When the Constitution of the United States was framed and…
“When the Constitution of the United States was framed and adopted, those high contracting parties did positively agree that they would not interfere with religious affairs. Now, if our marital relations are not religious, what is? This ordinance of marriage was a direct revelation to us, through Joseph Smith, the prophet. . . . This is a revelation from God and a command to his people, and therefore it is my religion. I do not believe that the Supreme Court of the United States has any right to interfere with my religious views, and in doing it they are violating their most sacred obligations.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that marriage is a divine command and that civil courts should not intervene in religiously defined institutions.
In simple terms: Marriage is seen as a religious command beyond government control.
Key Takeaway
Respect religious definitions of marriage.
Themes
religion
law
marriage
government
authority
Mood
defensive
assertive
Type
political
theological
When to use this quote
- church-state relations
- legal challenges
- faith-based institutions
Key Concepts
theocracy
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- Should religious institutions be exempt from all civil law?
- How do we balance religious freedom with equal protection?
A Different Perspective
Civil courts may still have a role in protecting individual rights.