Thesis (M.A.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Church History and Doctrine.

Thesis (M.A.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Church History and Doctrine. / Electronic thesis. Also available in print ed.

Thesis (M.S.)--B.Y.U. Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Thesis (M.A.)--B.Y.U. Dept. of Church History and Doctrine.

Thesis (M.S.)--B.Y.U. Department of Sociology and Anthropology. / Electronic thesis. Also available in print ed.

This thesis traces the history of the restoration and development of the Aaronic Priesthood and its offices of priest, teacher, and deacon, from 1829 to the middle 1840s in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The major areas of emphasis include the organizational structure of the Aaronic Priesthood, the responsibilities assigned to priests, teachers, and deacons, and the relationship of the functions of the Aaronic Priesthood which are first given in Section 13 of the Doctrine and Covenants, namely the ministering of angels, the preparatory gospel, and the offering of the sons of Levi. Also included is the role of the Aaronic Priesthood in the temples during the formative period of the Church.Interesting finding of the study includes 1) the functioning of priests as presidents of priests quorums instead of bishops, 2) the guardianship or watchman role of teachers and priests and the quasi-legal position therein entailed, and 3) the ordinances of the Kirtland temple participated in by priests, teachers, and deacons in the temple.

This study had two main purposes. Its first is to test the theoretical proposition that there is a carry-over into other systems of behavior as a result of group cohesion. For example, as scouting activities increased, Aaronic Priesthood activities increased. And according to the reference group theory, individuals join reference groups to fulfill certain needs, wants, goals, etc. In an active Boy Scout program many of these needs, wants, and goals are satisfied as the boys participate in the activities outlined by the Boy Scouts of America. Furthermore, once these needs are satisfied, change toward conformity tends to carry over into other systems of behavior.

This study will present a comprehensive study of the YMMIA from 1939 to 1974. This study includes the emergence of different programs and the changes in age groupings, as well as goals of the program. A short historical background chapter will be included to acquaint the readers with the previous growth and development of YMMIA since it was instituted.