Now that the 2012 general election is passed we have a chance to free up space in our craniums to focus on matters that are ongoing. Now we can even isolate topics that emerged from the debris of the debates. We can isolate topics that were not sufficiently topical for in-depth discussions because of the center-stage concerns about the economy, but are nonetheless too vital to ignore.
One of such topics was the idea of "A Binder-full of Women", a tongue-in-cheek comment made by the Massachusetts governor, Mitt Romney about equal rights and pay for women in the workplace. There are two issues to consider from the comment: 1) to what extent was the statement colored by the governor's religious beliefs? And 2) can a man really separate his religion from his politics?
In general, the comment may be considered in the context of how society tends to marginalize some of its citizenry; since it is a historical fact that women, for example, often reaped the bane of such marginalization in the home and workplace. Renown feminist activist, Gloria Steinem, in her heyday made the point that: "No man can call himself liberal, or radical, or even a conservative advocate of fair play, if his work depends in any way on the unpaid or underpaid labor of a woman at home, or in the office."
Today, the social gap between the sexes is narrowing; to the extent that even in a recent presidential debate a woman sat in the high chair as moderator. But it is well known that the marginalization of the fairer sex is not only socio-political, but theological as well.
Hence, it is largely within a theological framework that the statement should be weighed; considering governor Romney's Mormon worldview; and with particular consideration to how women function within the system compared to their male counterparts. Howard P. Kainz, Professor Emeritus at Marquette University, in his article titled, Mormon and Christianity: Asking the Right Question, offered that, "Mitt Romney... is not only bishop in the LDS church but a High Priest of the highest echelon (the 'order of Melchizedek).'"
Indeed, it is difficult to separate ones religion from ones politics and the main issue that juxtapose the governor's religion with his politics is the Mormon fundamental belief system and the role women play in it. Though with good intention, to say "a binder-full of women" is to use a term that is marginalizing; and in this context may be received mainly according to how women are marginalized in the movement.
To unravel the undercurrents of the statement it is necessary to examine 1) the dominance of the priesthood, 2) the ideological or covert practice of polygamy and, 3) the inseparable connection between the priesthood, polygamy, and celestial marriage.
First, the dominance of the priesthood. Although much of what may be known to outsiders about Mormonism is shrouded in secrecy, the male-dominated priesthood itself is no secret, since it forms the bedrock of the Mormon culture. With little or no distinction between clergy and laity (pastor and parishioner) Mormon men hold an ordained priesthood with absolute authority over both spiritual and temporal issues.
It is considered their divine appointment to preach, prophesy, heal, baptize, and speak for God -their counsel to be respected and adhered to as tantamount to the voice of God. This authority begins at age twelve where a boy is assigned to the (lesser) Aaronic order of priest, then after age eighteen is inducted into the (higher) Melchizedek order of priests.
To see the extent to which women are marginalized within the system, one must understand that it is found that a pubescent boy of thirteen, as an Aaronic order of priest, is seen to be more qualified to give counsel to his mother than the mother at any age to give counsel to him.
When biblical Old Testament scripture is used in conjunction with the Book of Mormon to justify this practice it takes the priestly authority to an even higher level. A Protestant Christian is often swift with the Pauline outcry, "We're no longer under law, but under grace."
Second, the ideological or covert practice of polygamy. When it comes to the teachings and practice of polygamy (plural marriage) the LDS (Latter Day Saints) today express the view that they no longer sanction polygamy and its members no longer practice it, although there are still elements of the doctrine in its theology.
As late as 1904 after the practice was legally abolished 1890, President Joseph F. Smith (nephew of the founder), explains that, "The doctrine is not repealed, the truth is not annulled, the law is right and just now as ever, but the observance of it is stopped." Concurring with the Mormon belief that polygamous celestial marriage will continue in heaven, he remarked in his book, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol 2, p. 67 that "My wives will be mine in eternity."
It is not hard to believe that the overt practice of polygamy is no longer tolerated today. It doesn't fit well with contemporary political expediencies. When it comes to change the movement has a lot in common with other religious movements like Seventh Day Adventist (SDA), Salvation Army, Church of God, etc. that began about the same time in modern history. The early nineteenth century was an era of religious daring and pioneering. And all these movements have gone through radical changes in their doctrines over the years.
LDS, along with other movements has experienced rifts, and fragmentations with their memberships --members siding with whichever dissenting leader they choose. But with each group holding on to varying interpretation of the core beliefs, the Mormon core belief of polygamy is indeed a diehard value.
It is insightful that it is stated in their articles of faith that, "We claim the privilege of worshipping the Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." (mormon.org/articles of faith -#11)
Even though the practice of polygamy is outlawed today, the LDS priesthood honors the practice ideologically and theologically, if not covertly, perhaps with many amongst them pining after the 'the good old days' when a house full of women was the norm.
Third, the inseparable connection between the priesthood, polygamy, and celestial marriage. It would seem the triple connection is a means to an end. With the core belief that God was once a man, it follows, according to this theology, that man is destined to become god. Integral to this theology is that God after being spirit at first, He then underwent a successful probationary human experience on earth from which He gained the right to the exalted position of Almighty God who rules over the planets and universes.
Since a man is expected to follow a similar path to the afterlife, this is where the Mormon doctrine has its deepest significance. Unlike Pauline theology which says that all the saints are joint heirs with Christ, the Mormon view is that a woman cannot gain salvation unless married to a holder of the priesthood. And since all Mormon male members are priests, the idea of female members needing and wanting to be married to one is intrinsic to the church's theology.
The temple ordinance of sealing "celestial marriages" (eternal marriage), represents, for women a doorway into the afterlife where such marriages is expected to survive death, and be perpetual throughout eternity. Hence, the logic of plural marriages is that the more wives, the greater the possibility of male children, and the greater the number of male children, the higher the possibility of many more gods to populate the planets throughout eternity.
Admittedly, the idea of man becoming god is not exclusive to Mormonism. The Worldwide Church of God, which began about a century later also promoted a similar gospel of profundity, but have changed in recent decades. And judging from the information on their website, the Mormons are changing as well. To the average person looking for a church, the articles of faith appears to be main-stream fundamental Christian doctrine. But as always one cannot judge a book by its cover.
It is to the future that society may look to see how much of LDS core doctrine can be masked in order to be validated within a fundamental Christian worldview. And when it comes to religion vs. politics, the truth is that in America religion has always been a part of politics. But the rule of thumb is discretion and subtlety. The idea of "a binder-full of women" was rife with subtlety. But not subtle enough to escape the scrutiny of the curiosity it inflamed.
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Ken McCarty Bird is an author and speaker, award-winning poet, and consultant on neuromuscular health issues. The two most recent titles of his four books are, Somatic Sensibility and Caribbean Spell. Ken can be reached at (727) 388-3424 or drbird@caredimensions.org. website: http://www.caredimensions.org/
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