A Mormon wife, within the traditional teachings and cultural understanding of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, embodies a woman who commits to specific eternal roles centered on family, faith, and home, often prioritizing these over individualistic secular pursuits.
This role traditionally signifies a devotion to marriage, motherhood, and submissiveness, embracing principles believed to be divinely ordained for women.
Core Principles and Roles
The concept of a Mormon wife is deeply rooted in the Church's doctrines regarding the eternal nature of the family and the distinct, yet complementary, roles of men and women. Historically, these teachings encouraged women to dedicate themselves to domestic life and family nurturing.
- Emphasis on Marriage and Motherhood: A primary focus for a Mormon wife is her role within an eternal marriage covenant and as a mother. Motherhood is highly esteemed as a sacred calling, with the raising of children in righteousness being a central purpose. This perspective often encourages women to embrace home-making as their primary career.
- The Principle of Submissiveness: Within the traditional framework, "submissiveness" refers to a willingness to align one's will with divine principles and, in the context of marriage, to work in harmony with her husband, who is seen as the patriarchal head of the home, under Christ. It does not imply a loss of agency or voice, but rather a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.
- Homemaking and Domesticity: There has been a significant emphasis on developing skills related to maintaining a home and nurturing a family. This has historically been reflected in various Church programs, such as the Relief Society's focus on domestic arts and homemaking curricula. The home is viewed as a sanctuary and the primary place for spiritual education and growth.
Table: Traditional Aspects of a Mormon Wife's Role
| Aspect | Traditional Understanding |
|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Dedication to marriage and motherhood, emphasizing the eternal family unit. |
| Individuality | While individual talents are valued, personal pursuits are often viewed through the lens of how they support or enhance family and spiritual goals, rather than purely secular self-fulfillment. |
| Key Virtues | Submissiveness (as cooperative harmony), nurturing, faith, charity, and diligently managing the home. |
| Domestic Role | Central to the well-being and spiritual development of the family, including childcare, homemaking, and creating a righteous environment. |
Spiritual Devotion
Beyond her family roles, a Mormon wife is also expected to be a woman of deep spiritual conviction. This includes:
- Faith in Jesus Christ: Centering her life on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- Covenant Keeping: Faithfully living by the covenants made in temples, which are sacred agreements with God that promise eternal blessings for families.
- Service: Actively participating in church callings and community service, often within the framework of her spiritual and family commitments.
While these traditional roles have been strongly emphasized, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also teaches that men and women are equally valued in the sight of God and work together in partnership. The application and interpretation of these roles can vary among individuals and families, and the Church encourages women to pursue education and develop their talents in ways that bless their families and communities.
For more information on the Church's teachings on family and marriage, refer to official resources from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their General Handbook on Marriage and Family.
