Strong families help strengthen freedom and society. Learn how constitutional freedoms protect families, faith, and moral responsibility.
This article is one in a series about principles of freedom and religious liberty. It is based on principles from the book American Principles of Freedom: A Latter-day Saint Perspective, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Read other articles in the series #America250.
Strong families and strong societies are closely connected. The founders of the United States understood that freedom depends heavily on the character and responsibility of the people. Families play a central role in teaching those values.
Latter-day Saints believe the family is ordained of God and central to Heavenly Father’s plan. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches that parents have the responsibility to teach children “to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.” The Constitution helps protect families by preserving freedoms that allow parents to teach, worship, and raise children according to their beliefs and values.
Religious Freedom Strengthens Families
One of the Constitution’s greatest protections is religious liberty. The First Amendment protects the free exercise of religion. That freedom allows families to worship openly, attend church, teach faith in the home, and live according to conscience. Without religious freedom, governments often attempt to control beliefs, education, speech, or family practices.
The Restoration itself benefited greatly from constitutional protections. Joseph Smith could organize the Church, publish scripture, and preach openly because religious liberty existed in early America.
President Dallin H. Oaks has repeatedly emphasized the importance of protecting religious freedom for people of all faiths. “We must also practice tolerance and respect toward others” whose beliefs, values, and ideas differ from our own. (“Truth and Tolerance,” CES Devotional for Young Adults, September 11, 2011, Brigham Young University)
Families Teach Self-Government
The founders believed self-government begins in the home. Children first learn honesty, responsibility, kindness, work ethic, and self-control from parents and families. These virtues help citizens use freedom wisely.
John Adams wrote, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (Address to the Massachusetts Militia, 1798)
Strong families help create stable communities because they teach individuals how to govern themselves responsibly without excessive outside control. Latter-day Saints understand this principle well. Agency and accountability always go together.
Freedom Creates Opportunities for Families
Constitutional freedoms create opportunities for families to flourish. Freedom allows parents to:
- Teach gospel principles in the home
- Choose how children are educated
- Worship openly
- Speak according to conscience
- Serve in their communities
- Build stable family traditions
The Constitution does not create strong families, but it helps protect the conditions that allow families to grow and thrive. When freedoms weaken, families often feel greater pressure from governments, cultural forces, or restrictions on religious expression.
The founders believed that many responsibilities should remain close to individuals, families, churches, and local communities rather than centralized government.
Responsibility Begins at Home
Strong societies cannot be built only through laws or government programs. Lasting freedom depends largely on the moral strength of individuals and families. Parents who teach honesty, integrity, service, respect, and faith help strengthen both their children and society. Latter-day Saints can help preserve freedom by:
- Strengthening family relationships
- Teaching correct principles in the home
- Studying scriptures together
- Respecting the rights of others
- Participating responsibly in civic life
- Living with integrity and kindness
What This Means for Us
The Constitution and the family are connected because both help protect moral agency and personal responsibility. For Latter-day Saints, strong families are not only important to society. They are central to God’s eternal plan.
Learn more:
- Articles about about religious freedom and moral agency.
- Read the book American Principles of Freedom: A Latter-day Saint Perspective.
How to access the book
- Read or download a free PDF.
- Purchase on Amazon as a paperback for only $8.95 or get as Kindle or audiobook free with your membership
- Purchase on Lulu as a paperback for only $8.95