Church History Matters: Episode 100 - "God is Merciful"

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Episode: 100 God is Merciful - Come Follow Me - E5 - Jan 27-Feb 2
Duration: Approximately 70 minutes

Introduction to the Episode

In this milestone 100th episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve deep into Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This episode, titled "God is Merciful," explores pivotal moments in early Latter-day Saint history, focusing on Joseph Smith's challenges, the concept of prophetic fallibility, and the redemptive journeys of key figures like Martin Harris and Joseph Smith's father.

Section 3: The Lost Manuscript and Prophetic Fallibility

Context and Background

• Chronological Placement:
  Section 3 is the first chronologically in the Doctrine and Covenants. Unlike Section 1 (the preface) and Section 2 (Joseph Smith's history excerpt from 1838), this section marks the initial revelation Joseph Smith recorded.

• Key Events Leading Up:
  After receiving the Plates of Nephi in September 1827, Joseph Smith and his wife, Emma Hale, relocate to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to translate the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris, a respected farmer and Joseph's early supporter, plays a significant role as Joseph's scribe during this period. However, familial and societal pressures mount, especially from Martin's wife, Lucy Harris, who grows increasingly skeptical of Joseph's mission.

Content of the Revelation

• God's Rebuke and Assurance:
  The revelation begins with a stern rebuke of Joseph Smith for his transgression—allowing Martin Harris to take the manuscript (the lost 116 pages) to prove its authenticity. Scott notes, “The Lord just lists out his sinful tendencies, namely that he has often transgressed the commandments and the laws of God” (03:20).

• Prophetic Fallibility:
  A central theme emerges: prophets are fallible. Casey reflects, “Prophets are human. They make mistakes.” This revelation underscores that even Joseph, as a prophet, is susceptible to human errors, reinforcing the doctrine that prophetic infallibility is not upheld within the Church.

• Mercy and Redemption:
  Despite the rebuke, verses 10-14 pivot to emphasize God’s mercy. God assures Joseph that repentance is possible and that His divine plans remain unthwarted. As Scott summarizes, “God is merciful to the flawed and foolish who repent” (21:50).

Notable Quotes

• Scott Woodward (00:27): “...we're going to go through each section with our four C's. First hit the context, then we dive into the content...”

• Joseph Smith (12:57): “What shall I do? I have sinned.”

Controversies Discussed

• Prophetic Mistakes:
  The episode confronts the often sensitive topic of prophetic errors, comparing Joseph Smith’s experiences to biblical figures like Moses and Peter, who were also rebuked by God.

• Interpretation of Scriptural Rebuke:
  Scott and Casey debate the implications of prophetic fallibility, emphasizing that recognizing human errors in prophets does not undermine their divine missions but rather highlights their humanity.

Consequences and Impact

• Joseph Smith’s Repentance:
  Following the revelation, Joseph undergoes a period of intense repentance, reaffirming his commitment to God's work.

• Martin Harris’s Redemption:
  Martin’s journey from mistrust to becoming one of the three witnesses exemplifies the possibility of redemption. Casey notes, “Martin Harris deserves better than to be remembered solely as the man who... lost the initial manuscripts” (38:55).

Section 4: Encouragement to Joseph Smith's Father

Context and Background

• Timing:
  Given in February 1829, after the tumultuous events surrounding the lost manuscript.

• Recipients:
  A revelation directed at Joseph Smith’s father, Joseph Smith Sr., encouraging him to serve in God’s work.

Content of the Revelation

• Intertextuality with the Bible:
  The section is rich with biblical references, weaving phrases from Isaiah, Deuteronomy, Matthew, John, Titus, 1 Corinthians, and Matthew again (39:28). This creates a resonant message for a Bible-believing farmer like Joseph Smith Sr.

• Attributes for Service:
  The revelation outlines essential virtues such as faith, hope, charity, love, humility, and diligence, emphasizing that while anyone can be called to serve God, being qualified requires continuous personal development.

• Divine Assurance:
  God encourages Joseph Sr. to seek His help in cultivating these virtues, promising salvation and preparation to stand blameless before Him.

Notable Quotes

• Casey Griffiths (42:49): “...the Lord begins by describing that particular moment in time as being like right on the brink, the coming forth of God's marvelous work.”

Controversies Discussed

• Intertextuality and Plagiarism:
  A significant discussion revolves around the seamless incorporation of New Testament language into the revelations. Scott references Nick Frederick’s analysis, noting that such intertextuality is consistent with biblical prophetic traditions and does not constitute plagiarism. Instead, it enhances the revelation's authority.

Consequences and Impact

• Joseph Smith Sr.’s Role:
  Empowered by the revelation, Joseph Sr. becomes more active in the Church, influencing key figures like Oliver Cowdery and aiding in the translation process.

• Foundation for Future Revelations:
  The attributes outlined serve as a template for future calls to service within the Church, reinforcing the importance of personal virtue in divine service.

Section 5: Revelation to Martin Harris

Context and Background

• Situation:
  Approximately a year after the lost manuscript incident, Martin Harris returns to Harmony, Pennsylvania, seeking reassurance and truth regarding Joseph Smith's possession of the Plates of Nephi amidst mounting legal and societal pressures backed by Lucy Harris.

• Martin’s Desperation:
  Facing threats of legal repercussions and familial strife, Martin seeks definitive proof to dispel accusations against Joseph Smith.

Content of the Revelation

• Conditional Revelation:
  God instructs Joseph Smith to inform Martin that he cannot show the plates to anyone except those divinely appointed. However, God outlines a path for Martin to become one of the three official witnesses, contingent upon his repentance and commitment (56:52).

• Supportive Evidence for Belief:
  The revelation emphasizes that the primary evidence for the Book of Mormon’s truth is its message rather than the physical plates. Nonetheless, God affirms the role of Joseph Smith and the forthcoming three witnesses in validating the scripture’s authenticity.

• Conditions and Responsibilities:
  Martin is required to humble himself, repent, and covenant to testify faithfully. Failure to do so would result in condemnation, while obedience would allow him to fulfill a pivotal role in the Restoration.

Notable Quotes

• Scott Woodward (53:28): “In addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants... they shall know of a surety that these things are true.”

• Casey Griffiths (69:42): “...Martin Harris's story is just awesome. It should be a story of consolation to any of us who are sinners.”

Controversies Discussed

• Secrecy of the Plates:
  The ongoing debate about why Joseph Smith maintained the plates’ secrecy is touched upon, with the revelation providing context that divine timing and purpose guide such decisions.

Consequences and Impact

• Martin Harris’s Transformation:
  Beginning as a figure mired in controversy, Martin’s faithful response to the revelation leads him to become a foundational witness of the Book of Mormon. His eventual acceptance and steadfast testimony highlight the transformative power of repentance and divine guidance.

• Establishment of the Three Witnesses:
  The framework set in this revelation paves the way for Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris to become the official three witnesses, whose testimonies would fortify the Book of Mormon’s authority.

Overall Themes and Conclusion

Mercy, Fallibility, and Redemption:
The episode weaves a compelling narrative around the themes of human imperfection and divine mercy. Through the stories of Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, and Joseph Smith Sr., Scott and Casey illustrate that while prophets and key figures in Church history are accountable for their actions, God's overarching plan remains unbroken by human failings.

Prophetic Humanism:
By openly discussing prophetic mistakes, the episode fosters a nuanced understanding of leadership within the Church. It reinforces the belief that prophets are chosen despite their imperfections and that their divine missions transcend individual errors.

Enduring Divine Plans:
Despite setbacks like the lost manuscript, the revelations underscore that God's work is inevitable and resilient. The establishment of the three witnesses and the continued translation of the Book of Mormon exemplify the unyielding progression of divine purpose.

Notable Takeaways:

• Prophets are human and can make significant errors, but divine mercy offers paths to redemption.
• Personal virtue is essential for effective service in God's work, as outlined in Section 4.
• The testimonies of key witnesses are integral in establishing the credibility and authority of sacred texts like the Book of Mormon.

Selected Quotes with Timestamps

• On Joseph Smith’s Tendencies:

  "You have a tendency to fear disappointing man more than you fear disappointing God." – Scott Woodward (19:56)

• On God’s Mercy:

  "But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done." – Scott Woodward (21:11)

• On Prophetic Fallibility:

  “Prophets are human. They make mistakes.” – Casey Griffiths (27:41)

• On Intertextuality:

  "Joseph invites the New Testament texts to lend their authority... within the tradition of biblical scripture producing prophets who did the same thing." – Scott Woodward (48:25)

• On Redemption:

  “Martin Harris's story is just awesome. It should be a story of consolation to any of us who are sinners.” – Casey Griffiths (69:42)

Final Thoughts

Episode 100 of Church History Matters offers a profound exploration of early Church history, emphasizing that divine work persists despite human imperfections. By examining Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Doctrine and Covenants, Scott and Casey provide listeners with a richer understanding of foundational events and the enduring themes of mercy, repentance, and redemption that continue to shape Latter-day Saint beliefs today.

For more in-depth discussions and analyses, tune in to future episodes of Church History Matters, available every Tuesday.