Instead of asking yourself “Should a non-Mormon marry a Mormon?” ask yourself…

Do you want to spend eternity with the person you love?

If you are thinking about marrying a Mormon, the answer better be a resounding “Yes!”

‘Til death do you part?

That’s small peanuts compared to the vast, endless, incomprehensible sea of eternity.

If you are asking yourself “Should a non-Mormon marry a Mormon?” you should be prepared for the eventuality of an eternal relationship. Plus an eternal family. Whether you believe it or not. Because even if you aren’t a Mormon, chances are, after you die, someone is going to ensure that you and your spouse are together forever.

While Clara and I were dating–read all about “Should a non-Mormon date a Mormon?”–I fell so deeply in love with her that, for the first time ever, I felt that I, reckless, heathen, commitment-phobic Patrick Reck, could get married. It was a feeling that came so naturally that Clara and I quite often and comfortably talked about what it would be like to get married.

Being head-over-heels, hopelessly romantic, rom-com love story in love, I knew I was ready to marry Clara. But that confidence really didn’t prepare me to understand what it meant to marry a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Because marrying a Mormon isn’t just about marrying one person (insert Polygamy joke).

Or even being together forever. Marrying a Mormon means being united with a new family, and all the blessings and struggles that come with it. 

Are you ready for that commitment?

The struggle to become an eternal family

One of the central pillars of the Mormon religion is the importance of the family. They believe that you are made in God’s image. We have Heavenly Parents. And the biggest part of your eternal destiny lies with your role as a potential Mother or Father. That means marrying a Mormon is almost certainly going to involve having children.

According to Christian doctrine, replenishing the earth is our fundamental responsibility during our time on earth. Doing the sweet sweet act of baby-making should only be performed within the bonds of marriage. And the focus of sex should be centered on the sacred duty of procreating.

Have I lost you yet?

Remember, we are trying to answer the question “Should a non-Mormon marry a Mormon?”

In order to prepare to bring that baby onto this earth, the Mother and Father ideally would be sealed together in a Temple. When it’s an interfaith marriage, this isn’t possible. Some Mormons totally accept that. Some Mormons frown upon it. If that person happens to be one of your in-laws, well…be prepared.

As I became a part of the Toronto family, I learned to expect a lot of questions. I love deep conversations. Philosophical ones, too. But I was not prepared for the relentless torrent of deep, personal, probing questions that I received from nearly every member of my new family. Questions about my life. My beliefs. My experiences in church and beyond.

Sometimes all these questions felt like an interrogation. Most of the time they were friendly and engaging. All the time, it was exhausting. Because I don’t come from a family like that. We’re from the East Coast. My parents’ motto seems to be “it’s none of my business.”

These long talks and countless Sundays challenging myself to articulate my beliefs really felt like trial by fire. But in the end, it was so rewarding. I have formed deep, loving relationships with my in-laws. And as they got to know me, they accepted me into their family with open arms. Regardless of whether or not Clara and I were sealed in the Temple.

Now we are on the verge of having our first child.

I still have lots of questions about Mormons and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. However, I see the value of what they teach and their beliefs in an eternal family. I will be proud to raise our son with those values.

Is there anything more inspiring than feeling like you are a child of God?

And with a little work, you can live forever, united with your family, for better or worse.

Are you ready for that? Endless questions, a large family, and kids? If so, then the answer to the question “Should non-Mormon and marry a Mormon” is yes!

Like what you read? PLEASE SHARE!

Are you on the other end of this? Are you a Mormon considering marrying a non-Mormon? Read Clara’s story!