Section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the most significant chapters in our scriptural cannon because of its treatment of women. Section 25 is the first revelation in the modern dispensation that is addressed specifically to a woman. It is a quasi-patriarchal blessing to Emma Smith, the wife of the prophet Joseph Smith, in that it alludes somewhat to her calling in life, offers specific council, and pronounces blessings based on her faithfulness. Even though the revelation is addressed specifically to Emma, the Lord is certain to mention that principles (not necessarily time-specific commandments) in this section apply universally when he said in verse 16 “…this is my voice unto all.” However, in order really understand the significance of this revelation, one must understand the context in which it was given.

In the 19^th century, women could live their entire lives as a minor; minor to their father until they were married, minor to their husbands afterward, and minor to their oldest son should they become a widow late in life. Their entire role in the agrarian society of 19^th century New England was to produce and raise offspring to contribute labor to the family farm. In general, they were “objects” or “property” to be acted upon, and not actors themselves.

Doctrine and Covenants section 25 is the beginning of the change in that paradigm. In verse 1, the Lord addresses Emma with the intimate greeting my daughter, and states that all those who receive the gospel are sons and daughters in his kingdom. This statement by itself is incredibly significant; all those who accept the gospel and are baptized are Christ’s sons and daughters regardless of race, gender, color, ethnicity, or socio-economic class. In this way, God is no respecter of persons. What a comfort it is to know that we receive an inheritance in God’s kingdom based solely on our own adherence to the gospel, and not on who or what we are outside of that.

Beyond this insight, the Lord also reveals that Emma is not an object to be acted upon-that she is an actor (or actress I guess) in history. In verse 2 the Lord promises Emma that if she is faithful, the Lord will preserve her life. The significance of this passage is that the blessing depends on her own faithfulness, not that of her husband’s or son’s. She is fully capable of working out her own salvation. The Lord then counsels her to not murmur, meaning she is responsible for changing this behavior. The Lord did not command Joseph to get his wife in line, he told her to stop herself. Later on, Emma is given specific assignments that would have shocked most 19^th century protestants; she is called to be a scribe for the translation of the Book of Mormon, she is told to be ordained under Joseph’s hand to expound the scriptures and exhort the church, she is counseled to spend her time writing and learning much (not just producing babies), and finally she is commanded to compile a hymnal. In all these duties, she is placed equal with man, thus the Lord shows one gender is not superior to the other, but they are made to support one another in the accomplishment of the Lord’s work.

Tags: Women In The Scriptures

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