Church History Matters Podcast Episode 106: "What a Soul Is Worth - Come Follow Me - E9 - Feb 24 - March 2"
Release Date: February 18, 2025
In Episode 106 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve deep into Section 18 of the Doctrine and Covenants, exploring its profound implications for the formation and trajectory of the Latter-day Saint Church. This episode, titled "What a Soul Is Worth," offers listeners an insightful analysis of foundational doctrines, historical controversies, and the enduring significance of early church revelations.
1. Introduction to Section 18
The episode kicks off with Scott and Casey expressing initial intentions to cover Section 18 efficiently, only to realize the depth and complexity it warrants. Section 18 is pivotal as it addresses the roles of Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, two of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon, in the nascent Church.
- Casey Griffiths ([00:49]): "Section 18 deals with Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer and what their role is going to be in the church."
2. Historical Context and Background
Scott provides a comprehensive backdrop, situating the revelation in June 1829 during the translation of the Book of Mormon in Fayette, New York. The section not only outlines the calling of the original quorum of the twelve apostles but also sets the stage for the Church's organizational framework.
- Scott Woodward ([02:16]): "Doctrine and covenants 18 is given that fateful summer of 1829... it's the calling of the original quorum of the twelve apostles that are gonna be so instrumental in the setup of the church."
3. Restoration of the Priesthood
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. The hosts examine the appearance of Peter, James, and John, drawing parallels between their restoration of apostolic keys and the restoration activities within the Church.
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Casey Griffiths ([07:20]): "You have the Book of Mormon to the printer... instructing Joseph to ordain Oliver to be an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ."
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Oliver Cowdery ([25:32]): "Remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God."
The revelation emphasizes the infinite worth of souls, highlighting Jesus Christ's sacrifice as the price paid for redemption. This theological foundation shapes the Church's missionary zeal and its approach to inviting individuals to repentance and baptism.
4. The Significance of the Book of Mormon
Casey and Scott underscore the Book of Mormon's pivotal role in shaping Church doctrine, structure, and practices. Unlike other Christian denominations that rely solely on the New Testament, the Latter-day Saint Church integrates teachings from the Book of Mormon, providing clarity on ecclesiastical functions such as baptism, sacrament administration, and priesthood ordination.
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Oliver Cowdery ([19:05]): "It's the Book of Mormon first. The Book of Mormon was the foundational piece..."
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Casey Griffiths ([21:33]): "The Book of Mormon is underestimated for how much it affects the structure and function of the church."
This integration ensures that Church practices are deeply rooted in sacred texts, differentiating it from other Christian movements and reinforcing doctrinal sincerity.
5. Controversies Surrounding Section 18
The episode doesn't shy away from addressing historical controversies, particularly regarding the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the selection of the original twelve apostles.
a. The Phineas Young Controversy
One such debate involves Phineas Young, the older brother of Brigham Young. Initially favored by the three witnesses to be part of the quorum of the twelve, Joseph Smith later suggested William Smith (Joseph's brother) instead. This decision has been scrutinized for its potential impact on Church leadership succession.
- Oliver Cowdery ([40:40]): "Phineas Young probably would have been the successor to Joseph Smith."
b. Restoration Events Timeline
Another intricate controversy revolves around the timing and sequence of priesthood restoration events. Historians like Richard Bushman propose that Peter, James, and John appeared after the Church's formal organization in 1830, based on secondhand accounts like that of Addison Everett. Scott and Casey present an alternative, suggesting a more integrated timeline aligning closely with Section 18's directives.
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Casey Griffiths ([55:05]): "Richard Bushman believes that Peter, James and John appeared after the church was organized."
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Oliver Cowdery ([52:11]): "Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony... declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom and the dispensation of the fullness of times."
They advocate for a multifaceted restoration process spanning several years, involving multiple sacred events and figures, rather than a simplistic single-event narrative.
c. Misinterpretations of Priesthood Restoration
The hosts also address misconceptions regarding the Restoration Proclamation (2020), clarifying that while it acknowledges multiple biblical figures in the restoration process, the early Church revelations focused primarily on John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John.
- Casey Griffiths ([45:43]): "The Restoration proclamation... includes Elijah, which lines up with Doctrine and Covenants 2 and others as part of this restoration too."
This exploration highlights the complexity and layered nature of priesthood restoration, emphasizing that it wasn't a solitary event but part of a broader divine orchestration.
6. Practical Implications and Church Doctrine
Section 18's teachings extend beyond historical events, offering timeless principles for Church members:
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Universal Worth of Souls: "Remember, the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." ([00:20])
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Method of Inviting Repentance: Emphasizing faith, hope, and charity over contention or criticism when engaging with others about repentance and baptism.
- Oliver Cowdery ([29:34]): "Let that perspective inform your method in inviting people to repent."
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Organizational Blueprint: Guiding the creation of Doctrine and Covenants 20, which serves as the Church's constitution, outlining core doctrines and organizational structures.
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Importance of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Establishing a quorum that would lead and sustain the Church's mission, significantly influencing its future direction and leadership dynamics.
7. Conclusion: Consequences of Section 18
Scott and Casey sum up the profound impact of Section 18, emphasizing its role in:
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Guiding Foundational Doctrine: Directing Oliver Cowdery to distill the Church's foundational principles from the Book of Mormon into the Articles of the Church of Christ.
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Emphasizing Soul Worth: Highlighting the infinite value of each soul, rooted in Jesus Christ's sacrificial atonement, shaping the Church's evangelical mission.
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Calling of the Twelve Apostles: Leading to the eventual selection and ordination of the twelve apostles who would steer the Church's growth and doctrinal integrity.
- Casey Griffiths ([67:27]): "Section 18, maybe better than anything, captures the core of what the church is all about..."
The episode concludes with anticipation for the next discussion on Section 19, promising further exploration of the Doctrine and Covenants and its enduring relevance.
Notable Quotes:
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Casey Griffiths ([25:32]): "For behold, the Lord, your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh, wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him."
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Oliver Cowdery ([26:10]): "Let that perspective inform your method in inviting people to repent."
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Casey Griffiths ([28:53]): "The Message is repented the Methodist faith, hope, and charity."
Final Thoughts:
Episode 106 of Church History Matters offers a meticulous examination of Section 18, unveiling its critical role in shaping Latter-day Saint theology and organizational structure. Through engaging dialogue and scholarly analysis, Scott and Casey guide listeners through historical intricacies and doctrinal nuances, reinforcing the enduring value of sacred revelations in guiding the Church's mission and values.