Re: shamanism and culture shock

Marie K Conrad (mkconrad@ACSU.BUFFALO.EDU)
Mon, 13 May 1996 13:25:41 -0400

Dear Mike,
I don't believe in saying that Mormon males must have attained a
certain level in the priesthood hierarchy in order to give a priesthood
blessing makes them a small clique. Boys of 12 years of age enter into
the Aaronic priesthood, and progress through three levels (Deacon, Teacher,
and Priest) and then onto the Melchezidek Priesthood. It is when they
enter the Melchezidek, or higher order of the Priesthood, that they can
participate in blessings to heal the sick. You see, each level of the 2
priesthoods carries different responsibilities which build upon each other.
The privilege to perform a blessing for the sick, etc., is not one that
is granted to members of the Aaronic priesthood.
Hope this clears up any confusion about priesthood responsibilities in
the LDS church.
Cheers!
Marie Conrad

On Sat, 11 May 1996, mike shupp wrote:

> On Sat, 11 May 1996, Marie K Conrad wrote:
>
> > You're very correct in pointing out that the LDS (Mormon) Church does
> > practice the "laying on of hands," and that this has to do with the faith
> > of both the "healer" and the "healee." It is, however, referred to as a
> > "priesthood blessing," and is performed only by (male) priesthood holders
> > in the LDS church who have attained a certain level in the priesthood
>
> I stand corrected. Still, most Mormon males (every single one in
> most communities, I suspect) enter the priesthood as Deacons as young
> teenagers and rise up the ranks. It's not a tiny little clique we're
> speaking of here, but a major portion of the community.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ms44278@huey.csun.edu
> Mike Shupp
> California State University, Northridge
>
>
>
>