Definitions of family on the Web:
→ primary social group; parents and children;
→ people descended from a common ancestor
→ class: a collection of things sharing a common attribute;
→ an association of people who share common beliefs or activities;
→ (biology) a taxonomic group containing one or more genera;
→ kin: a person having kinship with another or others;
→ syndicate: a loose affiliation of gangsters in charge of organized
criminal activities
→ A family is a domestic group of people, or a number of domestic
groups linked through descent (demonstrated or stipulated) from a
common ancestor, marriage or adoption. Families have some
degree of kinship.
→ As defined by the Census, family is a group of two or more
people who reside together and who are related by birth,
marriage, or adoption.
→ Two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or convenience who
occupy the same dwelling.
Family is more than a group of people that are related in some fashion.
All humans are created in the image of God. Each has a beloved spirit, and each
has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of
individual eternal identity and purpose.
The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated
beyond the grave and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential
for parenthood. There is a sanctity of life and an
importance in the eternal plan.
Where there are parents, they have a responsibility to love and care
for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord."
(Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear children in love and to
provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve
one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens
wherever they live.
Family is ordained of God. Children are entitled to be reared by parents who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.
Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the
teachings of the Lord. Successful marriages and families are established and
maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect,
love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. Parents are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death,
or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families
are often a support when needed.
The disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and
nations devastating calamities.