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Women and Authority: Re-Emerging Mormon Feminism
Mormon women today might be surprised to learn about their foremothers' views on feminist theology and women's issues, according to Maxine Hanks.
In 1842, founder Joseph Smith foresaw the LDS Women's Relief Society as "a kingdom of Priests," that he "would ordain them to preside over the society...just the Presidency preside over the church." Originally, the LDS Women's Relief Society paralleled the LDS men's priesthood quorums. Women were "ordained" to various positions, as well as set apart to be healers "with power to rebuke diseases."
In the 19th-century, Mormon theology also spoke of a Mother God, having "all power and glory" with the Father in Heaven. Mormon doctrine also hinted at the divine status of Eve, Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
The 19th-century Woman's Exponent, published by the LDS Women's Relief Society, editorialized in favor of "equal rights before the law, equal pay for equal work, equal political rights." The magazine's masthead read, "The Rights of the Women of Zion and the Rights of Women of All Nations."
One Relief Society founder, Sarah Kimball, referred to herself as "a woman's rights woman," while another leader, Bathsheba Smith, was called on a Relief Society mission in 1870 to preach "woman's rights" throughout southern Utah. According to the Woman's Exponent, a woman's place was not just "in the nursery" but "in the library, the laboratory, the observatory."
Women were encouraged to pursue formal education and career opportunities, study medicine and involve themselves in politics. Mormon women were assured that "when men see that women can exist without them, it will perhaps take a little of the conceit out of some of them."
Women who served inside LDS temples were termed "priestesses," while LDS Women's Relief Society president Eliza R. Snow was known as a "prophetess." Snow discouraged women from confiding their personal issues to male bishops, saying that such matters "should be referred to the Relief Society president and her counselors."
In 1875, LDS Women's Relief Society president, Emmeline B. Wells, could say with "Let woman speak for herself; she has the right of freedom of speech. Women are too slow in moving forward, afraid of criticism, of being called unwomanly, of being thought masculine. What of it? If men are so much superior to women, the nearer we come up to the manly standard the higher we elevate ourselves."
In 1842, founder Joseph Smith foresaw the LDS Women's Relief Society as "a kingdom of Priests," that he "would ordain them to preside over the society...just the Presidency preside over the church." Originally, the LDS Women's Relief Society paralleled the LDS men's priesthood quorums. Women were "ordained" to various positions, as well as set apart to be healers "with power to rebuke diseases."
In the 19th-century, Mormon theology also spoke of a Mother God, having "all power and glory" with the Father in Heaven. Mormon doctrine also hinted at the divine status of Eve, Mary, and Mary Magdalene.
The 19th-century Woman's Exponent, published by the LDS Women's Relief Society, editorialized in favor of "equal rights before the law, equal pay for equal work, equal political rights." The magazine's masthead read, "The Rights of the Women of Zion and the Rights of Women of All Nations."
One Relief Society founder, Sarah Kimball, referred to herself as "a woman's rights woman," while another leader, Bathsheba Smith, was called on a Relief Society mission in 1870 to preach "woman's rights" throughout southern Utah. According to the Woman's Exponent, a woman's place was not just "in the nursery" but "in the library, the laboratory, the observatory."
Women were encouraged to pursue formal education and career opportunities, study medicine and involve themselves in politics. Mormon women were assured that "when men see that women can exist without them, it will perhaps take a little of the conceit out of some of them."
Women who served inside LDS temples were termed "priestesses," while LDS Women's Relief Society president Eliza R. Snow was known as a "prophetess." Snow discouraged women from confiding their personal issues to male bishops, saying that such matters "should be referred to the Relief Society president and her counselors."
In 1875, LDS Women's Relief Society president, Emmeline B. Wells, could say with "Let woman speak for herself; she has the right of freedom of speech. Women are too slow in moving forward, afraid of criticism, of being called unwomanly, of being thought masculine. What of it? If men are so much superior to women, the nearer we come up to the manly standard the higher we elevate ourselves."
565 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 11, 2023
YOU GUYS I FINISHED THIS BOOK!! I AM SO PROUD OF MYSELF!!
Seriously I have been reading this book off and on for 7 whole months and let me tell you it was worth it. This book consists of a series of essays by a variety of different people on a variety of topics including Heavenly Mother, women and the priesthood(/priestesshood), historic Mormon feminist discourse, revelation, the need for women's voices, and inequity in grammar/language. What I loved about the essays included in this book was that although a lot of the essays talked about the same topic (the main ones being Heavenly Mother and women & the priesthood), Maxine Hanks made sure each essay she included took on a different perspective. There was an essay written by a woman arguing why she didn't want the priesthood—because she doesn't want to enter into a male system that is focused on hierarchy and she instead thinks that women should create a new system for themselves. Another essay showed historically how (white) women have always had the priesthood through the temple endowment. And so many other essays with more perspectives! I learned so much from these essays, both about the history of the church and women and the direction the church can move forward in the future.
This book was published in 1992, and Maxine Hanks was excommunicated for it. Fun fact, though, is that she was re-baptized into the church later (I don't remember what year). I actually had the chance to meet her about 2 years ago at a "feminist FHE" in Provo. While at the FHE, she talked about how her feminist beliefs have not changed. But the church HAS changed. And we've seen a lot of those changes recently. President Nelson confirming that women hold the priesthood. Women being able to be witnesses. Changes in the temple endowment. We still have SO MUCH FURTHER TO GO. Trust me, I know. (Like women actually being able to use the priesthood in the church). But it's cool to know that since this book was published, changes for women in the church have happened. And I think we have in part Maxine Hanks to thank for that, along with many other women (and men) who were excommunicated in the 90s (and before and after).
President Nelson recently addressed women and told us to learn more about our priesthood power. This was (and is) a little frustrating for me because why are you putting the responsibility on women to teach themselves about the priesthood when men get taught about their priesthood responsibilities all. the. time. in church. You know? And also I could go on about other reasons I'm a little frustrated about this statement (like women have been fighting for acknowledgement of our priesthood power since the beginning of the church but he didn't acknowledge that in his talk either). BUT MOVING ON haha I really think this book is a great starting point to understand women's relationship with the priesthood! Especially because it gives so much historical evidence and examples of women and the priesthood in the church!
And I just also want to say that my favorite part of this whole book was reading the experts from the Women's Exponent and I just wish with all my heart that we had a church publication written for women by women. That's all.
Seriously I have been reading this book off and on for 7 whole months and let me tell you it was worth it. This book consists of a series of essays by a variety of different people on a variety of topics including Heavenly Mother, women and the priesthood(/priestesshood), historic Mormon feminist discourse, revelation, the need for women's voices, and inequity in grammar/language. What I loved about the essays included in this book was that although a lot of the essays talked about the same topic (the main ones being Heavenly Mother and women & the priesthood), Maxine Hanks made sure each essay she included took on a different perspective. There was an essay written by a woman arguing why she didn't want the priesthood—because she doesn't want to enter into a male system that is focused on hierarchy and she instead thinks that women should create a new system for themselves. Another essay showed historically how (white) women have always had the priesthood through the temple endowment. And so many other essays with more perspectives! I learned so much from these essays, both about the history of the church and women and the direction the church can move forward in the future.
This book was published in 1992, and Maxine Hanks was excommunicated for it. Fun fact, though, is that she was re-baptized into the church later (I don't remember what year). I actually had the chance to meet her about 2 years ago at a "feminist FHE" in Provo. While at the FHE, she talked about how her feminist beliefs have not changed. But the church HAS changed. And we've seen a lot of those changes recently. President Nelson confirming that women hold the priesthood. Women being able to be witnesses. Changes in the temple endowment. We still have SO MUCH FURTHER TO GO. Trust me, I know. (Like women actually being able to use the priesthood in the church). But it's cool to know that since this book was published, changes for women in the church have happened. And I think we have in part Maxine Hanks to thank for that, along with many other women (and men) who were excommunicated in the 90s (and before and after).
President Nelson recently addressed women and told us to learn more about our priesthood power. This was (and is) a little frustrating for me because why are you putting the responsibility on women to teach themselves about the priesthood when men get taught about their priesthood responsibilities all. the. time. in church. You know? And also I could go on about other reasons I'm a little frustrated about this statement (like women have been fighting for acknowledgement of our priesthood power since the beginning of the church but he didn't acknowledge that in his talk either). BUT MOVING ON haha I really think this book is a great starting point to understand women's relationship with the priesthood! Especially because it gives so much historical evidence and examples of women and the priesthood in the church!
And I just also want to say that my favorite part of this whole book was reading the experts from the Women's Exponent and I just wish with all my heart that we had a church publication written for women by women. That's all.
March 5, 2010
My Aunt gave me this book back in the early 1990's. which is when I read it. For me it was the beginning of University, independence, individual thought, and a fascinating collection of essays based on the gender inequities in a modern day Church. (These were the growing pains of many Christian churches at the time.) I had grown up within the LDS Church able to see the gender inequities others did not acknowledge, and here was a group of women and men who helped me name them. (It also helped that my cousin was quoted in the book: Catherine Johnson.) With a new love of Feminism and a connection to the church of my birth, this book helped me walk through the next 15 years of religion with a broader perspective and the language required to discuss what I had always seen.
Maxine Hanks was not treated well by the church for her publication and was excommunicated, along with five other prominent BYU educated intellectuals (later dubbed 'The September Six' by the Salt Lake Tribune.) It is sad when the fear of free-thought is so harshly judged and quickly stamped out. If one cannot be critical of one's own community in order to improve it, then how does progress occur? Maxine Hanks is a brave woman and I deeply appreciate her words as they altered my thoughts, ideas and beliefs for the better.
Maxine Hanks was not treated well by the church for her publication and was excommunicated, along with five other prominent BYU educated intellectuals (later dubbed 'The September Six' by the Salt Lake Tribune.) It is sad when the fear of free-thought is so harshly judged and quickly stamped out. If one cannot be critical of one's own community in order to improve it, then how does progress occur? Maxine Hanks is a brave woman and I deeply appreciate her words as they altered my thoughts, ideas and beliefs for the better.
December 25, 2010
I read this book very slowly, bit by bit, over a long period of time. I found it to be very powerful.
Some chapters (like the one on sister missionaries) didn't particularly communicate with me. But many, many, many of them affected me a great deal. I wish I could see a book like this, written today, talking to today's women, 20 years later.
I feel such a longing to develop a kinship with my foremothers in the LDS tradition. I want to sit down for lunch with Eliza R. Snow and Emmeline B. Wells. I want to read the diaries of the women who stood in the circles of healing blessings. I want to write for an independent women's publication. I want to see female leaders regarded as equal to their male counterparts. I want an anointing at the hands of the Relief Society before I give birth.
Parts of this book made me angry. Parts of it fascinated me on an intellectual level. But mostly, it just filled me with longing.
Highly recommended.
Some chapters (like the one on sister missionaries) didn't particularly communicate with me. But many, many, many of them affected me a great deal. I wish I could see a book like this, written today, talking to today's women, 20 years later.
I feel such a longing to develop a kinship with my foremothers in the LDS tradition. I want to sit down for lunch with Eliza R. Snow and Emmeline B. Wells. I want to read the diaries of the women who stood in the circles of healing blessings. I want to write for an independent women's publication. I want to see female leaders regarded as equal to their male counterparts. I want an anointing at the hands of the Relief Society before I give birth.
Parts of this book made me angry. Parts of it fascinated me on an intellectual level. But mostly, it just filled me with longing.
Highly recommended.
June 1, 2010
While I was reading this I went through many stages in my faith. From a questioning believer to a non-believer in the space of about 8 months. I think it provides some thought-provoking essays on the place of Mormon women in the early part of the Church as well as on women in the church now.
But the last few essays had me scratching my head. So many of the women had to jump through so many hoops to try and reconcile their place within the church and their place within Mormonism's theology.
I, for one, cannot believe in the Mormon God that tells me my only role is to bear children, not only in this existence, but in the existence to come and that tells me polygamy is the higher law. Ugh. Can't do it.
But overall, a great collection of essays from many types of women and a few men on Mormonism and what it means for women in the church.
But the last few essays had me scratching my head. So many of the women had to jump through so many hoops to try and reconcile their place within the church and their place within Mormonism's theology.
I, for one, cannot believe in the Mormon God that tells me my only role is to bear children, not only in this existence, but in the existence to come and that tells me polygamy is the higher law. Ugh. Can't do it.
But overall, a great collection of essays from many types of women and a few men on Mormonism and what it means for women in the church.
May 11, 2019
Super compelling!!! Feminism is used in a relative way here; mormon feminism is not recognizable to me as a movement for women’s liberation, it’s more a movement for a few concessions and even that is apparently too much to ask. It may not really be a feminist issue to ask for this to change while still upholding a fundamentally patriarchal religion but it IS still wild that Mormon men in authority are actively suppressing church policy and a female god literally described by Joseph Smith and supported throughout his work and documentation of his life, choosing oppressing women over accurate interpretation of the literal stuff Joseph Smith said
August 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this exploration of Mormon feminism and authority. This collection of essays is thought-provoking and empowering and I absolutely loved it. It gave me a lot to ponder and provided lots of discussion topics in my home.
Now that I've done a decent amount of reading and study on the history of Mormon women (especially in regards to exercising priesthood powers), many of the stories related here weren't new and didn't rock my world. But for anyone who hasn't done much studying on this topic yet, this book is the perfect start.
I especially appreciated that there are some sections that are full of thoughts of modern (well, modern when this book was written) Mormon folks grappling with some difficult topics. It's empowering to see how other people born into the same traditions and church are approaching and understanding some aspects of their religion. And it helps put things into a more practical and approachable context for those of us still working through various thoughts and ideas.
I really enjoy reading about feminism within the LDS church and I'm excited to continue doing that. But I feel like all my Mormon feminist reading and study so far has largely ignored intersectionality, which may have been okay when this book came out, but which needs to be a bigger part of future conversations within this movement. I'm holding out for a book discussing intersectionality in the church (or at least acknowledging it more).
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Mormon women's history or feminism in religious communities. Available online here.
Now that I've done a decent amount of reading and study on the history of Mormon women (especially in regards to exercising priesthood powers), many of the stories related here weren't new and didn't rock my world. But for anyone who hasn't done much studying on this topic yet, this book is the perfect start.
I especially appreciated that there are some sections that are full of thoughts of modern (well, modern when this book was written) Mormon folks grappling with some difficult topics. It's empowering to see how other people born into the same traditions and church are approaching and understanding some aspects of their religion. And it helps put things into a more practical and approachable context for those of us still working through various thoughts and ideas.
I really enjoy reading about feminism within the LDS church and I'm excited to continue doing that. But I feel like all my Mormon feminist reading and study so far has largely ignored intersectionality, which may have been okay when this book came out, but which needs to be a bigger part of future conversations within this movement. I'm holding out for a book discussing intersectionality in the church (or at least acknowledging it more).
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Mormon women's history or feminism in religious communities. Available online here.
February 17, 2010
It's interesting to think this was compiled almost 20 years ago- if someone ventured to do such a compiling now, would it be possible?
I found the histories fascinating. Various essays followed the history of women healing in the Church, sister missionaries, how the Church discusses our Mother in Heaven, the ERA, and even feminism at BYU. Reading about the experiences and excitement of the women working when the WRI was first established made me sad. Here I am in 2010, knowing that as of December 2009, the WRI no longer exists.
And I'll admit- I do find the "explanations" we are given as to why women cannot actively use their priesthood to be just as reaching and condescending as the "reasons" that black men could not hold the priesthood. And the discrepancy between, "Look at how awesome it is to have knowledge of a Mother in Heaven" and "But you can't talk about Her or wonder what sort or being She is or attempt a relationship with Her at all," is disheartening.
I found the histories fascinating. Various essays followed the history of women healing in the Church, sister missionaries, how the Church discusses our Mother in Heaven, the ERA, and even feminism at BYU. Reading about the experiences and excitement of the women working when the WRI was first established made me sad. Here I am in 2010, knowing that as of December 2009, the WRI no longer exists.
And I'll admit- I do find the "explanations" we are given as to why women cannot actively use their priesthood to be just as reaching and condescending as the "reasons" that black men could not hold the priesthood. And the discrepancy between, "Look at how awesome it is to have knowledge of a Mother in Heaven" and "But you can't talk about Her or wonder what sort or being She is or attempt a relationship with Her at all," is disheartening.
July 22, 2018
A must read for all aspiring Mormon feminists
August 7, 2019
I really loved the sources in this book and enjoyed reading the words of women.
December 2, 2024
Eyes to See & Ears to Hear.
I am taken with the questions and attempts at clarity offered / suggested by the cumulative messages of these herein-compiled essays.
I prize truth. I seek for and prize the gift to discern truth (period and from error). It, as is any gift, subject to human flaw. Nevertheless and FWIW I find much truth in this work. Much.
It seems from my evolving understanding, Mormon feminism asserts two primary tenets: we of the Mormon faith do not, as God (Father and Mother) would have us, attend to 2) the Feminine Divine and 2) the endowment / anointing / ordination / setting apart / of or with power which has been thus far revealed. We are ignoring light which has been revealed. And much / most / all of that is particularly detrimental to women.
Truth. A stunning observation elucidated by this work. Profound.
And a corollary in the form of a question: might we not petition God (Father and Mother) to provide a revelation to aid believers in overcoming the decades / century long devolution and now inertia which prevents many / most in the greater community and institution (? as seems apparent) from recognizing that light?
It seems that was necessary to help the community begin to overcome the century-long inertia associated with another form of bias.
P.S. I cannot help but observe how many more recent “adjustments” align with points made by various contributors to this work. A spirit of truth and revelation is manifest in such change.
I am taken with the questions and attempts at clarity offered / suggested by the cumulative messages of these herein-compiled essays.
I prize truth. I seek for and prize the gift to discern truth (period and from error). It, as is any gift, subject to human flaw. Nevertheless and FWIW I find much truth in this work. Much.
It seems from my evolving understanding, Mormon feminism asserts two primary tenets: we of the Mormon faith do not, as God (Father and Mother) would have us, attend to 2) the Feminine Divine and 2) the endowment / anointing / ordination / setting apart / of or with power which has been thus far revealed. We are ignoring light which has been revealed. And much / most / all of that is particularly detrimental to women.
Truth. A stunning observation elucidated by this work. Profound.
And a corollary in the form of a question: might we not petition God (Father and Mother) to provide a revelation to aid believers in overcoming the decades / century long devolution and now inertia which prevents many / most in the greater community and institution (? as seems apparent) from recognizing that light?
It seems that was necessary to help the community begin to overcome the century-long inertia associated with another form of bias.
P.S. I cannot help but observe how many more recent “adjustments” align with points made by various contributors to this work. A spirit of truth and revelation is manifest in such change.
April 11, 2025
A series of essays examining the themes of feminism, authority, and priesthood in connection to women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints published in 1992. Concerns and primary sources over the evolving theology of women's powers and duties in the early Church, as set apart by Joseph Smith and other Church leaders in contrast to minimal recognition in the modern era. The historical perspective is interesting, while some essays just feel like griping. Maxine was the wife of Marion D. Hanks, a leader in the Church, so I presume some believed it would lend credibility to the book and its contents.
October 19, 2015
This was an informative and often beautiful collection of essays, as well as a couple sections of excerpts from Mormon Women's Publications. I was tickled and a bit shocked to see Cixcous and Kristeva mentioned in the introduction. I like the French as far as theory is concerned. My favorite essays in the body of the book were "The Historical Relationship of Mormon Women and Priesthood", Linda K. Newell, "Mormon Women Have Had The Priesthood Since 1843", D. Michael Quinn and "Women as Healers in the Modern Church", Betina Lindsey. It's interesting to me that after the excommunications in the nineties the same sorts of discourse seems to have resurfaced without much shift in 22 years. As I've moved away from the idea of an anthropomorphic God, Heavenly Mother is less resonant, though there is some beautiful writing on the idea. Priesthood is also much more fluid and broad for me than the Orthodox Mormon definition, so while it was extremely interesting reading I didn't connect in the way I might have 5 or 10 years ago. Still, well worth reading if you claim the label Mormon Feminist or if you are at all interested in Mormon Women in non-correlated historical context.
February 5, 2011
I started reading this a couple days ago. I am getting close to the halfway point.
Much of the material is not new to me, but things I have read in various other articles in the past year or two. However, reading so much of it all in one place is making me angry and sad all over again.
I like the format of articles and chapters by different people and the inclusion of articles written for the women's publications of so long ago. It helps make it more readable.
Just finished the book. I really liked it. There was some repetition since it is really a compilation of articles and historical information. There was a LOT of food for thought.
Reading this book has hardened my resolve to get involved in women's rights issues.
Much of the material is not new to me, but things I have read in various other articles in the past year or two. However, reading so much of it all in one place is making me angry and sad all over again.
I like the format of articles and chapters by different people and the inclusion of articles written for the women's publications of so long ago. It helps make it more readable.
Just finished the book. I really liked it. There was some repetition since it is really a compilation of articles and historical information. There was a LOT of food for thought.
Reading this book has hardened my resolve to get involved in women's rights issues.
May 27, 2008
A provocative (and yet "whiny") collection of essays on subjects such as the worship of a Mother in Heaven, priesthood and women, and healing by women. The best essay is D. Michael Quinn's "Women Have Held the Priesthood Since 1843." This is a book to be read carefully, looking for hidden truths and enlightenment. Definitely not mainstream stuff.
July 2, 2010
Great collections of essays and thoughts from a veritable all-start lineup of Mormon intellectuals.
Really good insight, especially for a male who was raised and indoctrinated in the patriarchal order of the LDS church, to see these perspectives and understand at a deeper level the effect the Church can have on females.
Glad I read it. Would highly recommend it.
Really good insight, especially for a male who was raised and indoctrinated in the patriarchal order of the LDS church, to see these perspectives and understand at a deeper level the effect the Church can have on females.
Glad I read it. Would highly recommend it.
September 4, 2010
A profound view of feminism within Mormonism. This is a collection of essays, poems, and research papers dealing with various women's issues in the church, including the historical perspective, ERA fights, views of Mother in Heaven, etc. I have purchased copies of this book to give to my family members. Very enlightening.
August 24, 2011
While I can’t agree with all of the conclusions drawn by this book, there were actually few conclusions drawn. Instead, there were articulate and well researched essays and historical writings that promote honest communication regarding gender. Interestingly, I found this month’s visiting teaching message among the writings published from The Exponent.
June 7, 2012
A couple of the articles/essays I probably would have only given a three, but loved the rest/found them to be well-written, insightful, and uplifting. First time I think I've actually enjoyed reading about the history of Relief Society.
(Just FYI, the whole book is available online for free, just Google it)
(Just FYI, the whole book is available online for free, just Google it)
April 9, 2008
Very interesting essays on Mormon feminism, but most of the essays took doubt and questioning a little farther than I wanted to go, but the ideas are all interesting and the breadth of contributors and topics is a real draw.
Want to read
March 29, 2012Mormon Feminism seems like a blatant oxymoron. However, I'm curious about this book. The author was excommunicated for writing it, so I'm hoping it contains subversive interpretations of how women OUGHT to be treated in Mormon culture. hmmmm
August 22, 2013
Five stars for how much it has informed my mental processes on women in Mormonism. Some essays were more helpful than others, and I don't agree with every single thing, but it's a powerful book with interesting and important research into mormon theology and church history.
August 11, 2011
Probably one of the most important, yet uncelebrated, collection of essays dealing with Mormon studies.
July 20, 2014
Absolutely amazing. I feel like there is discussion here of many questions I have asked my whole life and never had anyone to talk about them with. Great insights into Mormon history and theology.
July 18, 2021
Essential reading for anyone wanting to get to the roots of Mormon feminism and its trajectory into the early 1990s.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews