Period. Paragraph. End of story. Amen.
What, I need to explain myself? Defend my statement? Okay, perhaps this brief stream of consciousness will suffice.
With the supposed "re-definition of marriage" as a legal bond between any two consenting adults, it has become apparent that the previous - and eternal - definition of marriage must be reintroduced to society. Marriage, true marriage, never was simply between a man and a woman. A true bond of marriage is a contract between a man, a woman and God. Man and Woman covenant with God to love each other, to cleave unto each other, to support each other and be completely faithful to each other. God, in return, seals the couple together, lending them divine intervention and assistance in times of trial, provided they are both faithful to all covenants they have theretofore made and are continually striving to aid each other and come closer to God. Thus, marriage unites a trinity into a force of one purpose - eternal life, eternal progression, and eternal posterity.
Marriage in this sense is unselfish. True joy is found within this righteous bond, but it takes hard work and dedication. The benefits of a righteous marriage span endless generations, as we all are indirectly affected by the collective decisions of our ancestors. One broken marriage, one fatal misstep in spiritual conduct, and an entire branch of family can end, or be diverted down unknown and tragic roads. One righteous marriage, however, with continued support throughout eternities, affects potentially millions of lives for the better.
Same-sex marriage, on the other hand, is entirely selfish. It is all about the wedded couple, all about the personal benefits they receive, and does nothing to support future generations. It ends true family bloodlines instantly. Most of all, God is not involved. He does not seal the bastardized matrimony with His Holy Priesthood because He hath declared it sinful and unrighteous.
People of the legal world do not care about God, because they fail to find an adequate way to define Him. This very problem happened in Rome, and was supposedly "solved" by the Nycean Creed. However, such creeds "are an abomination to [Him]." God created man in His own image; men cannot then recreate God in their own image. Thus, God is incomprehensible to the legal world, so they discount Him and refuse to have any dealings directly involving Him, His nature, or His law.
Thus, to the legal world, it makes perfect sense that marriage should be extended to all individuals, because "all men are created equal." They do not claim to define the nature of this creation, aside from describing its intended purpose as making everyone equal. Thus, man and woman, even things which can clearly be defined as different, are made equal by cold, dispassionate law. Marriage can no longer be legally defined as "man and woman" because legally "man = woman," so there can no distinction be made on a legal basis. Plain, simple, unfettered equality.
To God, however, while all souls are equally loved, we are all made with unique purposes, unique trials, and indeed an individual gender. "in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." Gender is a specific, intentional difference which divides us, defines us, and unites us with God. It helps give our lives purpose and meaning, and enables us to become co-creators with God, empowering us with the responsibility of bringing His spirits into this world.
Thus, marriage can be declared as "between a man and woman and God," because it is God who sets the terms. Despite changing legal definitions, marriage in this manner, and ONLY this manner, is ordained of God. God's law is not man's law, although oftentimes they intersect. Changing one will not inherently change the other, and God's laws themselves are unchanging. Infinite and eternal, God relies not upon any concept of time or circumstance; He sets all bars as they are, and He doth not waver in His decisions.
Thus, one can plainly see that the only true definition of marriage has been and will always be "a covenant between a man, a woman and God." Period, paragraph, end of conversation.
This document does not in any way represent the official views of the Church as a whole; it is merely the theories of my own study and personal revelation, written down in a manner suitable for presentation and future personal study.
