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This outstanding book reflects the keen insights which come from combining careful scriptural study, scholarly ability, diligent effort, and a rich testimony of the gospel. It will prove of great value to any Latter-day Saint who enjoys new insights, and who seeks to better understand his personal role and responsibility in the eternal plan.
Stewardship—The Divine Order compares man's role as steward to the role of servant, analyzes the nature of eternal covenants, and explores related concepts such as the more profound meanings of knowledge, power, and glory. The book shows that God has established careful order in his kingdom—an order of the Church, and an order of the gospel. Other types of orders also are examined in the light of the gospel, such as various types of God-related political orders. Three versions of divine economic orders are also analyzed and compared in detail.
Much of the book focuses on our stewardship responsibilities in relation to the divinely established family order, as seen by both ancient and modern prophets. Recognizing her feminine responsibility, the author includes added insights concerning stewardship tasks expected of women.
As she further expands the concept of stewardship, the author examines the role of Christ, both as a faithful servant of the Father, and as a loving Savior. In a final summation, the author examines the challenges of living the law of stewardship and maintaining the divine family order
in today's world.
Stewardship—The Divine Order provides a new and deeper understanding of our responsibility to self, to family, to our fellowmen, and to God. It is that understanding which can shape our life and direct it towards the glories of eternal life. It is a book well worth reading and pondering with care.
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Part 1: Divine Order of God
1. The Divine Order of the Church, 11
Servants and Stewards, 12
Summary, 24
2. The Order of the Gospel, 26
The Nature of Covenants, 26
The New and Everlasting Covenant of the Gospel, 28
Covenants to Serve, 35
Summary, 39
3. Knowledge, Power, and Glory—The Spiritual Rewards that Save, 40
The Glory of God is Like Fire Burning, 41
The Glory of God is Intelligence, Truth and Light, Knowledge, 42
The Glory of God is Power, 44
The Glory of God is Salvation, 45
Summary, 47
Part 2: The Divine Political and Economic Orders
4. The Divine Political Order: Three Versions, 48
Government Through Prophet-Kings, 49
Government Through Appointed Judges, 52
Government Through Elected Judges, 53
An Addendum—The American Constitution, 61
Summary, 64
5. The Divine Economic Order: Three Versions, 65
The Gospel-Prescribed Care of the Poor, 66
Three Proper Economic Orders to Do Away with Poverty, 68
Summary, 81
Part 3: The Divine Family Order As Seen by the Prophets of God
6. The Divine Family Order According to Our Ancient Scriptures, 82
The Establishment of the Divine Family Order in the Garden of Eden, 83
The Divine Family Order Before the Coming of Christ, 85
The Divine Family Order in the New Testament, 87
Summary, 92
7. The Divine Family Order According to the Early Prophets in Our Dispensation, 93
Doctrine and Covenants, 94
History of the Church, 95
The Journal of Discourses, 99
Summary, 100
8. The Divine Family Order According to Our Present-Day Prophets, 102
Woman, 103
Woman as a Member of Her Community, 104
Woman as a Mother, 107
Woman as Wife, l09
Summary, 114
Part 4: The Model For Living the Divine Order of God: Jesus the Christ
9. Christ and the Divine Order: A Steward Is a Faithful Servant, 116
Christ, Our Chief Steward, 117
Christ Our Steward: Man of Sorrow and Servant of God, 121
Summary, 131
10. Christ and the Divine Order—A Good Steward is a Lovingly Forceful Savior, 133
The Righteous Exercise of Power, 134
Christ, Our Perfect Steward, 138
Summary, 150
Part 5: Summary and Conclusions
11. The Divine Family Order In Today's World, 152
The World Challenge to the Proper Family Order, 154
Attack on Procreation, 155
Attack on Socialization, 156
Attack on Family Hierarchy and Family Division of Labor, 157
Living the Divine Family Order: The Test of Our Generation, 160
Our Own Challenge to the Proper Family Order, 164
Four Major Potential Problems in Living the Family Order, 165
Conclusion, 169
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