Church History Matters: Episode 109 - "Emma Smith: Elect & Complicated"

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Hosts: Scott and Casey from Scripture Central delve into the complexities and significance of Emma Smith within Latter-day Saint Church History, focusing on Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Sections 23 through 26.

Introduction

In Episode 109 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey embark on an in-depth exploration of Emma Smith's pivotal role in early Latter-day Saint history. Anchored in the "Come Follow Me" study for March 17-23, 2025, the episode meticulously dissects D&C Sections 23-26, uncovering the historical context, key discussions, insightful revelations, and lingering controversies surrounding Emma Smith and her contemporaries.

Contextual Overview

The episode systematically examines D&C Sections 23 through 26, originally part of the 1833 Book of Commandments and later consolidated into the standard D&C compilation in 1835. These sections were revelations directed toward five individuals close to Joseph Smith: Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight.

Section 23: Counsel to Joseph Smith's Closest Associates

Key Points:

• Recipients: Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight.

• Content: Each individual receives personalized counsel emphasizing humility and caution against pride.

Notable Discussion:

• Oliver Cowdery (Verses 1-2): The revelation warns Oliver against pride, predicting future conflicts within the church. Casey references Wilford Woodruff's account highlighting Oliver's struggles with pride and eventual excommunication in 1838. Despite his resignation, Oliver's legacy endures as he dies in full fellowship, although he never regains his former standing.

  Casey [06:15]: "Oliver does come back and dies in full fellowship in the church, but he doesn't achieve the same place in the church hierarchy."

  Scott [07:08]: "He dies suddenly in Richmond, Missouri."

• Hyrum Smith (Verse 3): Encouraged to continuously strengthen the church, Hyrum later becomes the second elder and martyr alongside Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail.

• Samuel Smith (Verse 4): Although not initially called to preach, Samuel's missionary efforts lead to significant conversions, including Brigham Young's father, Phineas Young.

• Joseph Smith Sr. (Verse 5): Called to strengthen the church until his death in 1840, Joseph Sr. becomes a respected patriarch through his blessings.

• Joseph Knight (Verses 6-7): Encouraged to unite with the true church and exert continuous exhortation, Joseph Knight's eventual baptism solidifies his family's longstanding commitment to the faith.

Quotes:

Casey [08:58]: "Verse 3, verses 3 and 4 are to Hyrum and Samuel, Joseph Smith's brothers."

Scott [10:47]: "It's a sobering reminder that none of us is indispensable in the work of God."

Section 24: Persecution and Deliverance in Colesville

Historical Context:

Received amidst intense persecution post-organizing the church, Section 24 recounts Joseph Smith's trials in Colesville, Pennsylvania. After organizing members and facing mob threats, Joseph is arrested but acquitted twice with the support of loyal friends like Oliver Cowdery and Newell Knight. Notably, this period marks the inception of Joseph's translation of the Bible (Joseph Smith Translation).

Key Points:

• Persecution Narrative: Detailed account of Joseph's arrests, mob encounters, and eventual deliverance through divine intervention.

• Miracles: Introduction of the first church miracle—Newell Knight's exorcism—underscoring divine support amidst adversity.

• Symbolic Acts: The directive to "cast the dust off their feet" symbolizes a formal cessation of fellowship with dissenters.

Controversies:

• Casting the Dust: The command to cast dust, rooted in New Testament practices, has spawned folklore and debate regarding its application and ethical implications.

  Casey [44:19]: "There's a lot of folklore built up around this."

  Scott [46:48]: "Why don't we do it more often? It seems like such a bad PR move."

Quotes:

Joseph (via Casey [25:39]): "In this disagreeable manner, did we pass the night."

Casey [43:27]: "This was the first miracle which was done in this church or by any member of it."

Section 25: Divine Guidance for Emma Smith

Historical Context:

Section 25 stands out as the only revelation addressed to a woman in the D&C. Received in Harmony, Pennsylvania, after enduring severe persecutions, it outlines Emma Smith's divine calling and responsibilities within the church.

Key Points:

• Divine Relation: The Lord refers to Emma as "my daughter," emphasizing her spiritual rebirth and inheritance in Zion.

• Call to Service: Emma is ordained to expound scriptures and lead the burgeoning Relief Society, marking a significant advancement for women's roles within the church.

• Support and Assurance: The revelation assures Emma of divine support in her endeavors and her husband's role in sustaining her.

Notable Discussion:

• Ordination Terminology: The use of "ordain" for Emma, traditionally a male-associated term, reflects the 19th-century context where such terminology was more flexible.

  Casey [70:59]: "Ordain would have been used for both of those today, where it seems like we have split them out."

• Progressive Gender Roles: Emma's active role contrasts contemporary societal expectations of women's passivity, setting the foundation for future auxiliaries like the Relief Society.

  Casey [71:37]: "This comes true in a lot of ways, but most prominently with the Relief Society."

Quotes:

Scott [55:50]: "For verse one here, the Lord opens this revelation, as you said, I think really tenderly. He refers to Emma as Emma Smith, my daughter."

Casey [62:13]: "The Relief Society. When the Relief Society was organized... it was given to Sister Emma's election to the presidency of the Society."

Section 26: Common Consent and Temporal Affairs

Historical Context:

Section 26, though brief, introduces the principle of "common consent," a foundational tenet in Latter-day Saint governance. This section addresses Joseph Smith's temporal responsibilities and the communal support required to sustain the nascent church.

Key Points:

• Temporal Responsibilities: Joseph is instructed to manage land and finances responsibly, ensuring the church's physical and economic well-being.

• Common Consent: Emphasizes decision-making through collective agreement, reinforcing democratic principles within the church structure.

Notable Discussion:

• Understanding Common Consent: Scott and Casey delve into interpreting "common consent," comparing it to modern sustaining votes and communal support.

  Scott [82:59]: "Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities."

  Casey [85:39]: "The obligation that we make when we raise our hands is a most sacred one."

• Controversial Applications: The principle raises questions about dissent, respectful disagreement, and the balance between individual conscience and collective decision-making.

  Scott [87:02]: "Is it ever okay to disagree with a church leader?"

Quotes:

Casey [86:57]: "What does it mean to sustain? ... maybe it's just accepting their teachings, following their teachings."

Scott [90:15]: "Consequences from section 26 include the beginning of Joseph Smith Translation and law of common consent."

Emma Smith: The Elect Lady – Controversies and Consequences

Key Points:

• Unique Recognition: Section 25's designation of Emma as the "Elect Lady" becomes a prophetic foundation for women's leadership, notably in the Relief Society.

• Historical Controversies: Emma's decision to remain in Nauvoo while the main body of the church migrated west has led to mixed perceptions within the Latter-day Saint community.

• Evolving Perspectives: Over the decades, views on Emma have transitioned from skepticism and criticism to a more balanced and appreciative recognition of her contributions.

Notable Discussion:

• Role in the Relief Society: Emma's ordination directly influences the establishment of the Relief Society in 1842, cementing her legacy as a foundational female leader.

  Scott [75:16]: "When the Relief Society was organized... she will in 12 years be placed in a position to fully fulfill verse seven."

• Modern Reconciliation: Recent scholarship and interviews, such as with Jenny Reeder, advocate for a nuanced understanding of Emma, acknowledging her strengths and human imperfections.

  Casey [77:22]: "She's just a remarkable person by any measure."

Quotes:

Casey [72:10]: "Why is there such a wide array of feelings about Emma within our church?"

Scott [75:16]: "It's imperative on us that we make Emma Smith a full figure, like she is a person and not a caricature of wickedness or righteousness."

Conclusions and Future Insights

Episode 109 adeptly navigates the intricate tapestry of Emma Smith's life, her divine calling, and the broader implications within church history. The discussions underscore Emma's pivotal role in shaping women's leadership and the enduring principles of humility, support, and communal decision-making that continue to guide the church today.

Looking Ahead:

Scott and Casey tease future episodes, hinting at exploring Sections 27 and 28, which promise to unravel further ecclesiastical crises and revelations pivotal to the church's evolution.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Wilson Woodruff on Oliver Cowdery:

  Casey [06:15]: "If the president of the church... Oliver said, if I leave this church, it will fall. Oliver tried it and he fell and the church did not."

• Emma Smith's Faith Affirmation:

  Scott [77:22]: "With what unspeakable delight and what transports of joy swelled my bosom when I took by the hand on that night my beloved Emma."

• Russell M. Nelson on Sustaining Leaders:

  Scott [85:39]: "Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities."

Final Thoughts

Emma Smith's portrayal as both an "Elect Lady" and a complex historical figure enriches the understanding of early church dynamics and women's roles within it. Through meticulous analysis of D&C Sections 23-26, Scott and Casey illuminate the enduring legacy of Emma Smith, advocating for a balanced and respectful appreciation of her contributions amidst historical challenges and evolving church perspectives.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of Church History Matters. Stay tuned for upcoming discussions as we continue to explore the profound revelations and historical narratives that shape our faith.