Mystery Meat

I didn't set up the system, but I do believe God did. There are certainly a lot of things about the church that butts up against the norms of 2024. I imagine that will only increase.

I shouldn't butt in, but I think there is a small but important quibble to be made with this statement. It is call the Garment of the Holy Priesthood. It is authorized for wearing in connection with ordinances made and covenants entered into in the Holy Temple. These ordinances and covenants are administered under the direction of priesthood keys (those of the temple president). Men with priesthood keys at the ward and stake level have been tasked with administering interviews to determine worthiness to enter the temple. Bishops, for example, are literally called "judges in Israel." They have authority (by virtue of their calling and the keys they hold) to judge if a person's wearing of the temple garment is in line with the instructions provided in the temple. This authority should not be abused. A story was shared on this board a few days back. I forget by who, about young girl wearing her mother's wedding dress in the temple and that the dress did not allow for the wearing of garments. As the story goes, when the temple president approached her and asked where her garments were, she told him off saying it was nobody's business but the Lord's how and when she wore the garment. I think that is at best half true. If she was saying "I will ultimately be judged by god how I wear the garment," then she was right. But that is only half of it and to miss the other half of it causes the first statement to be fatally misleading by omission. And the second half of the statement that is missing relates to what I have written above. The Lord has placed gatekeepers, as much as we may not like it or as uncomfortable as it is from time to time, to determine worthiness. So while we will absolutely ultimately be judged by God for our treatment of the garment, it is not just between God and us. And the changes to the questions make that clear. Some leaders have authority and even a responsibility to determine worthiness and that includes how and when the garment is worn. Perhaps more succinctly said, while how we wear the garment is "between us and the Lord," our worthiness to enter the temple, which includes wearing the garment as instructed in the temple, is between each member, the Lord AND local priesthood leaders holding or acting under priesthood keys. EDITED TO ADD: I hold keys for no one on this matter and my post above should not be interpreted as condemnation/judgement regarding how or when anyone wears the garment.

Don't get use to it! 🥷

See my response above. I did my best to explain it (at least somewhat doctrinally).

I have not posted in who knows how long and this is probably not the best first post back, but I have some thoughts on this. I am currently serving as an Elders Quorum President (why they chose me is anyone's guess). But there actually is a reason why it can't be the RS. And I have felt it in my current ministry. It all comes down to priesthood keys. The keys for the work of salvation are Melchizedek Priesthood keys. The Stake President holds them for the Stake and the EQP holds them at the ward/quorum level. I report to our Stake Presidency (not the Bishop). This was made clear a couple of years ago when they made changes to the Melchizedek Priesthood Quorums. I genuinely feel those keys and the weight they carry. And forget the Stake President for a minute, I have felt the spirit whisper that the Lord will hold me accountable for the work in our ward (missionary, temple and family history, ministering). And I can't delegate that responsibility. As inadequate as I feel (and in actuality am) to hold keys at any level, I hold them. I can't deny it. And keys are associated with presiding, as uncomfortable as it makes me in my current capacity. Our understanding of priesthood and keys does not contemplate women holding priesthood keys like the Stake President, Elders Quorum President or Bishop. I think that is what is at the root of some of the current consternation. I am not sure that can be changed doctrinally but I defer to those with keys to receive and enact that sort of change. But there is always more we can do. For example, I am working to make sure that my counselors who are over Missionary Work and Temple and Family History Work, respectively, always ensure that they are counseling with the relief society counselors who have the same stewardship and I am counseling with the relief society president in these things as well with the goal being consensus and not I hold the keys therefore what I say goes. There are challenges to this, and I could do better I am sure. I will try starting today. Just my two cents for whatever they are worth.