1 Family values can be defined as values which are held to promote the sound functioning of the family and to strengthen the fabric of society. This seems like an easy issue, until one considers the following: what exactly constitutes "family"? Is family a self-contained unit? Does it include gays and lesbians, whether or not they become parents? Does it include single-parent homes? How does what we consider as family affect our public life and our relationships in the community? People who have opinions on this topic have definite, strong opinions. Even the dictionary definition leaves room for argument. Merriam-Webster defines "family" as "a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head: household." We are still left with an unclear picture of what exactly (who exactly) qualifies as "family."
2 Back to our definition of family values—the second half states that these values are held to strengthen the fabric of society. This implies morals, which leads to another question: Is morality something that the government has any control over? Well, we need to take a look at what is morality. Renowned author C.S. Lewis gives a three part definition. He says morality relates to our personal behavior in these three ways: (1) to ensure fair play and harmony between individuals; (2) to help make us good people in order to have a good society; and (3) to keep us in a good relationship with the power that created us.
3 Often people will agree with Lewis on the first point. Our society, as a whole, seems to promote fair play and harmony. We have sporting events which emphasize being good sports. No one likes a sore loser. Our election process is also an example where one opponent will win over another and afterwards life goes on. Battles don't break out because someone loses an election.
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