The Family Quotes
Luther’s logic was that polygamy was sanctioned in the Old Testament and never specifically forbidden in the New Testament. This fact totally puzzled the American Mormons when the Protestants railed against the immorality of their plural marriages.
The quotation about the relationship of the government and the people is from a famous veto message of Grover Cleveland—see {563567}. Unlike some other religious organizations which seek and sometimes pressure government for funds with which they can administer welfare and other needed social services, the Mormons are strong advocates of the separation of church and state. They fund their own extensive set of social services and as this quote illustrates even discourages their members from participating in Government social programs.
The issue of women working or homemaking has been in controversy for the last century. This quotation illustrates the classic view that was held not only by Mormons but other denominations and even some secular advocates of the importance of a full time homemaker for the upbringing of children. Nonetheless, the economic pressure, together with changing notions of gender equality, have a larger and larger proportion of women working outside the home. Historically, this has been more common in poorer families but currently is common in middle and upper class families.
This view of the obsolescence of the family was one of the huge ideological chasms between Russia and the Western Democracies,
It was one of the ironies of President Ronald Reagan that his policies and administration was very “pro family” and he advocated “family values” yet his personal relationships and parenting techniques with his own children left much to be desired.
The Greek culture was quite sexist. However, all cultures had observed strong women, some who ruled and others where wives or mistresses of rulers were very influential if not powerful.
This letter was written very early in his career. Clearly he did not follow through on his statement.
