I was actually thinking of posting this later, but it seems like an appropriate place for it.

According to LDS scripture, husbands are to exercise their authority as heads of the household in the following manner. This particular scripture applies to all holders of the priesthood, which includes husbands.

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.

"Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only be persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

"By kindness, and pure knowlede, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile--

"Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and the showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him [or her] whom thou hast reproved, lest he [she] esteem thee to be his [her] enemy;"

--Doctrines and Covenants 121:39-43

Thus, the way men should act as the head of the household has nothing to do with roles, or with making all the decisions, or anything stereotypically "husband." Instead, you provide input as a completely equal partner, and only exercise your role as head of the house when someone else is doing something wrong. In the case of an LDS family, you only do so when inspired by the Holy Ghost. Obviously, without the Holy Ghost, it is a system ripe for abuse. (ie, "Wife, it is wrong for you to leave the house without me," or "Wife, it is wrong for you to have any friends," or other such abusive things.)

Norton "life is easier with guidance" Fleeing