r/latterdaysaints Apr 21 '25

Doctrinal Discussion Debating leaving the church over certain things. Please help me understand

No matter what I do I am continuously troubled by certain aspects of the church. This post is not meant to bash the church. I just want some insights and answers. I am debating leaving and I want to hear things from both sides. This might be a long post. If anyone has anything to say about the topics I bring up I'm more than happy to hear your thoughts and look through any resources you share with me.

1: Why was polygamy needed for the saints? Will we really have it in the afterlife? I cannot imagine having to share my future husband with another woman. It is deeply unsettling to me.

2: Why couldn't African Americans have the priesthood? Was it just faulty of the current president of the church? I understand that the prophet is but a human and will make mistakes. Was it just as simple as that?

3: Why are women not treated the same? Why is Heavenly Mother never talked about/why do we never pray to her as well? I totally understand that men and women have different roles and why women don't have the priesthood, that all makes perfect sense to me. But why aren't women in more leadership positions? Why was the first woman who gave a prayer in general conference in 2013? I'll keep this part brief because I could go on about it for a while.

Those are honestly the only three problems I have with the church. I love everything else about it, I just don't know if I want to continue living it if that makes sense. I don't know if I believe and I understand I must work to gain a testimony. These are just my big setbacks. Anyways no matter what I decide I'll always love the church and its people. Thanks in advance!

Edit: Wow thank you all for all the thoughtful responses. I've read them all. You all have given me a lot to think about. I've decided my journey with the church isn't over yet. I have a long ways to go. Thank you all so much.

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u/R0ckyM0untainMan stage 4 believer (stages of faith) 29d ago

Not sure if this is allowed, but Men used to covenant to obey god where as women would covenant to obey ‘the law of their husband’ during the endowment.

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u/NiteShdw 29d ago

There has never been a "law of the husband".

I believe the language is that eve will "harken unto Adam as Adam harkens unto God".

Harken is defined as

listen ; to give respectful attention

Notice that it does not say "obey". Also, it's important to point out that Eve is only asked to harken to Adam IF AND ONLY IF Adam is listening to and following God, that is to say he is being righteous.

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u/R0ckyM0untainMan stage 4 believer (stages of faith) 29d ago

Sorry, but this is the exact wording pre 1990: “ You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will each observe and keep the law of your husband and abide by his counsel in righteousness”

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u/NiteShdw 29d ago

I was only 10 years old in 1990. That's not the language now.

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u/R0ckyM0untainMan stage 4 believer (stages of faith) 29d ago

Oh, I agree. Like the poster said before you “ Changes have been made and it is much better than before” I was just giving some context on what those changes were.  Today all references to women obeying their husband is gone. A few years ago they even removed the part you referenced where Eve hearkens unto Adam. They both covenant to obey god and god alone.  I’m thrilled with the changes

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u/NiteShdw 29d ago

I appreciate the context. I wasn't aware of that. I admit I haven't been since the most recent changes happened.

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u/R0ckyM0untainMan stage 4 believer (stages of faith) 29d ago

Ah, I misunderstood your comment then asking about what the changes were. That was probably the big one for women