Our first discussion covers two “Über" (Super or Elevated) Mothers—Eve and Mary. Below you will find links to a range of articles, blog posts, and poetry written about these extraordinary women. The primary purpose of this lesson is to discuss how Mormons view the two women most venerated in all Christianity.
EVE
"I Am A Mormon Because I Am a Feminist," Valerie Hudsen Cassler, fairmormon.org
“The Redemption of Eve” - Jolene Edmunds Rockwood, Sisters in Spirit, Mormon Women in Historical and Cultural Perspective
"The Great Plan of Happiness" - Dallin H. Oaks, lds.org
“Eve” - Beverly Campbell, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
MARY
“Mary, Mother of Jesus” - Camille Fronk Olson, The Encyclopedia of Mormonism
"Behold Thy Mother," Jeffrey R. Holland, lds.org
“Why Mormons Do Not Worship Mary” - Tresa Edmunds, The Guardian
“Mary, Divine Motherhood, and Mormonism” Lisa, Feminist Mormon Housewives
“Something About Mary,” Deborah, Exponent II
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. As a child, how did you perceive Eve? As an adult?
2. In what ways does Mormon doctrine elevate Eve? In what ways does it dismiss her contributions?
3. Is anyone here a convert from Catholicism or another religion that venerated Mary? What did you like about that practice? Do you miss having Mary play a bigger role in our worship services?
4. Why don't we worship Mary in the Mormon church?
5. What lessons do you take from both these women's lives?