Not the Same, But Irrevocably Equal

In a recent post over at my favorite topic fodder blog, a conversation about women and the priesthood ensued. Unfortunately, I feel a few things were discussed which were not appropriate for an open forum, but a few thoughts came to my mind that I thought worth copying over here.

One commenter claimed that the issues of women not holding the priesthood are important to discuss because many women are leaving the church over them. Although it is true, that many leave the church over these issues, it is also true that many who question the same issues do not leave. I can’t say what is right or wrong for individuals, but I don’t believe that membership at all costs is the end goal of the Church. I don't think that the Church should have to change their policies merely because some people want it that way.

Certain challenges have always been posed to those who profess to want to follow Christ. Whether it is the challenge of leaving their livelihood or that of public shame and ridicule, or even that of giving up a treasured hope while watching your Lord and Master die, great things have always been required of the disciples of Christ. If a person gains a testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel, but allows a feeling of inequality to supersede that testimony, that is their choice. Being, as the commenter stated, “tired of feeling like a second-class citizen” is not in the end enough for some to turn their back on things they know to be true. I feel that being a second-class citizen - a server rather than a wielder of power - is part of the point of the Gospel. I personally believe that true power can only be found when a person paradoxically first abases and humbles oneself. Those who have discovered this power have been blessed beyond their wildest hopes because of that. All they can then do is testify to the beauty of patience and trust.

Though I hurt and feel for those going through these things (I have endured and am going through some also), it is important to understand that truth is not always comfortable when we are learning it, but we have been promised glory if we endure it well.

Another commenter began preaching that women already hold the priesthood in the temple. Although I agree with those teachings on some points, others divert from what I have found to be true. Either way, I don't feel it is appropriate to teach things we have been taught by the Spirit on a one-to-one basis. The very willingness of people to teach these things to others in this way seems to indicate to me that they are not directed by the Spirit. I don't think the Spirit would bypass the law and order God has put in place.

I don’t believe that all truths are for all people at all times. That is why the Lord said through Nephi, Isaiah and Joseph that he teaches line upon line, and light is added to light. There are reasons certain doctrines have not been revealed to the body of the Church. I don’t think it is up to me to suddenly decide to teach things I have been taught by the Spirit if they are not taught by those called to teach them (prophets), even if they are true. There is a danger that I am building up my own truth, rather than warming myself at the fire of the Lord's knowledge. It requires humility to wait and humility to realize that it is not my place.

What is more, the allegation that women hold the priesthood in the temple is not true. Though John Taylor has stated “Do they [women] hold the priesthood? Yes, in connection with their husbands and they are one with their husbands, but the husband is the head,” it is not correct to say that women hold the priesthood in the sense that men hold it. Women may perform certain priesthood functions at certain times and places, but it is always under the direction and delegation of a man who does hold the priesthood. To clarify, the priesthood is the power and authority to act as a representative of God on the earth. A woman is not ordained to this priesthood.

I don’t believe that women have to hold the priesthood to be equal before the Lord. I feel the priesthood is a calling, a special calling, to be sure, but a calling. Those called and ordained as Apostles are valued no more than those serving as nursery leaders or “mere” visiting or home teachers their whole lives. That is part of what the parable of the talents teaches us. It does not matter what callings we are given, only what we do with them. That is one of the ways my interpretation of this commenter's quotes differs from those who believe that women already hold the priesthood. I do not feel that holding the priesthood is synonymous with having all the power of God.

I also feel that for now the seeming inequality of men holding the priesthood is important for many to learn the true meaning of equality. Christ has taught us in these and similar parables that equality is not something that can be given or taken away. It only is. We are all equal, and any attempts to convince us otherwise, or to tell us that things need to change for us to be equal, comes from the Adversary. The Adversary is a master of quotes and scriptures, all the time diverting us ever-so-slightly from God’s truth. That is how he tempted Eve. We must be willing to wait upon God’s time and trust that He will teach us - and the body of the Church - at a time and in a way that is right.