Value Assumptions and overcoming them
“It is easy to unwittingly have the worldly ways become our ways, to have the “vain deceits of men” be incorporated into our lives. Advertising is ubiquitous, enticing us to give more emphasis to materialism than the Savior would like. Having wholesome recreation can gradually shift to pursuing an encompassing goal, wherein seeking pleasure becomes addictive because it can never satisfy. Individual rights have provided rich blessings, but the tide of the movement has carried many away from appropriate concern for the good of the family and the community. Secular answers that negate sacred principles may have the gradual effect of focusing one’s attention only upon the world.”1
Value assumptions Defined
Secularism: Only rational thinking is correct. There are no spiritual or sacred things.
Hedonism: Pleasure without working or payment.
Individualism: Individual rights are more important than group rights. Individual interests are more important than family interest.
Materialism: Material objects, needs, and considerations are most important in life. Materialism is greater than spiritual ideas and values.
Relativism: No absolute good or bad, true or wrong, only gray areas. The old saying, “Do what I say not what I do” is an expression of relativism.
Effects on Society
The idea of heavenly parents is a comforting myth. Marriage is an outdated way of relating and it ought to be eliminated. People ought to have series of marriages and sexual interation should be separate from marriage. Children should be reared and trained by professionals not parents. We should be free from any restraining relationships including marriage. If pregnancy is inconvenient have an abortion. Cohabitation is okay. Happiness only comes through pleasure and no work. Nobody should be tied to their families if they can find pleasure other places. Successful families can only be produced when everyone seeks after their only interests and not the interest of the family.
Guidance
The proclamation is a guidance to avoid the unhappiness and pain value assumptions will lead to. In the proclamation there is wisdom, truth, and happiness.
All information gathered from: Dollahite, D. (2000). Strengthening Our Families: An in-depth look at the proclamation of the family. Salt Lake City, UT.
