What Latter-day Saints Believe About Marriage and Parenthood
Latter-day Saints believe marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God and can be eternal, with parenthood viewed as a sacred responsibility to raise children in light of divine principles.
- Marriage between a man and a woman is considered a divine institution, designed to be eternal.
- It is sealed in temples, allowing family relationships to continue beyond this life.
- Parenthood is a sacred duty to raise children in love and according to divine principles.
- Families are central to God's plan for human happiness and spiritual growth.
Latter-day Saints believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained by God and is central to His plan for human happiness and eternal progression. They see parenthood as a sacred privilege and responsibility, allowing spirits to gain bodies, experience mortal life, and learn to follow divine principles within a loving family.
Eternal Marriage and Family
Unlike many traditions that view marriage as lasting "till death do us part," Latter-day Saints believe that marriage can be an eternal covenant. This concept, known as "celestial marriage" or "sealing," is performed in dedicated temples by authorized leaders. When a husband and wife are sealed together, and they live righteously, their marriage and family relationships are believed to continue beyond this life into eternity. This doctrine emphasizes that the family unit is not merely a social construct but a fundamental, eternal entity.
This eternal perspective on marriage provides a powerful motivation for spouses to nurture strong, loving, and faithful relationships, viewing their partner as an eternal companion. The home is considered the most important institution for teaching gospel principles and preparing individuals for their divine potential.
The Sacred Duty of Parenthood
Children are considered a blessing and a heritage from the Lord. Latter-day Saint parents are taught that they have a divine responsibility to love, teach, and provide for their children, both physically and spiritually. This includes teaching principles of faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Parents are encouraged to create a home environment centered on Jesus Christ through practices like daily family prayer, regular scripture study, and weekly Family Home Evening – a dedicated time for family learning and activities.
The goal of Latter-day Saint parenting is to help children develop strong moral character, prepare them to make righteous choices, and ultimately enable them to return to live with God as eternal families. This emphasis fosters a strong sense of commitment and purpose within family units.
These beliefs provide a robust framework for daily living, offering a clear purpose and profound hope for families. They underscore the importance of fidelity, sacrifice, and unconditional love within marriage, and the diligent upbringing of children. For Latter-day Saints, understanding marriage and parenthood through an eternal lens shapes their daily decisions, encourages strong family bonds, and offers comfort in times of loss, knowing that family relationships can transcend death.
- "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" is a foundational document issued by the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1995. It outlines the Church's doctrine on marriage, family, gender, and the sacred responsibilities of parents.
Sources
- The Family: A Proclamation to the World (official statement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
- Gospel Topics essays on Family and Marriage (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
