I have recently become LDS but several years ago, before my conversion, I married and divorced within a year. I have met another LDS recently (a young lady) and we want to get married and sealed in the temple. My question is: how will the church view this situation? What are the possible problems and will there be any? Will I be frowned upon by the church because of my past?
2 Responses to “I have recently become LDS but several years ago, before my …”
Gabriel Campos
2009-09-06 03:00:15
Hi Charles. I suspect your concern stems from Mathew 5:32. In the Catholic Church, for example, a remarriage without annulment is considered sinful based on this scripture. According to one Catholic website, "The choice to remarry without having received a declaration of nullity concerning one's prior marital bond sets a person apart from the Church with regard to full sacramental participation. One cannot receive Holy Communion when one's lifestyle is not in communion with the teachings of the Catholic faith."
The LDS Church, however, has a somewhat different view of divorce. Marriage is considered extremely sacred, and couples should work hard to preserve their unions. In his conference talk entitled "Divorce," Elder Dallin H. Oaks recently explained, "The kind of marriage required for exaltation—eternal in duration and godlike in quality—does not contemplate divorce. In the temples of the Lord, couples are married for all eternity. But some marriages do not progress toward that ideal...the Lord does not currently enforce the consequences of the celestial standard. He permits divorced persons to marry again without the stain of immorality specified in the higher law. Unless a divorced member has committed serious transgressions, he or she can become eligible for a temple recommend under the same worthiness standards that apply to other members."
Elder Oaks then goes on to explain that there are some circumstances like abuse and abandonment that necessitate divorce. I highly recommend his talk.
Given that 1) you were not a member at the time you divorced, 2) you were not sealed, 3) you didn't know about God's commandments regarding divorce at the time, and 4) you've put your past behind you through baptism, I can see no possible problems that would prevent you from being sealed to your sweetheart. Your marriage certainly will not be frowned upon. :) Best of luck to you! It really is wonderful to know you'll be with the person you love forever!
Pamela Dean
2009-09-05 21:08:14
Generally speaking, anything done before your conversion was dealt with and forgiven before you were baptized, so I don't think there should be any issues with regards to unresolved issues from your first marriage. Since you now appear to understand the importance of temple marriage there shouldn't be any 'frowning'. One thing that might happen is that you may be required to be married and then to be sealed later, which sometimes happens when divorced members marry other members, but I don't think that applies in your case. Your bishop should be able to give you answers to your questions. Remember - he is there to help you, and I am sure will be pleased to know that you desire to have a temple marriage. God bless.
The LDS Church, however, has a somewhat different view of divorce. Marriage is considered extremely sacred, and couples should work hard to preserve their unions. In his conference talk entitled "Divorce," Elder Dallin H. Oaks recently explained, "The kind of marriage required for exaltation—eternal in duration and godlike in quality—does not contemplate divorce. In the temples of the Lord, couples are married for all eternity. But some marriages do not progress toward that ideal...the Lord does not currently enforce the consequences of the celestial standard. He permits divorced persons to marry again without the stain of immorality specified in the higher law. Unless a divorced member has committed serious transgressions, he or she can become eligible for a temple recommend under the same worthiness standards that apply to other members."
Elder Oaks then goes on to explain that there are some circumstances like abuse and abandonment that necessitate divorce. I highly recommend his talk.
Given that 1) you were not a member at the time you divorced, 2) you were not sealed, 3) you didn't know about God's commandments regarding divorce at the time, and 4) you've put your past behind you through baptism, I can see no possible problems that would prevent you from being sealed to your sweetheart. Your marriage certainly will not be frowned upon. :) Best of luck to you! It really is wonderful to know you'll be with the person you love forever!