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JON - I know that Woman has a bigger part in the plan of salvation than we all realize. A special purpose than being the mother of all living. I think it has to do with the earth. I feel their purpose is really higher than ours (men of the Priesthood) and God always talks about his anger towards anyone who offends a woman. Can you elaborate on this for me. As I try and explain the importance of our roles as men and husbands to my sons?

JOEL - First of all although I understand what you are saying, I don't think it is wise to place either gender over the other in terms of importance of purpose. The Proclamation on the Family says: "In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners."

Elder D. Tod Christofferson said in a recent Conference talk:
"In these exhortations to women, let no one willfully misunderstand. By praising and encouraging the moral force in women, I am not saying that men and boys are somehow excused from their own duty to stand for truth and righteousness, that their responsibility to serve, sacrifice, and minister is somehow less than that of women or can be left to women. Brethren, let us stand with women, share their burdens, and cultivate our own companion moral authority." (The Moral Force of Women, Oct 2013)

Men and women should always be considerd of equal importance, especially in the family, otherwise one might acquire the attitude that Elder Christofferson warned about above, that because they are of less worth, they let the other one do all the work.

Elder Russell M. Nelson said:
"An ideal marriage is a true partnership between two imperfect people, each striving to complement the other, to keep the commandments, and to do the will of the Lord. (Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women Ensign, May 1999)

Having said that, many years ago the First Presidency issued a statement that seems to agree with your attitude.
“Motherhood, is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind. It places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels.” (Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. (1965–75)

In 1935 the First Presidency stated, “The true spirit of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives to woman the highest place of honor in human life” (in Messages of the First Presidency, 6:5).

Elder Nelson also said:
“Priesthood offices, keys, callings, and quorums are meant to exalt families. Priesthood authority has been restored so that families can be sealed eternally. So brethren, your foremost priesthood duty is to nurture your marriage—to care for, respect, honor, and love your wife. Be a blessing to her and your children.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Nurturing Marriage,” Ensign, May 2006, 37.)

Elder M. Russell Ballard said:
"It is my hope that every member of the Church—male and female—would recognize the intrinsic value women have as daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. As we continue throughout our lives to forge the links in our chain, we must not overlook that of honoring womanhood. Let us ever remember the wisdom of Proverbs: "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. . . . Strength and honour are her clothing . . . and in her tongue is the law of kindness" (Proverbs 31:10, 25-26).

Here are a few more relevent scriptures:
Live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest: (Eccl. 9:9) .
husband render unto the wife due benevolence: (1 Cor. 7:3) .
Husbands, love your wives: (Eph. 5:25)
Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart: (D&C 42:22)
giving honour unto the wife: (1 Pet. 3:7)

Here are a few good talks on th subject:
Our Sacred Duty to Honor Women
Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor
Woman—Of Infinite Worth


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