Mormonism and priesthood/Restoration

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Priesthood restoration

Restoration of the priesthood authority

Why do we need priesthood authority to perform ordinances?

Summary: Why was it necessary to restore the priesthood? Is it really necessary to have ordinances performed by one having priesthood authority?

Why was a priesthood restoration required?

Summary: It is claimed that no restoration of priesthood authority was required, and that the "laying on of hands" is not necessary in order to receive priesthood authority. Some claim that the concept of priesthood authority and ordinations came from Sidney Rigdon.

Hebrews 7 and the Aaronic priesthood

Summary: Hebrews 7 states that the Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood was "changed" to the unique priesthood "after the order of Melchizedek" held by Jesus Christ. Why then do Mormons still use the Aaronic Priesthood?

Date of the restoration of the Melchizedek priesthood

Summary: Some have claimed that the restoration of the priesthood was "back dated" later by Joseph Smith to justify his desire to dominate the Church. Critics also claim that no one seems to know "when or how" Joseph Smith received the Melchizedek priesthood.