True Mormonism

Celestial Marriage always seems to be a bit of a hot topic. This is because there are many people  who claim to be polygamists who just don't do it right. In consequence we hear many stories of abuse, rape, and underage marriage. It can be horifying and lead anyone to ask how anyone would dare to call it "Celestial Marriage". But I contend this. Polygamy can be done right. And when it is, there is not a doctrine on Earth that has more ability to change who we are inside and make us more like our heavenly parents.

Distinguishing Characteristics of Celestial Plural Marriage

Consentual- True Plural Marriage, the way God intended it to work, is never without consent. The participants are never bullied into it or made to feel that they have no other viable alternatives. No woman should ever be made to feel that she has to marry a certain man, and a husband and wife mutually choose each other, out of love for one another. This also means that noone under the age to consent should ever be placed in a position to have to make a decision of marriage.

Respectful- No woman or man in a plural marriage relationship should ever be made to feel as if they are nothing more than the property of their mate. Relationships should be places of joy, safety, and growth, and this is especially true in Plural Marrige.

Loving- Like any marriage, the thing that makes Celestial Plural Marriage succeed is true, unslefish love. It is essential to follow the admonision of Paul, and love your wife and wives as Christ loves the Church. We are to be an example to the world in our marriages, and those married pluraly are to be examples to the Church.

Led By God- The only way Plural Marriage can ever be considered Celestial is if God is the Head of the home.

There are so many struggles inherent in Polygamy, it's true, but in a true, loving home, these are the things that make people grow as individuals, and increase in love toward one another.