Eternal Family-1 Flashcards
(97 cards)
1
Q
• What happened on Buttermilk?
•
A
Ogletree’s horse, rode through town with dad driving behind, he never rode again. Didn’t receive any instruction…. Many YSA don’t receive any instruction before marriage.
2
Q
What did Elder David B. Haight recommend for marital preparation?
•
A
“Fewer marriages would become troubled, and more would be happier, if couples visited a warm-hearted bishop or counselor who could suggest ways to avoid pitfalls, and who could encourage them to thoughtfully use self-discipline and needed restraint and develop the loving attribute of unselfishness.” -David B. Haight
3
Q
What are the origins of the book, First Comes Love?
•
A
From a Prestonwood baptist church pamphlet.
4
Q
Percentages: What percentage of people in our country marry by the age of 50?
•
A
90% marry by age 50
5
Q
What is the current divorce rate?
•
A
40-50% of married couples in the US end up divorcing
6
Q
What is the average age of marriage for men and women today?
•
A
Men–29
Women–27
7
Q
What percentage of children today are born out of wedlock?
•
A
40% of all births are out of wedlock
8
Q
Dr. Carlfred Broderick said that the roughest contact sport in America is ____________
A
Marriage
9
Q
• President Ezra Taft Benson taught that the family is the cornerstone of __________ and the rock foundation of the ___________.
•
A
Cornerstone of civilization
and
Rock of foundation of the Chruch
10
Q
According to Elder Boyd K. Packer, what is Satan’s ultimate purpose regarding the family?
•
A
It is to “disrupt, disturb, and destroy the home and the family.”
11
Q
Bishop Victor L. Brown taught that Satan’s ultimate goal is to _____________.
•
A
“…to destroy the family, beause if he would destroy the family, he will not just have won the battle; he will have won the war.”
12
Q
How did the Roman Empire fall?
•
A
- The breakdown of the family and rapid increase of divorce
- The spiraling rise of taxes and extravagant spending
- The mounting craze for pleasure and the brutalization of sports.
- The decay of religion into many confused forms of worship, leaving the people without a uniform guide.
“in short, the fall of the Roman Empire resulted from breakdowns of the nuclear family, of financial discipline, of morality, and of religious traditions. “
13
Q
According to the graphic on “Family Structure,” what percentage of families today have two parents, and the father works while the mother stays home?
•
A
In 2012, only 22% of families had two parents, with only the father employed.
14
Q
What percentage of American’s believe that marriage is becoming obsolete?
•
A
40%
15
Q
What city in America has the highest percentage of adults between 25-34 who are married? What city in America has the highest percentage of “never married” adults?
•
A
Married: Fort Worth, TX 51.6%
Never Married: San Francisco, CA 82.0%
16
Q
According to the U.S. Census, what percentage of American’s identify themselves as being “straight”?
•
A
96.6% straight
17
Q
What is the magic replacement fertility rate?
•
A
2.1
18
Q
President Spencer W. Kimball taught that “Society without basic family life is without foundation and will ______________.”
•
A
“Society… will disintegrate into nothingness”
19
Q
President Kimball also prophesied that in the last days, only those who believe deeply and actively in the family _______________.
•
A
“…will be able to preserve their families in the midst of the gather evil around us.”
20
Q
What role will you play in preserving the family?
A
Generation that will save the family.
World will come to us for help.
Family is safe within the church
21
Q
• “As man now is, God __________.”
•
A
“God once was. As God is, man may become” Joseph Fielding Smith
22
Q
Joseph Smith taught that if we don’t comprehend the character of God, then it would be impossible to comprehend ___________.
•
A
Themselves.
23
Q
Elder Erastus Snow taught that “There can be no God except he is composed of __________.”
•
A
“…he is composed of the man and woman united, and there is not in all the eternities that exist or ever will be a God in any other way”
24
Q
What Does Genesis 1:26-27 teach about the plurality of Gods?
•
A
it teaches that God made male and female in his own image….. Elohim is plural and suggests man and woman, making it possible for both male and female to be made in the image of God.
25
What do we teach about a “mother in Heaven”?
| •
“The Mormons believe that all men were born in the spirit world of the union of the sexes, having a literal father and a literal mother before coming to this world, that the spirits are just the same in appearance as the body, that God is a married Being, has a wife at least, as Jeremiah said the angels were offering incense to the queen of heaven.
“The Latter-day Saints believe that God is an exalted Man, and that we are the offspring of Him and His wife” (President George Q. Cannon, Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, 102; as cited in, Salt Lake Herald, Apr. 15, 1884).
“We are the offspring of God. He is our Father, and we have a mother in the other life as well” (President Lorenzo Snow, Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, 16; see also Conference Report, October 1898, 56).
“God is a married being, has a wife….We are the offspring of Him and His wife” (President George Q. Cannon, as cited in “A Mother There: A Survey of Historical Teachings about Mother in Heaven, 20).
“All men and women are in the similitude of the universal father and mother, and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity” (The First Presidency: Joseph F. Smith, John R Winder, Anthon H. Lund, The Origin of Man: Messages of the First Presidency, 4:203).
“Logic and reason would certainly suggest that if we have a Father in Heaven, we have a Mother in Heaven. That doctrine rests well with me......However, in light of the instruction we have received from the Lord Himself, I regard it as inappropriate for anyone in the Church to pray to our Mother in Heaven” (President Gordon B. Hinckley, “Daughters of God,” General Conference, October 1991).
26
Elder Dallin H. Oaks said that the purpose of mortal life is to prepare each of us to ___________.
•
Become like Heavenly Father and heavenly Mother.
27
According to Joseph F. Smith, what is our “grand object” in coming to this earth?
•
"...is that we may become like Christ, for if we are not like him, we cannot become the sons of God, and the joint heirs with Christ."
28
What were our Heavenly Parents like?
| •
From the 3rd Lecture on Faith:
- 12. From the foregoing testimonies we learn the following things respecting the character of God:
13. First, that he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was after it was created.
14. Secondly, that he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from everlasting, and will be to everlasting.
15. Thirdly, that he changes not, neither is there variableness with him; but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, today, and for ever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation.
16. Fourthly, that he is a God of truth and cannot lie.
17. Fifthly, that he is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him.
18. Sixthly, that he is love.
19. An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character, is essentially necessary, in order that the faith of any rational being can center in him for life and salvation. For if he did not, in the first instance, believe him to be God, that is, the Creator and upholder of all things, he could not center his faith in him for life and salvation, for fear there should be greater than he who would thwart all his plans, and he, like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfill his promises; but seeing he is God over all, from everlasting to everlasting, the Creator and upholder of all things, no such fear can exist in the minds of those who put their trust in him, so that in this respect their faith can be without wavering.
20. But secondly; unless he was merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering and full of goodness, such is the weakness of human nature, and so great the frailties and imperfections of men, that unless they believed that these excellencies existed in the divine character, the faith necessary to salvation could not exist; for doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of the character of God, that he is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong” (Lectures on Faith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1985], 3:16.)
29
How does the marriage covenant prepare us to become like our Heavenly Parents?
"marriage is not designed by our Heavenly Father to be merely an earthly union, but one that shall survive the vicissitudes of time, and endure for eternity, bestowing honor and joy in this world, glory and eternal lives in the worlds to come” (President Joseph F. Smith, Conference Report, April 1907, 7).
“Nothing will prepare mankind for glory in the kingdom of God as readily as faithfulness to the marriage covenant” (Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection, 1970, 232).
“Without the sealing ordinances of temple marriage, man cannot achieve a godlike stature or receive a fullness of joy because the unmarried person is not a whole person, is not complete” (Hugh B. Brown, “The LDS Concept of Marriage,” Improvement Era, August 1962. 572).
“The whole subject of the marriage relation is not in my reach, nor in any other man’s reach on this earth. It is without beginning of days or end of years: it is a hard matter to reach.
...We can tell some things with regard to it: it lays the foundation for worlds, for angels, and for the Gods; for intelligent beings to be crowned with glory, immortality and eternal lives. In fact, it is the thread which runs from the beginning to the end of the holy Gospel of Salvation—of the Gospel of the Son of God; it is from eternity to eternity” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 2:90).
“When the power of endless increase shall come to us, and our offspring grow and multiply through ages that shall come, they will be in due time, as we have been, provided with an earth like this wherein they too may obtain earthly bodies and pass through all the experiences through which we have passed." (Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, 211-212).
30
• According to President Ezra Taft Benson, what is the four-fold purpose of life?
o We come to this mortal life to receive a physical, mortal body. Without a body, we are limited in our progression.
o We came here to gain experience—experience with a physical, mortal world.
o The next purpose of life is to have an opportunity to prove ourselves (Abraham 3:25).
o This life is intended to provide an opportunity to help our Father in Heaven with His great plan, and we do that through honorable parenthood.
31
What does D&C 130:2 mean when it comes to Eternal life?
“And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.”
32
What is the role of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost in the plan of Salvation?
•
a
33
What is Satan’s role in disrupting the plan?
| •
He provides opposition in all things. He relentlessly assails and distorts the doctrines that matter most to us individually, to our families, and to the world.
o Destroy the sanctity of the family
o Demean the importance of the role of men and women
o Encourage moral uncleanliness and violations of the sacred law of chastity.
o To discourage parents from placing the bearing and rearing of children as one of their highest priorities.
34
How do Latter-day Saints view Eve in her role in the Fall?
| •
“We celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the fall….the act that produced the Fall was not a sin…but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks,
35
What are the Three Pillars of Eternity, and how do they impact the family?
Creation, Fall, Atonement.
?????????
36
• President David O. McKay said, “Next to the bestowal of life itself, the right to direct that life is __________________.”
"...to direct that life is God's greatest girt to man...Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give."
37
• What happened in the Grand Council of Heaven pertaining to families?
a
38
In the “War in Heaven?” what was Heavenly Father’s proposed plan?
a
39
Do you believe that Satan’s plan was to force us to be good? Why or Why not?
•
a
40
Who was Jesus Christ in the pre-earth life?
| •
Jehovah, chosen and prepared to be the savior of all mankind. He was literally the firstborn son of God the father.
41
Who was Satan in the pre-earth life?
| •
He was the son of the Morning. He wanted to be the MEssiah. He desired great power. His name is Lucifer which means "shining one" and "Lightbringer"
42
What was Satan’s real plan?
| •
"Lucifer and his followers wanted salvation to come automatically to all who passed through mortality, without regard to individual preference, agency, or voluntary dedication”
In other words, another interpretation is that Satan proposed to save us all, no matter what we did. This would destroy agency by rendering it useless.
“Tradition has it that [Satan] proposed to force us to be righteous in order to provide universal salvation. But does that proposal stir up enough emotions to motivate billions to rebel against God? ...Whatever the proposal was, it had to be something that stirred their emotions sufficiently to motivate them to rebel against an omniscient and omnipotent God. To a master deceiver, it is fairly easy to win a crowd. All you have to do is tell them what they want to hear” (Wright, Satan’s War on Agency, 51).
“Most people don't want to be forced. As I see it, the real issue is that Lucifer would guarantee their salvation. He promised salvation without effort, without excellence, without hard work, without individual responsibility." Robert J. Matthews
43
What did President Lorenzo Snow teach about the gospel and our happiness?
•
“Nothing is so beautiful as a person in a resurrected and glorified condition. There is nothing more lovely than to be in this condition and have our wives and children and friends with us.
“So long as we are faithful, nothing can prevent us from getting all the enjoyment that can be secured through prospects of this kind” (President Lorenzo Snow, Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, 62).
44
What did Joseph F. Smith teach about meeting his children who died while still young?
•
"I take consolation in the fact that I shall meet my children who have passed behind the veil; I have lost a number, and I have felt all that a parent can feel, I think, in the loss of my children.
“I have felt it keenly, for I love children, and I am particularly fond of the little ones, but I feel thankful to God for the knowledge of these principles, because now I have every confidence in his word and in his promise that I will possess in the future all that belongs to me, and my joy will be full.
“I will not be deprived of any privilege or any blessing that I am worthy of and that may be properly entrusted to me. But every gift, and every blessing that it is possible for me to become worthy of I shall possess, either in time or in eternity (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 8th Edition, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1949], 454).
45
What did Joseph F. Smith teach about angels on the other side of the veil, and how they are connected to us?
“I believe we move and have our being in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings.
“We are not separate from them….We are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors…. who have preceded us into the spirit world.
“We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we cannot break….
“We live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever.
“For now they see the dangers that beset us; …. Their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves” (President Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 430-431).
46
• How did Jesus Christ make Eternal Marriage possible?
| •
The Atonement allows God’s children to be reconciled to him…cleansed from sin, sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise…..
“Jesus Christ took upon Himself the sins of the world and it is only through faith in Him and obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel that salvation and exaltation are possible (Alma 34:8).
“Because of the redeeming sacrifice of the Son of God, eternal families are possible.
“Without the Atonement, no one could live in God’s presence or inherit all He has, or be sealed for eternity.
“The Atonement allows God’s children to be reconciled to Him (Eph. 2:16); to be cleansed from all sin (D&C 76:52); to be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise (D&C 76:53); to become gods (D&C 76:58) and receive all that God has (D&C 76:59); to be made perfect (D&C 76:69); and to dwell forever in the presence of God and Christ in the celestial kingdom as husbands and wives in eternal families” (D.K. Judd, G.L. Dorius, & D.C. Dollahite, “Families and the Great Plan of Happiness,” in Strengthening Our Families, 10).
47
What does Matthew 7:24-29 as well as Helaman 5:12 teach us about Eternal Marriage? (See also 3 Nephi 14:24-27). .
•
Foolish man hears the word of the Lord but didn’t listen. Wise man heard and obeyed. As we listen to modern council and scriptural teachings and personal revelation we will be built on a sure foundation in our family and marriage
“...[T]he storms of adversity, trying in difficulty, are going to descend upon every soul. All of us – the good, the bad, the rich, the poor, the humble, the haughty — are all going to have the rains of difficulty, the floods of disaster, the overhanging clouds testing faith, the winds and blasts of slander, of misrepresentation.
“Everybody is going to have those things. This is a part of life. The only ones whose houses will not fall will be those who have built their houses upon the rock” (Harold B. Lee, “The Glory of God Is Intelligence,” Address at BYU Leadership Week, 16 June 1953; emphasis added).
48
According to Elder Holland, how should our priorities line out?
•
1) our spiritual and physical selves.
2) Our Spouses
3) children
4) our church callings
5) our professional lives.
6) our civic responsibilities.
49
Sister Marjorie Hinckley said that she would always be _________ in her husband’s life, and that was okay.
•
second
50
Stephen R. Covey taught that the unreal dilemma is the tension between _______ and _________.
•
family centered life
| church centered life
51
What did Joseph Smith teach about marriage and family relationships?
•
It is man’s duty to love, cherish, and nourish his wife, and cleave unto her and non else….it is his duty to be a man of God……………men and women should be companions, the nearest and dearest objects on earth in every sense of the word….. Joseph exhorted the sisters to… smile and mildness.
52
President Howard W. Hunter taught that there is only one true test of greatness, and that is _____________.
•
how closely ones "most clearly approaches the pattern of the Christ....how close a life can coe to being like the Master, Jesus Christ."
53
What is the lesson from “The Tale of Two Prophets?”
| •
Moses appointing a mouthpiece, and never improved his weakness of speech.
Enoch on the other hand, prayed and trusted in the lord and was blessed to be a great prophet.
(A Tale of Two Prophets, Rita Vernon, Brigham Young University–Idaho Devotional
June 3, 2003)
54
Brigham Young taught that we should treat our families as an angel would __________.
"treat our families as an angel would treat them."
55
• Who was Ephraim Hanks and what lessons did he teach about following prophets?
•
He was an early pioneer who followed Brigham Young's suggestion to build his home walls twice as thick. His home survived a large flood a month later.
Brigham told him to shave his face... Ephraim did so. mustache (after a 2nd admonition).
Brigham said of him, "Here was a man always ready to lay down his life for the authorities of the Church as well as for the cause of Zion and her people."
56
Read D&C 21:4-5… “Thou shalt give heed unto _________ his words.”
•
“Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith” [D&C 21:4-5]
57
Elder Maxwell said, “We are to partake of all that is placed before us, including the ________.”
•
....including the spinach, and to leave a clean plate!"
“Our relationship to living prophets is not one in which their sayings are a smorgasbord from which we may take only that which pleases us.
“We are to partake of all that is placed before us, including the spinach, and to leave a clean plate! (Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Things As They Really Are [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1978], 74; emphasis added).
58
According to President Harold B. Lee, if we are not hearkening to inspired counsel, then ___________.
•
We are slowly being deceived by Satan and coming into his power.
“Every soul today that is not hearkening unto the . . . inspired counsel that comes from the [Lord’s] leaders is being deceived by the power of Satan, and they are gradually coming to be in his power. . . . Satan never goes on vacation. He never sleeps” (Elder Harold B. Lee, Children’s Friend, June 1949, 254-55; emphasis added).
59
President Harold B. Lee said that the trouble with too many members today is that they put _______ instead of periods after what the Lord says.
•
"...they put question marks instead of periods after what the Lord says."
60
What is a prophet?
| •
A mortal man
Who is called by God
Who is given priesthood keys and authority to represent God
Who God uses to direct His work
Who God reveals eternal truths to – unknowable by any other means
“A true prophet is one who has the testimony of Jesus; one who knows by personal revelation that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God, and that he was to be—or has been—crucified for the sins of the world; one to whom God speaks and who recognizes the still small voice of the Spirit. A true prophet is one who holds the holy priesthood; who is a legal administrator; who has power and authority from God to represent him on earth.
“A true prophet is a teacher of righteousness to whom the truths of the gospel have been revealed and who presents them to his fellowmen so they can become heirs of salvation in the highest heaven.
“A true prophet is a witness, a living witness, one who knows, and one who testifies. Such a one, if need be, foretells the future and reveals to men what the Lord reveals to him” (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, The Mortal Messiah, 2:169; emphasis added).
“As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, just as Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, Nephi, Mormon, and other prophets of the scriptures.
“We sustain the President of the Church as our prophet, seer, and revelator—the only person on the earth who receives revelation to guide the entire Church.
“We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators” (True to the Faith, “Prophets,” 129).
61
Have prophets made mistakes?
Of Course!!!
“I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught” (Joseph, Smith, History of the Church, 6:366)
“A prophet is a prophet only when he is acting as such” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, v. 5, 265)
"We recognize that our forebears were human. They doubtless made mistakes. . . .
“There was only one perfect man who ever walked the earth. The Lord has used imperfect people in the process of building his perfect society.
“If some of them occasionally stumbled, or if their characters may have been slightly flawed in one way or another, the wonder is the greater that they accomplished so much” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Continuous Pursuit of Truth,” Ensign, April 1986, 5).
62
• What mistake did Brigham Young make concerning Johnson’s Army?
Preached that they should oppose them and drive them back….in the afternoon he admitted to the fault and said they should be peaceful.
63
• Joseph Smith taught that he was not perfect, but there was no error in ___________.
The revelation of God that he had taught.
“I never told you I was perfect; but there is no error in the revelations which I have taught” (Joseph, Smith, History of the Church, 6:366)
64
• What is the difference between a doctrine and a principle?
Doctrines are Question of why?Doctrine resides in the four standard works of scripture…official declaration and proclamations, and the articles of faith. It may seem repetitive. “we should bring together all that has been said by authority on the question…” Joseph Fielding Smith “essential truths are repeated over and over agisn.” Packer
• Principles are questions of what. Concentratd packaged truth ready for application.
65
• What is the difference between doctrine and opinion?
“Not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine.
“It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign, May 2012, 88).
66
• What do I mean when I say that a key test of doctrine is multiple witnesses?
"With divine inspiration, the First Presidency (the prophet and his two counselors) and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (the second-highest governing body of the Church) counsel together to establish doctrine that is consistently proclaimed in official Church publications. This doctrine resides in the four “standard works” of scripture…., official declarations and proclamations, and the Articles of Faith." (Approaching Mormon Doctrine – LDS.ORG – Newsroom)
“With respect to doctrines and meanings of scriptures, let me give you a safe counsel. It is usually not well to use a single passage of scripture in proof of a point of doctrine unless it is confirmed by modern revelation or by the Book of Mormon. . . . To single out a passage of scripture to prove a point, unless it is [so] confirmed . . . Is always a hazardous thing” (Harold B. Lee, The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996), 157).
67
• What are three criteria for true doctrine?
1) They don’t change,
2) will be united between the first presidency and quorum of the twelve,
3) is related to salvation (or saving).
68
• Why is it important to have living prophets speaking and giving guidance on the modern family?
a
69
• What common theme did Elder L. Tom Perry and President Boyd K. Packer express in their final testimonies at their last General Conference?
Families and eternal marriage.
Packer: “Married couples are tried by temptation, misunderstandings, financial problems, family crises, and illness, and all the while love grows stronger. Mature love has a bliss not even imagined by newlyweds” (President Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2015, 26).
Perry: “We believe that marriage and family ties can continue beyond the grave—that marriages performed by those who have the proper authority in His temples will continue to be valid in the world to come” (Elder L. Tom Perry, Ensign, May 2015, 41).
70
• According to Elder Hales, what are four way Satan is destroying the family?
1. Destroy the sanctity of the family.
2. Demean the importance of the role of men and women.
3. Encourage moral uncleanliness and violations of the sacred law of chastity.
4. Discourage parents from placing the bearing and rearing of children as one of their highest priorities.
71
• How did Satan try to “mess-up” Moses in Moses 1?
Called him a “son of man.”
72
• What did Sheri Dew teach about men and women, and their roles?
What role does Satan plan in Gender Role Confusion?
“Satan would have us believe men and women are so alike that our unique gifts are not necessary, or so different we can never hope to understand each other. Neither is true.
“Our Father knew exactly what he was doing when He created us.
“He made us enough alike to love each other, but enough different that we would need to unite our strengths and stewardships to create a whole.
“Neither man or woman is perfect or complete without the other” (Sheri L. Dew, “It is not Good for Man or Woman to be Alone,” Ensign, November 2001, 12-15).
73
• What does the Family Proclamation teach about Gender?
| What about the roles of men and women?
gender is an essential characteristic of pre-mortal, mortal, and eternal identity.
o Men: Protect, Preside, Provide
o Women: Nurture
74
• What does our theology teach of pre-mortal gender?
“And we know that in the premortal world we were men or women, with unique gifts because of our gender, and that the opportunity to be married and to become one was necessary for us to have eternal happiness” (President Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God, “The Family,” 161).
“The scriptures and teachings of the apostles and prophets speak of us in premortal life as sons and daughters, spirit children of God. Gender existed before, and did not begin at mortal birth” (Elder Boyd K. Packer, “For Time and All Eternity,” Ensign, November 1993, 21-23).
75
• What is happening with men in America?
In 1970, men earned 60% of all college degrees. In 1980, that figure fell to 50%, and by 2006, it was 43%. Women now surpass men in college degrees by almost three to two.
In 1950, 5% of men at the prime working age were unemployed; as of last year, 20% of men were not working.
Men are less religious than ever before. According to Gallup, 39% of men reported attending Church regularly, compared to 47% of women.
18-34 year old men spend more time playing video games than 12-17 year old boys.
76
• What is happening with women in America?
Gaining mor education
having fewer children
Joining the labor force instead.
77
• Are men and women equal? Are they similar? What about their roles?
“There is no inequality between the sexes in God’s plan. It is a matter of division of responsibility” (President Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1984, 6).
“By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory.
“Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences.
“The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way.
“The man completes and perfects the woman and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen and bless each other. “Neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:11; italics added)” (Elder David A. Bednar, Marriage is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” World Wide Leadership Training, 11 February 2006, 2)
78
• What have LDS prophets taught about women receiving the priesthood? Do women hold the priesthood?
“In our Heavenly Father’s great priesthood endowed plan, men have the unique responsibility to administer the priesthood, but they are not the priesthood.
“Men and women have different but equally valued roles. Just as a woman cannot conceive a child without a man, so a man cannot fully exercise the power of the priesthood to establish an eternal family without a woman. . . .
“In the eternal perspective, both the procreative power and the priesthood power are shared by husband and wife” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, “This is My Work and Glory,” Ensign, May 2013, 19).
79
• What is the true definition of a “helpmeet?”
A helpmeet is a companion suited to or equal to us. We walk side by side with a helpmeet, not one before or behind the other.
“Genesis 3:16 states that Adam is to ‘rule over’ Eve, but this doesn’t make Adam a dictator….
“Over in ‘rule over’ uses the Hebrew bet, which means ruling with, not ruling over…
“The concept of interdependent, equal partners is well grounded in the doctrine of the restored gospel.
“Eve was Adam’s ‘help meet’ (Genesis 2:18).
“The original Hebrew for meet means that Eve was adequate for, or equal to, Adam.
“She wasn’t his servant or his subordinate” (Elder Bruce C. & Marie Hafen, “Crossing the Thresholds and Becoming Equal Partners,” Ensign, August 2007, 27; emphasis in original).
80
• What does academic research teach about equality in gender roles?
Research demonstrates that couples who have an equal partnership have happier relationships, better individual well-being, more effective parenting practices, and better functioning children (see V.M. Hudson & R. B. Miller, “Equal Partnership Between Men and Women in Families,” 43).
A National Study reported that the percentage of men who reported they shared decision making with their wives increased from 51 percent in 1980 to 63 percent in 2000.
Among those 36 percent who reported that decision making was not shared, 20 percent of women reported they had the final say, while 16 percent reported that their husbands more frequently had the final say. (See Amato et. al. “Alone Together: How Marriage in America is Changing. Harvard University Press, 2007).
81
• What did Elder Glen L. Pace teach regarding “avoiding anything that detracts from _______?”
"...detracts from your divine nature should be avoided."
82
• Fatherhood and Priesthood is synonymous with _______. Motherhood is synonymous with ________.
Protection
| Nurture
83
• Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that “Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at ________________.”
"...is directed at whatever is most important to the Father's plan."
84
• What is the one, undeviating standard of sexual morality?
intimate relations are proper only between a man and a woman in the marriage relationship prescribed in God’s plan.
85
• Will the Church change its policies or doctrines on Same Gender Attraction?
“And, unlike other organizations that can change their policies and even their doctrines, our policies are determined by the truths God has identified as unchangeable” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “No Other Gods,” Ensign, November 2013, 74-75).
86
• The fundamental institution for nurturing children, instilling faith, and transmitting values to the next generation is ______________.
Strong families.
87
• Do changes in civil law change God’s moral laws?
“Changes in the civil law do not, indeed cannot, change the moral law that God has established. God expects us to uphold and keep His commandments regardless of divergent opinions or trends in society.
“His law of chastity is clear: sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (Gospel Topics, “Same-Sex Marriage,” lds.org/topics).
88
• What did Elder Oaks say about “feelings we did not choose?”
"All of us have some feelings we did not choose, but the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that we still have the power to resist and reform our feelings (as needed) and to assure that they do not lead us to entertain inappropriate thoughts or to engage in sinful behavior.
“Different persons have different physical characteristics and different susceptibilities to the various physical and emotional pressures we may encounter in our childhood and adult environments. We did not choose these personal susceptibilities either, but we do choose and will be accountable for the attitudes, priorities, behavior, and “lifestyle” we engraft upon them” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Same Gender Attraction, Ensign, November 1995).
89
• When will the law of chastity change?
It will never change.
“Some even suppose that those standards will someday change. That is simply not true,” he said. “The law of chastity has applied since the very beginning, when the Lord commanded a man to leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife and to none else.
“Our doctrine—not just belief, but doctrine—that sexual relations are only appropriate and lawful in the Lord’s eyes between man and woman legally and lawfully married is unchanged and will never change.” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson, Press Conference on Religious Liberty and Fairness, 5 February 2015).
90
• How is same gender attraction and homosexuality different in God’s eyes?
It is not a sin to have same gender attraction, However, it is a sin to engage in homosexual behavior.
91
• What restrictions do those with same gender attraction face?
"Those attracted to the same gender face some unique restrictions regarding expression of their feelings. ...Such feelings can be powerful, but they are never so strong as to deprive anyone of the freedom to choose worthy conduct." Holland
92
• How should we treat those with same gender issues?
With Love and Compassion
"As a church, nobody should be more loving and compassionate. Let us be at the forefront in terms of expressing love, compassion and outreach.
“Let’s not have families exclude or be disrespectful of those who choose a different lifestyle as a result of their feelings about their own gender” (Elder Quinten L. Cook, quoted on “Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction,” mormonsandgays.org).
93
• What was Elder Oaks counsel regarding letting the issue define who you are?
“This attraction doesn’t have to define you
“We should not that the words homosexual, lesbian, and gay are adjectives to describe particular thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. We should refrain from using these words as nouns to identify particular conditions or specific persons” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Same Gender Attraction, Ensign, October 1995).
94
• What did Elder Holland teach about letting same gender attraction define a person?
“You serve yourself poorly when you identify yourself primarily by your sexual feelings.
“That isn’t your only characteristic, so don’t give it disproportionate attention.
“You are first and foremost a son of God, and He loves you” (Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “Helping Those with Same Gender Attraction,” Ensign, October 2007, 42).
95
• What did President Gordon B. Hinckley say is the best medicine for loneliness?
It is work, service in behalf of others...reach out to serve them, to help them, to encourage them."
96
• What is the name of Ty Mansfield’s book and website?
Voices of Hope
http://www.ldsvoicesofhope.org
97
• What was the main message you got out of the video with Ty Mansfield?
That our sexual feelings don't define who we are, but with patience and the Lord's help we can live worthy lives regardless of our sexual orientation.
