Church Doctrine on Gender, Priesthood, and Family Roles

Elder Ballard's teachings on the relationship of men, women, and the priesthood, The role of gender in the organization of the church

The Lord has not revealed why he has organized his church as he has.

Why are men ordained to priesthood offices and not women? President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that it was the Lord, not man, "who designated that men in His Church should hold the priesthood" and that it was also the Lord who endowed women with "capabilities to round out this great and marvelous organization, which is the Church and kingdom of God" ("Women of the Church," Ensign, November 1996, 70). When all is said and done, the Lord has not revealed why He has organized His Church as He has.

Different Gifts, equal importance, M. Russell Ballard, "Let Us Think Straight," BYU Speeches, August 30, 2013

No gender is greater than one or the other responsibilities differ but do not in importance and influence

Men and women are equal in God's eyes and in the eyes of the Church, but equal does not mean, brothers and sisters, that they are the same. The responsibilities and divine gifts of men and women differ in their nature but not in their importance or influence. Our Church doctrine places women equal to and yet different from men. God does not regard either gender as better or more important than the other.

Access to the Priesthood, Ballard

they are both endowed with the same power, which by definition is priesthood power. While the authority of the priesthood is directed through priesthood keys, and priesthood keys are held only by worthy men, access to the power and the blessings of the priesthood is available to all of God's children.

Teachings on the orders of the priesthood and how they relate to men and women

It's not something just for men in the church.

Priesthood and endowment both men and women are endowed with the same power but different roles, both have access to the same power just differs from how its used and authorized in the church

President Eyring's counsel on families and the plan of God, Individuality and the divine Plan

No two families are alike but how that family can receive exaltation that is the same, everyone is unique but equal at the same time

Heavenly Father has made each of us unique. No two of us have exactly the same experiences. No two families are alike. So it is not surprising that advice about how to choose happiness in family life is hard to give. Yet a loving Heavenly Father has set the same path to happiness for all of His children. Whatever our personal characteristics or whatever will be our experiences, there is but one plan of happiness. That plan is to follow all the commandments of God.

Elder Bednar's teachings on the importance of gender, David A. Bednar, "Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan," Liahona, June 2006, 51; Ensign, June 2006, 83).

Essential part of our identity and we need both because they build on each other

[Gender] in large measure defines who we are, why we are here upon the earth, and what we are to do and become. For divine purposes, male and female spirits are different, distinctive, and complementary. ... The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females were needed to implement the plan of happiness.

Family Proclamation on the role of women within the family

Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children

D&C 25 to emma smith - talking about Emma's role in the church. Direct revelation to her given to Joseph and first lady in the church basically. She plays a very important role.

Teaches principles of how it should be done, but if there are other circumstances that's okay too. Its a counsel with God and how it should work for you.

Quientin L Cook, Women and their choices

These are very emotional, personal decisions, but there are two principles that we should always keep in mind. First, no woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children. Nothing could be more significant in our Father in Heaven's plan.

Second, we should all be careful not to be judgmental or assume that sisters are less valiant if the decision is made to work outside the home. We rarely understand or fully appreciate people's circumstances. Husbands and wives should prayerfully counsel together, understanding they are accountable to God for their decisions.

Bonnie L. Oscarson - Three vital truths about the divine role of women

Women are essential participants in God's work

Women have a divine nature and destiny

Women can change the world through righteous influence

D. Todd Christofferson's three cautions about the moral influence of women

Undermining the role of a woman who chooses to stay home and take care of her children

Same is true of sexual immorality and of revealing dress that not only debases women but reinforces the lie that a woman's sexuality is what defines her worth

Erase the line between men and women. We don't want to blur the line and erase it, both have gifts that are unique and needed from each

Henry Eyring says a possibility is the capacity to Love, the need to nuture

"While I do not know all the Lord's reasons for giving primary responsibility for nurturing in the family to faithful sisters, I believe it has to do with your capacity to love . . . It takes great love to feel the needs of someone else more than your own. That is the pure love of Christ for the person you nurture."

Family Proclamation on the role of men within the family

Fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families.

Counsel from Church leaders and the scriptures on the role of a presiding officer Howard W huneter

Express regularly to your wife and children your reverence and respect for her.

"You should regularly express to your wife and children your reverence and respect for her. Indeed, one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother."

DC 20, 48, 107, 121 Uchtdorf

Owners manual of the priesthood

Elder D. Todd Christofferson on the roles of a father in a family

Work is a sacred thing and providing for family. Work and family are overlapping domains.

Breadwinning is a consecrated activity. Providing for one's family, although it generally requires time away from the family, is not inconsistent with fatherhood—it is the essence of being a good father. "Work and family are overlapping domains." This, of course, does not justify a man who neglects his family for his career or, at the other extreme, one who will not exert himself and is content to shift his responsibility to others.

Church standards on same-sex attraction

Law of chastity applies to either

God doesn't restrict them but the law still stands

Doesnt have a position of why and how

Church position on LGBT rights

Love and treat them with kindness as the savior would. Shouldn't infringe on the rights of the family

Counsel to people who experience same-sex attraction within the Church Jeffery R holland, A dialogue on Same sex attraction

Its okay, keep the commandments and youre doing great and can still have fellowship even though there's no say as to why youre that way

"'As for why you feel as you do, I can't answer that question. A number of factors may be involved, and they can be as different as people are different. Some things, including the cause of your feelings, we may never know in this life. But knowing why you feel as you do isn't as important as knowing you have not transgressed. If your life is in harmony with the commandments, then you are worthy to serve in the Church, enjoy full fellowship with the members, attend the temple, and receive all the blessings of the Savior's Atonement.'

Teachings of Church leaders on the cause of same-sex attraction

Dont know exactly why. No say as to any reason that happens

Teachings of the Church on transgender individuals

Trans can partake in ordinances that are not tied directly to gender can partake (only like baptism and sacrament and stuff)

Church teachings concerning divorce and the best way to avoid a divorce,

especially counsel and teaching from Elder Oaks concerning divorce

Christ's time only time divorce is okay is adultery, today if it is worse to continue the marriage rather than end it it can be considered.

It is not a resolution of conflict it can lead to even worse

Avoid divorce by avoiding marrying the wrong person lol

The church teaching concerning divorce

Divorce is of course undesirable

During Christ's time, it was only ever caused due to infidelity

In our time, if continuing the marriage is a worse alternative, it may be time to consider a divorce

Dallin H Oaks, cometmplating marriage and divorce

Divorce is not an all-purpose solution, and it often creates long-term heartache. A broad-based international study of the levels of happiness before and after "major life events" found that, on average, persons are far more successful in recovering their level of happiness after the death of a spouse than after a divorce. Spouses who hope that divorce will resolve conflicts often find that it aggravates them, since the complexities that follow divorce--especially where there are children--generate new conflicts.

The best way to avoid divorce from an unfaithful, abusive, or unsupportive spouse is to avoid marriage to such a person. If you wish to marry well, inquire well.

Fiancés should learn everything they can about the families with whom they will soon be joined in marriage. In all of this, we should realize that a good marriage does not require a perfect man or a perfect woman. It only requires a man and a woman committed to strive together toward perfection.

Jeffrey R. Holland's teaching concerning depression and mental illnesses

Seek spiritual help, but also real life help.

Everybody can come to the savior.

If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles. Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. So too with emotional disorders. Our Father in Heaven expects us to use all of the marvelous gifts He has provided in this glorious dispensation.

Howard W. Hunter's invitations to single, divorced, and widowed Church members

Talks about his personal experience how you still can receive all the blessing no matter your standing

his is the church of Jesus Christ, not the church of marrieds or singles or any other group or individual. The gospel we preach is the gospel of Jesus Christ, which encompasses all the saving ordinances and covenants necessary to save and exalt every individual who is willing to accept Christ and keep the commandments that he and our Father in Heaven have given.

No blessing, including that of eternal marriage and an eternal family, will be denied to any worthy individual. While it may take somewhat longer--perhaps even beyond this mortal life for some to achieve this blessing, it will not be denied.

Eternal Covenants and Ordinances, President Nelson concern about priesthood

I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs. Some of our brethren, for example, act like they do not understand what the priesthood is and what it enables them to do. Let me give you some specific examples.

Not long ago, I attended a sacrament meeting in which a new baby was to be given a name and a father's blessing. The young father held his precious infant in his arms, gave her a name, and then offered a beautiful prayer. But he did not give that child a blessing. That sweet baby girl got a name but no blessing! That dear elder did not know the difference between a prayer and a priesthood blessing. With his priesthood authority and power, he could have blessed his infant, but he did not. I thought, "What a missed opportunity!".

What is a saving ordinance? What makes it a saving ordinance and how is it different from other ordinances sanctioned by the Church?

Covenant is a sacred promise w God and that He fixes the terms

Ordinance is the action tied to making the covenant

Saving ordinances

Baptism

Holy ghost

Conferral of Melchizedek priesthood

Temple Endowment

Temple Sealing

(All that are for the dead in the temple)

President Nelson's definitions of covenants and ordinances and concerns over our understand of how to give blessings

Baby blessing saying prayer and not a blessing and stake president and stuff have responsibility to make sure and individuals should know how to give blessings.

Stake presidents and bishops, please ensure that every member of the quorums within your stewardship understands how to give a priesthood blessing--including the personal worthiness and spiritual preparation required to call fully upon the power of God.

One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant. In legal language, a covenant generally denotes an agreement between two or more parties. But in a religious context, a covenant is much more significant. It is a sacred promise with God. He fixes the terms. Each person may choose to accept those terms. If one accepts the terms of the covenant and obeys God's law, he or she receives the blessings associated with the covenant. We know that "when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."

Outline of blessings of the Abrahamic covenant

Jesus born through his lineage

Posterity would be numerous

Father of many nations

Lands inherited by his posterity

All nations blessed by his seed

Covenant will be everlasting even through a thousand generations

Teachings about eternal marriage in Doctrine & Covenants 131-132, meaning of the Holy Spirit of Promise

Sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise

Come forth in the first resurrection

Inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, powers, dominions, all heights and depths.

In full force when they are out of the world.

"They shall be gods, because they have no end"

D&C 132: 19-20

David Bednar Sealed by the holy spirit promise

"The Holy Spirit of Promise is the ratifying power of the Holy Ghost. When sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, an ordinance, vow, or covenant is binding on earth and in heaven. (See D&C 132:7.) Receiving this 'stamp of approval' from the Holy Ghost is the result of faithfulness, integrity, and steadfastness in honoring gospel covenants 'in [the] process of time' (Moses 7:21). However, this sealing can be forfeited through unrighteousness and transgression.

"Purifying and sealing by the Holy Spirit of Promise constitute the culminating steps in the process of being born again."

Questions about sealing, handbooks 1:3.6.2

Members who have concerns about the eternal nature of such relationships can find peace in the knowledge that Heavenly Father is loving and just. He will ensure that eternal family relationships will be fair and right for all who keep their covenants.

Structure of ancient temples (Tabernacle of Moses, Temple of Solomon)

Outer courtyard, holy place, holy of holies.

Symbolism of temple ordinances, clothing, and practices

Symbolize the atonement and Jesus

Clothing represents sacred covenants. Reminder of covenants and shield of protection

Endowment is to prepare you to be back in His presence

"The garment represents sacred covenants. It fosters modesty and becomes a shield and protection to the wearer. ... The garment, covering the body, is a visual and tactile reminder of [covenants made in the temple]. For many Church members the garment has formed a barrier of protection when the wearer has been faced with temptation. Among other things it symbolizes our deep respect for the laws of God--among them the moral standard"

Counsel on how to get the most out of temple worship

Truly is the house of the lord on the earth. Closest to God.

Protection from covenants.

Difference between those who consistently go and receive blessings in the temple

What sacred covenants symbolize - Russell M. Nelson

"Essential ordinances of the gospel symbolize the Atonement. Baptism by immersion is symbolic of the death, burial, and Resurrection of the Redeemer. Partaking of the sacrament renews baptismal covenants and also renews our memory of the Savior's broken flesh and of the blood He shed for us. Ordinances of the temple symbolize our reconciliation with the Lord and seal families together forever"

Purpose of the endowment, President brigham young

"Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the house of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father ... and gain your eternal exaltation."

Lessons from the Temple Presidents, David A. Bednar

As I listened to their answers, I discovered a consistent theme that I would summarize as follows: "I have come to understand better the protection available through our temple covenants and what it means to make an acceptable offering of temple worship. There is a difference between church-attending, tithe-paying members who occasionally rush into the temple to go through a session and those members who faithfully and consistently worship in the temple."

The temple is the point of intersection between heaven and earth. In this sacred place, holy work will be performed through selfless service and love. The temple reminds me of all that is good and beautiful in the world.

Church teachings about "soulmates" President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985

There are not soulmates

taught: "'Soul mates' are fiction and an illusion; and while every young man and young woman will seek with all diligence and prayerfulness to find a mate with whom life can be most compatible and beautiful, yet it is certain that almost any good man and any good woman can have happiness and a successful marriage if both are willing to pay the price."

Marvin J. Ashton, "Family Communication," Ensign, May 1976, 52.

Communication is sharing feelings and emotions and working together

Delaying marriage. Thomas S. Monsoon

I realize there are many reasons why you may be hesitating to take that step of getting married. If you are concerned about providing financially for a wife and family, may I assure you that there is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save. It is generally during these challenging times that you will grow closer together as you learn to sacrifice and to make difficult decisions. Perhaps you are afraid of making the wrong choice. To this I say that you need to exercise faith. Find someone with whom you can be compatible. Realize that you will not be able to anticipate every challenge which may arise, but be assured that almost anything can be worked out if you are resourceful and if you are committed to making your marriage work.

Three "P's" that make an official date

Planned out, paid for, paired off

Contrast between "hanging out," "dating," and "courtship"

Courtship is exclusively dating with the possibility of and preparation towards marriage

Robert D Halesa

"Dating and marriage aren't final destinations. They are the gateway to where you ultimately want to go.