Large Mormon Families

[Happy_LDS]

Mormons in general are known to have large families, but depending where you live you may find acceptance or rejection in your decision to have a large family. My question is: How is it possible for Church members (who are supposed to know about the Plan of Salvation)  to criticize, ridicule or look "funny" to a family that decides to continue extending it? I fully understand the world's view but within the Church?

[Zelph]

Mormons in general are known to have large families, but depending where you live you may find acceptance or rejection in your decision to have a large family. My question is: How is it possible for Church members (who are supposed to know about the Plan of Salvation)  to criticize, ridicule or look "funny" to a family that decides to continue extending it? I fully understand the world's view but within the Church?

If a family can afford to have a large family that's great, unfortunately with how things are going in the economy not many people can do this.  God will not hold those who can't have large families in judgement.

[Sariah_Gift]

If a family can afford to have a large family that's great, unfortunately with how things are going in the economy not many people can do this.

So you are saying the commandment of multiplying and replenish the earth has its exceptions based on whether you can afford it or not?

[Zelph]

If a family can afford to have a large family that's great, unfortunately with how things are going in the economy not many people can do this.

So you are saying the commandment of multiplying and replenish the earth has its exceptions based on whether you can afford it or not?

God wants us to be wise in having children.  He doesn't want us to take on so much responsiblities that we are financually strapped to the point that we may lose our children.  It doesn't put exceptions on the first commandment given to man.  No where in the scriptures does it say to have big families.

[Sariah_Gift]

God wants us to be wise in having children.  He doesn't want us to take on so much responsiblities that we are financually strapped to the point that we may lose our children.

Where does it say that? The proclamation of the family indicates that the commandment of multylpying and replenishing the earth still in full force. I am not sure of what you mean by God wants us to be wise in having children. That's how the world thinks.

No where in the scriptures does it say to have big families.

multiply and replenish the Earth isn't talking about having a kid or two.

[Zelph]

That's exactly what it means.  God doesn't want you to have a huge family and not be able to take care of them.  The belief  that we are commanded to have a large family is false doctrine.  Yes, we are to multiply and replenish the earth, This simply means that we are to have children, not to multiply and replenish the earth on our own.  If you have more Children then you can handle then that is also a sin.  If a man and woman can't take care of their children there is a chance the government will come in and take them away and declare you unfit parents.  I've seen this happen many times.  Life with in your means for you and your family.

[Admin]

Zelph, do you have any source material for all these declarations you are making of what is false doctrine and whether God is pleased or not?

[Sariah_Gift]

The belief  that we are commanded to have a large family is false doctrine

I never said it was doctrine to have a large family. What I am saying is that the commandment of multiplying and replenish the Earth still in full force.

This simply means that we are to have children, not to multiply and replenish the earth on our own.

The commandment was given to Adam and Eve and their family, that includes us.