Can Strong Families Mend Americas' Great Divide?

We all must admit that our country is being torn apart by too many differing views about how the world works. Americans are extremely Traditional or extremely Modernist.? If we are Traditionalists, we believe in Judeo-Christian values based on? guidance from the Bible. If we are Modernists, we believe almost any belief system or ethical framework is acceptable. Modernists believe that all we have to do is let each individual choose the belief system they prefer. Americans are not agreeing on much. We are a classic example of a house divided. And the truth is, we cannot survive this way. Something has to give. Is there any hope for America to become stronger and maintain its’ historical leadership? There is hope if we take time to review what has helped make America the great country? it is. We really don’t need anything new. Some things always work. We just need to return to our long established values. They worked historically and they will work now if we don’t totally abandon them. One of Americas’ foundational values has been the reverence and importance of the family unit.

The traditional American emphasis on family values, including marriage, child-rearing, and the sanctity of family life, is deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian teachings. America's Judeo-Christian belief in family values has played a significant role in shaping the nation's strength and stability across various dimensions, including social harmony, economic prosperity, and moral integrity. There are significant ways? these family values have contributed to America's strength in the past. Some of the most significant contributions are social harmony through the building of community, moral integrity, a work and contribution ethic, educational achievement, and a reduction in crime. America needs these family influences to keep it strong.

“Although there are countless ways to reassemble a clock, only one way works. There are also countless ways of structuring families and societies. Only one way works.” “America is what she is because her founders chose to follow the Word of God. America is as successful as she is? because of the Christian system of values our founders implanted in this land. Our founders knew it well. They acknowledged that although there may be many ways to structure human society, only one way works.” Rabbi Daniel Lapin

Social harmony is a contribution of families because strong and supportive family units are encouraged. These family units are really the building blocks of our communities when they are present. There is a sense of belonging and mutual support within the communities. This strengthens social harmony throughout. Families are the primary agents of socialization, where children learn core values, norms, and behaviors that align with what society expects. A strong family instills values such as respect, cooperation, and responsibility, which are essential for harmonious community life. These shared values foster a sense of belonging and mutual respect within the broader society.

Strong families provide emotional support and stability to their members, which is crucial for individual well-being. When individuals feel secure and supported within their families, they are more likely to engage positively with others in their community. This emotional foundation encourages trust and cooperation, key elements of social harmony. Finally, and most important is, strong families teach effective communication and conflict resolution skills. When individuals learn to manage disputes constructively within their families, they are better equipped to handle conflicts in the broader community. This ability to resolve disagreements peacefully reduces social tensions and enhances cohesion. If we extend this phenomenon out to the prevention of crime, we can really see it’s value.

Moral integrity is important? if people want to live together in peace. In families, parents and other family members serve as primary role models for children. When family members consistently demonstrate honesty, fairness, and responsibility in their actions, they set a powerful example of moral integrity. Children learn by observing these behaviors and internalizing them as the standard for their own conduct. Strong families actively teach moral values such as honesty, respect, empathy, and accountability. Through discussions, stories, and shared experiences, families share the importance of these values. Reinforcement occurs through praise for ethical behavior and constructive correction when family members stray from these values. Family members can give clear expectations that? help members know the difference between right or wrong. In our present American society a variety of moralities are presented in our schools and the media with no common denominator. Heads of families are confused too and cannot offer any congruent direction. Therefore, everyone? is left to his or her interpretation of what is right or wrong. Among Traditionalists, there is a unifying force, the Word of God. Among Modernists, there are a variety of forces, causing confusion and uncertainty.

Traditionalists with Judeo-Christian values often stress the importance of education and personal development. Families that prioritize education instill a love of learning in their children, leading to higher educational achievement and better career prospects. Judeo-Christian traditions have historically placed a strong emphasis on reading and interpreting sacred texts, such as the Torah and the Bible. This focus on scripture led to widespread literacy among followers, as reading these texts was considered a religious duty. Over time, this emphasis on literacy expanded beyond religious study to include broader educational pursuits, promoting a culture that values learning and intellectual growth. Although many of? Americas' universities and schools were founded as religious institutions with Judeo-Christian roots, other disciplines have significantly influenced our educational system of today changing its’ character so we can hardly recognize them as Bible based institutions. However, the family and its’ values can ingrain a unified system of values in their children through time-tested Judeo-Christian requirements. Traditionalists believe this way. Modernists eliminate God altogether.

The Modernist view of the family is characterized by a critical and often skeptical approach to traditional family structures and roles. Modernism, a cultural and intellectual movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in America, tries to break away from established norms and conventions, including those related to the family. Modernists challenge the traditional family structure, particularly the nuclear family model, which is characterized by a male breadwinner, a female homemaker, and children raised within a hierarchical, authoritative environment. Key aspects of the Modernist critique is an attack on the patriarchal structure of the traditional family, where the father typically holds authority and control over the household.

They question the institution's emphasis on lifelong marriage , arguing that it often suppressed individual desires and personal freedom, especially for women. Modernists? believe that traditional family structures often involved strict, authoritarian parenting, where children are expected to obey without question. Modernists criticize this approach, arguing that it stifled creativity, individuality, and critical thinking. Finally, Modernists question the moral and religious authority of the traditional family unit. Family roles and values are reinforced by religious teachings which they say impose outdated and restrictive norms on the family members. In fact, Modernists question all types of authority including religious, moral and authority in social institutions. We can see the results of disrespect for authority in our crumbling school systems.

Common sense tells us all that a leader is required for any project, group, or business to complete a mission. Without a leader, we are left to our own goals and objectives that can go in a million different directions…chaos! Groups or families must have a leader. The Bible describes a hierarchical arrangement that has worked well for America. Stifling the creativity of women is a manmade phenomenon. See Proverbs 31:10-31. The virtuous woman is talented, industrious, and productive, in and outside of her family! She is dedicated to her family and her business. She is also generous with wisdom and good character.

For Traditionalists, the father is the leader of the family. It is his responsibility, according to the Bible, to teach the Way of?God to the family. The Way of God is the real authority in the family. The positive results of this arrangement are too numerous for me to describe in this post. Social harmony, economic prosperity, and moral integrity are just a few positive results of strong family units.? Respecting hierarchy is a requirement for order in everything. Americans are unhappy because we don’t have order. As described above, a strong family unit provides social harmony through the building of community, moral integrity, a work and contribution ethic, educational achievement, and a reduction in crime. This leads to an orderly society. Strong families honoring a Universal Order, with God in the center, can save our country and help America to continue to be a model for humanity.