In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with theologian, historian, and Mormon feminist scholar Maxine Hanks to explore the history of women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in early Christianity. My perspective comes from a traditionalist angle - so I wanted to talk to an active feminist to gain more perspective and a better understanding of our sisters who might be struggling with certain things in the church.We talk about:🌿 The original leadership roles and spiritual authority LDS women held🌿 How early women participated in blessings, healing, and priesthood-adjacent work🌿 Why women’s roles changed after Joseph Smith’s death🌿 What “preside” really means in the Family Proclamation🌿 How women can reclaim confidence in their divine identity and spiritual gifts🌿 The importance of personal revelation, divine guidance, and trusting God through church change

Maxine shares decades of research, her story of excommunication and return to the Church, and the deep spiritual insight she’s gained along the way. This episode offers clarity, comfort, context, and hope — whether you’re faithful, questioning, feminist, traditional, or somewhere in between.

Talk by Dallin H Oaks "The Keys and Authority of The Priesthood" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=engMissing woman in the Bible - Deseret News Article:https://www.deseret.com/education/2025/11/08/stunning-find-meet-the-missing-woman-in-the-bible-rediscovered-by-a-byu-researcher/Maxine's Book: Women in Authority: Re-emerging Mormon Feminism:https://www.signaturebooks.com/books/p/women-and-authorityFor more information visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=engorWebsite: https://www.ComeUntoChrist.orgTo contact Be Faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

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