Aaronic Priesthood

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Includes the levitical priesthood (v. 1), or can be equated with the levitical priesthood (v. 6).
Has power to administer to "outward" ordinances.
Bishop holds the presidency of this priesthood.
Named after Aaron, to whom it was conferred.
Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist.
Aaronic Priesthood discussed in comparison with the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Leaders noted “a lack of energy” and a “slackness” among many Aaronic Priesthood holders. In addition, “a large number of boys and girls” who faithfully attended Sunday School, the Mutual Improvement Association, and Primary nevertheless had begun “to fall out of the ranks at about fourteen years of age and upwards.”
Young men needed hands-on training, said President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) during general conference in April 1903. During general conference five years later, President Smith requested that the young men be given “something to do that will make them interested in the work of the Lord.” In response, the Church developed an ordination schedule for Aaronic Priesthood holders: “young men served as deacons from 12 to 15, teachers from 15 to 18, and priests from 18 to 21.”
A few years later, the Church Priesthood Committee recommended various associated duties. Along with administering, preparing, and passing the sacrament, young men were to become involved in a variety of service projects. Simultaneously, the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) introduced athletic activities.
Documents how the Aaronic Priesthood evolved culturally in the Church to what we have now.


Notes

To some extent, the Aaronic Priesthood's being equal to the Levitical Priesthood implies the containing of the Levitical Priesthood. However, it is also an odd way to speak of things. One might also consider that the term Levitical Priesthood is equivalent to the term Aaronic priesthood, but can also more particularly refer to the priesthood as held and passed through the lineage of Levi.

Cross-References