My first point of sensitivity is on the subject of Women and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have met many, many women who feel that the church reguards/treats women as second class citizens (to men). I disagree.
*I Believe in a Perfect, Loving, and Just heavenly father. I believe that he does not / cannot love, prefer, bless, Men more than Women, nor Women more than Men. At my core I believe it is not possible or he would cease to be God.
God, The father loves women as much as men, and men as much as women.
So, why don't Women hold the priesthood? Why are the leaders of the church all men? Why do women get stuck doing all the work? (ha,ha j.k.) and Whats the deal with Polygamy? Misogynistic?
On the priesthood: simply, It is a calling for Men. It is a job for men. Bearing Children, motherhood, nurturing is the calling for Women. Is it wrong to divide responsiblities along gender lines? No, because *I Believe... men and women are different. (yes, I know this sounds antiquated, but the truth doesnt change over time) The priesthood is a tool that Men use to serve. A priesthood bearer cannot bless himself with his priesthood, only other people. Women have a different calling. Does it seem that the leaders of the church are all men? What about the general RS presidency, YW presidency, Primary presidency. The men preside over the whole body of the church, the women take responsibility for women and children. Seems pretty evenly distributed to me.
And now for the million dollar quesiton...What is the deal with Polygamy/(NEC)? I have not yet met a woman who is comfortable with this doctrine. I admit within my limited research I dont know enough about the doctrine to speak authoritatively. Here is where I have to take it on faith. *I Believe...in a Perfect, Loving, and Just Heavenly Father. I have not been asked to participate in polygamy, and I Believe that a Perfect, Loving and Just father will never Force me to participate against my will. So, either he will help me completely understand and accept the principle or I will not be asked to participate. Either way, nothing to concern myself with right now. Sorry to not reveal anything new. Stay tuned for Prop 8......
2 comments:
Thanks for tackling these topics. I think they are important, and I think your points are extremely valid and well articulated. I love hearing and reading from individuals who really own their beliefs, who don't just regurgitate. About the Priesthood, I agree it is the calling of men... until you look to the temple. As I reflect upon the ordinances there, it is very clear to me that the Priesthood is not just a male calling. The Priesthood is not just male or female, it is God's power used on earth, a gift and power for those whom He calls, male and female. I am reading a wonderful book right now called "Women of Covenant" (published by Deseret Book) and it has the remarkable history of the Relief Society. I was surprised to learn about the ability and frequency with which sisters in the gospel used to anoint (yes, with oil) one another and their children to give blessings of healing and comfort... a job we currently associate only with the Priesthood and the Elders.
As for the role of motherhood, it is not just about bearing children and nurturing, nor is nurturing solely a female trait. Why then would our ultimate example of charity, love, compassion, and eternal nurturing in the flesh come from a man, Jesus Christ? I believe gender is eternal. I believe division of labor along gender lines is temporal and mortal, and even regional and cultural. Parents are jointly responsible. I think we both agree on that.
I look forward to your thoughts on homosexuality and the gospel.
Right, I had thought of temple practices but did not feel comfortable discussing them. And you are right about both parents nurturing. I was thinking more that we have each been given jobs to focus on- and that Bearing children has been given to women. I am especially relieved at your words of encouragement. Thanks!
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