Threats to Marriage

The 2015 Supreme Court Decision Obergefell v. Hodges essentially legalized same-sex marriage. This decision was legalized based on the idea that marriage is a basic human right and should be available to everyone. From a legal standpoint, I agree. I think that same-sex marriage should be legal.

On the other hand, I affirm that marriage between a man and a woman is of God. I believe that God made men and women specifically so that we can be married together and create families. Though others may make different decisions, marriage between a man and a woman should be our goal. The nuclear family consisting of husband, wife, and children is the fundamental unit of society. Unfortunately, I think it is under attack in many ways.

Though same-sex marriage could possibly erode this fundamental unit, I believe the biggest attack on the family is individualism and selfishness. American culture values the individual. From childhood, we are encouraged to pursue our dreams and value independence. In the media, it is easy to see our culture of independence as well. Success is often defined by individual accomplishments instead of how well you relate to others or care for family.

The culture of individualism has infiltrated marriage and family life. If we are slightly unhappy in a relationship at any point, its time to move on. If we aren’t completely fulfilled by our partner, we should end the relationship and try with a new partner. If we have “fallen” out of love, the relationship must be dead.

Though I think valuing the individual has a place in society, we have taken it too far. This selfishness is ruining our marriages. Gordon B. Hinckley said, “Selfishness so often is the basis of money problems, which are a very serious and real factor affecting the stability of family life. Selfishness is at the root of adultery, the breaking of solemn and sacred covenants to satisfy selfish lust. Selfishness is the antithesis of love. It is a cankering expression of greed. It destroys self-discipline. It obliterates loyalty. It tears up sacred covenants. It afflicts both men and women” (1991).

So how do we bring our families back together? How do we have the marriages that God intended us to have? I guess the answer is the opposite. We need more selflessness and we need more humility.

Gordon B. Hinckley also said, “I am satisfied that a happy marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion” (1991).

It is very challenging to go against society. We are encouraged to be selfish constantly, but I know that if we work to put our spouses’ interests before our own it will pay off. Our marriages will become stronger if we have that “anxious concern” for one another.

I truly believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. It seems that more and more our society does not agree with this statement. Through our culture of selfishness, it is easy to see that marriage is quickly being eroded. Luckily, we can do something about it. We can choose to be selfless in our relationships and encourage others to do so as well.

References

Hinckley, G.B. (1991, April). What God Hath Joined Together. Ensign, 73