Threats to Marriage

1     What is the big deal with legalizing same-sex marriage? As Latter-day Saints, do we blow out of proportion the redefining of marriage? Why or why not? Marriage between a man and a woman is, if don’t right by being sealed in the temple, is the only covenant that will get us back to live in Heavenly Father again for eternity. We do not blow this out of proportion because it is the very reason we are here. To live in families and learn and grow together so that we can be together for eternity. It is something so sacred and pivotal so our whole existence. “Male and female are created for what they can do and become, together. It takes a man and a woman to bring a child into the world. Mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Men and women are distinct and complementary. Children deserve a chance to grow up with both a mom and a dad.” This quote sums up how I feel about the importance of marriage between a man and a woman.

2    What are the specific quotes in Obergefell v. Hodges (2015) that you find to be insightful and meaningful? “The fundamental right to marry does not include a right to make a State change its definition of marriage. And a State’s decision to maintain the meaning of marriage that has persisted in every culture throughout human history can hardly be called irrational.” If only people could think rationally and realize this is the root of the issue. The gay marriage case should have never made it to the Supreme Court level that it did. I appreciated this statement because it brings back to basics that this isn’t an issue at the Federal level. It should be based on each State and voter approved so the people who live in those States have a say on what the institute of marriage means there. “This universal definition of marriage as the union of a man and a woman is no historical coincidence. Marriage did not come about as a result of a political movement, discovery, disease, war, religious doctrine, or any other moving force of world history—and certainly not as a result of a prehistoric decision to exclude gays and lesbians. It arose in the nature of things to meet a vital need: ensuring that children are conceived by a mother and father committed to raising them in the stable conditions of a lifelong relationship.” The idea of families was not made or put into effect on accident. Because of the physical union of man and woman children come into this world. In order to raise them and teach them you need a mother and father together. A child needs a mother and a father; there are certain roles each play that is not replaceable by anyone or any gender.

3    In his address, Elder Nelson made it clear that those who stand as a disciple of Christ in these last days, which have been described as “perilous times,” will be put to the test. The struggle will not be easy. Are you prepared for the tough times that are now upon us and which will only grow increasingly more challenging? Elder Nelson assured us that as we stand for marriage and as we remain true and faithful; the Lord will help us and protect us and will also bless our families (p. 4). In what ways has this been true in your life? I see the times my children are growing up in and that I have to raise them to get through and it scares me. Satan is attacking the very heart of families with all his power. I am striving to live my life true and faithful and to teach my children the principles of the gospel so that they are strong and faithful and can endure anything Satan throws at them. I love the promise given saying, “If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong.” I live by that promise.