https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/category/teachings-bible-images?lang=eng&start=1&end=40&order= love this picture of Christ leading by serving
A Jewish friend commented on my last post about the place of women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "As far as the place of women in religious life, I know of no religion that doesn't have a bunch of excuses about why women are not allowed into the priesthood, etc. Religion has an age old history of being male dominated." She also explains how women are kept out of important positions in their Jewish Temple.
This is my reply to her.
It truly is scary some of the things people do and then try and excuse their behavior by saying it is "religious". Men have often claimed a "right" from God to subjugate women. I believe that they will be held accountable for their unrighteous actions.
As modern day scripture explains:
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. (D&C 121 verse 39)
Instead the Lord has his own way of doing things, and they are not man's ways.
For example, our bishops have administrative responsibilities for a ward (congregation). Bishops are volunteers who serve the people in their area. They give many hours of their time (usually after a long day at work) to visit the sick, provide counseling, preside at meetings, and work with the young men. They do not issue orders to anyone. They do not "run" the ward. A council comprised of the volunteer ward leaders (some of whom are women) make up this governing council. Men and women lead through serving the people they are responsible for, such as: the women, the children, the young women, the young men, and the men.
We, including women, all serve through the power of God, which is Priesthood power. Women are complete equals with men, receiving the same ordinances in the temple, making the same covenants, and even administering ordinances in the temple.
Men are given specific responsibilities to serve and thus given the opportunity to grow in love, but they have no right to order or dominate anyone. In fact, a man could be excommunicated if he is abusive to his family, or others, in any way.
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. (D&C 121 verse 39)
Instead the Lord has his own way of doing things, and they are not man's ways.
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile— (D&C 121 verses 41 and 42)
This is why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a hierarchal organization of power, but a means of giving service to others.For example, our bishops have administrative responsibilities for a ward (congregation). Bishops are volunteers who serve the people in their area. They give many hours of their time (usually after a long day at work) to visit the sick, provide counseling, preside at meetings, and work with the young men. They do not issue orders to anyone. They do not "run" the ward. A council comprised of the volunteer ward leaders (some of whom are women) make up this governing council. Men and women lead through serving the people they are responsible for, such as: the women, the children, the young women, the young men, and the men.
We, including women, all serve through the power of God, which is Priesthood power. Women are complete equals with men, receiving the same ordinances in the temple, making the same covenants, and even administering ordinances in the temple.
Men are given specific responsibilities to serve and thus given the opportunity to grow in love, but they have no right to order or dominate anyone. In fact, a man could be excommunicated if he is abusive to his family, or others, in any way.
This is from our modern day revelations:
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. (see Doctrine and Covenants 121 for more)
I agree that men don't have a very stellar record when it comes to using power. It is simply too tempting for most people. The Savior avoided this temptation by submitting to His Father's will. When we follow the Lord's plan and trust in His wisdom, instead of our own, there will not be an abuse of power, but as we serve each other, there will be great love and happiness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. (see Doctrine and Covenants 121 for more)
I agree that men don't have a very stellar record when it comes to using power. It is simply too tempting for most people. The Savior avoided this temptation by submitting to His Father's will. When we follow the Lord's plan and trust in His wisdom, instead of our own, there will not be an abuse of power, but as we serve each other, there will be great love and happiness.
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