The Importance of Family History and Genealogy in Mormonism

Introduction to the Beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Family history and genealogy play a crucial role in the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church. This article explores how family relationships, ordinances, and temples are central to the teachings and practices of the faith.

Family in God's Plan

Mormons believe in a familial relationship with God as their loving Heavenly Father. Every person who has lived or will live on Earth is a spirit child of God. They emphasize the importance of recognizing all human beings—male and female—as divine beings, sons and daughters of God. This relationship has a significant impact on the emphasis placed on family history and genealogy.

According to the FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD, family is central to the Creator’s plan, and the family is essential for the eternal destiny of His children. The family is ordained of God, and marriage between a man and a woman is a sacred union. Children are entitled to be born within the bonds of matrimony and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor their marital vows.

Ordinances and Temples

Ordinances are essential to the Mormon faith. These are sacred acts or ceremonies that are required for salvation. Baptism, confirmation, and the gift of the Holy Ghost are among the most significant ordinances. However, the pinnacle of these ordinances is the sealing of couples and families in the temple.

The sealing ordinance is profound as it allows marriages and families to be eternal, extending beyond mortal life. In the temple, couples can be sealed for time and eternity, and children can be sealed to their parents. These ordinances provide the opportunity for reunions and eternal bonds in the afterlife. As stated in the FAMILY: A PROCLAMATION TO THE WORLD, 'The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.'

Finding Ancestors for Ordinances

Family history and genealogy are of utmost importance to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are encouraged to gather information about their ancestors to perform these sacred ordinances on their behalf. Every accountable person must have the opportunity to receive these saving ordinances if they so choose. If not performed during their mortal lives, these ordinances can be performed in the temple by proxy for those who have passed away.

Ordinances cannot be performed for deceased individuals unless their names are known. Therefore, family history research is vital. With billions of people who have never heard of Jesus Christ or had the opportunity to receive these ordinances, there is a clear need for family history efforts. During the Millennium, God will reveal the identity and family relationships of those with no records, providing another avenue for the performance of essential saving ordinances.

Conclusion

Mormonism emphasizes the importance of family, ordinances, and temples in the process of salvation and eternal life. The opportunity to be reunited with loved ones in an eternal family is a central promise extended to every human being. Understanding the importance of family history in Mormonism provides insight into the core beliefs and practices of this faith.