Tag: Motherhood

  • Helpmeet

    Helpmeet

    Excerpt from a January 1971 article titled ‘The Women’s Movement: Liberation or Deception?’ By Thomas S. Monson: 1

    Recently I read with interest feature articles that appeared in five widely circulated American publications. All presented information regarding the subject of women’s liberation.

    Several of the articles called attention to the fact that 1970 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the right of women to vote in the United States. And from this base came a description of the goals and demands that are now being made by some women: free abortion, free child care, and equal employment.

    One piece suggested that women should literally demand these things. This article then went on to describe much of Friedrich Engles’ philosophy. Engles, you will recall, was a colleague of Karl Marx and spoke out with irony and force against much of family life. He referred to marriage as a dreary mutation of slavery, urged its abolition, and suggested a public responsibility for the upbringing of children.

    In another magazine there was a report dealing with “The Motherhood Myth.” This article debunked the idea that there is anything particularly fulfilling and satisfying about being a mother. It quoted one psychiatrist who suggested that people should move from planned parenthood to planned unparenthood and that it would be more loving to children not to have them. The author of the article, a senior editor of the magazine, concluded: “If God were still speaking to us in a voice we could hear, even He would probably say, ‘Be fruitful. Don’t multiply.’”

    Such idiotic and blatantly false philosophy must not be entertained or believed. For God has spoken. Indeed, he has spoken in a voice clearly understood by those who have ears to hear and hearts that know and feel.

    :::

    Sustain your husband. In speaking to missionaries, I frequently counsel them: “Love your companion. Make him a part of all you do. He may be short or tall, thin or fat, handsome or homely—but he’s all yours.” I think I need not elaborate on the analogy. Your husband is yours. Together you form a partnership with God. Your husband, as the priesthood bearer, is the head of the home. You, the helpmeet, are not the head, but just as important—the heart of the home.

    References

    References
    1 The Women’s Movement: Liberation or Deception? – https://www.lds.org/ensign/1971/01/the-womens-movement-liberation-or-deception?lang=eng
  • Equal Employment

    Equal Employment

    Excerpt from a January 1971 article titled ‘The Women’s Movement: Liberation or Deception?’ By Thomas S. Monson: 1

    Recently I read with interest feature articles that appeared in five widely circulated American publications. All presented information regarding the subject of women’s liberation.

    Several of the articles called attention to the fact that 1970 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the right of women to vote in the United States. And from this base came a description of the goals and demands that are now being made by some women: free abortion, free child care, and equal employment.

    One piece suggested that women should literally demand these things. This article then went on to describe much of Friedrich Engles’ philosophy. Engles, you will recall, was a colleague of Karl Marx and spoke out with irony and force against much of family life. He referred to marriage as a dreary mutation of slavery, urged its abolition, and suggested a public responsibility for the upbringing of children.

    In another magazine there was a report dealing with “The Motherhood Myth.” This article debunked the idea that there is anything particularly fulfilling and satisfying about being a mother. It quoted one psychiatrist who suggested that people should move from planned parenthood to planned unparenthood and that it would be more loving to children not to have them. The author of the article, a senior editor of the magazine, concluded: “If God were still speaking to us in a voice we could hear, even He would probably say, ‘Be fruitful. Don’t multiply.’”

    Such idiotic and blatantly false philosophy must not be entertained or believed. For God has spoken. Indeed, he has spoken in a voice clearly understood by those who have ears to hear and hearts that know and feel.

    :::

    Sustain your husband. In speaking to missionaries, I frequently counsel them: “Love your companion. Make him a part of all you do. He may be short or tall, thin or fat, handsome or homely—but he’s all yours.” I think I need not elaborate on the analogy. Your husband is yours. Together you form a partnership with God. Your husband, as the priesthood bearer, is the head of the home. You, the helpmeet, are not the head, but just as important—the heart of the home.

    References

    References
    1 The Women’s Movement: Liberation or Deception? – https://www.lds.org/ensign/1971/01/the-womens-movement-liberation-or-deception?lang=eng
  • Wives Submit

    Wives Submit

    Excerpt from a 1965 April General Conference address by Spencer W. Kimball, ‘Home Training—the Cure for Evil’: 1

    “President Richards explained the concepts of home, fatherhood, and motherhood, and stated this Church has always taught this exalted concept of putting and keeping father at the head. A pity he did not live to see this divine Church embark on this challenging, newly emphasized program of Family Home Evening, transforming houses into homes and homes into heavens.

    One of the most provocative and profound statements in holy writ is that of Paul wherein he directs husbands and wives in their duty to each other and to family. First, he commands the women:

    “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.

    “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the savior of the body.

    “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing” Eph. 5:22-24

    This is no idle jest, no facetious matter. Much is said in those few words.

    Paul says, “as unto the Lord.”

    A woman would have no fears of being imposed upon nor of any dictatorial measures nor of any improper demands if the husband is self-sacrificing and worthy. Certainly no sane woman would hesitate to give submission to her own really righteous husband in everything. We are sometimes shocked to see the wife take over the leadership, naming the one to pray, the place to be, the things to do.”

     

    References

    References
    1 1965 April General Conference address by Spencer W. Kimball, ‘Home Training—the Cure for Evil’ – http://scriptures.byu.edu/#:t576:g87
  • Ask the Bishop

    Ask the Bishop

    From the current (2017) LDS Handbook 2: Administering the Church:

    21.4.15
    Surgical Sterilization (Including Vasectomy)

    The Church strongly discourages surgical sterilization as an elective form of birth control. Surgical sterilization should be considered only if (1) medical conditions seriously jeopardize life or health or (2) birth defects or serious trauma have rendered a person mentally incompetent and not responsible for his or her actions. Such conditions must be determined by competent medical judgment and in accordance with law. Even then, the persons responsible for this decision should consult with each other and with their bishop and should receive divine confirmation of their decision through prayer.

    Other relevant sections from Handbook 2:

    21.4.3
    Artificial Insemination

    The Church strongly discourages artificial insemination using semen from anyone but the husband. However, this is a personal matter that ultimately must be left to the judgment of the husband and wife. Responsibility for the decision rests solely upon them.

    Artificial insemination of single sisters is not approved. Single sisters who deliberately refuse to follow the counsel of Church leaders in this matter are subject to Church discipline.

    21.4.5
    Chastity and Fidelity

    The Lord’s law of chastity is abstinence from sexual relations outside of lawful marriage and fidelity within marriage. Sexual relations are proper only between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded as husband and wife. Adultery, fornication, homosexual or lesbian relations, and every other unholy, unnatural, or impure practice are sinful. Members who violate the Lord’s law of chastity or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline.

    21.4.6
    Homosexual Behavior and Same-Gender Attraction

    Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel. Those who persist in such behavior or who influence others to do so are subject to Church discipline. Homosexual behavior can be forgiven through sincere repentance.

    If members engage in homosexual behavior, Church leaders should help them have a clear understanding of faith in Jesus Christ, the process of repentance, and the purpose of life on earth.

    While opposing homosexual behavior, the Church reaches out with understanding and respect to individuals who are attracted to those of the same gender.

    If members feel same-gender attraction but do not engage in any homosexual behavior, leaders should support and encourage them in their resolve to live the law of chastity and to control unrighteous thoughts. These members may receive Church callings. If they are worthy and qualified in every other way, they may also hold temple recommends and receive temple ordinances.

    21.4.7
    In Vitro Fertilization

    The Church strongly discourages in vitro fertilization using semen from anyone but the husband or an egg from anyone but the wife. However, this is a personal matter that ultimately must be left to the judgment of the husband and wife. Responsibility for the decision rests solely upon them.

    21.4.13
    Sperm Donation

    The Church strongly discourages the donation of sperm.

    21.4.16
    Surrogate Motherhood

    The Church strongly discourages surrogate motherhood. However, this is a personal matter that ultimately must be left to the judgment of the husband and wife. Responsibility for the decision rests solely upon them.


    Crash Course:

    Handbook 2: Administering the Church – LDS.org
    Warning Signs of an Unsafe Group
     – Mormon Discussions Podcast

  • Choose the Rights

    Choose the Rights

    Excerpt from the 2013 BYU devotional, by Elaine S. Dalton – General President of the Young Women’s organization[footnote] “Prophetic Priorities and Dedicated Disciples” BYU Devotional – Elaine S. Dalton, January 15, 2013 [/footnote]

    “Young women, you will be the ones who will provide the example of virtuous womanhood and motherhood. You will continue to be virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy and of good report. You will also be the ones to provide an example of family life in a time when families are under attack, being redefined and disintegrating. You will understand your roles and your responsibilities and thus will see no need to lobby for rights.”



    Crash Course:

    “Prophetic Priorities and Dedicated Disciples” BYU Devotional – Elaine S. Dalton

    Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women  – LDS Gospel Topic Essay

    How the temple is sexist (and the church is, too) – Young Mormon Feminist

    The Church and the Proposed Equal Rights Amendment: A Moral Issue – LDS.org