In a world where definitions of marriage have changed rapidly over the last few decades, the emphasis Latter-day Saints place on traditional marriage often draws attention and raises questions. To many observers, this emphasis may appear rooted in cultural conservatism or resistance to social change. However, for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the focus on traditional marriage is neither reactionary nor nostalgic. It is theological, purposeful, and deeply connected to their understanding of God, family, and eternal life.
Rather than viewing marriage as a flexible social construct shaped primarily by law or culture, Latter-day Saints see marriage between a man and a woman as a cornerstone of God’s plan for humanity. This belief influences not only religious practice but also daily life, family priorities, and long-term decision-making.
For Latter-day Saints, traditional marriage is not simply about maintaining tradition for its own sake. It is understood as a sacred covenant designed to foster love, responsibility, personal refinement, and spiritual growth. This covenantal view shapes how marriage is taught, practiced, and protected within the faith.
Marriage as a Divine Institution
Latter-day Saints believe that marriage was instituted by God, not invented by societies or governments. From their perspective, marriage has existed as part of God’s design since the beginning of human history. This belief places marriage within a divine framework rather than a purely human one.
Marriage is seen as a relationship intended to meet fundamental human needs, including companionship, shared purpose, moral development, and the creation of families. Because of this, marriage is approached as a sacred responsibility rather than a lifestyle option chosen primarily for convenience or personal fulfillment.
This understanding explains why traditional marriage continues to be emphasized regardless of shifting social norms. For Latter-day Saints, divine institutions are not subject to redefinition based solely on cultural trends.
God’s Design for Families
Within Latter-day Saint belief, marriage provides the structure for family life and child-rearing. Families are considered the primary setting where individuals learn love, discipline, cooperation, accountability, and faith.
Marriage between a man and a woman is believed to create a balanced environment in which children can be nurtured and guided. This environment is seen as especially effective for meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of children.
The emphasis on traditional marriage reflects a desire to preserve a family structure believed to best support long-term stability and healthy development.
Sacred Covenant
Marriage is understood as a sacred covenant rather than merely a legal contract. A covenant, in Latter-day Saint belief, involves God as an active participant and witness.
This covenant carries spiritual obligations that extend beyond mutual agreement. It calls spouses to fidelity, sacrifice, and commitment rooted in divine accountability. Because marriage covenants are believed to invite God’s guidance and blessings, they are treated with reverence and seriousness.
Viewing marriage as a covenant reinforces why it is emphasized as sacred and enduring rather than adaptable to temporary social preferences.
The Role of Marriage in God’s Plan
Marriage plays a vital role in God’s plan according to Latter-day Saint doctrine. Marriage between a man and a woman allows for the creation of new life and provides a setting in which children can be raised with consistent care, instruction, and love.
Children are believed to be spirit children of God who come to earth to gain physical bodies and life experience. Marriage creates a partnership in which parents work together to fulfill this responsibility.
Beyond parenting, marriage is also viewed as a refining experience for adults. It provides daily opportunities to develop patience, humility, forgiveness, and service.
Complementary Partnership
Latter-day Saints believe marriage functions best as a partnership where each spouse contributes unique strengths. Men and women are seen as complementary rather than interchangeable, bringing different perspectives, abilities, and emotional capacities into the relationship.
This belief does not suggest inequality. Instead, it emphasizes cooperation, unity, and shared responsibility. Both spouses are considered equally essential to the success of the marriage and family.
Traditional marriage is emphasized because it reflects this complementary partnership as part of God’s design.
Growth Through Commitment
Long-term commitment is believed to be a powerful catalyst for personal and spiritual growth. Marriage challenges individuals to look beyond self-interest and invest consistently in another person.
Through commitment, spouses learn to resolve conflict, endure hardship, and develop resilience. These experiences are believed to refine character and strengthen faith.
Marriage, therefore, is not only about companionship but also about transformation through sustained devotion and shared responsibility.
Eternal Perspective on Marriage
One of the most distinctive aspects of Latter-day Saint belief is the eternal perspective on marriage. Members believe that marriage can continue beyond death through sacred covenants made with God.
Rather than seeing marriage as temporary, Latter-day Saints view it as part of an eternal journey. This belief profoundly influences how marriage is valued and prioritized.
Marriage decisions are approached with an awareness that relationships may extend beyond mortality, shaping eternal identity and destiny.
Marriage Beyond Mortality
Latter-day Saints believe that through temple ordinances, husbands and wives can be sealed together for eternity. These eternal bonds are believed to connect families across generations.
This understanding distinguishes Latter-day Saint views of marriage from secular perspectives focused solely on legal or emotional considerations. Eternal marriage is seen as foundational to God’s plan of eternal progression.
The emphasis on traditional marriage reflects a desire to align mortal relationships with eternal purposes.
Social and Spiritual Stability
Traditional marriage is believed to contribute to both social and spiritual stability. Latter-day Saints believe that strong marriages strengthen families, which in turn strengthen communities and societies.
Marriage provides structure, continuity, and emotional security. Children raised in stable marital environments are believed to benefit from consistent support and guidance.
This belief motivates significant investment in marriage preparation, relationship education, and ongoing support for couples.
Strengthening Communities
Healthy marriages are seen as foundational to healthy communities. When families are stable, communities experience greater cooperation, shared responsibility, and social cohesion.
Latter-day Saints often engage in community efforts that reinforce family values, believing that strong marriages contribute positively to broader social well-being.
Marriage-centered teachings are intended not only to benefit individuals but also to promote societal resilience.
Respect for Individual Circumstances
While traditional marriage is emphasized, the Church recognizes that life circumstances differ widely. Not all members marry, and not all marriages follow the same path.
Single members, widowed individuals, divorced members, and those who never marry are fully valued and included in Church life. Their worth is not dependent on marital status.
Church teachings emphasize belonging, compassion, and hope rather than exclusion or judgment.
Worth Is Not Defined by Marital Status
Latter-day Saints believe every person is a child of God with inherent worth and divine potential. Marital status does not determine spiritual value or personal righteousness.
While marriage is taught as an ideal, individuals are encouraged to trust that God understands their circumstances and honors faithfulness in all forms.
This balance allows the Church to uphold its teachings while affirming the dignity of every individual.
Common Misunderstandings
One common misunderstanding is that emphasizing traditional marriage diminishes other relationships. Latter-day Saints believe all relationships should be characterized by love, respect, and kindness.
Another misunderstanding is that tradition is valued over compassion. In reality, compassion is central to Latter-day Saint teachings. Emphasizing traditional marriage does not excuse unkindness or exclusion.
These misunderstandings often arise when theological beliefs are interpreted through political or cultural assumptions rather than religious context.
Why This Belief Matters
Emphasizing traditional marriage shapes family-centered living, long-term commitment, and spiritual purpose within Latter-day Saint communities. It influences how individuals approach relationships, parenting, and personal growth.
For believers, this emphasis reflects trust in God’s design and confidence that following His plan leads to lasting fulfillment. Marriage is viewed as a pathway to joy, refinement, and eternal connection.
At the same time, Latter-day Saints seek to live respectfully and peacefully alongside those with different beliefs. They strive to combine conviction with compassion and faith with understanding.
Ultimately, the emphasis on traditional marriage reflects a worldview in which family is sacred, commitment is transformative, and relationships are eternal.
Sources
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Gospel Topics: Marriage
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Doctrine and Covenants Central – Eternal Marriage
https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org
Church News – Marriage and Family
https://www.thechurchnews.com
Scripture Central
https://scripturecentral.org