The Attack on Marriage

How many people in the world know there is an “attack on marriage as a union between a man and a woman”? (Wardle, 2008)

A question important enough to consider since I know what I believe; “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.”https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng 

If a person knows there is an attack on the family, and the definition of marriage between a man and a woman what should a responsible Christian person do? I was impressed with the account of Moishe the Beadle. A Jew who was arrested and deported by the Nazis, but months later Moishe secretly returned to the village reciting what happened to him, and warning others of the evil arising. He only wanted to be listened to, and warn his friends, and neighbors of the danger of the Gestapo coming to get them. No one listened resulting in many falling to a disastrous fate by the Germans. (Wardle 2008 pg. 1365 -1366)

Moishe was brave, and did all he could to warn his neighbor. I would also like to be a Moishe testifying to others of God’s plan for us, and the purpose and blessings of traditional marriage. “How marriage is defined sends signals to and reflects common understandings about the expectations o the relationship…Legalizing same-sex marriage will drain marriage of social meaning. Marriage links not only men with women, but parents with children. Legalizing same-sex marriage obscures that linkage, weakens the message connecting marriage with spousal and parental responsibility, and guarantees that children will be deprived of an extremely valuable and protective relationship with their father or their mother.” (Wardle The Attack on Marriage, 2008 pg. 1370)

Here are a few of the reasons why I am a protector of the family and marriage between a man and woman:

Marriage between a man and a woman is the “moral core of the family and the moral baseline and standards for society in many ways. Marriage is a society’s cultural infrastructure…In marriage and family, the individual acquires his core kinship identity. Without a soled family identity, many persons struggle and some turn to gangs and extremist movements as a substitute for family identity.” (Wardle The Attack on Marriage, 2008 pg. 1371)

I teach my children truth, and it is in the home where we, as parents, can influence our children for good. We lead by example as we keep our covenants, and live a virtuous life. “Marriage cultivates a morality of love and sacrifice. In conjugal marriage we learn through practice to subordinate self-interest to service, to sacrifice for the welfare of other, to nurture, give, and express love, to forgive and be one with another.” (Wardle The Attack on Marriage, 2008 pg. 1372)

“…when marriages fail, society must pick up the pieces and the public incurs social costs such as for increased mental health treatment, medical services, juvenile delinquency, impaired education, and reduced labor productivity.” (Wardle The Attack on Marriage, 2008 pg. 1370)

“Marriage is sacred and was ordained of God from before the foundation of the world. Jesus Christ affirmed the divine origins of marriage: “Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?”(The Divine Institution of Marriage pg 3) The Savior himself testifies to each of us what marriage is, and it sacred purpose.

In July, 2005, Alberta passed the law allowing same-sex marriages. I have witnessed the definition of marriage degraded, the desensitization of youth, citizens, and a corrupt educational system. Government recently passed a policy where same-sex marriage, homosexuality, transgender choosing is taught in our public educational system. Government has also passed policy for the washrooms to be open to transgender students meaning a boy can use the girls’ washroom, and vice versa. Changing rooms are also unisex. Parents and concerned citizens are now trying to rally together, however, this policy passed without knowledge or voting from the people. This is another way how our children become vulnerable to gender confusion, and the true meaning of marriage.

It is overwhelming to see drastic change happen so quickly. Almost twenty years ago, The Family: A Proclamation To The World was issued to the entire world. At first I thought it was a nice declaration, and now I know it was given for a purpose. It is our responsibility to be courageous and stand for truth. Our voice counts. We must have our testimonies rooted in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and kindly express our stand on marriage and family. The Proclamation is a standard for us to learn and teach correct principles, and to teach our children in the home our Heavenly Father’s will. “Strong, stable families, headed by a father and mother, are the anchor of society.” ?”(The Divine Institution of Marriage pg 12)

President Monson says, “we need courage—“the courage to say no, the courage to say yes. Decisions do determine destiny.” (April 2015 President Monson Calls for Courage)

May we have the courage to get informed, and act as a disciple of Christ to defend family and marriage.