Church History Matters: Episode 108 Summary

Title: Our History & Doctrine Are Inseparable - Come Follow Me - E11 - March 10-16
Host: Scott Woodward
Guest: Anthony Sweatt
Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 108 of the Church History Matters podcast, host Scott Woodward welcomes his good friend Anthony Sweatt to discuss the intricate relationship between church history and doctrine, specifically focusing on Doctrine and Covenants sections 20 through 22. This episode delves deep into the foundational revelations that shaped the Latter-day Saint Church, exploring their context, content, controversies, and lasting consequences.

Context of Doctrine and Covenants Section 20

Anthony Sweatt introduces the unique nature of Section 20, highlighting its third-person narrative style and its role as a foundational constitutional document for the church.

• [02:36] Anthony Sweatt: "Section 20... is known as the Articles of the Church of Christ and over half of Doctrine and Covenants. It's the original guiding document for the church."

Scott emphasizes the significance of Section 20 as the first revelation printed in the church’s official newspaper, underscoring its importance from the very inception of the church.

• [07:39] Scott Woodward: "Only two months after the church was organized on the 9th of June, 1830, Joseph will present Section 20 at that conference for church sustaining approval."

Content of Section 20

Section 20 is divided into three primary parts: the preamble, foundational doctrines, and church practices.

1. Preamble (Verses 1-4):

   • Establishes the legitimacy of the Church of Christ, organized on April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery.
   • [12:50] Anthony Sweatt: "That's a great beginning. At the end of verse 4. Where it gives our first Amen."

2. Foundational Doctrines (Verses 5-35):

   • Outlines key historical events such as Joseph Smith's First Vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, and the testimony of the three witnesses.
   • Emphasizes the interconnectedness of church history and doctrine.
   • [16:53] Scott Woodward: "So we've got first vision, appearances of Moroni, the miraculous translation of the Book of Mormon, and the three witnesses themselves."

3. Church Practices (Verses 37-84):

   • Details the procedures for baptism, confirmation, ordination, sacrament administration, and church discipline.
   • Establishes early church organizational structures and responsibilities.
   • [34:43] Anthony Sweatt: "First one is by way of commandment to the Church concerning the manner of baptism... These are the early practices that the rest of the section lays out there."

Controversies in Section 20

A notable controversy arises in verse 37 regarding the qualifications for baptism. Oliver Cowdery initially opposed Joseph Smith's addition of "manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins."

• [49:48] Anthony Sweatt: "Oliver might be thinking he's doing his scriptural duty here, although from my perspective, he takes it a little far."
• [50:38] Scott Woodward: "How are you calling me out to change a verse that I got by revelation?"

Joseph Smith responds firmly, asserting his prophetic authority to amend the revelation, a resolution that eventually convinces Oliver and others.

• [51:30] Anthony Sweatt: "Joseph... asked him by what authority he took upon him to command me to alter or erase... Ultimately, Oliver was convinced to acknowledge that they had been in error."

Doctrine and Covenants Section 21

Section 21 was the first revelation given on the day of the church's organization, April 6, 1830. It establishes the roles and responsibilities within the church, particularly emphasizing the authority of the prophet.

• [62:52] Scott Woodward: "Behold, there shall be a record kept among you... thou, Joseph Smith, shall be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ..."
• [65:01] Anthony Sweatt: "It is important to highlight that the church members' role is to sustain as the prophet receives revelations."

Controversies in Section 21

A significant debate centers around the interpretation of verses 4 and 5, which some argue imply that the prophet's words are directly ascribed to Jesus Christ. This has led to discussions on prophetic fallibility and the nature of revelation within the church.

• [66:17] Scott Woodward: "Does section 21 verse 4 and 5... say that every word the church president says is as if Jesus is saying it?"
• [72:57] Anthony Sweatt: "We need to remember that prophets can make mistakes, but their infallibility lies in their witness of Christ."

Anthony advocates for a balanced view, emphasizing trust and faith in the prophet's role without attributing direct infallibility to every statement made.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 22

Although briefly touched upon, Section 22 serves as an addendum to Section 20, clarifying procedural aspects such as the necessity for re-baptism among converts from other Christian denominations.

• [45:31] Anthony Sweatt: "Section 22 answers... the need for those who've been previously baptized in other Christian branches joining the church."

Additionally, Section 22 underscores the importance of covenants, marking a clear shift towards establishing a new and everlasting covenant exclusive to the Latter-day Saint Church.

• [46:56] Anthony Sweatt: "All old covenants have I caused to be done away... This is a new and everlasting covenant."

Consequences of Sections 20-22

The revelations encapsulated in these sections have profound and lasting impacts on the structure, doctrine, and practices of the Latter-day Saint Church:

1. Establishment of Church Legitimacy: Affirming the divine commandment to establish the church, ensuring its foundational authority.
2. Interconnection of History and Doctrine: Demonstrating that the church’s beliefs are deeply rooted in its historical events.
3. Organizational Structure: Laying the groundwork for priesthood offices, baptismal practices, sacrament administration, and church discipline.
4. Emphasis on Revelation and Prophetic Authority: Establishing the prophet's role in receiving and disseminating divine revelations, fostering a culture of faith and trust among church members.
5. Covenant Community Formation: Reinforcing the importance of covenants, uniting members under a common and unique set of spiritual commitments.

• [58:14] Anthony Sweatt: "Section 20... is the forerunner of a modern day handbook of instructions."
• [57:21] Anthony Sweatt: "Section 20... is absolutely foundational to the church from the 1830s all the way up to today."

Conclusion

Episode 108 of Church History Matters offers a comprehensive exploration of Doctrine and Covenants sections 20-22, elucidating their foundational role in shaping the Latter-day Saint Church. Through engaging dialogue, Scott Woodward and Anthony Sweatt highlight the inseparable nature of the church’s history and doctrine, address historical controversies, and underscore the enduring consequences of these early revelations.

As Anthony aptly summarizes, maintaining a spirit of trust, patience, and faith is crucial in upholding the church’s foundational principles and ensuring the flourishing of its covenant community.

Notable Quotes

• [02:36] Anthony Sweatt: "Section 20 is primo important."
• [12:50] Anthony Sweatt: "That's a great beginning. At the end of verse 4. Where it gives our first Amen."
• [46:56] Scott Woodward: "Joseph is clearly getting revelations, but it doesn't clarify that he's the only one to be giving the revelations for the Church."
• [65:01] Anthony Sweatt: "The comforter testifies of Christ... prophets are infallible in their witness that Jesus is the Christ."

Further Engagement

For listeners eager to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of church history and doctrine, be sure to subscribe to Church History Matters and explore additional resources at scripturecentral.org. Engage with the community by sharing your reflections and continuing the conversation on how history and doctrine shape the enduring legacy of the Latter-day Saint Church.