Defending Traditional Marriage Between a Man and a Woman

I want to start my blog today by stating strongly that I truly love all people regardless of their gender, race, looks, and marital status. While there are actions of some men that I do not condone, I still love the man. I see all men and women as children of God. As children of God, all men deserve to be loved, not matter what their choices are.

President Russell M. Nelson reminds us, “Brothers and sisters, undergirded by incontrovertible truth, proclaim your love for God! Proclaim your love for all human beings “with malice toward none, with charity for all.”²⁰ They as children of God are our brothers and sisters. We value their rights and feelings. But we cannot condone efforts to change divine doctrine. It is not for man to change.”

“God loves His children. And if they love Him, they will show that love by keeping His commandments,²¹ including chastity before marriage and total fidelity within marriage. Scriptures warn that behavior contrary to the commandments of the Lord will not only deprive couples of divinely approved intimacy but will bring about the stern judgments of God” (Nelson, 2014).

Chief Justice John Roberts joined with the dissenters to legalize same sex marriage on June 26, 2015. However, Justice Roberts does not agree with same sex marriage. He listened to debate for six years from some very strong supporters. He watched as same sex activists worked to change the minds of Americans. The activists gained much ground and got many people to support their cause. With such a strong voice, they were heard. The legal team was, in my opinion, ruthless. With so much support, and strong legality, Justice Roberts had no choice but to join with the dissenters and legalize gay marriage.

On the day that supporters were celebrating, Roberts quotes a former justice, Benjamin Curtis: “In a dissent that has outlasted the majority opinion, Justice Curtis explained that when the “fixed rules which govern the interpretation of laws [are] abandoned, and the theoretical opinions of individuals are allowed to control” the Constitution’s meaning, “we have no longer a Constitution; we are under the government of individual men, who for the time being have power to declare what the Constitution is, according to their own views of what it ought to mean.” Id., at 621 (576 U. S. ____ (2015), Roberts, C. J., dissenting, pg. 11-12). The constitution and our very way of life is in jeopardy when strong voices of people, who really are the minority, can change the very nature of what has been since the creation of man.

Justice Roberts states, “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” (576 U. S. ____ (2015), Roberts, C. J., dissenting, pg. 4-5).

            The Family: A Proclamation to the World states, “The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”

It is Time for the Majority to Become the Strong Voice

You can be a defender of marriage between a man and a woman. You can be heard.

“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, Judgment 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. Great protection is available to us as we enter the waters of baptism and take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.” ~President Russel M. Nelson (Nelson, 2014).

            I whole heartedly defend marriage between a man and a woman. This is the way that it has been since the beginning of the earth. This is the way that God intended it to be. Children can not natural be conceived between a same sex couple. The only way for a same sex couple to have children is through defying the laws of nature. Additionally, children have the right to be reared by a father and a mother who honor each other, and their promises of marriage.

            There are many who feel like nature is changing. There are many who feel like we need to change because times are changing. To that I say, God “is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world” (1 Nephi 10:18). Marriage has been between man and woman from the very beginning. This law from God has not changed and it will not change. A man and woman were created to come together in a marriage union, with a commandment to “multiply and replenishing the earth” (Genesis 1:28).

            President Russell M. Nelson said, “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” (Nelson, 2014).

How I have Defended Marriage Between a Man and a Woman

            When we talk about defending traditional marriage, I often think of myself holding a sign and marching up and down main street in front of the court house. My sign would read: “Defender of marriage between a man and a woman”. While this may not be the way to defend traditional marriage, it often makes me chuckle to myself. It also leaves me wondering, how do I defend this marriage that I believe so strongly in. Here are the things that I have done that I believe are defending this union:

1. I married my forever husband in a traditional union that can last forever.
2. My husband and I continually work on our marriage to make it a lasting and strong union.
3. I have organized, promoted, and attended marriages classes in my community.
4. I am writing a marriage blog.
5. I am majoring in Marriage and Family where the central teaching is traditional marriage.
6. I teach my children about the sanctity of marriage between a man and a wife.
7. I teach my children about the importance of a rearing children with a mother and a father in the home.
8. I teach youth about the importance of marriage between a man and a woman.

I know that there is more I can do, and I hope to learn what that is. If you have ideas on how to be a defender of marriage between a man and a woman, please let me know. Who knows, maybe picketing main street is a good option. I am ready to walk hand in hand with my husband to defend this God given institution of marriage between a man and a woman. Come be a defender of marriage with me.

Works Cited

Nelson, R. M. (2014, August 14). Disciples of Jesus Christ-Defenders of Marriage. Retrieved from https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/russell-m-nelson_disciples-jesus-christ-defenders-of-marriage/

576 U. S. ____ (2015), 14-556 Obergefell v. Hodges (06/26/2015). (n.d.). US Supreme Court. Retrieved from https://caselaw.findlaw.com/summary/opinion/us-supreme- court/2015/06/26/273882.html