The church stresses a well-balanced family life that is characterized by a mother and father at home, as well as the knowledge that the family unit will remain together in the afterlife. According to the church's official Web site, "The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity" (the family, 2008, p. 3). All of this is not to say, though, that Mormons do not know how to have fun or enjoy themselves; in fact, happiness is clearly a primary objective of the church's teaching for its families: "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" (the family, 2008, p. 4).
Conclusion
As one of the fastest growing religions in the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must have something going for it. In this regard, the research showed that one of the most appealing aspects of the religion for many people is its emphasis on a well-rounded family life and the need to instill certain values in Mormon children, including...
In the final analysis, it is hard to argue with clean living and piety, notwithstanding any dogmatic differences between the Mormons and the rest of the United States.
References
The family: A proclamation to the world. (2008). Official Web site of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2008-04-04 at http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=1aba862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____.
Howard, B.K. & Powell, M.A. (2004, August). Effects of family structure, education and religion on contraceptive decisions by women in their twenties. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association, Hilton San Francisco & Renaissance Parc 55 Hotel, San Francisco, CA, Online Retrieved 2008-04-04 at http://www.allacademic.com/meta/p109418_index.html
Weaver, a.J., Flannelly, K.J., & Strock, a.L. (2005). A review of research on the effects of religion on adolescent tobacco use published between 1990 and 2003. Adolescence, 40(160), 761 [Questia.com].
Wollheim, P. (2006). Latter-Day screens: A history of Mormons and the movies. Afterimage, 33(6), 26-27 [Questia.com].
