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
Expert: Brian Rogers Date: 3/28/2008 Subject: requirement
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.
