Just finished reading Patriarchs and Politics by Marilyn Warenski. She is an inactive Mormon, and (sadly) her research for this book was the main factor that caused her inactivity. To be fair to her, in her preface she writes, "Still, it is not in my intention to try to convert Mormon women to feminism, nor do I have any interest in instigating a movement toward changing the status of women in the Mormon Church... Nevertheless, if the majority of Mormon women are functioning happily within the system, I have no vested interest in attempting to change that condition. On the other hand, for the many Mormon women who are in personal conflict with the LDS position on women and for those women who feel confined by other patriarchies as well, I hope that this study can be of value."
Her main thesis is this: Even though the "Gentile" really have no right to interfere or persecute us for our religion, we need to "wake" these Mormon women up and make them realize that the patriarchy leadership has oppressed us to the point where we are blinded and brainwashed, and think that everything they say is right.
Before we get into some huge debate about who's right, please remember the "Quote of the Week." Also, these answers are my own private opinions, and do not represent the official viewpoints of the Church. I do not mean to offend people, but I think I have a right to defend my religion and I hope that I have done so as tactfully as possible.
Now, addressing accusation #1:
Feminist are always riling on the Church for "oppressing" their women. One of their main concerns is that women are not allowed to hold the priesthood.
Do you understand the purpose of the priesthood? Do you know what it is used for? Do you understand the responsibilities and duties that come with the priesthood? These men that hold the priesthood are not paid for carrying out their duties. They minister to the members for free,
on top of their work and normal husband/ father duties.
Elder Quentin L. Cook related that he once had a discussion with a non-Mormon who stated flatly that her interest in learning more about the Church "had diminished significantly" because she didn't believe that women needed any more unpaid jobs. If people understood that the duties and responsibilities related to the priesthood are
all unpaid, that means that women who hold the priesthood will also be unpaid. Is this what you want for women?
Christ held the priesthood, but really, how did he use it? He didn't use it to drive the Romans or apostate Jews out. Instead, he used his priesthood power to heal the sick, to clothe the naked, to feed the hungry, and to calm the sea. Even during His deepest hour of anguish in Gethsemane and on the cross, He never once used this infinite power to smite the people who were persecuting Him. This is the real power of the priesthood.
The priesthood is not used simply for authoritative purposes. One of our scriptural cannons, the Doctrine and Covenants, specifically talks about abusing the priesthood. It states, "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 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 man." (D&C 121:37). The power of the priesthood can be taken away by God for using his powers unwisely.
Accusation #2: The Brethren of the Church have brainwashed us into submission, or the women are so delusional that we cannot recognize our oppression. My question then, is,
why do the Brethren of the Church encourage the women to gain an education then? There are more women graduating from BYU than men. If the Brethren are determined to keep us in oppression, shouldn't they highly encourage the women to stop pursuing an education? How do you resolve this paradox?
Accusation #3:
In chapter 9 "Unmarried in a Married Church" the author writes about how single women are especially targeted by Church leaders, and made to feel second-class for being single.
I was shocked however, that she did not mention
anything about our belief in the next life, not even a casual one liner. That really bugged me. As important as the doctrine of marriage is in the Church,
what is even more important is our belief in a just and fair God who wants all His children to be happy. If some single women do not have the opportunity to marry in this life, God will compensate for it in the next, if they remain faithful. I think understanding this principle is more important than debating whether or not the Church is keeping their single women in bondage (or not). Why is life so unfair? I don't know. But I guess this is where faith enters, and you just have to trust that God knows your capabilities, and
how you can reach your fullest potential in this life, even if the path is lonely.
As creepy as this sounds, this is a fantastic book. Well, can't expecting anything less from something printed by Oxford University Press, right? ;)
