Family

"Honor your father and your mother." (Exodus 20:12) The Christian family is called the "domestic church." Parents are responsible for the spiritual formation of their children. Marriage is a sacrament that reflects the union of Christ and the Church. The extended family—the faith community—complements the biological family. Jesus also taught that spiritual family can transcend blood ties. Source ✤

"Paradise is at the feet of mothers." (Hadith) Islam deeply emphasizes family ties. Parental rights are second only to the rights of Allah. Marriage is a sacred contract (nikah). The extended family actively participates in raising children. Severing family ties (qat al-rahim) is a grave sin. Source ✤

"The home where the mother is honored is where the gods rejoice." (Manu Smriti) Hinduism sees the family as an ashrama (stage of life). Grihastha (family life) is considered the stage that sustains all others. Parents are the first manifestation of the divine. Pitris (ancestors) are honored through rituals. The traditional joint family preserves values ​​and care across generations. Source ✤

"It's hard to find a person who wasn't our mother in some past life." (Buddhist tradition) Buddhism recognizes the impermanence of family ties, but honors them. The Buddha taught filial duties. Gratitude to parents is essential—they gave us the precious human life that enables spiritual practice. The sangha (monastic community) is an alternative spiritual family. Source ✤

"Xiao (filial piety) is the root of all virtue." (Analects) Confucianism places the family at the center of ethics. The Five Relationships begin with parent-child. Xiao means not just obeying, but caring, honoring and continuing the family legacy. Ancestor worship connects generations. Family harmony is a microcosm of social harmony. Source ✤

"The saint's family is a real family." (Candomblé saying) In Candomblé and Umbanda, the blood family is complemented by the saint's family—santo's father/mother, saint's brothers, saint's sons. The Orixás are also family: Oxalá is the father of everyone, Iemanjá is the mother. African tradition values ​​the extended family. Ancestors remain part of the family. Ubuntu teaches that a person exists through their relationships. The yard is an extension of the home. Source ✤

In African Traditional Religions, family is approached through relationships, responsibility, and mutual care. Guidance emphasizes listening, restoring trust, and choosing actions that protect community harmony. Support from others is seen as essential for lasting change. Source ✤

"Family is where we learn to love before we know your name." (Sikh Tradition) Sikhism values family life. The Gurus were married and rejected celibacy as necessary for spirituality. Anand Karaj is the sacred marriage ceremony. The family is the context for practicing Naam, Dhaan and Ishnan. The Gurdwara is an extension of the family—everyone is equal in the langar. Source ✤

"Ensinarás diligentemente a teus filhos." (Deuteronômio 6:7) A família judaica é o centro da transmissão da fé. O Shabbat em família, o Seder de Pessach, as festividades—tudo gira em torno do lar. Kibud av va'em (honrar pai e mãe) é mandamento fundamental. O casamento (kiddushin) santifica a união. A educação dos filhos é responsabilidade sagrada. Source ✤

"The family is the cornerstone of society." (Bahai Writings) The Bahai Faith views the family as the basic unit of civilization. Marriage requires parental consent. The education of children—especially girls—is a priority. Family consultation resolves conflicts. The family must reflect the unity that the world needs. Source ✤

"A good wife, virtuous children, and a well-run household are blessings from Ahura Mazda." (Zoroastrian tradition) Zoroastrianism values family life as the fulfillment of cosmic duty. Marriage produces children who will continue the fight for good. Celibacy is not valued. The family transmits the faith. The purity of the home reflects spiritual purity. Source ✤

In Ancient Egyptian Religion, family is approached through relationships, responsibility, and mutual care. Guidance emphasizes listening, restoring trust, and choosing actions that protect community harmony. Support from others is seen as essential for lasting change. Source ✤

In Sumerian Religion, family is approached through relationships, responsibility, and mutual care. Guidance emphasizes listening, restoring trust, and choosing actions that protect community harmony. Support from others is seen as essential for lasting change. Source ✤

"A good wife is a gift from the gods." (Sumerian proverb) The Sumerians valued the family as a basic unit. Marriage was a contract, but it was also sacred. Children guaranteed continuity and care in old age. The dead depended on offerings from their descendants. Disobedience to parents was condemned. Source ✤

"Osiris, Isis and Horus—the holy family." (Egyptian tradition) The myth of Osiris shows the ideal family: Isis as a devoted wife, Horus as his father's avenging son. The family was central to Egyptian society. Weddings were celebrated, children were a blessing. Family tombs brought generations together. The dead were fed by the living. Source ✤