Mormon Priestcraft… Is There Such a Thing?
Posted by Jon on January 21, 2008
I’ve had this burning question for a long time (truth be told, I just re-read the P.D.P. post by Shawn L, and it inspired me to revisit this question): Does “priestcraft” exist in Mormon culture? If so, what qualifies as priestcraft? Is it the books or cds by Mormon authors that are being solicited to Mormons? Is it the endless trinkets with CTR or “Hold to the Rod” emblazoned across them? How about the jazzed up or even rocked out versions of primary classics such as “Give Said the Little Stream,” or “I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?” The “Forgotten Carols?” First, a definition of the word. Priestcraft as defined in 2 Nephi 26:29, which states: “…for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.”
Truth is, I don’t have an exact answer to my originally question. However, something in my gut just tells me that profiting off of someone because of their religious convictions has something inherently wrong about it. So, yes, I think it exists in Mormon culture, but to what degree, and what exactly constitutes “priestcraft,” I’m still not sure.
At conflict with my opinion is the 13th Article of Faith, which reads, and I’m paraphrasing, “… If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” Though I doubt that qualifies movies like “The R.M.” or “Singles Ward,” but does it help qualify a few of the well-intentioned books out there?
On that note, I’ve created my list of the top six (it was a top five list, but then I thought of my least favorite out of all of them, so I amended it to the not-so-round-number, six) items that qualify as Mormon Priestcraft (note: I’m not providing a link to where you can buy the item as that would defeat the purpose, n’est-ce pas?)
- The CTR Dog Tag (yes, it exists)
- An LDS Girl’s Guide to Real Beauty. There are other books, lots of them, that could have made this list. Some of you are probably saying, what, no “Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites?” Personal disclaimer: I liked that book. So instead, I chose this one to represent the miriad of books available the mislead people to think they are getting the LDS perspective on any topic, but it can’t/shouldn’t be quoted in your church meetings. Not that this book in particular is incapable of helping any young lady seeking answers to this question, but by invoking the LDS name can misguide some into thinking it is approved of by the church.
- Any t-shirt about the Stripling Warriors, church song themes (Give Said the Little Stream was the first example I saw, but there are others out there), jr. missionaries, etc.
- Hold to the Rod key chains. Yes, I had one. No, I will not get one again. Heck, just about any key chain, other than the canister for consecrated oil, which I believe serves an actual purpose (if it hadn’t come in handy so many times, than it would have been considered. But since it actually serves a purpose and is used for more than just trying to out Mormon the next guy, it stays off the list).
- Any “Christian Rock” band whose target demographic are Mormons, or any Christians for that sake. Yes, that includes groups like Jericho Road.
- And, perhaps my least favorite of all and the reason this is a list of 6 and not 5: RULDS2 Bumper Stickers. Please, I can’t think of anything more pointless, self-righteous and belittling to anyone who understands it but isn’t LDS.
There are a lot more items that could be listed, some that overlap with the P.D.P.’s, but feel free to add to the list of favorite “Mormon Priestcraft” items in the comments below. Let’s be nice (no bashing on the Osmond’s or Stephen Covey… both of whom I exempt from the list because they appeal(ed) to a broader audience), but have fun with it.
John Norton said
Hmmm…
I’d like to add “Saturday’s Warrior” to this list, in its many forms.
Jon said
Great point. I’ve never seen any of them, but from what I know, it would be a great addition to the list!
BHodges said
One small caveat: I think LDS themed products can be beneficial. For example, I’ve seen some cool children’s “quiet” books about the Book of Mormon. These are great for sacrament meeting, imo. And as far as the keychain goes, sure, it’s kitche, but it is a symbol to remind the carrier of a principle.
If it’s a poorly made product, and inaccurate product, or one made for the purpose of making a buck (I’m not talking about making any money, I mean get rich scheme type things) it may qualify as priestcraft moreso than other things.
Additionally, priestcrafts involved setting up classes, putting people above other people. Pride, and etc. Oh, well. Why am I defending a friggin’ keychain?
Jared said
In my opinion, Mormons practice a form of priestcrafts when we over emphasize the importance of certain callings in the church. We are asked to sustain our Bishop and Stake President along with their counselors. Sustain does not mean to elevate.
The Lord makes it clear that He is no respecter of persons (see Acts 10:34).
I wonder if some church members expect the Bishop or Stake President to live better than they do so they can in turn depend on them for things that they themselves should be doing. It’s like saying, “your my (fill in the blank) therefore I want you to live so you can have the Holy Ghost along with the gifts of the spirit, then I can come to you for help, and answers when needed.”
Shawn L said
I think Jared is on to something. I see priestcraft as something more nefarious than the Mormon kitsch you list above (all of which is obviously evil for other reasons!). Seeking office within your ward, or believing that your leadership calling somehow makes you more favored in God’s eyes than the lowly nursery assistant, come to mind when I think of priestcraft. Simialrly, I think we engage in priestcraft when we use our beliefs as a sword to remind others just how wrong their beliefs are.
Jonathan said
Shawn and Jared, if what you say is true (and I think you have a point as well), I am obviously favored above my peers, since I teach CTR 8. Literally, the best calling in the church!
Jonathan said
Shawn and Jared, if what you say is true (and I think you have a point as well), I am obviously favored above my peers, since I teach CTR 8. Literally, the best calling in the church!
Joy said
This thread may be old enough that I won’t be heard but I have to say that I don’t care if someone makes money by producing lds themed entertainment. That is not priestcraft. There is a need for less worldly movies books and music. Hymns are a form of worship meant for cerimonial meetings but when my kids are hanging out with their friends dancing or just grooving it’s wonderful to have some Jericho Road among many other talented lds musicians. I am an lds musician and I would love to make a little extra money for my family by selling a cd or two but I write because the Lord, my Father in Heaven and the Gospel are what inspire me. I do not practice priestcraft I write music for my Savior and I know He is pleased with my efforts. When I see the books available to my children to read even in the school library I’m so grateful for books like Tennis Shoes Among The Nephites series that inspires them to search the scriptures, as opposed to books like Billies Two Daddies or anything filled with worldly “wisdom” or vulgarity. I agree that all the ‘kitsch’ is irreverent but ?evil?
jah said
Joy,
I’m also an LDS musician, but one who thinks that profiting from my hymns and other pieces written for the church would definitely be priestcraft. We dedicate our time and talents to the Lord and to the church — we should not profit from that work. The worst offenders of music-related priestcraft: those selling choir music, since 95% of the audience is ward choirs whose funds to purchase that music come from ward budgets, which comes from tithing.
Leslie C. said
I’ve been accused of many things, but this is the first time I’ve been accused of priestcraft, and I must admit I’m stunned. I am the author of your #2 piece of Mormon Priestcraft. My first thought is wow… this guy just accused the prophets of the church of priestcraft. According to your post, any product sold to the LDS people is priestcraft… or is there a provision for this based on the fact that these books make money for the church and not the prophet himself, per say… I mean the prophet and the 12 and other G.A’s get stipends for living since they work full time for the church but that’s not the same is it?? It’s the same thing from the comment by Jah. So then, those who teach at the church school and institutes should go without salary because they have a talent from the Lord and the church profits from their work, and our tithing pays for it? Not everyone can attend release time seminary and everyones tithing pays for it. So that is priestcraft too then?
The other problem with how you’ve set up your definition is that you assume that the motivation for creating such things are for worldly praise and gain, and perhaps in some cases, that is true. But you don’t know me or my motivation for writing An LDS Girls Guide to Real Beauty. It is definitely NOT for worldly gain and praise, nor to set myself up as a light. I did however seek to help the welfare of the daughters of Zion. That was my motivation. WIll I make money off this book. Yes, I will make a small amount. Nothing that will buy me a mansion or a fancy car, but enough to pay off some medical bills. Is money why I wrote the book? No.
Do you have daughters? I do, I have 3 and a sister who is the same age as one of my daughters. I have worked with youth my whole adult life. My mom, sister, and I joined the church at age 10 and that changed my life in many ways. I used those experiences to try and reach out to girls while keeping to gospel principles and standards. This book is geared for ages 10-14, an important age in the development of self esteem and it’s various issues. When my oldest daughter was 10, she was going through a tough self esteem time. Nothing I said would help. She liked to read books by American Girl on self help topics, but she had been through them, so I went to a books store and looked for something that would be what I want to teach her, but that she wouldn’t let me. My jaw hit the floor as I looked through the self help books for girls. First of all, it’s all worldly. Yes, there may be a chapter about inner beauty, but it is right next to the chapter on how masturbate and whether or not sex is right for you. Truly… it’s awful. There was not one thing remotely close to what I felt my daughter needed so I decided to write it in the hopes it would help her and others like her who struggle to find themselves, and know they matter, even in our church that teaches the answer to that.
My daughters gave input to the book and gave me perspective on things I asked them about. I chose to use the gospel as the foundation of what I wrote because I believe as I think most members of the church believe that the gospel should be the foundation of everything we do.
So you don’t like the title, fine. I can see your opinion in that people might take it as a “church produced material.” However, I also think that people who buy such things are smarter than you’re giving them credit for in that regard. I also agree that there are many products that cross the line. I saw a plastic “Liahona” that reminded me of a Magic 8 ball because in the center there were floating messages of “go and do” etc. For me, that crosses the line. But if someone has a gift for music, writing, or art, and want to share that with others, it’s okay as long as it has no mention of being LDS? That makes no sense to me. If there were truly something evil about it, the church wouldn’t be in the business of producing it… for a profit… unless you are accusing the church and it’s leaders of priestcraft. By their fruits ye shall know them… there are many who have been touched by hearing a song from one of those on your list, where the spirit bears witness to them and they feel the answer to a prayer that they had been seeking. The most touching thing I have heard in response to my book is that a young woman felt the spirit and doesn’t feel alone in her feelings anymore. Is that a bad thing?
Are there lines being crossed? Of course. Are all of us who produce things that just happen to be for members of the church practicers of priestcraft? No. Please don’t make blanket accusations toward and judge people of whom you know nothing about.
LdsNana said
Someone suggested the philosophy that “the servant is worth of his hire”. This bids the question as to “whom” we are serving as we “labor” to produce?
tDMg