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While reading “Woman, know thy place” from James Marples, I
was disgusted at what I read. Though it is only about 5 paragraphs, he did plenty
of damage. But he brought up a point of conflict for many members of the LDS
faith. Why haven’t women been allowed to pray in General Conference in the
entire existence of the church?
Yes, women are allowed to speak in this, and all other
meetings, save the Priesthood Meetings. This typically takes place Saturday
nights during General Conference Weekend. Women can lead and sing music, and are
near equals in most regards of the LDS religion.
But Marlples’ point is that, scripturally speaking, women
shouldn’t be so… loud. He references
a few scriptures from the Apostle Paul in Corinthians stating “Let your women
keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak…for it
is a shame for women to speak in the church.”
He goes on to state that women were created for man, and that man was created in
God’s image, not a woman’s. Also that American society is to blame for the
politically correct treatment of women, and it spilling over into theology.
Marples ends his letter with stating “If Brigham Young were alive today, I’m
certain he would denounce women overshadowing the proper sphere of men.”
Problem number one:
The scriptures he was referencing took place over 2,000 years ago. I
feel like we shouldn’t have to lose ground on what women have accomplished
since the ancient time of Paul, or abide by rules that have dictated a society
full of prostitution and slavery, men and women included.
Problem number two: As a member of the faith, I’ve had a
unique experience of not having a father who is an active member of the church.
So I was more willing than most to look to other leaders as father figures to
some degree, and truly respect them. But I’ve never had a leader go as far to
say, "please don’t speak in church because you are a woman." I’ve never felt pressure to be anything but myself when I
attend my church meetings. I don’t think President Monson would ever say
anything like this, and Marples has no right to speak on behalf of an entire
religion.
Problem number three: One sex should not dictate what the
other does. I believe each of us has the right to choose what we do and don’t
do, and if we live in a country where we possess great freedoms, shouldn’t we
be able to practice them inside and outside of religion?
As an outspoken woman who typically runs more to the left
than most of my congregation, I sometimes have to hide my crazy feminist ideals
when I attend church. This is simply because others are conservative, and the
religion also tends to be. I respect their political views, and try my best to
be open-minded. But when it comes to having dinner ready at five, whilst
barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen, I almost explode with fireworks from my
ears. That is my decision and mine alone. No one should get to take my agency
away and say “Get Married, and have 5 children, or you aren’t a good member of
the Church."
So James, if you would like to travel back to Paul’s time,
and feel justified in your opinion, you build yourself a time machine and go
there. You would probably fit right in.
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