When we hear a term like “priestcrafts” we are likely to think first of the impure motives of religious leaders of other denominations. Elder Dallin H. Oaks explained that this term just as accurately describes those within the Church who set themselves up as a light to the world with the intention of gaining the praise of the world.
Dallin H. Oaks
“Focusing on the needs of the students, a gospel teacher will never obscure their view of the Master by standing in the way or by shadowing the lesson with self-promotion or self-interest. This means that a gospel teacher must never indulge in priestcrafts, which are ’that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world’ (2 Nephi 26:29. A gospel teacher does not preach ‘to become popular’ (Alma 1:3) or ‘for the sake of riches and honor’ (Alma 1:16). He or she follows the marvelous Book of Mormon example in which ’the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner’ (Alma 1:26). Both will always look to the Master.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1999)
Hugh Nibley
“’Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.‘ That’s very interesting when he says, ’They seek not the welfare of Zion.‘ He’s talking about somebody who is in Zion in that case who sets himself up for a light and wants to get gain and praise. Well, I know lots of businessmen and others who have had a free ride on the Church. That’s done quite commonly. They set themselves up for a light. Many of them have been high priests-bishops, stake presidents, etc. My father was one of them; he cashed in on it. It’s sad. But you’ll find that in every church, too. We might as well be frank about these things. How do we deal with these people? The next verse makes it clear. You should have charity; you don’t judge them at all. Of course not.”(Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Lecture 21, p. 335)
Bruce R. McConkie
"Priesthood and priestcraft are two opposites; one is of God, the other of the devil. When ministers claim but do not possess the priesthood; when they set themselves up as lights to their congregations, but do not preach the pure and full gospel; when their interest is in gaining personal popularity and financial gain, rather than in caring for the poor and ministering to the wants and needs of their fellow men -- they are engaged, in a greater or lesser degree, in the practice of priestcrafts.
“Apostasy is born of priestcrafts (2 Ne. 10:5; 3 Ne. 16:10; D. & C. 33:4), for those who engage in them follow vain things, teach false doctrines, love riches, and aspire to personal honors. (Alma 1:12, 16.) Men are commanded to repent of their priestcrafts (3 Ne. 30:2), and eventually, in the millennial day, these great evils will be done away. (3 Ne. 21:19.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 593-4)