Elder (religious)

A religious elder (in Greek, presbuteros) is valued for his or her wisdom, in part for their age, by the logic that the older one is then the more one is likely to know. The concept of an elder was common in parts of the world where what is now called civilization had taken over. The elders in the Bible were also called Scribes or Pharisees. Elders are typical of societies where oral history plays a large part; in societies with patrilineal descent, elders are frequently male, whereas in societies with matrilineal descent, elders are often female. However, both men and women may be elders of a particular society. The sections below look at the concept of eldership held in various religious denominations.

Mormonism

Elder is a title for an adult male member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormon who has the Melchizedek Priesthood. Male missionaries of the Church, who typically serve for two years beginning at age 19, are considered elders despite their youth. See also Elder (Mormonism).

Related Topics:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Mormon - Melchizedek Priesthood - Missionaries - Elder (Mormonism)

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