I tied the knot with my wife when I was 22 years old, and she was just 19. As a young Mormon, I never felt pressured to marry early, but it was a choice I made willingly. Looking back, I can confidently say that it was one of the best decisions of my life. Yesterday, my wife and I celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary, and I couldn’t be happier.
You are viewing: Why Getting Married Young as a Mormon is a Blessing
Embracing God’s Plan
Young Mormons are taught that creating a family is an essential part of God’s plan. While there is no defined age for marriage, we are encouraged not to unreasonably delay marriage while pursuing education and other life goals. However, it’s important to note that not all Mormons get married early. Some choose to wait until later in life. On average, the marriage age for Mormons is approximately four years younger than the national average.
The Remarkable Success of Mormon Marriages
What sets Mormon marriages apart is not just the age at which we marry, but the astonishing success rate of these unions. The divorce rate among Mormons who marry in a temple is a mere 6%, compared to the staggering 52% divorce rate among other religious groups and the non-religious population in the United States.
Despite the lack of researched statistics on the average age of marriage for Mormons, estimates suggest it to be around 23 years old. However, it is not uncommon to see young Mormons, especially women, marrying as early as 19 or 20 years old. This is because Mormon young men are expected to serve as full-time missionaries starting at age 18 or 19, while young women in the church have the choice to do so.
While some might view getting married at a young age as risky, the statistics on the success of Mormon marriages tell a different story.
Do Young Mormons Divorce More Frequently?
Absolutely not. In fact, the opposite is true. Devout Mormons who marry in a Mormon temple are highly unlikely to experience divorce.
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According to a study reported by the LA Times, the divorce rate among Mormons who marry in a temple is only 6%. This is remarkable, considering that the divorce rate among most other Christian religions mirrors the 52% divorce rate among non-Christians. While this study demonstrates the overall success of Mormon temple weddings, it does not specifically analyze the impact of age on these numbers.
The average age at which people in the United States marry is 26.1 for women and 28.2 for men. In contrast, the average age for marriage among Mormons is approximately 23. This makes Mormons, on average, three years younger when they tie the knot.
Factors Contributing to Lower Divorce Rates
Why do Mormon marriages statistically have a lower divorce rate compared to marriages in general? There are several factors at play.
One factor is the emphasis Mormons place on waiting to have sex until after marriage. Statistics show that those who wait tend to fare better in their marriages compared to those who engage in premarital sex. In fact, living together prior to marriage can increase the chance of divorce by as much as 40%.
Psychology Today also suggests that waiting a few years to get married is beneficial. Divorce is 50% less likely for someone who gets married at age 25 compared to someone who gets married at age 20.
Teachings from Mormon Leaders on Marriage
In our church, we have a prophet and 12 apostles who provide the church with revelation from our Heavenly Father. They have spoken frequently on the topic of marriage.
According to “A Proclamation to the World,” a document outlining the church’s doctrinal beliefs on marriage, family life is ordained by God and marriage between a man and a woman is essential to His eternal plan. The document emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, forgiveness, respect, love, and other principles in establishing and maintaining successful marriages and families.
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Elder Ballard encouraged BYU students in a November 2017 address not to delay marriage. He emphasized that with hard work, sacrifice, and planning, individuals can accomplish both their educational and marriage goals.
Mormon leaders have made it clear that there is no specific age requirement for marriage among Mormons. Some may not have the opportunity to marry at the desired age, while others may find a partner later in life. Regardless, every member is valued, loved, and respected.
The Joy of Marrying Young as a Mormon
As I mentioned earlier, I married at the age of 22, and my wife was 19. We met in college and quickly realized that we shared the same values and aspirations in life. We wanted to build a happy family and achieve similar goals. Our engagement lasted only two months before we got married in a Mormon temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho.
We were both young and still pursuing our education when we tied the knot. After I completed my bachelor’s degree, we embarked on the journey of law school together and welcomed our first two children.
Choosing to marry at a young age allowed us to navigate the challenges of adulthood together. We faced struggles, such as my wife staying home to care for our two babies while I juggled the demands of being a full-time law student. However, we confronted these challenges as a team, supporting and uplifting each other. I believe that if we had delayed marriage, the pressures of that time would have strained our relationship. But because we took on those challenges together, getting married young had a profoundly positive impact on our marriage and family.
It’s important to note that not all Mormons marry young. Some may marry later in life due to circumstances or personal choice. However, regardless of age, every Mormon member is valued and has a place in the church.
Marrying young as a Mormon has been a blessing in my life. It has shaped who I am today, and I have no regrets. The success and happiness of Mormon marriages speak for themselves, offering a compelling testament to the power of faith, commitment, and love.
Source: https://t-tees.com
Category: WHY
