Barbara Morgan Gardner, an associate professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU, has shared insights regarding the empowerment of young adult women within the Church. Gardner, who authored The Priesthood Power of Women in the Temple, Church, and Family, emphasizes the importance of women understanding and using God's priesthood power.
Gardner suggests that a critical way to empower young adult women is by helping them become confident in studying scriptures, particularly those concerning the priesthood and the temple. She advises that teachers should act as guides rather than being a sage on the stage to help women achieve greater spiritual self-reliance. Recommended scriptures for study include Doctrine and Covenants sections 2, 13, 20, 76, 84, 95, 107, 110, 121, and 124, as well as Alma 13.
Regarding the limited number of women mentioned by name in scriptures, Gardner references President Ballard's instruction to develop the skill of finding women's influence even when they are not specifically named. She notes that finding women in scriptures and history helps reveal their power and influence in the family, community, the Church, and the world.
Gardner also addresses the topic of Heavenly Mother, noting that while the topic has sometimes been treated as taboo, it can be a critical part of answering fundamental questions about human existence. She encourages educators to look for and relish the opportunity to discuss Heavenly Mother, while following the pattern of praying to the Father in His name, as noted by President Hinckley.
Gardner emphasizes that through temple covenants, both men and women receive priesthood power and authority regardless of their marital status. She notes that the patriarchal priesthood is centered on family, as seen in the context of Adam and Eve.
