The following talk was given by Dr. David J. Ridges, on August 17, 2009, at BYU Education Week, entitled, 'The Doctrine & Covenants, a Treasury of What’s, Why’s and How’s.' (Many topics were discussed. This is only a very small part of his excellent talk. For more info, check it out on byu.org).

"What is the word of the Lord considering a pretty hot topic today, namely, the equality of men and women?

Are husbands and wives truly equal when it comes to the plan of salvation, the great plan of happiness, which the Father has for his children? There is so much of misunderstanding and intentional conflict on this matter in today’s world. Satan is obviously promoting abuse and stirring up animosity among men and women on this topic, as you are well aware.

What is the point of doctrine that provides eternal truth on this vital issue? We will use a part of verse 19 in Doctrine & Covenants Section 132 to set the stage for the answer and then verse 20.

19. (a small part of verse 19 reads): If a man marry a wife by My word, which is My law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power (and so forth, all the proper authority and then verse 20…)

20. Then shall they be gods, (Who is they?...The husband and wife) because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

We will include a quote from: 'The Family, A Proclamation to the World,' which also contains the word of the Lord on this matter, a very important quote by his prophets in Sept of 1995: In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners, that’s the final word of the Lord on this whole issue."