Can we ask the difference between a Christian and a Mormon marriage? We need first to understand its origins. Over half of the 19th century, Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) leaders practiced polygamy (called plural marriage by them or the Principle by modern fundamentalists). Latter-day Saint families practiced it publicly from 1852 to 1890. The practice of polygamy continues among Mormon fundamentalist groups. Western society, as well as the LDS Church, have debated the polygamy practiced by the Saints. Polygamy captivated and horrified the United States, with a Republican platform once referring to it as “the twin relics of barbarism-polygamy and slavery.”

Joseph Smith instituted polygamy in the 1830s. An apostle of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Orso Pratt, announced and defended plural marriage in public in 1852. Since 1960, the United States and the LDS Church have differing opinions on the issue: religious freedom was supported by the church, while the federal government aggressively sought to eradicate it. It is estimated that Joseph Smith married nearly 40 women, including some already married and one who was only 14.

By the late 1850s, Mormon leaders used God the Father and Jesus Christ’s polygamy as examples to defend it. According to Jedediah M. Grant, a member of the First Presidency, Christ and his disciples were persecuted due to polygamy. A Mormon marriage continues after death and will last forever. When a couple is consecrated in a temple, they make a covenant with God to love and care for one another and to follow God’s commands. A temple marriage binds a couple and family forever.

Can Mormons have multiple wives?

Family and marriage are integral parts of God’s plan for His children. With their customs, the Mormons captured the world despite being persecuted for a long time and ridiculed. Outsiders were interested in polygamy and marriage rules, otherwise forbidden. A woman, inspired by God himself, chooses her husband according to the laws of this religious community.

To become a husband and father, men must remain virgins. For men, the apprenticeship lasts for two years. Girls are prohibited from flirting with young men during this period. While Joseph Smith practiced it, Brigham Young made it widely known. Over 120 years ago, polygamy was prohibited by the Church. Today, it is still strictly prohibited.

Latter-day Saints also feel more united and belong through plural marriages. Despite opposition from outside, Church members considered themselves peculiar people bound by a covenant to keep God’s commandments.

Is marriage important to Mormons?

According to Mormonism, the disappearance of a family is the deliberate plan of perversion or, more realistically, of Satan, the advocate of evil. Mormons believe that past hardships and pain can be overcome through faith, hope, love, and prayer. They also believe in finding genuine love through proper dating and eternal marriage.

Churches of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The Lord’s rule for marriage is monogamy, the union of one man and one woman.  A Mormon marriage is more than just a death-do-you-part arrangement. Mormon temple marriages are meant to last forever. Each participating spouse must keep covenants to maintain an eternal marriage. Love and mercy are taught in marriage. People are tested to progress into eternal life, and the opportunity to love unconditionally, sacrificially, openly, and vulnerably is available.

What rules are in Mormon marriage?

It is forbidden to have same-sex relationships or cohabit with someone before marriage. Mormonism emphasizes abstinence and fidelity. They kneel in a dedicated Mormon temple before a beautiful altar, inviting God into their relationship.

Other religious beliefs are not allowed to attend Mormon marriages in the temple. Each of their covenants with God and each other by accepting His laws. Both earthly and heavenly witnesses record this event.

Perfect people have an ideal plan. God offers grace, power, blessings, and his hand to a marriage that promises and strives to live His laws, even imperfectly. In both smooth and challenging times, through easy times and rough roads.

When can Mormons divorce?

Church members can divorce. Both civil and temple marriages are valid. Divorce laws or customs where they live will apply if they were only married civilly.

The restoration was complex due to pluralistic marriage. A test of faith was plural marriage for many. As a result, it was persecuted and ignored. Despite these difficulties, plural Mormon marriage has benefited the Church. As a result of these 19th-century Saints, many Latter-day Saints have been born who have kept the gospel covenants as righteous parents, disciples of Jesus Christ, Church members, leaders, and missionaries, as well as responsible citizens. Their faith, family, and community are honored and respected by Latter-day Saints today. A temple marriage means you’re married forever.

Conclusions

Today, divorce is common. Marriage, divorce, remarriage. In this way, many people who divorce do not want to be with their ex-spouse for all eternity. Most who recover desire to be with their new spouse in the next life instead of their previous spouse to whom they are still sealed.

LDS couples marry for time and eternity. A legal divorce does not in any way affect, alter or remove the temple marriage/sealing. Only an annulment cancels the eternity part of the union, at least on paper. It must be requested from the First Presidency of the Church. There is a procedure for this.

In the homes of faithful Latter-day Saints, Mormon marriage resulted in many children. The 19th century influenced Mormon society in many ways, including enabling anyone to marry, reducing economic disparities by matching economically disadvantaged women with financially stable men and uniting immigrants of different origins by increasing marriages between different ethnicities.

In fundamentalist Mormon sects that have seceded from the Church, Mormon marriage is still practiced despite being officially prohibited and excommunicated. In the US, polygamy is in full swing among 20,000 to 60,000 fundamentalist Mormons.

Covenants are promises we make to God. Marriage is a vow of love and care between a husband and wife. God promises that marriage will last for eternity. Church leaders explain:

“Marriage is a gift from God to us; the quality of our marriages is a gift from us to Him.”

  -(L.Whitney Clayton, “Marriage: Watch and Learn,” Ensign or Liahona, 2013, p. 85)

Thank you for your attention in reading this article. I certainly hope you have a wonderful day!