Episode 66: D&C 84 and the Priesthood Power of Women (Barbara Morgan Gardner)
Oct 15, 2022
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Professor Barbara Morgan Gardner discusses the priesthood power available to all who receive temple blessings. She explores the evolving understanding of women's relationship to priesthood, the role of women in presiding, and the authority and responsibilities of women in their callings and relationships. Emphasis on the connection between priesthood power and the temple.
The oath and covenant of the priesthood in Doctrine and Covenants 84 applies to both men and women who receive temple blessings.
Understanding the priesthood power given to women through temple covenants is crucial, emphasizing the need for proper education to dispel misunderstandings.
Prophetic teachings on women, priesthood, and appropriate temple discussions provide a clearer understanding of the significance of women's roles in the home and Church.
Deep dives
Section 84: A Temple Revelation on Priesthood and Covenants
In this podcast episode, Professor Barbara Morgan Gardner shares her research on Doctrine and Covenants section 84, emphasizing the priesthood power of women. The section is clarified as a temple revelation, connecting the priesthood, the temple, and the endowment of power. The promises of God's oath and covenant mentioned in verses 33 to 40 apply to both men and women who receive temple blessings. President Russell M. Nelson's video interview with the general Relief Society president further affirms that the oath and covenant of the priesthood applies to women as well. Professor Gardner's research highlights the importance of understanding the priesthood power given to women, particularly through temple covenants.
Understanding the Two-Way Covenant and Authority
The conversation between Sister Bingham and President Nelson in the podcast underscores the two-way nature of the oath and covenant of the priesthood. It clarifies that God makes provisions, sets conditions, and promises blessings, while individuals accept and keep covenants to receive those blessings. This covenant and authority extend to women as well as men, as emphasized by modern prophets. The episode emphasizes the need for women to recognize their priesthood power and authority through temple covenants and the importance of proper education to dispel misunderstandings.
The Temple, the Family, and Presiding
Section 84's temple context is highlighted, conveying that the priesthood blessings and covenant extend beyond the hierarchical structure of the Church. The temple and its associated priesthood covenants are likened to the patriarchal order of the priesthood, which emphasizes equality, unity, and co-equal presiding. The importance of temple covenants and how they apply to women and men alike is discussed. The episode reinforces the idea that the family is the ideal structure where the husband and wife act as co-presiding officers, working together to lead and nurture their family. President Nelson's guidance on discussing the temple suggests appropriate ways to share the purpose and principles of the temple experience while still respecting its sacred nature.
Triangulating Doctrine through Prophetic Teachings
The episode emphasizes the importance of relying on prophetic teachings on women and priesthood, citing various talks from Church leaders. Guidance from President Dallin H. Oaks, Elder David A. Bednar, Elder M. Russell Ballard, and others is discussed to shed light on the priesthood, women's roles, and appropriate temple discussions. By emphasizing these prophetic teachings, a clearer understanding of the priesthood and the significance of women's roles in the home and Church is achieved. The use of quotes from Joseph Smith, Bruce R. McConkie, and others further supports the doctrine of women's involvement with the priesthood.
Personal Reflections: Balancing Motherhood and Responsibilities
The episode concludes with personal reflections from Professor Barbara Morgan Gardner. Becoming a mother inspired her to consider how she would teach her own daughters and share the important concepts of temple, priesthood, and family. Balancing responsibilities as a wife, mother, and professor requires constant revelation and being present in each role. Professor Gardner stresses the importance of relying on the Lord's guidance and having open communication with her husband to successfully navigate the demands and blessings of motherhood. She also highlights the infinite capacity for love and the significance of every individual's role in nurturing and strengthening families, regardless of marital status.
Some Latter-day Saints believe that the oath and covenant of the priesthood only applies to men. But in this episode, Professor Barbara Morgan Gardner uses Doctrine and Covenants 84 and the words of prophets and apostles to share an important truth: priesthood power and promises are available to all who receive the blessings of the temple. She also speaks on what the oath and covenant of D&C 84 means to her as a wife, a mother, and a daughter of God.
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