Democracy's Future Depends on the Family

By Albert Mohler

Democracy's Future Depends on the Family —Albert Mohler Maybe you have heard this myth--that the so-called nuclear family is a recent cultural development. That's nonsense of course, because the most basic form of the family has always been a married couple with their offspring.

Nevertheless, liberal academics have argued for decades that the nuclear family is a recent invention, implying that the structure of the family is up for endless negotiation.

Along comes Stein Ringen, a professor at Britain's Oxford University. Ringen argues that the nuclear family is the very basis of civilization--and is essential for democracy.

He explains, "Where there are children there are families." In his new book, "What Democracy is For," Ringen argues that families are necessary for the nurture and development of children as future citizens.

His point is simple and clear--democracy worldwide is weaker than first appears and cannot survive if the family is undermined. This is a warning we had better heed.