JO - I know of examples of men seeing God, but
not women. Do you know of any? Is this why women are
to veil their faces in the presence of God?
Will women really ever see him?
JOEL - As far as I know God the Father has only revealed Himself a very
few times to His prophets on this earth, who of course happen to be
Men. There are no recorded events in the scriptures of Him showing Himself
to women(except perhaps of course to Eve in the Garden of Eden), although
being God He can show himself to whomever He wants.
In most instances where it is reported that God appeared to someone it
is the pre-mortal or post-mortal Jesus Christ. Of course the post-mortal
Jesus showed Himself to Mary Magdalene(John 20: 11-17) and perhaps other
women shortly after His resurrection (1 Cor 15:6). There are no other scriptural reports of showing Himself to other women; although anyone who has had their calling
and election made sure might have the privilege of experiencing a personal
visitation from Christ Himself (D&C 88:3-5, and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pp 149-151).
The idea of the veil comes from ancient customs
representing an expression of humility and respect
and honor when in the presence of God. There is a related scripture in the Bible
Paul said:
"Every man praying or prophesying, having his head
covered, dishonoureth his head.
But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her
head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is
even all one as if she were shaven.
For if the woman be not covered, let her also be
shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn
or shaven, let her be covered.
For a man indeed ought not to cover his head,
forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but
the woman is the glory of the man." (1 Cor 11:4-7)
My wife says that because women are so much more
beautiful than men, they must cover their faces in
order to show their humility and lack of pride and vanity in their beauty.
Men should of course also show humility and respect
for God and they can do that by bowing their head
and/or kneeling in God's presence. They can also show
it by honoring the priesthood by using it to serve
God's children.
Of course all men and women who merit exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom will see God.
Jesus said:
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. (Matt.5: 8, See also D&C 88:68)