Mormon Men

Male members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormon Church tend to be light, wholesome, and approachable, no matter what their worldly status. Through their experiences in church service (the Mormon Church has a lay clergy - everyone serves), they have the ability to both lead and follow depending upon the circumstance. Many are Eagle Scouts and are very comfortable working with children and participating in the household with their wives. This is due in part to the Church's emphasis on the family and the fact that Mormon families tend to be larger. Although some people think that with their high moral standards, Mormons couldn't possibly be having any fun, the opposite is true. Once a solid testimony of Jesus Christ is gained, and a moral foundation is solid, Mormon men are more free to engage in professions, hobbies and activities of choice unbound by addictions, confusion, pride, or unethical conduct.

Virtually all Mormon men hold the priesthood. Priesthood is the authority and power to act in God's name, and is required to fill various positions in the Church, but also to perform ordinances and give Priesthood Blessings for healing, comfort, and conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost. Imagine having this power in the home through the husband and sons, and in the neighborhood and world through the millions of men and boys who magnify their callings in the priesthood.

The Importance of Family

Much has been said about Mormon women and their potential satisfaction, because the Church teaches that family is their most important responsibility and should always take first priority. However, this priority is also number one for male members of the Church. Late prophet David O. McKay said, "No success can compensate for failure in the home."

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” issued by the First Presidency of the Church in 1995, explains to the world the importance of families as well as the spiritually inspired roles of males and females:

“All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose. . . .

“Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. . . .

“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

This succinctly describes the responsibilities which men and women are ultimately expected by God to fulfill in their lifetimes. Mormon men are to preside over their families in righteousness, holding the priesthood power. They are never to consider themselves kings or dictators in their homes, however, and coersion or force are never to be employed in the home. No man is worthy of temple attendance who is unkind in the home. Men are also expected to provide for the well-being of their families, and are expected to be fully involved in the spiritual and moral training of the children. This is a lot of responsibility. God expects a lot. Strong, meaningful family relationships bring a sense of fulfillment, safety, and joy. In fact, many studies show that married men are healthier and happier, and that Mormon family-men are the healthiest and happiest on earth.