Birthright and Blessing: Socioeconomics of Priesthood

Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

The Bible recounts considerable rivalry over priesthood.  Cain killed Able over priesthood.  Ham envied Shem, Jacob supplanted Esau, and the sons of Jacob sold Joseph into Egypt over priesthood.  Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron was over priesthood.  And the feud between the Nephites and Lamanites in the Book of Mormon also began with the a question over priesthood.     

God is not sexist, racist, or xenophobic.  This should go without saying. But, how could a God, who is supposedly gives no favoritism, then restrict priesthood to the oldest son, or only the tribe of Levi and the sons of Aaron.  When Christ ministered on the Earth, He initially preached only to the Jews, and only later opened up missionary work to the Gentiles after his ascension.   In the Latter-days, priesthood was restricted from certain ethnicities.  Even today, certain priesthood offices are reserved for men.  Why is this?

D&C 78:6 For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things;

These priesthood restrictions are not because God shows favoritism, or a sign that religion is a man-made institution, but because God knows human society is unequal. Race isn't even biologically a thing, and we just made it up. But God knew that our imperfect society gives preferential treatment to the oldest son, certain ethnicity, and males. I am a white male, and have been the benefactor of privileged.   So, if I acknowledge privilege, why would I support Biblical teachings that reinforce these privileges? Priesthood isn't supposed to be a privilege, its supposed to be a responsibility. Priesthood in the Old Testament carried the responsibility to care for the father's house in the event of his death or disability.  The oldest son was given a double portion of inheritance (bithright) to assist in the discharge of these duties (blessing).

Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Now, people who see this as unfair, tend to be looking at this arrangement from a materialistic standpoint.  All they may see is one child getting an unequal cut of the pie and greater prestige in society.  Esau viewed the birthright and blessing as his right instead of his responsibility. On the other hand, Jacob saw priesthood as greater responsibility to serve his family, learn humility and compassion.  God demonstrates on several occasions that He is more concerned with duty and righteousness, than birth-order.  This is why Jacob, the second son, was preferred over Esau. And this is why Nephi in the Book of Mormon was preferred over his rebellious older brothers Laman and Lemuel. 

There may well have been and continue to be socioeconomic considerations why God reserves priesthood today. Men are socioeconomically advantaged over women in our current society. So this advantage doesn't go to our heads, men are called to serve their wives and children.  And the socioeconomic resources (birthright) that society bestows on men, or certain groups has been used to bless the whole human family.  Had certain church responsibilities and duties been generally available without regard to economic considerations, those extra responsibilities require money, time and energy.  These costs would have been oppressive to the disadvantaged.   In false religion, false priests use religion to make money.  In the true religion, righteous leaders use their money to make the Church.  Leaders in the Church of Jesus Christ devote their time, talents and resources to missionary work, and building God's kingdom.   In Christ's true Church, priesthood doesn't get you a higher seat in heaven over those you serve.  But instead, where more is given, more is required.

2 Ne 29:33 For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.