The attitudes of today are often in direct opposition to the counsel and direction of the prophets of God. In this article I reviewed a lot of the common attitudes of today that represent the pride of the world. Here I will review some more attitudes of today, along with a charge not buy into these attitudes. Why? Because as we know from 1995 Proclamation to the World, gender roles, marriage, and family are the ideal constructs ordained by God and the main goals to strive for (see: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng#p4). The purpose of having apostles and prophets is to reveal the will of God. So, the next time you feel confused about dating, relationships, marriage, and family, there are conference talks on all of these subjects. These inspired words will help you to combat the attitudes of the world.
Attitudes of the World:
*Don’t marry: with the continually high numbers of divorce, financial losses, coparenting challenges, stigma, and other problems when a marriage doesn’t last, it’s understandable that singles today are hesitant to marry (or marry again). Nevertheless, we are commanded to marry (or at least search for marriage). Marriage is ordained by God and is the structure designed for man, woman, and children to live together as a family. In the Old Testament it says this about marriage: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Yes, it is important to be careful when choosing who to marry. But this original structure will always the ideal. Please keep searching for a quality, committed person you can have a good life with. A person you treat well and will ideally give the same in return.
*All relationships are the same: we are also told in the Proclamation to the World that marriage is to be between one man and one woman. Therefore, that is the ideal and the standard to choose. Marriages or relationships other than this simple structure is not God’s way. A common alternative construct today is “polyamory”—the idea that any number of men and women can create a family and life together without limitation. Usually, polyamory relationships today involve one woman and numerous men, or numerous men and women together. From my experience as a therapist, whenever I have heard of these kinds of “poly” relationships, they have always ended poorly and result in heartache and heartbreak. So please, keep your relationships to one man and one woman. You will have a better chance for success versus complicating things with an alternative arrangement.
*The law of chastity is outdated: since, say, the sexual revolution from the late 1960s to the present, the idea that sex is to be reserved for marriage between a man and a woman is commonly treated as an old fashioned, out of date method to try to control or limit people today. In reality, keeping the law of chastity is a wise protection from large natural consequences faced by those who violate it: heartache, heart break, unplanned pregnancy, sexual transmitted diseases, and so on. Keeping the law of chastity makes life easier, better, less complicated, and happier. Breaking the law of chastity will also lead to the Spirit leaving a person, resulting in less happiness, direction, and other benefits. In short, keeping the law of chastity makes life better and easier, but breaking it will bring problems and challenges.
*Having children is a hassle to be limited or avoided altogether: Adam and Eve were originally told in the Garden of Eden to “multiply and replenish the earth” (Moses 2:28), meaning, to have children. Otherwise, how would the earth be populated? How would people have the opportunity to live and experience life? Parents before us went through the challenges of having and raising you, and eventually it becomes your turn to return the favor for future generations. When to have children and how many to have is an individual decision and something to decide together in prayer. Nevertheless, the commandment to have and raise children is still in effect.
Final Thoughts:
Please consider these ideas and make adjustments accordingly. When the prophets give inspired direction, instruction, and counsel, it is our job as members to incorporate and live these ideals. Please spend more time with the words of the prophets. And then after you learn their counseling, please apply them accordingly. At the same time, please reject the ways of the world. It will help you to have a healthier, happier life with better outcomes. And remember that “…neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Dr. G
P.S. If you have any questions, comments, or a future article request for me, feel free to contact me at drgilchrist@yahoo.com.
| 2024-04-28 | Randy Gilchrist |
About the author
Hello, my name is Dr. Randy Gilchrist (aka "Dr. G"). I am a licensed clinical psychologist, a licensed marriage & family therapist, and a certified hypnotherapist in private practice in Roseville, CA (www.dr-rg.com), practicing since 1997. Also, I am happily married in the temple (Manti) since 1996 and have 4 sons. I am a volunteer writer and contributor to LDS Dimension. I use my training, education, and experience to share insights with LDS Dimension on all things of interest to the LDS dating community. Please read my articles and columns on this site to assist you in your online dating journey. Also, to be considered for an answer in a future Q and A column, please email me your dating/relationship oriented questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com. Finally, I also offer a powerful, effective worldwide custom hypnosis recording service just for LDS Dimension members for weight loss, pornography, and many other issues of concern to those in the LDS dating community (please learn more now at www.dr-rg.com/lds; email me questions to drgilchrist@yahoo.com).