The patriarchal order is not a man-dominated system that some might associate with the term “patriarchy” in the secular world. It’s a divine order established by God, grounded in the principles of equality and unity between husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. In this divine structure, both husband and wife work together, exercising priesthood authority to fulfill the work of salvation.
The First Patriarchs
In the beginning, with our first parents, Adam and Eve, the patriarchal order was established on Earth. They ruled as king and queen, priest and priestess over their posterity, setting the pattern for the governance of families to come. This pattern continued through the generations, from Noah to Abraham, and so on.
Noah’s story is a striking example of the patriarchal order’s resilience. After the world had descended into wickedness, Noah and his family remained faithful. They became a new beginning, a new Adam and Eve, upholding the sacred structure of the patriarchal order.
The Church’s Organization
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a reflection of the celestial order. It’s organized around a patriarchal structure. At the helm, we have the prophet, representing Israel and the blessings of Abraham and Jacob. The Twelve Apostles represent the twelve tribes of Israel. This structure trickles down through the leadership of the Church, Stake Presidents and Bishops, all the way to individual families.
The patriarchal order doesn’t end at Church leadership or temple ordinances; it extends into your home. In your family, husband and wife share the authority and responsibility to preside, guide, and bless. When we fully grasp this concept, it sheds new light on how we approach our roles as husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers.
Family-Centered Church
In fact, the Church emphasizes family as the fundamental unit. Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, work together in a partnership, exercising their authority in unity to guide their children. This order differs significantly from what the world might label as “patriarchy,” where men dominate and make all decisions. In God’s plan, it’s a harmonious collaboration between husband and wife.
The Church and the family are not separate entities when it comes to the patriarchal order. They are interconnected. The Church provides essential ordinances and teachings, while the family is the primary place where those teachings are applied and blessings are administered. It’s a partnership between the Church and the family.
Women and the Priesthood
It’s crucial to recognize that women, too, are partakers of the priesthood through temple ordinances. Women in the Church are not excluded from priesthood blessings or authority. They have their place in the patriarchal order. When a father or husband is absent, a mother can preside in her home, continuing to bless and guide her family through the priesthood authority she has received in the temple (see Spiritual Treasures).
Conclusion
The patriarchal order of the priesthood is a beautiful, divinely ordained structure that teaches us about unity, equality, and collaboration within the family. It reminds us that, in God’s plan, husband and wife work together to guide and bless their children. This sacred bond between husbands and wives echoes the eternal unity between our Heavenly Parents and serves as a beacon of light in a world where true, loving partnerships are often undervalued. Embracing the patriarchal order allows us to draw nearer to our divine potential, enriching our lives and our families.