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The Priesthood Power of Women: In the Temple, Church, and Family
President Russell M. Nelson recently voiced a concern that “too many of our brothers and sisters do not fully understand the concept of priesthood power and authority. I fear that too many of our brothers and sisters do not grasp the privileges that could be theirs.”
Some are surprised to learn that priesthood authority, privileges, and power apply to women as well as men. On the other hand, many women feel undervalued, voiceless, and marginalized regarding the priesthood. Our limited understanding and frustration often stems from the priesthood being taught too narrowly.
The Priesthood Power of Women relies on the standard works and teachings of the living prophets to help all members, especially women, more fully understand God's power and take full advantage of the powers, blessings, and privileges available to them in this mortal journey by
• clarifying truth regarding the priesthood, for both men and women.
• further expanding our knowledge of the priesthood, and
• strengthening and empowering us as we seek to better fulfill our priesthood responsibilities and make full use of priesthood privileges.
Some are surprised to learn that priesthood authority, privileges, and power apply to women as well as men. On the other hand, many women feel undervalued, voiceless, and marginalized regarding the priesthood. Our limited understanding and frustration often stems from the priesthood being taught too narrowly.
The Priesthood Power of Women relies on the standard works and teachings of the living prophets to help all members, especially women, more fully understand God's power and take full advantage of the powers, blessings, and privileges available to them in this mortal journey by
• clarifying truth regarding the priesthood, for both men and women.
• further expanding our knowledge of the priesthood, and
• strengthening and empowering us as we seek to better fulfill our priesthood responsibilities and make full use of priesthood privileges.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2019
414 people are currently reading
2569 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Morgan Gardner
4 books29 followersBarbara Morgan Gardner is an associate professor of Church history and doctrine at Brigham Young University. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership and foundations and a PhD in instructional psychology, and she did post-doctoral work at Harvard University. She was institute director in Boston, Massachusetts, serving more than 100 universities and colleges in the area and acting as chaplain at Harvard and MIT. She continues to serve as the chaplain-at-large in higher education for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She also serves on the BYU Interfaith Outreach Council. She and her husband, Dustin Gardner, live in Utah.
—from DeseretBook.com
—from DeseretBook.com
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April 17, 2020
This book attempts (and fails) to defend the status quo around the muddled, man-made terms and definitions of priesthood (the breakdown of two forms of "priesthood" Gardner attempts are not scriptural) and their implications for the eternal roles of women and their access to God's power.
I fundamentally disagree with the premise that the hierarchical structure of the ecclesiastical priesthood, as she calls it (i.e. men being called to offices of the priesthood [fellowship] that are organized hierarchically), is God-given and that women can actually hold a sovereign space within it. Gardner fails to acknowledge the underlying definition of "patriarchal" systems and their inherent flaw, namely that at their core, they are systems in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. If we, members of the LDS church, were not organized under a hierarchical structure (and yes, it is possible to organize our church differently to the eternal benefit of all) we would not need continuous gendered conversations clarifying access to God's power and the authority of men and women.
Her purpose seems to be to repackage and normalize patriarchy (men holding power that women are excluded from, largely decision-making power and leadership positions within the Church) within the priesthood structures of the church as they are, simply by claiming that women have always had priesthood authority by virtue of their covenants made in the temple and that we are just not living up to our privileges. Yet, where and how is that authority manifest in the church structure if women, for example, cannot even receive revelation about who to call within their own axillary presidencies without it potentially being overruled by a man above her in station (per the Handbook's guidelines)? And then in the same breath Gardner says that women have claim to priesthood power through their husbands. From page 97: "Elder Charles W. Penrose taught: ‘When a woman is sealed to a man holding the Priesthood, she becomes one with him...The glory and power and dominion that he will exercise when he has the fullness of the Priesthood and becomes ‘a king and a priest unto God,’ she will share with him.’” A woman sharing her husband's power is not the same as her having her own. And didn't we do away with this kind of language in the temple? Women can and should access God's power directly. Forever and always. Imagine if the genders in that quote were reversed.
Gardner fails to give any real specifics as to what authority and power women have access to through covenants in the temple. She simply states that the blessing we have as baptized members of the church will be amplified: increased revelations, power in prayer, power to resist temptation. But those blessings are available to anyone who diligently seeks God and keeps covenants. It is impossible to speak to women's unique power for good and for eternal progression from the lens of patriarchy. Men cannot tell women who they are. Women who prescribe to the roles, regulations, worldviews and language of patriarchy cannot tell women who they are. Women cannot speak as women in a patriarchal system.
There are so many contractions and anachronisms. Gardner claims that "from Adam and Eve throughout the old testament the structure of priesthood government was patriarchal/familial. During the time of Christ and the beginning of the restoration, however, the ecclesiastical or hierarchical structure that we are more familiar with today was introduced." That is entirely false. Moses introduced a "hierarchical" priesthood order to the Israelites when they refused to follow him to the mountain to receive the higher law and told Moses to speak to God for them. The "hierarchal" priesthood of Moses' time was a curse to the Israelites. It is also extremely disingenuous to imply that what little church structure existed in the time of Christ looks anything like what we experience and have created today. She later claims that the "hierarchical/ecclesiastical" and "patriarchal/familial" priesthoods must coexist. So what about the whole span of history, from Adam to Abraham, when she claims only the "patriarchal/familial" priesthood existed? The apologetics are painfully amiss.
It is incredibly disappointing to hear Gardner join men's voices in saying that women just need to study or speak up more or that bishops just need to be more prayerful about how to better utilize women. It’s incredibly disingenuous because the system is literally set up in a way that marginalizes women.
I hope for a time when women can turn to their own intuition and wisdom and direct revelation from God to claim their sovereignty and voice and language within the gospel of Christ. Separate from the cultural and societal influences of patriarchal systems that have caused the abuse and disenfranchisement of so many of God's children. We need a vision of Zion that includes women as sovereign agents, not as appendages of men.
I fundamentally disagree with the premise that the hierarchical structure of the ecclesiastical priesthood, as she calls it (i.e. men being called to offices of the priesthood [fellowship] that are organized hierarchically), is God-given and that women can actually hold a sovereign space within it. Gardner fails to acknowledge the underlying definition of "patriarchal" systems and their inherent flaw, namely that at their core, they are systems in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. If we, members of the LDS church, were not organized under a hierarchical structure (and yes, it is possible to organize our church differently to the eternal benefit of all) we would not need continuous gendered conversations clarifying access to God's power and the authority of men and women.
Her purpose seems to be to repackage and normalize patriarchy (men holding power that women are excluded from, largely decision-making power and leadership positions within the Church) within the priesthood structures of the church as they are, simply by claiming that women have always had priesthood authority by virtue of their covenants made in the temple and that we are just not living up to our privileges. Yet, where and how is that authority manifest in the church structure if women, for example, cannot even receive revelation about who to call within their own axillary presidencies without it potentially being overruled by a man above her in station (per the Handbook's guidelines)? And then in the same breath Gardner says that women have claim to priesthood power through their husbands. From page 97: "Elder Charles W. Penrose taught: ‘When a woman is sealed to a man holding the Priesthood, she becomes one with him...The glory and power and dominion that he will exercise when he has the fullness of the Priesthood and becomes ‘a king and a priest unto God,’ she will share with him.’” A woman sharing her husband's power is not the same as her having her own. And didn't we do away with this kind of language in the temple? Women can and should access God's power directly. Forever and always. Imagine if the genders in that quote were reversed.
Gardner fails to give any real specifics as to what authority and power women have access to through covenants in the temple. She simply states that the blessing we have as baptized members of the church will be amplified: increased revelations, power in prayer, power to resist temptation. But those blessings are available to anyone who diligently seeks God and keeps covenants. It is impossible to speak to women's unique power for good and for eternal progression from the lens of patriarchy. Men cannot tell women who they are. Women who prescribe to the roles, regulations, worldviews and language of patriarchy cannot tell women who they are. Women cannot speak as women in a patriarchal system.
There are so many contractions and anachronisms. Gardner claims that "from Adam and Eve throughout the old testament the structure of priesthood government was patriarchal/familial. During the time of Christ and the beginning of the restoration, however, the ecclesiastical or hierarchical structure that we are more familiar with today was introduced." That is entirely false. Moses introduced a "hierarchical" priesthood order to the Israelites when they refused to follow him to the mountain to receive the higher law and told Moses to speak to God for them. The "hierarchal" priesthood of Moses' time was a curse to the Israelites. It is also extremely disingenuous to imply that what little church structure existed in the time of Christ looks anything like what we experience and have created today. She later claims that the "hierarchical/ecclesiastical" and "patriarchal/familial" priesthoods must coexist. So what about the whole span of history, from Adam to Abraham, when she claims only the "patriarchal/familial" priesthood existed? The apologetics are painfully amiss.
It is incredibly disappointing to hear Gardner join men's voices in saying that women just need to study or speak up more or that bishops just need to be more prayerful about how to better utilize women. It’s incredibly disingenuous because the system is literally set up in a way that marginalizes women.
I hope for a time when women can turn to their own intuition and wisdom and direct revelation from God to claim their sovereignty and voice and language within the gospel of Christ. Separate from the cultural and societal influences of patriarchal systems that have caused the abuse and disenfranchisement of so many of God's children. We need a vision of Zion that includes women as sovereign agents, not as appendages of men.
December 24, 2019
If you can get a copy, this is definitely worth the time. It sold out of its second printing in minutes and the third printing should hit shelves around mid-January. I borrowed a friend's copy and I want to buy one and read it again, so I can highlight and mark up my own copy.
The author helps clarify doctrine that I think many mainstream members of the The Church feel they understand but maybe can't quite put into words. She doesn't reveal anything new, per se, but explains things in a way that rings true. She explains how we often use the term "Priesthood" in a general sense, but there are specific ways of administration that apply in different situations.
It is amazing how the correct wording opens up a little more perspective on a view that has always existed. I have always loved the unique, distinctive roles men and women have and I wholeheartedly believe they are divinely designed to go hand in hand. Great inspiring, uplifting read for men and women, alike.
I reserve the right to post an update after my second reading and group discussion.
The author helps clarify doctrine that I think many mainstream members of the The Church feel they understand but maybe can't quite put into words. She doesn't reveal anything new, per se, but explains things in a way that rings true. She explains how we often use the term "Priesthood" in a general sense, but there are specific ways of administration that apply in different situations.
It is amazing how the correct wording opens up a little more perspective on a view that has always existed. I have always loved the unique, distinctive roles men and women have and I wholeheartedly believe they are divinely designed to go hand in hand. Great inspiring, uplifting read for men and women, alike.
I reserve the right to post an update after my second reading and group discussion.
February 25, 2021
This is an essential read. For what seems like the first time, there is a book on women and the priesthood presented from a doctrinal lense and not an emotional one. This book does an exceptional job laying out what was, to me, a very broad yet adequate coverage of priesthood order, keys, holders, authority, power, and usage and it's implications and rights for both genders. She provides real-world examples of myths and norms that doctrinally do not hold up with regard to women and priesthood authority.
Many will still not find this book adequate. But for me, this was a beautiful and refreshing dive into a topic that Prophets have only really hinted at in recent and former years. This, while not official, is the best, clearest, and most adequate coverage of the topic to date and heavily relies on the words of the scriptures and prophets to garner and support its conclusions. And it's written by a female LDS scholar to boot.
I highly recommend this for every member of the church. It is, again, essential reading. I'll be rereading this myself, with my wife, and my future children for years to come.
Many will still not find this book adequate. But for me, this was a beautiful and refreshing dive into a topic that Prophets have only really hinted at in recent and former years. This, while not official, is the best, clearest, and most adequate coverage of the topic to date and heavily relies on the words of the scriptures and prophets to garner and support its conclusions. And it's written by a female LDS scholar to boot.
I highly recommend this for every member of the church. It is, again, essential reading. I'll be rereading this myself, with my wife, and my future children for years to come.
October 15, 2019
I’m so glad Barbara Morgan Gardner decided to write this book. I’ve never understood certain aspects of the priesthood, especially the difference between familial (or patriarchal) priesthood versus the more visible hierarchical priesthood we see at church.
She has helped me better understand my role in the priesthood, how to gain access to priesthood power, and the role the temple plays in all of this. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It should be required reading for men and women alike.
She has helped me better understand my role in the priesthood, how to gain access to priesthood power, and the role the temple plays in all of this. I would give this book 10 stars if I could. It should be required reading for men and women alike.
February 19, 2020
Fantastic! I plead with every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to read this book. It has been absolutely mind opening and has set my life on a new path of greater understanding of my privileges and blessings as a daughter of God and one who has made sacred covenants with him. The author does a great job weaving her knowledge and research with scripture and the words of modern prophets to help us greater understand the Priesthood and what it means to us as women. And not only what it means to us, but the holy power that it gives us - regardless of our station, martial status, vocation, and parental status. I learned so much and already feel like I need to read it again and again. Highly recommend!
September 23, 2019
This is a must-read for all women (and men) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Sis Gardner masterfully explains, with sources from apostles and prophets, the priesthood power women have based on the covenants they have made that endow them with the power of God. For the first time, I feel that I truly understand what the patriarchal priesthood is and my role in it. It gives hope and understanding to all covenant women in all walks of life. Although the focus is on the priesthood power of women, Sis Gardner also emphasizes the importance of priesthood keys and sustaining the men who hold them. So many insights! This book truly strengthens the depth of my testimony of the priesthood.
February 29, 2020
Truly phenomenal. This books is wonderfully researched and beautifully explained. I thought every part of every chapter was worthwhile. It taught me many things I didn't fully understand and helped me to feel even more secure in my role as a woman. I have not struggled with the question of women and the priesthood but this still book helped me answer questions I didn't even realize I had. It left me feeling entirely empowered, uplifted, and inspired to do more with my divine rights as a woman, wife, and mother, which are all roles that mean a great deal to me.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
April 5, 2021
This book was a big swing and a miss. While I appreciated her break down of the priesthood, she lost me when she began making up her own definitions for the words patriarchal and preside. Then, she heavily implied the opposite of motherhood is priesthood. I was surprised that this book was published in 2019, because we cannot continue to teach women this. The opposite of motherhood is fatherhood. This book tried really hard, but overall it was another pat on women’s heads.
February 7, 2021
Although there were a few elements of this book that genuinely resonated with me, overall I felt it was a 137 page exercise in mental gymnastics. It's exhausting, and I don't have any interest in these kinds of apologetics in my faith journey anymore.
February 13, 2020
I read this book as someone who has a conviction and testimony of women’s ordination. I made it about half way through because it was nails of a chalk board irritation. Dignity only comes with full equality. There was not a whole lot in the first half of the book that was new or had a lot of original thought. . Lots of rules about semantics. Ladies call on your kids to pray whether your husband is there or not, bless your kids if you feel like it. If anything this book highlighted just how marginalized women are in the church and just how much these conversations about authority and hierarchy are not in line with the Savior.
September 17, 2024
I marked it a three because the content is beautiful. I love being a women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I love strong, faithful, God loving women and know they are needed in this world and especially in our homes.
I feel often times these books are a gathering of all the best ideas, quotes and thoughts that other people have given. I have heard many of the analogies, quotes and stories mentioned in this book. All though they are
moving I think it would be rather easy to quote and write statements and words from our Prophets and Apostles and make an amazing book. So of course it will be a great book because it has those truths and the Spirit.
I guess what I’m saying is I would rather read and study different points of view that back up those talks given by our leadership. Fresh new ideas to ponder and study. Different perspectives that align with gospel truths.
I just re-read this book. Wow! I loved it. For some reason the second time around my mind was more open and I had a lot of “ah ha” moments. I am studying it for a trip I am
taking. Maybe I am more invested knowing the author and seeking to learn more about women’s roles and how the Priesthood truly blesses their lives.
I feel often times these books are a gathering of all the best ideas, quotes and thoughts that other people have given. I have heard many of the analogies, quotes and stories mentioned in this book. All though they are
moving I think it would be rather easy to quote and write statements and words from our Prophets and Apostles and make an amazing book. So of course it will be a great book because it has those truths and the Spirit.
I guess what I’m saying is I would rather read and study different points of view that back up those talks given by our leadership. Fresh new ideas to ponder and study. Different perspectives that align with gospel truths.
I just re-read this book. Wow! I loved it. For some reason the second time around my mind was more open and I had a lot of “ah ha” moments. I am studying it for a trip I am
taking. Maybe I am more invested knowing the author and seeking to learn more about women’s roles and how the Priesthood truly blesses their lives.
April 25, 2021
Written like a textbook and stuffed with contradictions. I literally finished this out of spite. 10% educational and 90% infuriating.
November 23, 2021
Informative, but only became spiritual and insightful after further book club discussion.
September 13, 2020
I feel this book should be a “must-read” for both women and men in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I also recommend it for people of other faiths who feel the women in this Church are overlooked or passed over for leadership and ministering opportunities. This is most definitely not the case. I feel it’s especially important to teach the youth these important principles
about both the power and authority of the priesthood, at home and at church.
Note: this book took me a while to get through, only because I am discussing it chapter by chapter in a monthly book club with other women. This approach has been very enlightening and I recommend it!
about both the power and authority of the priesthood, at home and at church.
Note: this book took me a while to get through, only because I am discussing it chapter by chapter in a monthly book club with other women. This approach has been very enlightening and I recommend it!
October 11, 2019
I thought this was really well done. It helped shed some light on some questions I have had for a while. But it also asked and answered many questions that I had never even thought about. I really liked the perspective that she shared and think it is definitely a worthwhile read for men and women in the church.
August 20, 2019
I love this book. The author has a very clear understanding of doctrines surrounding Priesthood. This book has left me wanting to study this subject in depth. I’m reading it again with my husband. We both have found interesting insight to be pondered.
January 28, 2021
The kind of book you want to mark up.
March 13, 2022
Thoughtful, well researched, and empowering.
November 20, 2023
Although I served at the Priesthood Restoration Site, I still want to understand the priesthood and how it’s involved in my life better. I also just recently got set apart as a temple worker for the new Orem temple so I’m trying to find ways to prepare and better understand different relevant gospel topics. I really liked Barbara’s way of empowering women - she uses a lot of examples and stories and talks a lot about equality
March 29, 2020
I just really loved this book. I learned a lot of great things (and for other things it was a great reminder). Definitely one to add to the home library!
Some quotes that I came across from this book that I want to keep for personal reasons:
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." -Mother Teresa
"Motherhood is an eternal part of Priesthood." -John A. Widtsoe
"When the Savior knows that you truly want to reach up to Him, when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life, you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do." - Russell M. Nelson
"Jesus' brief stumbling while carrying the cross is a reminder as to how close to the very edge of our strength God stretches us at times." -Neal A. Maxwell
"Mothering, by contrast, is often quiet, individual, gentle, frequently anonymous, selfless, and with no accolades. It is in the later years, and especially in the eternities, when we will come to understand the full worth of mothers. The leaders of the Church, and especially the Lord, already know." -Barbara Gardner
"Sister Julie B. Beck declared, 'The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.' Regarding this quote, President M. Russell Ballard simply said, 'I agree with her.' "
"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others." -Thomas S. Monson
"To help another human being reach one's celestial potential is part of the divine mission of women. As mother, teacher, or nurturing saint, she molds living clay to the shape of her hopes. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting." -Russell M. Nelson
Some quotes that I came across from this book that I want to keep for personal reasons:
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." -Mother Teresa
"Motherhood is an eternal part of Priesthood." -John A. Widtsoe
"When the Savior knows that you truly want to reach up to Him, when He can feel that the greatest desire of your heart is to draw His power into your life, you will be led by the Holy Ghost to know exactly what you should do." - Russell M. Nelson
"Jesus' brief stumbling while carrying the cross is a reminder as to how close to the very edge of our strength God stretches us at times." -Neal A. Maxwell
"Mothering, by contrast, is often quiet, individual, gentle, frequently anonymous, selfless, and with no accolades. It is in the later years, and especially in the eternities, when we will come to understand the full worth of mothers. The leaders of the Church, and especially the Lord, already know." -Barbara Gardner
"Sister Julie B. Beck declared, 'The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.' Regarding this quote, President M. Russell Ballard simply said, 'I agree with her.' "
"Charity is having patience with someone who has let us down. It is resisting the impulse to become offended easily. It is accepting weaknesses and shortcomings. It is accepting people as they truly are. It is looking beyond physical appearances to attributes that will not dim through time. It is resisting the impulse to categorize others." -Thomas S. Monson
"To help another human being reach one's celestial potential is part of the divine mission of women. As mother, teacher, or nurturing saint, she molds living clay to the shape of her hopes. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting." -Russell M. Nelson
July 15, 2021
This took me almost a year to finish. Written like a college textbook so it’s a little dry. It presents a definition of the priesthood by framing it in terms of the structure of the family vs the structure of the church. And then breaks down many of the nuances of it all.
I found more inspiration from the Two Trees Theory but I found this to be an interesting compilation of church leader’s quotes. I would like to find more pieces that discuss women’s sovereignty and distinct divine nature apart from men. At the end of the day, I find women’s insights on the power of women more impactful than men’s insights, which is what most of this book consists of.
“What might happen if we focused more on the patriarchal/familial structure of the priesthood rather than on the hierarchical/ecclesiastical system when discussing the priesthood...?”
I found more inspiration from the Two Trees Theory but I found this to be an interesting compilation of church leader’s quotes. I would like to find more pieces that discuss women’s sovereignty and distinct divine nature apart from men. At the end of the day, I find women’s insights on the power of women more impactful than men’s insights, which is what most of this book consists of.
“What might happen if we focused more on the patriarchal/familial structure of the priesthood rather than on the hierarchical/ecclesiastical system when discussing the priesthood...?”
July 7, 2021
3.5 Stars. Barbara Morgan Gardner's book about Priesthood Power is really written for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She focuses on the hierarchical priesthood and the familial priesthood powers. It's interesting to hear her perspective on these concepts and how they function practically within the Church...or how she thinks they should function. I enjoyed many of her comments regarding the Priesthood Power available to women in the temple and in daily life.
Also, I was very inspired by a story that she told of a woman who was inspired to save dogs, and ultimately saved twin girls whom she then raised as part of her family. It was a great example of preisthood power and personal revelation.
Also, I was very inspired by a story that she told of a woman who was inspired to save dogs, and ultimately saved twin girls whom she then raised as part of her family. It was a great example of preisthood power and personal revelation.
April 25, 2021
This was one of THE BEST books I have ever read, and will review OFTEN. The tone of this book is positive, tactful, and INSPIRING. For many years I have had puzzle pieces -regarding the Priesthood-floating around in my mind... and this book brought all those pieces together into a beautiful picture. I know my place now, more than ever before! I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this book to Latter-Day Saint women AND men.
December 28, 2024
4.5 stars. “Oh there is so much more that your Father in Heaven wants you to know.”-President Nelson. What a beautiful book on the priesthood power of women to help expand my understanding on ecclesiastical/hierarchical priesthood & familial/patriarchal priesthood and my role as a woman. There are beautiful and expansive explanations that are important for both men and women to understand. This book inspired me to more earnestly seek to live up to my privileges and to continue to study to increase my understanding of my priesthood power.
Quotes:
"Over the history of the earth, the Lord has used two primary structures, frameworks, or governments in which the priesthood is administered, hierarchical/ecclesiastical and patriarchal/familial. During the time of Adam and Eve and throughout the Old Testament, the structure of priesthood government was patriarchal/familial. During the time of Christ, the ecclesiastical or hierarchical structure was introduced. The hierarchical structure governs the priesthood used primarily in church and is thus more public. The patriarchal/familial structure is used primarily in the more private and sacred settings of the temple and home.”
-“To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe.” -Maxwell
-To learn more about the priesthood study D&C sections 2, 13, 20, 76, 84, 86, 95, 107, 110, 112, 121, 124, 131, 132
-“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised if thou shalt seek thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable, that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” President Nelson
-Two primary frameworks in which the priesthood is administered: hierarchical/ecclesiastical and patriarchal/familial (temple)
-priesthood is the power of God to be used to help God’s children return to Him and become like Him
-“This glorious vision of life hereafter is given radiant warmth by the thought that we shall find a mother who possesses the attributes of Godhood.” - John A. Widtsoe
-“When you stand in front of your Heavenly Parents in those royal courts on high and you look into her eyes and behold her countenance, any question you’ve ever had about your role of women in the kingdom will evaporate into the rich celestial air because at that moment you will see standing directly in front of you your divine nature and destiny.” -Glen L. Pace
-“How does the Aaronic priesthood hold the key to the ministering of angels? Through the Aaronic priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ. So it is that those who hold the Aaronic priesthood open the door for all church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels. ” Dallin H. Oaks
-“The more we develop Christlike attributes such as faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity, obedience, and diligence, then the greater will be our priesthood power.” President Nelson
-“One sister may be inspired to continue her education and attend medical school, allowing her to have significant impact on her patients and to advance medical research. For another sister, inspiration may lead her to forgo a scholarship to a prestigious institution and instead begin a family much earlier than has become common in this generation, allowing her to make a significant and eternal impact on her children now. Is it possible for two similarly faithful women to receive such different responses to the same basic question? Absolutely. What’s right for one woman may not be right for another.” -President Ballard
-Wendy Nelson and Kristen Oaks both have PhDs and were both university professors; their deceased wives Danzel Nelson and June Oaks were not; Danzel gave up a scholarship to Julliard but still sang in the tabernacle choir while raising 10 children; Ruth Renlund worked full-time as a successful attorney while her husband was a heart surgeon. They both fulfilled significant callings, raised a daughter, supported each other, and kept their covenants. Leaders with a diversity of cultures, marital status, views, and employment experiences
-“Latter-day Saint women have greater and higher privileges than any other females upon the face of the earth.” Eliza R. Snow; “This is because the temple gives Latter-day Saint women spiritual privileges no other women on earth may claim.” -Sheri Dew
-“In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments, while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to.” Spencer W. Kimball
Quotes:
"Over the history of the earth, the Lord has used two primary structures, frameworks, or governments in which the priesthood is administered, hierarchical/ecclesiastical and patriarchal/familial. During the time of Adam and Eve and throughout the Old Testament, the structure of priesthood government was patriarchal/familial. During the time of Christ, the ecclesiastical or hierarchical structure was introduced. The hierarchical structure governs the priesthood used primarily in church and is thus more public. The patriarchal/familial structure is used primarily in the more private and sacred settings of the temple and home.”
-“To those who have eyes to see and ears to hear, it is clear that the Father and the Son are giving away the secrets of the universe.” -Maxwell
-To learn more about the priesthood study D&C sections 2, 13, 20, 76, 84, 86, 95, 107, 110, 112, 121, 124, 131, 132
-“I urge you to stretch beyond your current spiritual ability to receive personal revelation, for the Lord has promised if thou shalt seek thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable, that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” President Nelson
-Two primary frameworks in which the priesthood is administered: hierarchical/ecclesiastical and patriarchal/familial (temple)
-priesthood is the power of God to be used to help God’s children return to Him and become like Him
-“This glorious vision of life hereafter is given radiant warmth by the thought that we shall find a mother who possesses the attributes of Godhood.” - John A. Widtsoe
-“When you stand in front of your Heavenly Parents in those royal courts on high and you look into her eyes and behold her countenance, any question you’ve ever had about your role of women in the kingdom will evaporate into the rich celestial air because at that moment you will see standing directly in front of you your divine nature and destiny.” -Glen L. Pace
-“How does the Aaronic priesthood hold the key to the ministering of angels? Through the Aaronic priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, wherefore they speak the words of Christ. So it is that those who hold the Aaronic priesthood open the door for all church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels. ” Dallin H. Oaks
-“The more we develop Christlike attributes such as faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity, obedience, and diligence, then the greater will be our priesthood power.” President Nelson
-“One sister may be inspired to continue her education and attend medical school, allowing her to have significant impact on her patients and to advance medical research. For another sister, inspiration may lead her to forgo a scholarship to a prestigious institution and instead begin a family much earlier than has become common in this generation, allowing her to make a significant and eternal impact on her children now. Is it possible for two similarly faithful women to receive such different responses to the same basic question? Absolutely. What’s right for one woman may not be right for another.” -President Ballard
-Wendy Nelson and Kristen Oaks both have PhDs and were both university professors; their deceased wives Danzel Nelson and June Oaks were not; Danzel gave up a scholarship to Julliard but still sang in the tabernacle choir while raising 10 children; Ruth Renlund worked full-time as a successful attorney while her husband was a heart surgeon. They both fulfilled significant callings, raised a daughter, supported each other, and kept their covenants. Leaders with a diversity of cultures, marital status, views, and employment experiences
-“Latter-day Saint women have greater and higher privileges than any other females upon the face of the earth.” Eliza R. Snow; “This is because the temple gives Latter-day Saint women spiritual privileges no other women on earth may claim.” -Sheri Dew
-“In the world before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments, while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to.” Spencer W. Kimball
July 31, 2021
Such a great resource! I took so many notes and will need to get the physical book so I can take even more notes! She has such a great way of presenting information about the priesthood. A topic that has mystified so many particularly when applied to women. She did her research!
April 2, 2023
I have always had issues with how to reconcile men having a priesthood and women not allowed to have it in the church. This book was so good and explaining how the priesthood and women fit in an interconnected program. Gardner explains the priesthood as having to separate but equal Lee important part. The first is the patriarchal priesthood, or the priesthood that is exercised in families. She explains how women participate fully in that priesthood. The other type of priesthood is what she calls hierarchal. This is the priest that has responsibility of the governing keys, etc. I strongly recommend this book.
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January 14, 2026I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the priesthood. This book is obviously geared towards women, but men will also learn a lot by reading. It’s helped me gain a much broader understanding of the priesthood and a woman’s essential role in it.
February 3, 2021
A short but impactful read. Taught me a lot of stuff I thought I knew, but now it makes much more sense. Great personal stories as well.
June 19, 2024
Amazing. Beautiful. So much to think about. So much spiritual privilege and power to attain. Eye opening. Educational. Just wonderful. I love being a woman! God loves me and has so much in store for me!!
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