Posted by:
SusieQ#1
(
)
Date: February 19, 2012 12:55PM
This is what the LDS Church members believe. (Has nothing to do with my beliefs).
If we are going to understand Mormonism, I take the position that it's imperitive to know what their beliefs are and how they function.
I made the statement that the office of "elder" in the LDS Church is not about age, but is about a title. This is why I made that claim.
This is from their web site:
Melchizedek Priesthood
The Melchizedek Priesthood is the greater priesthood. Its name comes from the name of a great high priest who lived during the time of Abraham (see D&C 107:2–5). Brethren who hold this priesthood have the power and authority to hold positions of leadership in the Church and to direct the preaching of the gospel. They may preside, as called, over missions, districts, branches, and quorums.
Before a man can be ordained to an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, he must first have the Melchizedek Priesthood conferred upon him. Then he is ordained to an office in that priesthood. These offices are elder, high priest, patriarch, seventy, and apostle. Mission or district priesthood leaders organize brethren who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood into quorums of elders in the mission or district. A president presides over each elders quorum. He teaches quorum members their duties and encourages brotherhood among quorum members. All brethren in the branch who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood are members of the elders quorum.
Elder and Elders Quorum Presidency -- more here:
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=9a230f9856c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=9d885f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRDThis is their religious system. As a believer, it's part of the traditions and their culture also.
Also, as a side note: in the Protestant church I used to attend the office of "elder" had different responsiblilities, and could be a young man in his 20's to 30's. It was not just older men.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/19/2012 12:56PM by SusieQ#1.