Marriage
Before the meeting
Articles
(Read two or more)
Millennials: You May Have the Wrong Idea About Marriage
Marriage was once seen as the “cornerstone” or foundation for life. Increasingly it is seen as a “capstone” event: one that takes place after other personal goals are met.
Why Marriage Matters
The Number One Social Justice Imperative Is Marriage!
For the last 20 years, marital status has increasingly become the central factor in whether our neighbors rise above, remain, or descend into poverty.
Marriage is a Community Affair
A marriage is held together not only by the two spouses, but by the web of relationships that surrounds them.
Consumer Marriage and Modern Covenant Marriage
Advertisers know a cultural trend when they see one. The message they send is that we can only count on what we buy, not on the people to whom we commit ourselves.
10 Unconventional Pieces of Marriage Advice From Divorce Lawyers
Divorce attorneys from across the country share some unexpected, but spot-on marriage advice.
Videos
(Watch one or more)
FOCUSNational
What is Marriage? Part 1
Author Ryan T. Anderson, PhD, talks about our understanding of what marriage is.
BYU Center for Teaching and Learning (BYU CTL)
Cornerstones vs. Capstones
Learn how changing life cycle expectations are affecting our marriages.
America’s Biggest Issue: Marriage.
The Heritage Foundation’s Genevieve Wood explains that it’s an undeniable fact that the best chances for financial success, emotional well-being, and good health for both parents and children happen when parents are married and families are intact.
Supplemental Articles
What’s in it for men? The benefits of getting married
While the phrase “ball and chain” is still sometimes tossed around by those who view marriage as a burden, a recent study shows that men who tie the knot reap a plethora of benefits.
A New Book Says Married Women are Miserable. Don’t Believe It.
Many books aren’t fact-checked, and we’re increasingly realizing they’re full of errors.
Listen Up, Millennials. There’s a Sequence to Success.
Of the several causes of descent, there and elsewhere, into the intergenerational transmission of poverty, one was paramount: family disintegration.
Focus on Marriage Assessment
This assessment is designed to evaluate the strength of 12 essential traits of your marriage. Do you know your marriage’s strengths and weaknesses?
A Guide to Family Issues: A Marriage Advantage
Marriage is crucial to society’s stability and its future. The weight of social science research indicates that marriage provides unique benefits for a man, woman and the children resulting from the marital union.
Mate Preferences in 37 Cultures
People in the past who failed to mate are not our ancestors. But how do we choose our mates? What characteristics do we seek? And why?
Rank Ordering of Mate Preferences Across 6 Decades
Asian & Middle Eastern Countries Rank Ordering of Preferences (1990)
A Guide to Family Issues: The Marriage Advantage
Supplemental Videos
Expert Call – Dr. Allan Carlson
Is marriage just a piece of paper that legalizes the union of two people, or is it more? Dr. Allan Carlson explains the impact and importance of marriage. (46:29)
BOOK
Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom
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What marriage is and why it matters to public policy.
The Supreme Court has issued a decision, but that doesn’t end the debate. Now that the Supreme Court has ruled, Americans face momentous debates about the nature of marriage and religious liberty. Because the Court has redefined marriage in all 50 states, we have to energetically protect our freedom to live according to conscience and faith as we work to rebuild a strong marriage culture.
BOOK
Marriage Essentials: Focus on What Really Matters
by Cory Allen
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“Marriage is designed to refine us, grow us up.“
Do you ever get bogged down in your relationship? Or had times where you are so caught up in the schedule and routine of married life that you lost sight of the important things? This is common to everyone. I’ve been there. You probably have too. It’s normal. But it doesn’t have to be permanent! Marriage Essentials covers the top ten elements necessary for a marriage to thrive. It also offers some tips on how to address several of the common “relationship clutter” areas: like money, kids, family, rest. It covers the important and how to handle the immediate. How cool is that?
BOOK
Them Before Us: Why a Child
by Katy Faust and Stacy Manning
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A child’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being depends on being loved by the two people responsible for their existence.
Them Before Us dispels many prevalent, harmful myths concerning children’s rights, such as:
• Kids need only love and safety—moms and dads are optional.
• Love makes a family—biology is irrelevant.
• Marriage is about adults—it has nothing to do with kids.
• Children are resilient and will “get over” divorce.
• Studies show “no difference” in outcomes for kids with same-sex parents.
• Sperm and egg donor kids are fortunate because they are so wanted.
• Surrogacy is a great way to help wannabe parents have a baby.
• Reproductive technologies are just like adoption.
Talking Points
Resources to help you discuss with friends and family.
Social Media Resources
Share resources for families through social media.
Advocacy Tips
Get involved in your community and local governments to make a difference.