Second anointing

In Mormonism, the Second Anointing, also known historically and in Mormon scripture as the "fulness of the priesthood," is a very sacred and obscure ordinance usually conducted in temples. It is an extension of the Endowment, and was performed historicially as part of the endowment process. Culturally today, however, some believe that the ceremony is reserved for a relatively small number of married couples selected by the President of the Church.

The Second Anointing may have been intended to symbolize or to literally fulfill scriptural references to the fulness of the priesthood such as in Doctrine and Covenants 124:28, a revelation by Joseph Smith, Jr. commanding the building of a temple in Nauvoo, Illinois, in part, because "there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood." (emphasis added). LDS Church leaders often connect this ordinance with a statement by Peter in his second Epistle. In 2 Peter 1:10, he talks about making one's "calling and election sure," and further remarks, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy" (2 Peter 1:19). Joseph Smith, Jr. referenced this process in saying, "When the Lord has thoroughly proved [a person], and finds that the [person] is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the [person] will find his[/her] calling and election made sure" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 150, paraphrasing by Roy W. Doxey).

The Second Anointing differs from the "first anointing" — part of the Endowment ceremony — in that, the first anointing promises blessings in the afterlife contingent on the patron's faithfulness, the Second Anointing actually bestows those blessings. According to prominent 20th century Latter-day Saint Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, those who receive the Second Anointing "receive the more sure word of prophecy, which means that the Lord seals their exaltation upon them while they are yet in this life. . . . [T]heir exaltation is assured." McConkie at 109-10.

The Second Anointing is believed to be given or to have been given only to married couples. A few scholars have argued that because of this women who receive the Second Anointing, in which they are anointed queens and priestesses, are ordained to the "fulness of the priesthood" the same as their husbands. These scholars feel that Joseph Smith may have considered these women to have, in fact, received the power of the Priesthood (though not necessarily a specific Priesthood office). See D. Michael Quinn, "Mormon Women have had the Priesthood Since 1843," in Hanks, ed., Women and Authority: Re-emerging Mormon Feminism.

External references

1. Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966).
2. Devry S. Anderson, "The Anointed Quorum in Nauvoo, 1842-45", 29 Journal of Mormon History 137-157 (Fall 2003).
3. Buerger, David John (1983). ""The Fulness of the Priesthood": The Second Anointing in Latter-day Saint Theology and Practice". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 16(1): 10–44.
4. David John Buerger, The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship (Signature Books, 2002)

See also

• Temple (Mormonism)
• Washing and anointing
• Endowment (Mormonism)