The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received criticism for its patriarchal structure and what some call the oppression of women. This idea is perpetuated for a few reasons: first, the head of the Church is a man and the main leadership of our church consists of 15 men. Second, some choose to exercise their agency unwisely, which leads to the mistaken notion that men who hold the priesthood have the right to rule over women. To combat this, some suggest decrying family life and motherhood as bringing women down.
The first is proven untrue when taking into account the women who serve in influential positions as well — the General Relief Society, Young Women and Primary presidencies in addition to other auxiliary councils — something often overlooked. Additionally, local leaders are encouraged to seek out the counsel of women in leadership positions within their stewardships. Men should likewise respect the counsel of their wives. As the prophet President Spencer W. Kimball said, “We do not want our LDS women to be silent partners or limited partners in that eternal assignment! Please be a contributing and full partner” (Ensign, Nov. 1978).
Sister Eliza R. Snow commented on the dissonance of assuming women’s complete dependence on — or independence from — men.
“Some … refuse to concede that woman is entitled to the enjoyment of any rights other than those which the whims, fancies or justice, as the case may be, of men may choose to grant her. … Others, again, not only recognize that woman’s status should be improved, but are so radical in their extreme theories that they would set her in antagonism to man, assume for her a separate and opposing existence. .. These are two extremes, and between them is the ‘golden mean.’”
Because of the imperfections or unrighteous dominion of those in leadership positions, some fall away from the Church, ascribing the failings of imperfect people to the gospel itself. Fortunately, I grew up with a mom who taught me that while people are imperfect and make mistakes, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect. She taught me to recognize the whisperings of the Spirit as means of discerning truth and to not shy away from asking questions. I learned the truth of the scripture, “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5).
At a young age, I developed a distrust of men because of the actions of some men with whom I interacted. I have been blessed to have had many good men in my family, as bishops and as friends, who have shown me the “more excellent way” of living a faith — and family-based — life, of living a life of fear instead of faith. This has helped me realize there are more good people in the world and the Church than not.
Still, some live by the outdated notion of their gender being threatened by the success of the other. While not explicitly stated, this mentality is often shown by demeaning comments and insults toward or complete disregard for the opposite gender.
Women innately have the ability to comfort and to love, qualities necessary for motherhood. Men, conversely, are divinely ordained to provide and protect. We do not know all the reasons why God has made this so, but we can each gain our own testimony of the importance of our role and that of our current or future spouse. As President Spencer W. Kimball said, “Even though the eternal roles of men and women differ, … this leaves much to be done by way of parallel personal development — for both men and women” (Ensign, Nov. 1979).
If still single, ours is the responsibility to build up and encourage those we date and those with whom we associate. If married, love and cherish your spouse in order to become a couple who can jointly serve those around them in powerful ways. Each of us has the privilege to develop our relationships with our Heavenly Father who can give us an accurate understanding of the worth of our own souls, as well as those around us.
Whitney Evans is the Friday 411 editor for The Daily Universe. This viewpoint represents her opinion and not necessarily that of BYU, its administration or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
