The Theology of the Family in the great plan of happiness
Let’s talk, first of all, about the theology of the
family . . In The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, we have a theology of the
family. It’s based on the Creation, the Fall, and
the Atonement. Did you realize that this is a
theology of the family? The Creation of the
earth was the creation of an earth where a
family could live. It was a creation of a man and
a woman who were the two essential halves of
a family. It was not about a creation of a man
and a woman who happened to have a family.
It was intentional all along that Adam and Eve
form an eternal family. It was part of the plan
that these two be sealed and form an eternal
family unit. That was the plan of happiness.
The Fall provided a way for the family to grow.
Through the leadership of Eve and Adam, they
chose to have a mortal experience. The Fall
made it possible for Adam and Eve to have a
family, to have sons and daughters. They
needed to grow in numbers and grow in
experience. The Fall provided that for the
family.
The Atonement allows for the family to be
sealed together eternally. It allows for families
to have eternal growth and perfection. The plan
of happiness and the plan of salvation was a
plan created for families. I don’t think very
many of the rising generation understand that
the main pillars of our theology are centered in
the family.
When we speak of qualifying for the blessings
of eternal life, we mean qualifying for the
blessings of eternal families. This was Christ’s
doctrine, and this is some of what was restored
that had been lost—understanding and clarity
about family. Without these blessings, the earth
is wasted.
What a blessing a family is.
Yes! If I could only remember this as I stare at mountains of laundry and dishes (sometimes that’s all I do to them)- If I could continually see how my actions and words truly affect my children- If I could always feel the weight of my responsibilities as a tether to my godly potential- then I would truly be a great mother.