The question “Why do Mormons have large families?” is one that often sparks curiosity, admiration, and sometimes misunderstanding. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as Mormons, are frequently associated with families that have multiple children. While not all Latter-day Saint families are large, there is a noticeable cultural and religious appreciation for children, parenthood, and family-centered living.
This tendency is not the result of a formal rule or mandate, but rather a reflection of deeply held beliefs about the nature of life, the purpose of families, and God’s plan for humanity. Latter-day Saints believe that children are a blessing from God and that family relationships are central to both mortal life and eternity.
The emphasis on family size is shaped by faith in God’s plan, trust in divine provision, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation spiritually, emotionally, and morally. Understanding why many Mormons have large families requires exploring their beliefs about children, eternal families, stewardship, faith, cultural influence, and individual choice.
Children as a Blessing
One of the most fundamental reasons Latter-day Saints value large families is their belief that children are a blessing from God. Children are not viewed as burdens, accidents, or obstacles to personal fulfillment, but as sacred gifts entrusted to parents.
In Latter-day Saint belief, life is divine in origin. Every child is believed to be a spirit child of God who has come to earth to receive a physical body and experience mortal life. This belief gives profound meaning to parenthood and family growth.
Because children are seen as blessings, many Latter-day Saints approach family size with openness rather than strict limitation. Parenthood is viewed as a sacred responsibility rather than merely a lifestyle choice.
Life Is Sacred
Latter-day Saints believe that life is sacred and eternal in nature. Children are viewed as individuals with divine worth and eternal potential, not simply as dependents or responsibilities.
Each child is believed to have a unique identity, purpose, and destiny. This understanding encourages parents to see children as blessings regardless of economic or social circumstances.
This belief contributes to a culture where welcoming children is valued and celebrated rather than avoided.
Stewardship of Parenthood
Parenthood is seen as a form of stewardship. Latter-day Saints believe parents are stewards, not owners, of their children. They are entrusted with the responsibility to nurture, teach, and guide children according to principles of faith, love, and moral responsibility.
This stewardship includes providing physical care, emotional support, spiritual instruction, and moral guidance. The seriousness of this responsibility encourages many families to prioritize parenting as a central life purpose.
Eternal Perspective on Family
A distinctive feature of Latter-day Saint belief is the eternal perspective on family relationships. Members believe that families can continue beyond death through sacred covenants made with God.
Because family relationships are believed to endure eternally, raising children is viewed as an investment that extends beyond mortal life. Parenting is not seen as a temporary phase but as part of an eternal relationship between parents and children.
This eternal perspective adds deeper meaning to the sacrifices, challenges, and responsibilities associated with raising children.
Long-Term Commitment
Latter-day Saints approach parenthood with a focus on lifelong commitment. Parenting is not limited to childhood years but is seen as an enduring responsibility that continues through adulthood and into eternity.
This long-term view encourages patience, perseverance, and dedication, especially in families with multiple children.
Sacrifice With Purpose
Large families often require significant sacrifices, including financial limitations, reduced personal leisure, and increased demands on time and energy. Latter-day Saints often view these sacrifices as spiritually meaningful rather than burdensome.
Sacrifice is understood as a way to grow in faith, selflessness, and love. Raising children, especially in larger families, is seen as an opportunity to develop Christlike attributes such as patience, service, and compassion.
Faith and Trust in God
Faith plays a central role in why many Latter-day Saints are open to having larger families. Many believe that God will help provide for families who seek to follow Him and live according to His principles.
This trust in divine provision encourages openness to children even in situations of financial uncertainty or logistical challenge. While practical considerations are acknowledged, faith is often prioritized over fear.
This does not mean that Latter-day Saints act irresponsibly or ignore practical realities. Rather, they strive to balance faith with wisdom and careful decision-making.
Balancing Faith and Wisdom
Church leaders encourage families to combine prayerful faith with responsible planning. Decisions about family size are expected to be made thoughtfully, considering physical health, emotional capacity, finances, and personal circumstances.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Families are encouraged to seek divine guidance and make decisions that are right for their unique situation.
This balanced approach allows for both trust in God and respect for personal limitations.
Cultural Influence and Individual Choice
Over time, cultural patterns developed within the Church that emphasize family life and parenthood. Large families became more common historically, particularly in earlier generations, reinforcing cultural expectations around family size.
However, Latter-day Saints consistently emphasize that decisions about family size are deeply personal and should be guided by individual circumstances and prayer.
There is no Church rule requiring members to have large families. Family size decisions are not monitored, enforced, or judged by Church leadership.
Personal Revelation
A key principle in Latter-day Saint belief is personal revelation. Members believe that individuals can receive guidance from God through prayer and inspiration.
Family decisions, including how many children to have, are expected to be made through prayerful consideration and personal inspiration rather than cultural pressure.
This emphasis on personal revelation allows for diversity in family size while maintaining shared values about the importance of family.
Supportive Community
Another factor that contributes to larger families among Latter-day Saints is the presence of a strong, supportive community. Church congregations are organized around family-centered activities and mutual support.
Families often benefit from social networks that include extended family, neighbors, and fellow Church members who share similar values.
This supportive environment can make raising children more manageable and emotionally rewarding.
Community Strength
Church communities provide practical and emotional support, including childcare assistance, youth programs, educational opportunities, and family-focused activities.
Children grow up surrounded by peers, mentors, and role models who reinforce shared values. Parents often feel less isolated and more supported, which can positively influence decisions about family size.
Community cooperation and shared responsibility strengthen family life and reduce the challenges associated with raising multiple children.
Modern Diversity in Family Size
While large families are often associated with Latter-day Saints, modern family sizes within the Church vary widely. Many families today have fewer children due to health considerations, financial realities, education, career demands, and personal circumstances.
Church leaders consistently emphasize compassion and respect for different family situations. No family is considered more righteous or faithful based on the number of children they have.
This diversity reflects the Church’s emphasis on personal agency and individual circumstances.
Health challenges, infertility, and personal limitations are acknowledged with sensitivity and understanding. Families without children or with small families are equally valued and respected.
Common Misunderstandings
One common misunderstanding is that Latter-day Saints are pressured by Church leaders or doctrine to have many children. In reality, there is no formal expectation or requirement regarding family size.
Decisions about children are personal and private. Church teachings emphasize principles, not numerical outcomes.
Another misunderstanding is that large families are viewed as superior or more faithful. Latter-day Saints believe that righteousness is measured by faithfulness, kindness, and obedience to God, not by the number of children in a household.
These misconceptions often arise from cultural stereotypes rather than actual Church doctrine.
Why This Belief Matters
Valuing children and parenthood shapes the priorities and lifestyle of many Latter-day Saints. It encourages family-centered living, long-term responsibility, and investment in the next generation.
This belief reinforces commitments to teaching, nurturing, and guiding children in values such as faith, service, integrity, and compassion.
For believers, openness to children reflects trust in God’s plan, appreciation for the sacred role of parenthood, and commitment to eternal family relationships.
Ultimately, the emphasis on family and children reflects a worldview in which life is sacred, relationships are eternal, and love within families is central to God’s purposes.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Family and Children
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central – Family Doctrine
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Church News – Families and Faith
https://www.thechurchnews.com
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org
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