Some Linguistic Observations on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" (Chapter 31)

Elder Bruce D. Porter said "The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” is “an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.”The differences between men and women are not simply biological. They are woven into the fabric of the universe, a vital, foundational element of eternal life and divine nature.The family is intended by God as the great entryway into mortal life. It is central to the salvation of the human race, the perpetuation of civilization, and the birth and rearing of each new generation."

In families more than anywhere else children learn the values, practical life skills, manners, and fundamental truths that enable them to rise up and be successful in the world. They learn the all-important attributes of love, unselfishness, sharing, giving, and hard work that someday will be essential for them to form families of their own and to rear up a new generation. In the text it states that "One of the significant linguistic features of teh proclamation is its ues of an instructive religious register. (Oaks & Stanley, 2012, p. 330). President Henry B. Eyring siad the following about the title of the proclamtion: "Three things about the title are worht our careful reflection. First, the subjec: the family. Second, the audience, which is the whole world. And third, those proclaiming it are those we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators. (Henry B. Eyring, p. 10, as cited in Oaks & Stanley).

In the family proclamation, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declare, “We warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.” It is vital that we defend the family and raise a voice of warning and of invitation to the world. The Lord expects us to do this, and in doing so to ignore the mocking and pride of the world and stand as a witness.







References:

• Oaks, D. D., & Stanley, E. S. (2012). Some Linguistic Observations on "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". In Successful marriages and families: Proclamation principles and research perspectives (pp. 329-336). Provo, Utah: Brigham Young University.
• Porter, B. D. (2011, June). Defending the Family in a Troubled World - Ensign June 2011 - ensign. Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/ensign/2011/06/defending-the-family-in-a-troubled-world?lang=eng
• The Family: A Proclamation to the World. (n.d.). Retrieved July 23, 2014, from https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation