On Inequality in the Church

I’ve been watching the debating and arguing over the ordain women, girls go to priesthood session, and things, from the sidelines. I know I’m not the only one watching, so I wrote this for those still trying to decide what they think on the matter.

 The more I watch, the more I’m reminded of some Book of Mormon stories.   

In 3 Nephi 27:3-5 Jesus Christ finds His disciples disputing about something. The disciples ask Christ, “Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.” Jesus answered, “Why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing? Have they not read the scriptures?”

In 1 Nephi 15:6-8 Nephi finds his brothers Laman and Lemuel disputing a topic. Nephi speaks to his “brethren, desiring to know of them the cause of their disputations. And they said: Behold, we cannot understand the words which our father hath spoken concerning the natural branches of the olive-tree, and also concerning the Gentiles. And [Nephi] said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?”

In Moroni 8:5-7 people have been disputing over the practice of baptizing little children. Mormon writes a letter to his son Moroni saying, “There have been disputations among you concerning the baptism of your little children . . . immediately after I had learned these things of you I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And the word of the Lord came to me by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

In each of these situations people are disputing over something that is unclear and uncertain within the church. The disciples of Christ dispute because they are uncertain as to what they should name the church. Nephi’s brother’s dispute because they are unclear about doctrine taught by their father. The group of people with Moroni dispute because they aren’t sure at what age to baptize. Each of these groups is concerned about something they don’t have the answers to, just like the people right now who are disputing women’s equality in the church and what women should have or should not have. We can find answers on this matter in the same way the disputing people in the Book of Mormon were counseled to find answers.  

Over the subject being disputed, Christ asks His disciples, “Have they not read the scriptures?” Just as we should ask ourselves when uncertain about a doctrine. Through critical thinking, reading comprehension skills, and the Holy Ghost we can find answers for modern questions from their ancient text.

To his disputing brothers, Nephi asks, “have ye inquired of the Lord?” Mormon, not knowing the answer about the doctrine being disputed, “immediately . . . inquired of the Lord concerning the matter.” These stories teach us that when we aren’t clear about something we need to inquire (ask) of the Lord, and get answers. Jesus taught, “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22).

If women holding the priesthood and women feeling unequal is important to you, find the answers to your questions. Ask, and further your spiritual progression toward knowing God.

When Lorenzo Snow was uncertain about a doctrine, he sought the Lord for the answer and received it through personal revelation. After receiving this “sacred communication,” he guarded it carefully, and “did not teach the doctrine publicly until he knew that the Prophet Joseph Smith had taught it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church Lorenzo Snow, pg. 83). The Lord will tell us the answers to our questions, and when He does there is a high standard as to how we care for the revelations we receive, as shown by Lorenzo Snow.  

General Conference is this weekend. If you have questions about women and the priesthood, women and inequality in the church, take them to the Lord. Listen to the speakers, read your scriptures with intent, and ask Heavenly Father for the answers you are seeking. When a doctrinal question arises that seems unanswered, we will do well to accept personal responsibility for our own spiritual growth and understanding, and find the answers. Because, “If any of [us] lack wisdom, let [us] ask of God, that giveth to all [His children] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given [us]” (James 1:5), right?