Is “Laying on of Hands” Essential for Exercising Authority?

Is the LDS “Laying on of Hands” essential? The physical act of placing one’s hands on another’s head is critical in Mormonism. When Latter-day Saints exercise authority, ordain someone, or give priesthood blessings, they do so by laying their hands on another. According to some Latter-day Saints, without the laying on of hands, true authority cannot properly be exercised. But is this act really required?

The LDS Church seems to think so. In the book of Acts, there are several examples of the apostles laying their hands on others to give the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mormons appeal to such examples to demonstrate the importance of laying hands on another. What many Latter-day Saints don’t realize, however, is that such examples are less consistent than they may realize. Laying on of hands absolutely occurs, but does the Bible really teach that this physical act is absolutely required?

In this video, we’re going to do a survey of the New Testament to see how authority is exercised. Are Christians required to lay their hands on another’s head, as LDS Church practices dictate? Or are there other ways we see authority being expressed?