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
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.
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 81-83, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 78-80, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 77, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 interviews Matt McBride about the saints responding to “The Vision” in this "Voices of the Restoration" episode.
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 76, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 74-75, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 71-73, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 67-70, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 65-66, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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 64, while covering the context, content, controversies, and consequences of this important history.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/