Comment from coworker

[Traveler]

Thanks for sharing. Our beliefs are almost 180 degrees opposite of this idea. We believe that we are given a little stewardship here to see if we are willing and able to take on greater stewardship in the next life. The family unit is a part of God's eternal plan, not just for mortality. "Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World) and "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children."

The family unit is part of the plan for happiness. It adds to our eternal happiness. It is not just a defense but provides something beyond what the individual could do for herself. Satan wanted to do it on his own, without giving credit to anyone else. The opposite is what we do. Every aspect of glory and happiness is not centered around personal achievement but our relationships, with God, Christ and those around us. The family unit is not just a mortal probation concept.

I would add to your post - Salvation is G-d’s gift to individuals that covenant and live as individuals according to G-d’s laws. Exaltation is G-d’s gift to families that covenant and live as families according to G-d’s laws. There is no eternal exaltation without family. As individual covenants in this life are a type and shadow of eternal life so is the eternal covenant of marriage a type and shadow of exaltation in the eternities. This doctrine, as far as I understand, was lost in the Great Apostasy and is unique to LDS.

The Traveler