from the Word (n. 50-61); and that through the Word there is conjunction
with the Lord (n. 62-69). However, “it is not the Word (itself) that makes the
Church, but the understanding of it, and such as is the understanding of the
Word among those who are in the Church, such is the Church itself.” (n. 76)
I believe that the masculine mind is more able from its understanding to
draw forth doctrine because of the kind of judgment the male mind has, which
women do not have. “Many people believe that women can perform the duties
of men if only they are introduced into them from an early age in the way that
boys are. However, women can be introduced into the exercise of these duties,
but not into the judgment on which the proper performance of these duties
inwardly depends.” (Conjugial Love 175:2)
In natural wars I would prefer to be protected by an army of men trained
to be fighters rather than by women who are by nature nurturers. So, too, I
would prefer to have the masculine bringing forth the truths from the Word to
fight against the evils which the hells are constantly trying to get us to believe.
Some have said that truth without good or love is ineffective, and so we
need women in the priesthood to bring that love or good to the male priests.
But our priests are not cut off from the feminine sphere in the world, and
especially from the influence of their wives (almost all are married).
There are other opinions on this subject, among women as well as men,
than those expressed by the writers who favor the ordination of women into the
priesthood. I would like to voice the opposite view and express the satisfaction
of many women with a masculine priesthood. I believe it is important for the
Church to know that there are many women in the Church who are happy to
have the Church led by a masculine priesthood.
Martha L. Asplundh
Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania
A Misguided Fear
To The Editors:
Some members of the General Church Board of Directors have expressed
concerns about people leaving or never becoming part o