
This is a book that everyone can learn something from, no matter what their beliefs are. It is applicable to everyone not just married couples or those who have young children, but everyone who has, or is part of a family.
This is a book that everyone can learn something from, no matter what their beliefs are. It is applicable to everyone not just married couples or those who have young children, but everyone who has, or is part of a family.
August 5, 2009
Of course, fantastic first ever text book on the Proclamation on the Family ! I helped in a very small way by taking a class offered at BYU helping to add our insights/edits to this book. See my name in the acknowledgements :-) That was an awesome class. One of the people to come and talk to us on occasion was the man from Music and the Spoken Word--Lloyd Newell--he is a truly wonderful person.
December 2, 2010
I read this entire book for a class I took at BYU! Each page had to be read for our grade! So, looking back, that was such a wonderful experience...to see the teachings of prophets and apostles, and also the many researchers and studies conducted to help provide evidence supporting the teachings and doctrine in the Proclamation. I think this would be a great text to read and to give as a gift to anyone wanting to strengthen their family.
April 13, 2015
This is kind of an academic and research-based look at the principles in the Proclamation on the Family. It is very dense and I've been reading it for several years, just a little bit at a time. There's a lot of interesting information here, but it's more of a reference book than one you want to just sit down and read cover to cover. I am glad I read it. It was interesting to look at some of the concepts in more depth.
February 5, 2017
While there were some passages that needed updates, there were many that were very useful in making me think positively about my role as a wife and a mother, about how I treat all my family members, and how I can work together with my family to make it a strength to society as well as a joy to be a part of. Reading this book spurred many productive conversations with my husband.
March 12, 2008
This was a textbook I needed for one of my classes. I kept this copy instead of selling it, and one of my professors wrote it. A good reference for different topics relating to the family. Covers everything from marriage counseling to raising children with disabilities. Great to have as a reference for a family.
April 9, 2008
Fantastic in-depth look with essays and real life applicability of the Family Proclamation. Loved it. My husband and I read it together every night...lots of great counsel for raising righteous children, choosing well your future spouse, coping with divorce, understanding abortion and its consequences,etc.
January 23, 2008
This dissects the proclamation and gives an in-depth look at the many different aspects, as well as the important eternal truths that are touched on. I have an even greater appreciation for what it contains, and it's something I'll go back to many times over the years.
May 1, 2008
This was one of the text books for my major at BYU. It is one of the best books I have ever read. I came across it again the other day and started reading parts of it. It is so helpful and so inspiring. I recommend that every LDS family have a copy in their home. It is great for FHE too.
January 2, 2009
I read this back in 2000 and am going through it again. I believe in the sanctity of marriage between an man and a woman to be of God. This Proclamation emphasizes the eternal nature of marriage and family.
July 28, 2008
Amazing book. I appreciate how many of the statements made in the book are research-based. Would strongly recommend to all. It really hones in on the sanctity of marriage and on our responsibility to strengthen home and family in these latter-days.
February 16, 2009
I was barrowing this book and haven't read it completely, but I was very impressed with the articles I read in it. I also felt that it helped me have more understanding with my own family.
I hope to be able to have a copy myself someday.
I hope to be able to have a copy myself someday.
October 29, 2009
Talk about a great exploration into the proclamation. I read this in college for a class and have it in my "library" as a reference to anything family related! (I also have many lectures from the authors- so that is awesome too!)
August 18, 2013
This is an excellent book and a great resource. The authors do a good job incorporating proclamation principles with supporting scholarly research. I recommend this book to anyone looking to strengthen family relationships.
January 18, 2011
Finally finished this! This was a pretty good book. It is written by a lot of different experts on the family. Some of the information was outdated since it was printed around 2000 but it was insightful to read about different aspects of the family on so many different levels.
February 25, 2010
A great exploration of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I read this my freshman year for a class at BYU. One of my all-time favorite books. The best reference for anything related to marriage and family.
June 17, 2010
This is a must have for LDS Families, or any family for that fact. It lays out the roles and responsibilities of each family member. It has great ideas on how to deal with and cope with family issues. I love the "Traditions" sections.
March 16, 2012
I LOVE this book. I have a significant number of essays (though not all) and they have been so insightful and life-changing. I have been amazed at how some of the simple things I have read have really changed my perspective on life and the gospel. I highly recommend this book.
June 26, 2011
This book is a fabulous in depth study of the proclamation on the family. I loved the insight it has given me as well as practical ways of incorporating the principles of the proclamation into my parenting. I am glad to have this as a part of my library and know I will refer to it often!
May 2, 2011
An excellent book that I think LDS families (and can I be as bold as to say all families) should own. It is extremely well put together and beautifully expounds on truths that touch each of us personally as families.
February 23, 2015
Using this book to learn more about families. It's a textbook. Inspire of that I'm enjoying reading it and I've gained good Insite to the gospel plan and families. Or maybe how we should be living in spite of ourselves.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews