Interesting LDS article...

I'm so proud of the smart, talented people I associate with! My good friend Kim co-wrote an interesting article in Meridian Magazine:
http://www.meridianmagazine.com/familyconnections/090715power.html

It is about power within the LDS church and I think it is very interesting. The question of power often comes up as I'm discussing the church with people who are unfamiliar with it. Particularly because I consider myself to be a feminist and, to some people, that is at odds with my beliefs and membership in the LDS church.

To many people, the church seems to be very traditional and patriarchal - as one friend put it "it is run by a bunch of old white guys". However, I think this article does a great job of explaining the role of "power" (i.e. who gets to make decisions) at all levels of LDS life from church at large down through to individual families.

I especially liked the breakdown of "worldly power" and "gospel power". Here is an excerpt (they explain it way better than I could):

So what is the gospel ideal of power, and what is the world’s? Again, Joseph Smith captured the essence of Godly power in scripture: “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned” (D&C 121:41). The result of exercising this kind of power is “an everlasting dominion” that exists “without compulsory means” (D&C 121:46). On the other hand, any time a person exerts influence in a forceful manner, or whenever the exercise of power is motivated by something other than love—such as a craving for control, admiration, or the accomplishment of self-oriented goals—the individual uses worldly power.

I definately recommend the article - well worth the read. Great job Kim!