Church History Matters

Church History Matters

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The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey inviting you to dive deeper into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History

Scripture Central


    • Jun 4, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h AVG DURATION
    • 130 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Church History Matters podcast is an incredibly valuable resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This podcast tackles a wide range of interesting and sometimes troubling topics, providing context and dimension to these historical events. One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to teach listeners how to think critically about historical claims. It goes beyond simply presenting information and instead teaches listeners how to ask the right questions, evaluate sources, recognize assumptions, and come to their own conclusions. This approach has been life-changing for many listeners, increasing their faith in Jesus Christ, His gospel, and His prophets.

    Another great aspect of this podcast is its accessibility. It appeals to a wide range of listeners, from scholars and thinkers to those who may not consider themselves as such. The hosts, Scott and Casey, have a knack for explaining complex academic research in a way that is understandable and entertaining. They bring in experts on various subjects to provide additional insights and expertise, further enhancing the learning experience.

    However, one potential downside of this podcast is its bias towards a faithful perspective. While it aims to present both pro and con research on controversial topics, it ultimately approaches these subjects from a faithful lens. This may be seen as limiting by some listeners who are seeking a more objective or critical examination of certain historical events or doctrines.

    In conclusion, The Church History Matters podcast is an outstanding resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of church history while also strengthening their faith. It tackles challenging topics with honesty, thoughtfulness, professionalism, spirituality, and even entertainment value. By offering insights into historical context and helping listeners navigate through difficult claims or controversies, this podcast provides tools for building faith and shedding light on the historical aspects of the church. Whether you're already firm in your faith or questioning your beliefs, this podcast can be a valuable tool in exploring church history from both scholarly and faithful perspectives.



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    Latest episodes from Church History Matters

    128 - D&C 63 CFM - Faith Does Not Come Through Signs - E24B Jun 9-15

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 37:22


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 63, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    127 - D&C 60-62 CFM - Does Satan Have Power Over Water? - E24 Jun 9-15

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 40:40


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 60-62, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    126 - D&C 59 CFM - What Does the Sabbath Really Mean? - E23B Jun 2-8

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 42:57


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 59, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    125 - D&C 58 CFM - The Saints in Zion - Now What? - E23 Jun 2-8

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 48:44


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 58, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    124 - D&C 55-57 CFM - Why Zion Had to Start Here - E22B May 26 - Jun 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 52:20


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 55-57, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    124 - D&C 51-54 CFM - Trying to Build Zion While Losing Everything - E22 May 26 - Jun 1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 67:22


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 51-54, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    123 - D&C 50 CFM - How We Can Learn to Discern the Spirit - E21B May 19-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 55:05


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 50, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    122 - D&C 49 CFM - The Revelation that Defined Marriage - E21 May 19-25

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 40:01


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 49, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    121 - D&C 47-48 CFM - The Importance of Keeping Records - E20B May 12-18

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 29:02


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 47-48, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    120 - D&C 46 CFM - Seeking & Discerning Gifts of the Spirit - E20 May 12-18

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 64:47


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 46, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    119 - D&C 45 CFM - What's coming in the Last Days? - E19 May 5-11

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 66:09


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 45, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    118 - D&C 41-44 CFM - The Most Misunderstood Law in the Church - E18 April 28 - May 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 78:24


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 41-44, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    117 - How a Move to Ohio Sparked a Global Movement w/Scott Esplin - E17 Bonus - April 21-27

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 44:55


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Scott Esplin about why the saints moved to Ohio in this "Voices of the Restoration" episode.

    116 - D&C 37-40 CFM - Gathering to Build Zion - E17 - April 21-27

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 69:56


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine & Covenants 37-40, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    115 - Easter and the Importance of the Resurrection - E16 - April 14-20

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 64:25


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Easter and Resurrection, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    114 - Early Church Converts w/Janiece Johnson - E15 Bonus - April 17-13

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2025 63:41


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Janiece Johnson about early church converts in this bonus "Voices of the Restoration" episode.

    113 - D&C 30-36 - CFM - The Lamanite Mission - E15 - April 7-13

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 112:25


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 30-36 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    112 - D&C 29 - CFM - The End of the World as We Know It? - E14 - March 31-April 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 75:24


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 29 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important section. 

    111 - D&C 27-28 - CFM - Sacrament & Seer Stones - E13 - March 24-30

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 74:36


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 27-28 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    110 - Full BONUS EPISODE on Emma Smith w/Jenny Reeder - CFM - 12b - March17-23

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 72:09


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Jennifer Reeder about Emma Smith in this bonus "Voices of the Restoration" episode.

    109 Emma Smith: Elect & Complicated - Come Follow Me - E12 - March 17-23

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 93:04


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 23-26 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    108 Our History & Doctrine Are Inseparable - Come Follow Me - E11 - March 10-16

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 81:54


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and guest host Anthony Sweat cover Doctrine and Covenants 20-22 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    107 Sacrificing for Others' Salvation is HARD - Come Follow Me - E10 - March 3 - 9

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 46:55


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 19 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    106 What a Soul Is Worth - Come Follow Me - E9 - Feb 24 - March 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2025 70:45


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 18 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    105 The Intractable Witnesses of the Book of Mormon - Come Follow Me - E8 - Bonus Episode - Feb 17-23

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 79:06


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Daniel C. Petersen about the Book of Mormon Witnesses in this bonus "Voices of the Restoration" episode.

    104 Collaborating with Angels - Come Follow Me - E8 - Feb 17-23

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 102:52


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 12-17 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    103 God Playing Chess, Satan Playing Checkers - Come Follow Me - E7 - Feb 10-16

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 67:32


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 10-11 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    102 The Miraculous Book of Mormon Translation - Come Follow Me - E6 - VR - Feb 3-9

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2025 78:48


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview John W. Welch about the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon in this bonus "Voices of the Restoration" episode.

    101 Oliver & Revelation - Come Follow Me - E6 - Feb 3-9

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2025 73:24


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 6-9 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    100 God is Merciful - Come Follow Me - E5 - Jan 27-Feb 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2025 71:34


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Doctrine and Covenants 3, 4, and 5 while offering their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of these important sections. 

    099 The Second Vision - Come Follow Me - E4 - Jan 20-26

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 97:15


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Casey and guest-host Maclane Heward cover Doctrine and Covenants 2 and Joseph Smith—History 1:27-65, which covers the visitation of the angel Moroni, and offer their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    098 BONUS *The Smith Family* - Come Follow Me - E3b - Jan 13-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2025 74:52


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Smith family expert Kyle Walker to do a deep dive into Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack's family as part of the Voices of the Restoration Bonus material for the Come Follow Me content for January 13-19.  

    097 The First Vision - Come Follow Me - E3 - Jan 13-19

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2025 92:36


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey cover Joseph Smith—History 1:1-26, which covers Joseph Smith's First Vision, and offer their insights into the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history. 

    096 The Lord's Preface - Doctrine & Covenants 1 - CFM - E2

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 63:00


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode we cover Doctrine & Covenants 1 and offer our own introduction to the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this section. We have a lot to talk about today, so let's get into it! 

    095 The Restoration - Intro to the Doctrine & Covenants - CFM - E1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2024 68:05


    Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode we cover the introductory material to the Come Follow Me curriculum and offer our own introduction to the context, content, controversies, and consequences to the book of the Doctrine & Covenants. We have a lot to talk about today. So let's get into it! 

    095 “Peace on Earth”—How Can We Help? An Interview with Patrick Mason

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 24, 2024 62:52


    Throughout this series on Peace and Violence in Latter-day Saint History, we've looked at how Church members have been the victims of violence, how they've engaged in defensive violence, and how they've even been the aggressors and perpetrators of inexcusable violence.  In this episode of Church History Matters we sit down with our friend Patrick Mason, a Latter-day Saint historian, scholar on peace studies, and author of several books on violence and peace in Latter-day Saint history. We take a step back and think deeply about how each of us can more intentionally participate in bringing peace on earth and good will to all.  For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    094 "Vengeance Is Mine," An Interview with Richard Turley and Barbara Jones Brown

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 76:04


    In May 2023 Richard Turley and Barbara Jones Brown published a book through Oxford University Press entitled Vengeance is Mine, which documents the aftermath of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, including the efforts of Church and civic leaders in southern Utah to conceal their involvement in the atrocity through witness silencing and misinformation, as well as evading or stalling investigations by both government agencies and church organizations by lack of cooperation and political maneuvering. They also chronicle details about the nine individuals who were ultimately indicted, the five who were apprehended, and John D. Lee, who ultimately faced execution. In this episode of Church History Matters, we sit down with both Richard Turley and Barbara Jones Brown to discuss their important book, to hear their informed insights and perspectives, and to consider what Latter-day Saints and others can learn from this tragedy and how we can productively move forward. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    093 What Was Brigham Young's Role in the Mountain Meadows Massacre?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 69:27


    The unjustified slaughter of around 120 men, women, and children emigrants in Mountain Meadows Utah on September 11, 1857, was an unspeakable tragedy. For Latter-day Saints then and now, one of the many painful details about this event is that it was instigated under the direction of local LDS leaders in Iron County who served simultaneously as ecclesiastical, civil, and military leaders.  On this episode of Church History Matters, we continue our discussion about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, with a focus on the aftermath of the atrocity. Specifically, we probe what we know of Brigham Young's reaction to the massacre and where the erroneous idea came from that he ordered the attack. We walk through what we know about who was brought to justice for the massacre and what the eventual fate was of those who instigated and participated in this heinous tragedy.   For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    092 What Happened at Mountain Meadows?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 58:43


    The Mountain Meadows Massacre—easily the darkest and most violent episode in our Church's history—happened on September 11, 1857, when a group of Latter-day Saints, aided by some Paiute Native Americans, participated in the wholesale slaughter of around 120 men, women, and children belonging to a wagon train of emigrants from Arkansas en route to California.  This atrocity occurred against the backdrop of the 1857 Utah War when the feelings of Latter-day Saints were already set on edge. As federal US troops marched toward Utah with unknown intentions, Church leaders used defiant rhetoric and counseled the Saints—who had been victims of government-sanctioned violence before—to conserve their resources and be ready for anything. It was in this unfortunate atmosphere of hysteria that those in the Arkansas wagon train found themselves as they passed through Utah. So by the time these emigrants purportedly said and did offensive things toward some Latter-day Saints, the stage had already been tragically set for the highly irrational and totally unjustified violent response they received in return.  In this episode of Church History Matters, we walk through the details of how this atrocity unfolded under the direction of local Latter-day Saint leaders and think about what possible lessons we might glean from this darkest hour of our history. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    091 "Buchanan's Blunder" and the Utah War

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2024 70:48


    After the 1838 “Mormon War” and their official expulsion from Missouri, Latter-day Saints relocated to Illinois where they built up the city of Nauvoo and a number of other settlements in Hancock County. After a short time of relative peace, they were again embroiled in conflict with their enemies which culminated in the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. This was followed two years later by the battle of Nauvoo and yet another expulsion from a US state with the blessing of its governor. Then it was off to the West where, not long after the Saints' arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, conflicts began to arise with Native Americans. And by 1857 US President James Buchanan had ordered a force of 2,500 military personnel, under the command of Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston, to march to Utah to ensure that Brigham Young be replaced as the governor of Utah, which brought on the “Utah War.”   Today on Church History Matters, we discuss all of this and of course trace Latter-day Saint involvment in the violence which occured along the way.  For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    090 What Was the "Mormon War" of 1838?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 77:31


    The fall of 1838 marked the first time the Latter-day Saints engaged in organized retaliation against their enemies. The setting was Northern Missouri and the situation was what is referred to as the “Mormon War.” Here the Saints marched on some nearby settlements that were supporting and equipping their enemies and conducted raids where they pillaged stores and torched buildings. Things only escalated from there and eventually culminated in the infamous “Extermination Order” of Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, the Hawn's Mill massacre, the imprisonment of Joseph Smith and other Church leaders in Liberty Jail, and the wholesale removal of Latter-day Saints from the state of Missouri.   On this episode of Church History Matters, Casey and I walk through the history of this tumultuous time and think about what the conflict of 1838 might teach us about the justified and unjustified use of violence among Latter-day Saints—and its consequences. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    089 Was Zion's Camp Violent?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 65:13


    In November 1833, ruthless mobs of local settlers drove over a thousand Church members out of Jackson County, Missouri, plundering their property and burning their homes to dissuade them from ever returning. These battered and scattered saints took refuge that winter in various nearby counties while local Church leaders sent desperate letters to Ohio to seek the counsel of the prophet Joseph Smith. As the prophet petitioned the Lord's guidance on the matter he was told, among other things, to have those scattered saints petition government leaders for help, which they did. In fact Missouri Governor Daniel Dunklin was quite sympathetic to the saints' plight and expressed his willingness to provide a military guard to escort the saints back to their lands and property in Jackson County. The only problem, he said, was that he could not authorize a standing army to be stationed there for the ongoing protection of the saints. This essential piece of news would soon factor heavily into the decision of Joseph Smith and over 200 saints from the East to march nearly a thousand miles to Missouri in what became known as Zion's camp. Their aim was to join with the governor's military escort of the saints into Jackson County and then become that standing army who would ensure the resettlement and safety of their scattered friends once Governor Dunklin's troops withdrew.   In this episode of Church History Matters, we dig in to some of the ins and outs of Zion's Camp and discuss what the march of a quasi-military group of Latter-day Saints led by a prophet of God might teach us about peace and violence among Latter-day Saints. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    088 The First Violence Against Latter-day Saints

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 57:01


    In the late summer of 1831, select groups of Church members began settling on the far western frontier of the United States in Jackson County, Missouri. Earlier that year the prophet Joseph Smith had received a revelation identifying the area as “the land of promise” and “the place for the city of Zion,” and shortly afterward the gathering to Zion had begun. Tensions between Church members and the non-Latter-day Saint locals in Jackson County existed almost immediately. By the spring of 1832 Missouri locals began verbally threatening the saints and occasionally vandalizing their homes to intimidate them and get them to leave. By the summer of 1833 the hatred and fear of the locals erupted into full-blown violence against Church members culminating in their forcible expulsion from Jackson County.  On this episode of Church History Matters, we take a close look at the various factors that led to this violent eviction of the Saints from Jackson County, the response of the Missouri governor to this illegal action in his state, and the revelations received by Joseph Smith responding to this severe treatment.

    087 Does Religion Make People More Violent?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 61:58


    Did you know that one of the best selling books in Latter-day Saint history on Amazon.com was not written by a Latter-day Saint or a historian? It was a controversial book written by atheist Jon Krakauer in 2003 titled, Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith, which still tops the Amazon charts (in Kindle releases) in the category “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” And an adaptation of the book was released as a mini-series in 2022. One of the major premises of the book is that religion is inherently violent. To illustrate this premise Krakauer combines stories from early Latter-day Saint history with the story of a tragic murder in 1984 committed by two former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Now Krakauer's work has already been repeatedly criticized as a gross caricature of Latter-day Saint history and of religious people in general, but considering the widespread reach and influence of his fundamental premise and the LDS history he chose to support it, we felt like this is a topic that might warrant further investigation.   So today on Church History Matters, Casey and I begin our multi-episode exploration of this question: Does faith in general, and the faith of the Latter-day Saints in particular, lend itself to acts of aggression and violence? What does reflecting on our Church's history—and specifically the violent episodes of our history—teach us about this important question?  For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    086 Why Does God Guide Those Not of His Church? (w/Dr. Christopher Blythe)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 59:38


    From our brief survey of some of the various branches of the Restoration in this series, a few things have become apparent. First, it's clear that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not have a monopoly on a love of the Book of Mormon. Many of our Restoration cousins also deeply revere this sacred text, have their faith in Christ strengthened because of it, and draw near to God by abiding by its precepts. Second, and perhaps more puzzling to some Latter-day Saints, it's also clear that we do not have a monopoly on God's notice, God's mercy, and God's guidance in our Church. In spite of many key differences between us, God also seems to actively be at work among many in the other Restoration branches as they seek him in faith. So what are we to make of this? What does it mean for our Church if God is guiding others as well?  In this episode of Church History Matters, Casey and I sit down with Dr. Christopher Blythe, a gifted historian, author, fellow podcaster, and Joseph Smith Papers editor. Together we briefly overview two additional branches of the Restoration—the Henrickites and Cutlerites—and then dig into the question about how we reconcile God's involvement in other faiths with the generally shared belief among Latter-day Saints that ours is God's one-and-only authorized Church (and not least because we got succession right!). We each share why we choose to continue our membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in spite of other attractive alternatives. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    085 Mormon Fundamentalism (w/Dr. Brian Hales)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 64:16


    Most of the main branches of the Restoration were formed within roughly two decades of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. One clear exception, however, is the Mormon Fundamentalist movement. Here's a little backstory: In 1890 President Wilford Woodruff issued a manifesto announcing the Church's intention to submit to those laws recently passed and declared constitutional by the US Supreme Court forbidding plural marriage. Then in 1904, as a result of the Reed Smoot hearings before the US Senate and the national attention this brought to the continued practice of plural marriage in Utah, President Joseph F. Smith issued what is known as the “Second Manifesto,” which announced the Church's policy to excommunicate anyone who continued to enter into new polygamous marriages.  Yet some Church members felt that the manifestos of Presidents Woodruff and Smith were not inspired. Instead, they saw them as weak and uninspired capitulations to government demands rather than a continued courageous commitment to God's commands in the face of persecution. Within a few decades, those who dissented against these manifestos or were excommunicated from the LDS Church for entering into additional plural marriages began to gather on the Utah/Arizona border at a place known as Short Creek. They believed in a 1912 statement by Lorin C. Woolley, who had been courier for President John Taylor, about an unpublished 1886 revelation of President Taylor wherein the Lord declared that the “New and Everlasting Covenant” had not been revoked, nor would it ever be. This was interpreted by those in this group to mean that plural marriage would never be withdrawn. They concluded therefore that President Taylor's unpublished revelation (and their interpretation of it) overruled and superceded the first manifesto of President Woodruff in 1890 and the second manifesto of President Smith in 1904. They were staying true to this core fundamental element of Mormonism while the LDS Church was not.   In time these Mormon Fundamentalists fragmented into various groups, including the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or FLDS Church), the Apostolic United Brethren (or AUB), the Righteous Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the True and Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Last Days, among others.  In this episode of Church History Matters, Casey and I sit down with Dr. Brian Hales, an expert researcher and author of several books on the Mormon fundamentalist movement, to discuss this fascinating branch of the Restoration.  For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    084 A Deep-Dive Into the Community of Christ (w/ Andrew Bolton)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 63:56


    Among many of those Nauvoo Saints who did not choose to follow Brigham Young and the Twelve Apostles into the mountains of Utah, there was an emerging hope that someone from the Smith family would step forward and begin a reorganization of the Church Joseph Smith Jr. had established. In 1851 a soft reorganization began and built up to that culminating moment of 1860 when the eldest son of Joseph and Emma Smith, Joseph Smith III, stepped forward at the age of 28 and was ordained president of what they referred to then as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or RLDS Church. Over time their method of succession in their presidency developed upon a different set of criteria than that of their Utah-based cousins, as did many of their practices, policies, programs, and governing principles. In 2001 the name of the RLDS Church was changed to Community of Christ, and today this is the second largest branch of the Restoration movement.  In this episode of Church History Matters, Casey and Scott sit down with Andrew Bolton, a friend and member of the Community of Christ who served in their Council of Twelve Apostles from 2007 to 2016. Together we take a deep dive into the details of how succession works in this movement, while also considering some key similarities and differences between our two Restoration branches today. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    083 A Deep-Dive Into the "Bickertonite" Movement (w/Josh Gehly)

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 65:30


    Following the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844, Sidney Rigdon, who had been Joseph's 1st Counselor, made the claim to Church members in Nauvoo that he was the rightful successor to lead the Church as its guardian. After his falling out with the Twelve apostles, Sidney left Nauvoo and travelled to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania where he built up a church there separate and apart from the Church Brigham Young and the Twelve led to Utah. And, today, the only branch of the Restoration that claims its right of succession from Joseph Smith through Sidney Rigdon is The Church of Jesus Christ, also sometimes referred to as the “Bickertonites.” The Church of Jesus Christ is headquartered in Monongahela, Pennsylvania and is the third largest branch of the Restoration movement today. On this episode of Church History Matters, Casey sits down with Josh Gehly, a friend and ordained Evangelist in The Church of Jesus Christ, to take a deep dive into the details of this movement. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    082 A Deep-Dive Into the LDS Strangite Movement (w/ Dr. Kyle Beshears)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 61:08


    Who was James J. Strang? And why were his claims so appealing to so many of those Latter-day Saints who did not follow Brigham Young and Twelve after the succession crisis of 1844? Why did his movement experience so much initial success but then dissipate so quickly? Some have made strong comparisons between James Strang and Joseph Smith, but how accurate are these comparisons really?  On this episode of Church History Matters, we sit down with Dr. Kyle Beshears, a friend and expert researcher on the Strangite branch of the Restoration, to take a deep dive into the details of this movement. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    081 Who Are the Strangites, the Josephites, and the Bickertonites?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2024 74:12


    After the succession crisis of 1844, not every member of the Church chose to sustain and follow Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. And many of these members eventually formed or joined alternative restoration movements which became separate, distinct, and independent churches from one another. In fact, over the last 180 years there have actually been hundreds of Churches that have branched off from the same Joseph Smith-era restoration trunk.  Today on Church History Matters, for reasons we will explain, Casey and I have chosen to consider three such Restoration branches—namely, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (or Strangites); the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (or Josephites), today known as the Community of Christ; and the Church of Jesus Christ (or Bickertonites). Our focus will be primarily on the question of how succession has developed and works today in each of these movements.  For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

    080 What If All the Apostles Died At Once? Succession Q&R with Dr. Daniel C. Peterson

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 56:15


    In the unlikely event that the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve all died simultaneously, how would that affect succession? In this hypothetical worst-case scenario, would the keys of the kingdom be lost? And, if an apostle came down with a debilitating health problem, is there any precedent for making him an emeritus apostle?  And speaking of apostles, is there a set procedure in calling them, or does the method vary from Church president to president? Also, sometimes in the Church people speak of a special requirement for a man to become an apostle—the phrase “sure” or “special” witness of Christ comes up a lot. What's true? Must a man have personally seen Jesus Christ in order to be fully considered an apostle? On this episode of Church History Matters Casey and I are joined by a special guest, Dr. Daniel C. Peterson, to help us answer these and other great questions related to succession.  For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

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