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Gender Roles in the Church

photo by Dominik Gwarek

I have been gearing up for a post about the Ordain Women Movement, but this blogger beat me to it and did a great job. Plus, I love her style!

"Mormonism, Feminism, and Being Snarky"

I also encourage you to join the Facebook group Mormon Women Stand. The admins post powerful quotes and talks and invite discussion about gospel truths.

Just some points to remember about women and men:
  • Men are not better than women, and women are not better than men. Neither is superior over the other. We are simply different.
  • We are incomplete without each other (1 Corinthians 11:11). We are supposed to become one, like two halves of a puzzle fitting together to complete a beautiful picture (Genesis 2:24).
  • We were given different innate qualities and different opportunities to develop those qualities. However, both men and women are supposed to develop all the qualities of Christ (3 Nephi 27:27).
  • We share the most important role we can be given: parenthood. For we are here to become like God, and God is a Father. Therefore, we are preparing to become eternal parents like Him. 
  • Men are not the priesthood and should not be referred to as such. They are priesthood holders or bearers. The priesthood is the power of God.
  • Women can act in God's name and perform miracles through faith, prayer and fasting, and obedience.
  • Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, "We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties."
  • Instead of focusing on what we think we lack, let us focus on improving what we have (Alma 12:9-10, 2 Nephi 28:30-31, Matthew 25:14-30). Let us magnify the callings with which we have been blessed.
Discussion: Are there any questions or concerns you have about gender and Church doctrine or practices?
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Comments

DAD said…
wrong - I am better than you when it comes to bad jokes!
June 26, 2014 at 12:27 AM
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