The LDS Doctrine of 'Families Are Forever': A Closer Look at Its Roots and Biblical Support

The LDS Doctrine of 'families are forever' has become a cornerstone of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This belief revolves around eternal marriages and the sealing of families in temples, ensuring that individuals and their loved ones remain together in the afterlife. Let's delve into the origins, theology, and biblical support (or lack thereof) of this doctrine.

Origins and Theology of 'Families Are Forever'

First and foremost, it's important to understand that the belief in 'families are forever' is a product of LDS temple rituals. Members of the LDS church believe that husbands and wives, along with their children, can be sealed together in temples. This sealing is seen as binding not just in this life, but for eternity. Any religion that believes in an afterlife also believes in the possibility of being with family members, but the LDS church emphasizes that this can only be achieved through temple sealing.

However, the origins of this belief are rooted in the Nauvoo era of the Latter Day movement. This historical period saw the development of the doctrine as it is known today. The doctrine is referred to as "unofficial LDS doctrine" and is designed to encourage members to get married in the temple. This encourages the formation of families that are sealed together eternally, ensuring that all children born to these families are also sealed forever to their parents. The phrase 'Every member a missionary' was once a popular slogan, but it didn't resonate as well with church members as 'Families are forever.'

Biblical Support for 'Families Are Forever'

The belief in 'families are forever' among Latter-day Saints is often cited as biblical support. One such verse comes from Malachi 4:5-6, which states: 'Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.'

While this is one verse among many that can be interpreted in various ways, it is often stretched to suggest eternal family ties. It's worth noting that the Bible itself is full of contradictions and unclear passages. Much like the Old Testament's apparent lack of discussion on the afterlife (Ecclesiastes 9:10 denies any notion of afterlife), there is no explicit mention of eternal families. This ambiguity makes it challenging to derive clear biblical support for the 'families are forever' doctrine.

Arguments Against Biblical Support

Critics of the 'families are forever' doctrine often argue that, if eternal families were a true and Christ-like teaching, God would have made it clearer in the Bible. Though this is a valid point, it overlooks the fundamental issue of biblical interpretation. The Bible is a complex text with multiple interpretations, and many Christian doctrines are derived from hermeneutics and the guidance of living prophets.

For individuals who rely heavily on biblical texts, the doctrine of eternal families faces several challenges. The Old Testament's silence on the afterlife, the contradictions found in the Bible, and the interpretation differences among various Christian denominations all contribute to the ambiguity surrounding this doctrine. The LDS church addresses these challenges by invoking living prophets to clarify biblical passages, while other Christian sects may employ scholarly hermeneutics or guidance from the Holy Spirit to interpret the Bible.

Reflections on Afterlife Beliefs

Ultimately, discussions about the afterlife are subjective and rooted in personal beliefs and interpretations. Many religions have similar promises about the afterlife, such as reincarnation, nirvana, or other forms of eternal life. However, solid evidence for any afterlife remains absent.

Religious leaders often make grand promises about the afterlife, but they typically don't have to prove these claims. In the absence of concrete proof, it's wise to approach such promises with skepticism. Until the afterlife can be tested and demonstrated, one might consider these beliefs as probable lies.

In conclusion, the LDS doctrine of 'families are forever' is a deeply ingrained belief within the church, but its biblical support is not as straightforward as many members might believe. Understanding the origins, theology, and challenges of this doctrine can provide valuable insight into the complex nature of theological beliefs and personal spiritual journeys.