Eternal family sealing

What it is: The belief affirms that marriages and family bonds may be sealed by priesthood authority in a way that endures beyond death.

How the tradition understands it: Family occupies a central role in the plan of salvation. The sealing of spouses and children is seen as an ordinance of great eternal importance, performed in temples.

Textual or traditional basis: Matthew 16:19, Malachi 4, Doctrine and Covenants 132, and institutional language about eternal families are widely cited.

Historical context: The theme was consolidated with development of temple and family theology in the nineteenth century.

Common objections: Critics point to tensions with more traditional Christian models of the future state and to historical issues tied to discontinued older marital practices.

Internal variations: The doctrine of sealing is stable, but its emotional and pastoral reception varies greatly among members.

Supportive

Articles of Faith

mormonism,articles-of-faith,doctrine,summary

Classic summary of the movement's fundamental beliefs.

Reference: Joseph Smith's Articles of Faith.

Content: The text summarizes beliefs about God, the atonement, ordinances, spiritual gifts, revelation, the gathering of Israel, and Zion.

Use in debate: It is one of the best-known concise formulations of the Latter-day Saint religious identity.

Doctrine and Covenants 132

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Important section on the new and everlasting covenant and sealings.

Reference: Doctrine and Covenants 132.

Content: The section treats the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and sealing power, within a complex historical context.

Use in debate: It is the main basis for eternal family sealing, though it is also historically connected to former plural marriage, now abandoned by the main church.

Malachi 4:5-6

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The hearts of fathers and children turned toward one another.

Reference: Malachi 4:5-6.

Content: The text announces reconciliation between generations in eschatological language.

Use in debate: It is widely used in the doctrine of sealings and temple work for ancestors.