Is it true that in Mormonism women are viewed as second class citizens? Is it true that Mormon women are taught to obey their husbands because they hold the priesthood? I knew a Mormon lady who was beat by her husband and used these awful excuses to justify his actions.
2007-06-13 20:26:51 · 13 answers · asked by reff 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
K, i was asking about MORMONS not Polygamists or Muslims.
2007-06-13 20:37:42 · update #1
What you've said is entirely true, and 'priesthood holders' occasionally do abusive things. The difference is they feel wholly justified because god ordained it so, and unfortunately, most bishops aren't trained how to handle family abuse. Normally, the church clergy sides with the male, tells him to be nicer, and the incident goes unreported.
The church tries desperately to show that a woman's 'place' is not only desirable, but it is the nature of god's wives to continue the procreation process - they must be like them. No lds woman is accorded any position of authority, and even the "Relief Society" organization for women has been stripped of any remaining autonomy it once enjoyed.
Women who show any original thinking or challenge the male leadership are routinely purged (excommunicated). In fact, anyone who does not tow the party line is labeled 'lead by satan', including nonmembers and most scientists.
Short response: Women are not important enough to run the church, but are essential to keep the membership rolls 'increasing'.
2007-06-14 04:51:44 · answer #1 · answered by Dances with Poultry 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
OK I have seen some pretty weird answers on here and most of them aren't even the truth.
The truth is that Mormon women are revered and respected in the Mormon religion because of the role we play. We do something that men can never do: bring children into the world. For this reason by itself women are highly regarded in our church.
Yes the stereotype usually is that the wife stays at home while the husband works, but the Church doesn't say that it has to be that way. We believe that if you want to work or have to than that is a fine alternative, so long as you make sure that your children are taken care of and you raise them right. Most Mormon women stay at home because that is their own personal choice. The prophet or anyone else in the church has not commanded that the women have to stay home.
Second, Mormon men are in no way abusive or disrespectful to us LDS women. In fact, they are taught to honor and cherish all women and their sacred role. I don't know where people get this stuff. Every man in my ward is so nice to me, always saying hi and conversing with me about what's going on. I have seen couples personally as well when I babysit for them and there is no abuse or hostility.
We are taught to honor and obey our husbands because that's what the Bible tells us to do. It's a horrible thing that that man beat his wife and used excuses like that to keep going. We do not condone abuse in any form, whether it be adults or children, verbal or physical. It is a sin and we believe that you will be judged in the afterlife for it. Don't judge the Church based on what that one man did. He obviously wasn't a good person and please understand that is not what our doctrine teaches.
I was born into the church and I have never been taught that abuse from a husband is in any way okay. I have never been viewed as second class, in fact many of the girls are looked on more highly in some instances than the boys. We believe that the men do hold the priesthood but that women are just as equal in the fact that basically they do things that men could never do. I think childbirth in a way makes women just as equal or even more so than men. Without us women, those men wouldn't be born and they are taught to realize it and be grateful. Mother's Day is one of the biggest days besides Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving that we do big things for. We get candy and flowers for all of the women at church and hand them out so they feel special and loved. If that doesn't spell out honor and respect, I don't know what does.
2007-06-14 12:05:14 · answer #2 · answered by kelride 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
NO any member of the church worth anything knows that women are to be respected in the greatest of manners.
Women are taught to honor their husbands as he honors and obeys the Lord.
That is an awful reality that is becoming more and more prevalent the world over, and not just in the Church. I can tell you that from what you have said about that situation, that man will have to answer to the judgments of God if he does not repent, for he is extremely in the wrong.
The reference in the sources gives the guidelines for how the priesthood is to be used, and also how men and women should treat each other.
2007-06-15 00:40:36 · answer #3 · answered by Joseph 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have found just the opposite to be true. Every family has its own sets of problems. In or out of the Church men can be jerks. As a group LDS women have a higher level of respect from their husbands and self esteem for themselves. If any man uses his priesthood unrightously, he's going to have a pretty quick reminder about how far that will get him alone.
I think there is a principle that is not gender specific that giving love and respect to your spouse is the highest priority in a successful marriage. If you decry the role of service that women accept in marriage, then you will fail to see how the family is at the center of all we do. When families fail, nations crumble.
2007-06-14 03:45:26 · answer #4 · answered by Isolde 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
No, there rolls are different but equal (if not more important)
Women raise children, and males hold the priesthood. (supposedly equal roles)
holding the priesthood doesn't give you power over her, you can't control her. couples make decisions together.
about heaven I am a bit more confused.
To my understanding men can become Gods and women goddesses, and Gods are the object of worship not goddesses.
So Gods (males) will be the object of worship, while goddesses (females) will be respected on the side line.
2007-06-13 20:38:49 · answer #5 · answered by . 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The church teaches none of those things, but there are pockets of Mormon culture that believe those things. Just as there are groups within every religion or organization that hold to beliefs stupid, antiquated or bigoted ideals. Judge the religion by it's doctrine and the members by their actions.
2016-04-05 04:31:34 · answer #6 · answered by atomzer0 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not officially, but a Mormon woman can't save herself. she has to be called forth to heaven by her husband. If he doesn't want her, then he doesn't call her forth and then she will remain there until someone calls her forth after the great resurrection day.
2007-06-15 17:26:13 · answer #7 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's all true. Women are about as valuable as cattle. In this last conference the mormon prophet HIMSELF said, "Men, treasure your wives; they are your most valuable POSESSIONS." Now put cow in for wife. Sounds pretty similar huh?
"men, treasure your cows, they are your most valuable posessions"
Hm...think that sounds like an "equal partnership" of husband and wife? I think not.
PS i hear stories of husbands using their priesthood as a controling tool over their wives all the time. It's practically the whip they use to keep their cows...i mean wives, quiet and in line.
2007-06-13 21:25:34 · answer #8 · answered by 17*mezzo*17 3 · 2⤊ 5⤋
does a woman have togive to her Mormon husband her wealth
2014-01-20 05:54:35 · answer #9 · answered by taxi240 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I told my woman anything like that, I would have to duck my head a lot of times.
2007-06-13 20:30:45 · answer #10 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 4⤊ 2⤋