A Joyful Life: Week 3 - Threats to Marriage

“Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God”

(The Family: A Proclamation to the World, Hinckley, G. B, 1995)

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Marriage: have you ever really thought about the definition of that word? What does marriage mean to you? Throughout history marriage has been consistently defined as a union between a man and a woman. In recent years there has emerged among our society the opinion that the definition of marriage should be expanded to include a union between those of the same gender. This view has sparked much public opinion on both sides and led to emotionally charged debate.

Popular Views of Marriage

In the arguments presented to the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court during the Obergefell vs. Hodges case in 2015, those promoting the legalization of same-sex marriage presented several reasons why marriage should apply with equal force to same-sex couples. One is that marriage is a fundamental right inherent under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the 14^th amendment. Second is that same-sex marriage safeguards children and families both materially and emotionally just as much as heterosexual marriage. Another is that legalizing same-sex marriage allows these couples to experience a union unlike any other in its importance to a committed, intimate, and personal relationship. Although there are many other arguments in favor of this view of marriage, the last one I will share here is that legal recognition of same-sex marriage will afford these couples the legal and social rights and privileges given to married couples: tax benefits, child custody benefits, death benefits, social status, etc. (Obergefell, 2014).

God’s Views of Marriage

Since the beginning of mankind God has made clear his definition of marriage.

In Genesis 1:27 we read, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he them; male and female created he them.”

In Genesis 1:24 we read, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

In Genesis 1:28 we read of God’s commandment to Adam and Eve: “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.”

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In modern days we learn that “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between a man and a woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.” (Hinckley, 1995).

I wholeheartedly believe in marriage as defined by God. I believe that one of the primary purposes of marriage is to ensure the continuation of the human race. This can only occur between a man and a woman, there is no other way to fulfill this purpose. Marriage (and family) provides an optimal environment in which children can be reared. There is no other institution on earth that can adequately take the place of marriage and family when it comes to raising children.

Resolving the Conflict

Because I have covenanted with God to be a disciple of Christ I have the responsibility to be a defender of His truths. As a disciple of Christ I also have the responsibility to treat others as He did, with kindness and charity. In a society that is very vocal about “political correctness” and “equality for all” when it comes to hot topics such as the definition of marriage, these two responsibilities seem to conflict. How can I defend marriage and not be accused of bigotry and disrespect for the rights of others?

In an August 2014 commencement address given at BYU, Elder Russell M. Nelson gave some very good advice concerning this very subject of defending marriage: “During these perilous times, life will not be comfortable for true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.” He also said, “Be courageous and proclaim God’s truths with clarity and kindness, even when His truth is politically incorrect.”

I love his words “clarity” and “kindness”. It reminds me of the story in the New Testament about the woman who was taken before the Lord Jesus Christ and accused of adultery. After her accusers had all left, Jesus stood and said to her, “Woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8: 10-11).

Jesus Christ is the perfect example here of using clarity and kindness. He didn’t lecture her, but simply told her to “go, and sin no more.” He didn’t yell and berate her, but spoke with kindness and forgiveness saying, “Neither do I condemn thee.”

I can’t force my beliefs on others, nor can they force their beliefs on me. But we can listen to each other and respectfully agree to disagree.