AboutBrian Rogers Expertise LDS for over 45 years. Very knowledgable regarding LDS theology and practices, Early Christian history, Biblical inerrancy, etc. active on FAIR private list.
BYU and UoU
Question QUESTION:
What is required of a Mormon man to marry?
Does he need to fully provide for his wife?
ANSWER: K,
In LDS theology, we believe, (and I very strongly believe) that families are eternal. Under this umbrella, marriage between one man and one woman is a covenant that is bound not only here on earth but also in heaven. Therefore, my wife and I will be eternally together just as that, husband and wife. There are other issues involved, personal worthiness etc. but this gives you the general picture. This also gives the opposite picture. If a person is not 'sealed' (our term for marriage when that marriage has been done inside a LDS temple, hence the need for our temples), then that person will not have their spouse with them in heaven. For me, I want my wife with me and she wants me. I ask why not? (I do not accept the traditional interpretation of Matt 22 on marriage in heaven. See: http://tinyurl.com/azaws.)
Your second question is self evident. Yes. The perfect situation, albeit extremely difficult if not unusual in todays economy is for the man to provide for his family, while the wife stays at home, responsible for the children. In my opinion, the woman's role outweighs the mans. She has the greater responsibility. But, sadly in today's world, this is very difficult to accomplish.
In Christ,
Brian Rogers
K,
I wanted to add an afterthought. Rethinking your 'requirement' wording. Short answer is no, neither a man or a woman is 'required' to be married. There is no 'punishment' if a person is not married. There should be no stigma either but socially, culturally, some inconsiderate members may hold to such a perception. I do not. There is no requirement for a person to be married that is taught by the leaders of the Church.
Write back if this doesn't answer your question fully.
brian
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thank you Brian
Though I am not a Mormon. I believe families are forever both here on earth and in heaven. I had the impression that a Mormon Member was responsible for his wife.
Thank you for clarifying that.
Because we are an older couple (not child bearing or children at home)
I wondered whether my future spouse would be
being dishonorable to his covenants by not being fully responsible for me.
And yes there is a lot of focus on being married. Also with no marriage there is to be no physical contact correct?
Answer K,
I am not sure I understand your query. What do you mean by "I wonder whether my future spouse would be being dishonorable to his covenants by not being fully responsible for me". Would you please expound a little for me.
If you want, so that your query is not made public with "Ask the Expert", you may email me at brogersclan@gmail.com
