Pres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner E0026
Jan 17, 2025
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Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, a BYU Religion Professor and author, discusses the urgent call for women to embrace priesthood power. She clarifies misconceptions, highlighting how understanding this power can enhance women's roles in their homes and communities. Gardner explores the evolving dynamics of women's positions within the priesthood, emphasizing their nurturing responsibilities and spiritual gifts. She encourages women to fully step into their divine potential and unite in recognizing their vital contributions within the faith.
Women possess significant priesthood power that is essential for fulfilling their divine purpose, which must be embraced and understood.
Understanding priesthood power helps women navigate their roles in family, community, and the kingdom of God with confidence and clarity.
Seeking knowledge and questioning teachings are crucial for deepening faith and understanding of priesthood, promoting active engagement in spiritual growth.
Shared understanding and mutual support between men and women amplify their strengths, enhancing the church's mission and community impact.
Deep dives
Understanding Priesthood Power
Women have a significant role in accessing priesthood power, which is essential for fulfilling their divine purpose. The message emphasizes that studying the priesthood is not indicative of a problem but a necessary step for understanding and harnessing the spiritual power granted to them. Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner reiterates that all individuals who make and keep covenants with God, regardless of gender, have direct access to God's power. Women are encouraged to embrace their priesthood responsibilities and understand this power as a vital resource for personal and communal growth.
The Role of Family in Priesthood
The essence of priesthood is intrinsically linked to family and sacred responsibilities rather than hierarchy or competition. Individuals are reminded that true fulfillment comes from recognizing the importance of family dynamics, where both men and women support each other's roles in their spiritual journeys. President Joseph F. Smith's teachings underscore the need for women to lead within their families and communities without being led astray by societal pressures. Ultimately, the discussion revolves around the profound impact that family unity has on realizing the full potential of priesthood authority.
The Importance of Inquiry and Learning
A powerful theme emerges around the significance of seeking knowledge and asking questions as an integral part of understanding one's faith and priesthood. Dr. Gardner shares her experiences of questioning teachings and seeking scriptural validation, highlighting that curiosity fuels a deeper understanding of spiritual principles. Through this lens, she discusses how her upbringing fostered a love for learning and being inquisitive about gospel doctrines. The encouragement to seek out knowledge serves as a reminder that developing one's faith and understanding priesthood is an active and ongoing process.
Navigating Social Expectations
Women often find themselves navigating societal expectations that can create confusion about their roles and responsibilities within the church. Dr. Gardner discusses personal experiences where societal norms impacted her decisions, emphasizing the need for clarity and confidence in one's spiritual journey. The message encourages women to focus on their personal relationship with God rather than succumbing to external pressures or comparisons with others. Achieving a balance between societal expectations and individual covenants allows for a clearer understanding of one's divine purpose.
The Dynamic of Youth and Responsibility
The conversation underscores the importance of instilling a sense of priesthood authority and responsibility in youth, both male and female. Young people today are portrayed as possessing unique gifts and insights that allow them to play a crucial role in preparing for the second coming of Christ. The expectation is set for them to embrace their priesthood responsibilities from early on, which includes service and outreach in their communities. This proactive approach promotes the idea that all generations have a part to play, and empowerment begins with acknowledging their priesthood potential.
Cultivating a Christlike Environment
Central to the discussion is the notion of creating homes that reflect the principles of the gospel and act as sanctuaries for families. Dr. Gardner emphasizes that the home should embody the values of the temple, fostering love, safety, and spiritual growth. This approach not only serves the family unit but also extends to how families engage with others in their communities. The goal is to build a Christlike environment where every individual feels valued and uplifted through support and love.
The Need for Unified Purpose
A significant insight reveals that the strength of both men and women is magnified when there is a shared understanding of their roles within the church. The discussion points to the necessity of mutual support in achieving divine goals, particularly in the context of the gathering of Israel. Dr. Gardner discusses the potential of women to influence generations for good when they are united in purpose and spirit. Thus, fostering a culture of teamwork enhances the church's mission of saving souls and building a loving community.
Empowerment Through Covenants
Covenant-keeping serves as the cornerstone for accessing priesthood power and authority. Individuals are reminded that making and honoring sacred covenants significantly contributes to their spiritual growth and ability to serve. Dr. Gardner illustrates that through covenants, women gain priesthood authority that empowers them to act on behalf of their families and communities. Recognition of this power leads to a shared understanding of responsibilities that arise from their commitments to God.
Pres. Nelson’s Call to Women About Priesthood Power Is More Urgent Than Ever, Dr. Barbara Gardner | E0026
Let’s be real: there’s a lot of confusion when it comes to women and priesthood power. And that confusion? It’s holding way too many women back from fully stepping into their divine potential. In this episode, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner, BYU Religion Professor, is here to cut through the misconceptions and get to the heart of what priesthood power really means for women—and how it can completely change the way you see your role in God’s plan. We’re not shying away from the big questions:
What does priesthood power actually mean for you as a woman?
How can understanding it help you step up in your home, community, and the kingdom of God?
And what’s stopping us from embracing this power fully?
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Get help answering some of life's most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This @scripturecentralofficial original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life's challenges and heaviest questions.
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Disclaimer: THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
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