Is It a Sin to Cohabitate?

With the definitions or cultural meanings of words changing so frequently these days, is cohabitating still a sin?

Question

Gramps,

I recently had a seminary student ask me if it was a sin to cohabitate. I have not been able to find anything on this subject.

Christopher

Answer

Dear Christopher,

While cohabit sounds like it just means “live together”, both the dictionary and traditional definitions mean to live together in a sexual relationship without being married. This would involve fornication (or adultery if either is married to a third party), which we know is a sin. See for example section 38.6.5 Chastity and Fidelity in the General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Chastity entry of Topics and Questions on the Church website.

I’m going to assume both you and the student know that the above is sin.  I’m also going to assume your student is not asking about having a same-sex roommate (something BYU housing is designed for, for example).  This obviously is not sinful. (Though if the issue of same-sex attraction is involved, then please consider that in light of the principles below.)

To read the rest of this answer:  Ask Gramps