| Description |
This paper is an attempt to describe a specific instance of a more general problem: generational disagreement on what is desirable in a family. Among the Utah Mormons, the family occupies a place of considerable importance. It is accorded a special and unique place in a well-ordered, dynamic world by the Church's theology. At one time the Church attempted to work out its own form of the family, one modeled on the lives of Old Testament Prophets and planned as part of the rebirth of the way of life of the primitive Christian Church. This effort met with what might be characterized as an over-reaction by the government of the United States. Forced accomodation to a hostile culture helped to foster a preoccupation with the past that today may be of questionable relevance. The young people of the Church do not share with older Latter-day Saints personal memories of earlier religious conflicts, but do share with the nation's youth certain goals in common and a sensitivity to certain social problems. Having acquired a slightly different frame of reference from that of their elders, do they yet retain the ideals traditionally associated with Mormon family life? Great concern over the answer to this question is evidenced by Church elders. Latter-day Saint philosophy is anything but static, but if family ideology is changing among young Mormons there are surely several possible sources of this change, and not all of them are L.D.S. This paper attempts an analysis of the question of change in the ideology of the contemporary Latter-day Saint family, focusing on the thinking of a group of L.D.S. student leaders. Without exception, the students interviewed for this paper were concerned, thoughtful, courteous, and deeply interested in the topics discussed. For their enthusiasm and assistance I am grateful. Appreciation is also expressed for the considerable patience of Professor Robert Anderson, as well as his encouragement; and critical suggestions. Responsibility for errors of fact and omission remains, of course, with the author. |
