Faith in Family Life (Chapter 18)

As Latter Day Saints and with knowledge of the "great plan of happiness" we have the opportunity and also the responsibility to help restore faith in the family. This chapter specifically talks about Faith in Family Life and the text states that "Our central purpose in this chapter is to examine the connection between faith and successful marriages and families, based on the social science record." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 185). In this blog, I would like to discuss three important highlights of the chapter that will help create a better understanding of what faith in family life is. 

So, the question is, does faith influence family or does family influence faith? This chapter answers this question by saying that "certainly both, but in terms of social science, the best we can usually do is to discover and examine correlations, or relationships, between ideas such as faith and the quality of family life." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 185). 

Another highlight of the chapter is Religious Practices and Family. "Praying together as a family and reading the scriptures...together is probably the best thing we do to pull us toward Heavenly Father and each other." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 188). Elder John H. Groberg stated that "I promise you that as you consistently and fervently pray as a family, and as each member takes his or her turn and sincerely prays for others, impressions will come as to what you individually should do to help others. Thus, you can, in family prayer, receive personal and family revelation as to how to love and serve one another." I think that family prayer is only effective when we arise from our knees with increased love and understanding, taking better care of each other. 

In conclusion of the chapter "the social science indicates that marriage-based families in which the parents share religious involvement seem to fare comparatively well." (Marks, Dollahite, & Freeman, 2012, p. 193). Elder Fransisco J. Vinas once said that "The plain and simple principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ... should be firmly established in our homes to ensure happiness in family life." These principles, will act as a light that will illuminate each member of the family and, in a progressive way, will lead us to integrate other related values and principles which will strengthen family relationships. 

My family has always taught me the power of family prayer. We have never gone a day without saying a family prayer and I think that because of family prayer and the faith in our family we have grown together as a family unit towards the Savior and that has made us a stronger family. 

References:

• Groberg, J. H. (1982, April). The Power of Family Prayer - general-conference. Retrieved July 20, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1982/04/the-power-of-family-prayer?lang=eng&query=Family+Prayer
• Vinas, F. J. (2004, April). Applying the Simple and Plain Gospel Principles in the Family - general-conference. Retrieved July 20, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2004/04/applying-the-simple-and-plain-gospel-principles-in-the-family?lang=eng&query=Faith+in+the+Family
• Marks, L. D., Dollahite, D. C., & Freeman, J. J. (2012). Faith in Family Life. In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 185-195). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.