Week 3: What is Marriage? Why Does It Matter?

What is Marriage? Why Does It Matter?

     "In his first American dictionary, Noah Webster defined marriage as 'the legal union of a man and woman for life,' which served the purposes of 'preventing the promiscuous intercourse of the sexes, . . . promoting domestic felicity, and . . . securing the maintenance and education of children.' 1 An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828)." (Chief Justice Roberts of the Supreme Court-Dissent Obergefell v. Hodges, p. 6). "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children" (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, 1995). Marriage has long been understood and accepted as a union between, not just any two people, but between a man and a woman. The reason being is that it is just such a union that has the potential to create new life in the form of children. So, not only does marriage bring together two individuals, but it should also create the opportunity to produce offspring. 

     On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that allowed same-sex marriage as part of the law of the land. I have family I love who have chosen same-sex marriages. My belief is that God does not accept these unions as marriage and my heart is torn. My belief is firm that God says marriage is between a man and a woman. I do believe that God has given individuals the right to make their own choices, so, I respect their right to choose how they will lead their lives. But, I do not appreciate anyone thinking they can change my beliefs just because a law was changed. I have accepted that I will not change their beliefs, and all I ask is that they accept they cannot change mine. I still love them and enjoy their company. My heart remains torn, because according to my beliefs, my loved ones are in defiance of God and I wish it wasn't so.

     As part of the Supreme Court's Decision in 2015, the Court attests the following: "No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were" (Obergefell v. Hodges, 2005). It seems that the Supreme Court Justices have the utmost respect for the institution of marriage, and yet, as one reads their decision one has to question that respect. Their esteem for marriage seems false because they altered what marriage is, at least for mankind in the United States. They cannot, however, alter what it is to God since He is, afterall, the author of marriage. Four Justices did not agree with the Court decision and they published Dissents. Justices Roberts, Scalia, Thomas and Alito had some variations of dissent, but they all agreed that the Court's decision was not Constitutional because it was not based upon law but upon a social agenda and opinion. The Court's decision also reversed the will of the people, who had in their various States voiced at the ballot box their wish to retain the traditional definition of marriage. The Court did not follow Due Process, but legislated from the bench. 5 men and women legislated and declared law, robbing the people of their say in the matter. 

   But God has a say. And He will say it through us, His disciples. Russell M. Nelson, then an Apostle of the Lord declared, "Disciples of the Lord are defenders of marriage. We cannot yield. History is not our judge. A secular society is not our judge. God is our judge. For each of us, Judgement Day will be held in God's own way and time. The future of marriage and of countless human lives will be determined by your willingness to bear solemn witness of the Lord and live according to His gospel" (Disciples of Jesus Christ-Defenders of Marriage, 2014). I wish to please God more than man, so I speak up in saying that marriage has always been and will forever be between a man and a woman, Amen.