A new book for parents who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints compares the world of today to a war zone as parents build a fortress for their children brick by brick with family strategies.

“Like it or not, we are at war!” says Debbie Bowen in her new book. “This is not a battle of bullets and bombs and bayonets. This is a contest of light versus dark, right versus wrong, the Savior versus Satan. … This is a war without rules or restrictions, and Satan never willingly retreats.”

“Raising Latter-day Stripling Warriors: 5 Strategies for Building a Formidable Family Fortress” (Cedar Fort, $10.99) is a quick read with simple strategies for raising righteous children in a world Bowen said is bombarded with evil.

This mother of ten — six sons and four daughters — has had more than three decades to test the techniques outlined in this guide for raising latter-day warriors and deflecting the devil’s malicious agenda.

The five strategies she outlines are: Family prayer, family scripture study, family meals, family home evening, and family traditions. While she said these ideas are not new, the book is a reminder to keep trying. “Sometimes, in our search for greater peace, power, and protection for our families, we often overlook the small and simple things,” she said.

The book culminates in a family battle plan that encourages parents to never give up the fight for their children. The battle plan quotes LDS Scriptures. 

“Wherefore, gird up your loins and be prepared. Behold the kingdom is yours, and the enemy shall not overcome,” reads Doctrine and Covenants 38:9.

“I will be on your right hand and on your left … and mine angels round about you, to bear you up,” reads Doctrine and Covenants 84:88.

The book provides evidence and approaches for making these rituals part of everyday routine, even when children are not cooperating.

It is also is filled with personal stories and anecdotes as well as timely discussions on maintaining an eternal perspective, extracurricular activities, the wise use of technology and honoring the Sabbath day.

The book concludes with an unexpected twist on the symbolic nature of these five strategies and their importance in creating spiritual sanctuaries.

Expanding on the Book of Mormon theme of raising righteous warriors in a world ravaged by war, this book discusses the need for latter-day parent-generals who stand boldly at the head of their own mini militia in defending truth and right and implementing a plan for leading the charge against sin and Satan.

As the guardians of hearth and home, generals in God’s army do not back down, back off, or back away.

“We must not underestimate the dark side,” Bowen said. “Satan is no amateur. He excels at sneaking behind enemy lines and sabotaging from within. He does not want our families to succeed, and he knows that if he can create conflict and confusion or distractions and diversions, his chances of winning are greatly increased.”

Bowen suggests the creation of family boot camps that increase spiritual strength and stamina, tighten and tone testimonies, and teach important tactical maneuvers for countering Satan’s clever ploys.

“Our vulnerable young soldiers need spiritual armor that will provide increased personal protection from the adversary,” she said.

She said the book is for all types of “generals,” including traditional parents, stepparents and grandparents — anyone responsible for raising the next generation of soldiers.

“Teaching and training children is not just good parenting, it is a sacred trust,” Bowen said. “Our greatest God-given responsibility is to raise warriors who have the physical, mental, spiritual and emotional capacity to wage war on wickedness. Parents can do much to help by building strong gospel armor and a formidable family fortress.”

Bowen’s other books include “From Pampered to Productive: Raising Children Who Know How to Work” (formerly titled W.O.R.K.–Wonderful Opportunities for Raising Responsible Kids), “Nobody’s Better Than You, Mom,” and “Simply Sane: Living Outside the Fast Lane.”

The book is available at amazon.com, books&things.com , and at !ndigo.