Mormon Marriage for Divorced Individuals: Understanding the Doctrine and Its Implications

Marriage in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as the Mormon Church, is a highly revered institution with specific guidelines and doctrines to follow. One inquiry that frequently arises is whether a Mormon can marry a divorced person. In this article, we will explore the guidelines and answer this question comprehensively.

Can a Mormon Marry a Divorced Person?

Yes, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is free to marry a divorced person. There is no doctrine in the LDS Church that prohibits a member from marrying someone who has been previously divorced. However, certain conditions and considerations must be met for this to be acceptable.

Legal Considerations and Requirements

Before anyone can remarry within the church, it is crucial that they fulfill all legal requirements. This means that any previous marriage must be legally deemed a divorce. The process of remarrying also involves ensuring the legal separation is final and recognized by the appropriate authorities.

Complexities in Temple Marriages

For those married in the temple, a unique consideration exists. If a temple-sealed couple is legally divorced, they are not allowed to remarry in the temple unless their previous sealing is cancelled or annulled. Despite this limitation, members can still legally remarry outside the temple. This highlights the intricacies and nuances of temple marriages and civil marriages within the LDS community.

Shunning and Social Dynamics

A significant issue arises when a woman whose first husband has died is seeking to date or marry a divorced person. In some cases, men may avoid dating her due to the belief that once she remarries, the first marriage will eventually reunite, leading to a default divorce. This can also affect the children involved, as they may be seen as belonging to the first husband. However, these beliefs are not based in doctrine and can vary among members.

Same-Sex Marriages and Church Guidelines

It is important to note that same-sex marriages, whether or not they have been officiated by the church, are not recognized. In such cases, members found to be in such unions risk being removed from the church. This stance is reflective of the Church's official guidelines and policies but is not a personal opinion.

Strategies for Saving a Troubled Marriage

For those facing marital issues and contemplating divorce, there are resources available to help mitigate this path. There is a tutorial that has helped over 6,000 couples to save their marriages. By following this guide, individuals can take proactive steps to address their marital issues and even reverse the trend towards divorce. Personal success stories, such as the author's, demonstrate the effectiveness of such resources in improving marriages and fostering long-term happiness.

Conclusion

In summary, Mormons are free to marry divorced individuals as long as all legal requirements are met. The church's doctrines do not prohibit such marriages. However, social dynamics, especially regarding remarriages following the death of a first husband, can introduce additional complexities. It is encouraging to know that there are resources available to those facing marital challenges, and many have successfully reversed the path towards divorce.

Keywords: mormon marriage, divorced person, LDS doctrine