Church History Matters Podcast: Episode 111 Summary

Title: Church History Matters
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Episode: 111 - D&C 27-28 - CFM - Sacrament & Seer Stones - E13 - March 24-30
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 111 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 27 and 28. This episode explores the early challenges faced by the Latter-day Saint Church, focusing on sacrament practices, revelations, and the emergence of conflicts within the church. The discussion is rich with historical insights, scriptural analysis, and contemporary applications.

Shout-Out and Community Engagement

[00:28] Scott: Begins the episode by giving a shout-out to the Gathering of Tribes podcast, highlighting its significance as a platform by and for Indigenous peoples. Scott shares his experience as a guest, discussing how the podcast aligns with themes in D&C sections 27 and 28, particularly concerning the destiny of the Lamanites.

[01:18] Casey: Supports the endorsement, emphasizing solidarity with efforts that spread light and truth.

Doctrine and Covenants 27: Sacrament Practices and Revelations

Overview and Historical Context [01:38] Casey: Introduces D&C sections 27 and 28, noting their differing topics but interlinked themes.

[01:58] Scott: Provides historical background, situating the revelations post the church’s organization in April 1830. He recounts Joseph Smith’s challenges in Harmony, Pennsylvania, where increased persecution led to significant revelations and community upheaval.

[04:39] Casey: Confirms the timeline, noting the revelations spanned from August to September 1830, culminating in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, which included additional material that continues to this day.

Sacrament Flexibility and Divine Intent [06:06] Casey: Analyzes the opening of D&C 27, where Jesus Christ's voice is conveyed through an angel to Joseph Smith, emphasizing the sacrament's flexibility. Casey shares an anecdote about teaching teenagers and their humorous suggestions for sacrament substitutes, highlighting the revelation's focus on intent over substance.

Notable Quote:
[07:00] Scott: “Call a divine investiture of authority… an angel is speaking as if he is the Savior through divine investiture of authority.”

[07:15] Casey: Discusses how Joseph Smith’s revelation underscores that the sacrament’s effectiveness relies on the participant's focus on Christ’s sacrifice rather than the specific elements used.

Transition from Wine to Water [09:08] Casey: Explains that during this period, wine was used for the sacrament, aligning with earlier practices in Christianity. The revelation does not prohibit wine but restricts its purchase from enemies, addressing safety concerns rather than doctrinal changes.

[10:55] Casey: Highlights that the Word of Wisdom (D&C 89), instituted three years later, eventually shifted sacrament practices from wine to water, influenced by the broader temperance movement in the United States.

Notable Quote:
[11:21] Scott: “The Word of Wisdom is a commandment for the latter days. I don't think there was anything wrong with Jesus or the earlier disciples or the Nephites drinking wine…”

Controversies Surrounding Revelations [12:25] Scott: Introduces the controversy of using water instead of wine, clarifying that early church practices included wine usage without condemnation, which shifted with changing societal norms and church leadership directives.

Identity of Elias [12:26] Casey: Raises questions about the identity of Elias mentioned in D&C 27, distinguishing him from John the Baptist and Elijah. The discussion reveals uncertainty and diverse interpretations among church scholars and leaders.

Notable Quote:
[14:27] Scott: “Section 27… gives us a list of ancient figures who are now angels that participate in the restoration.”

Revelation Additions and Textual History [31:48] Scott: Discusses the addition of revelations to D&C 27 over time, addressing criticisms about Joseph Smith altering revelations. He emphasizes the role of Joseph within the literary firm set up by Section 70, which allowed for inspired additions and clarifications.

[34:53] Scott: Reinforces that Joseph Smith was fulfilling his prophetic role by supplementing revelations, a process transparent and sanctioned by church leadership.

Doctrine and Covenants 28: Addressing Church Authority and False Revelations

Early Church Conflicts and Revelation Dynamics [37:02] Scott: Shifts focus to D&C 28, detailing the first ecclesiastical crisis involving Oliver Cowdery and Hyrum Page. The episode recounts how Hyrum Page obtained a seer stone leading to false revelations that contradicted established scriptures and revelations.

[40:37] Casey: Highlights how even prominent church leaders like Oliver Cowdery initially fell under the influence of these deceptive revelations, showcasing the vulnerability within the early church community.

Defining Church Authority and Revelation Protocols [42:26] Casey: Breaks down D&C 28, where the Lord delineates the roles of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. Joseph is likened to Moses, the primary revealer, while Oliver is likened to Aaron, tasked with teaching and declaring church doctrines without altering them.

Notable Quote:
[45:18] Scott: “This doesn't negate our beautiful belief that anybody can get revelation, but within this framework you can get revelation within your stewardship.”

Clarifying Revelation Authenticity [46:50] Casey: Emphasizes that not all claimed revelations are genuine, introducing the concept of "sinspiration"—revelations inspired by malicious sources. The Lord instructs that revelations must align with established scriptures and church leadership to be deemed authentic.

[47:14] Scott: References Joseph F. Smith's insights on deceptive spirits and the importance of discerning true revelations from false ones, reinforcing the structured approach outlined in D&C 28.

Mission to the Lamanites [54:05] Casey: Summarizes how D&C 28 sets the stage for Oliver Cowdery’s mission to the Lamanites (Native Americans), marking a pivotal moment in church history that would shape its future trajectory.

Controversies Explored

1. Use of Wine vs. Water in the Sacrament:

   • Issue: Transition from using wine to water for sacrament ceremonies.
   • Discussion: Early practices utilized wine, but societal influences and the Word of Wisdom led to the adoption of water in 1906, a change rooted in broader temperance movements and practical considerations.

2. Identity of Elias:

   • Issue: Determining who Elias refers to in D&C 27.
   • Discussion: Debates range from viewing Elias as a title shared by multiple figures (e.g., Gabriel, Noah) to considering him as a distinct individual. No definitive consensus exists, highlighting ongoing interpretative challenges.

3. Authenticity and Authority of Revelations:

   • Issue: Handling and verifying revelations within the church, especially against false claims.
   • Discussion: D&C 28 establishes Joseph Smith as the sole revelatory authority, outlining protocols for authenticating revelations and preventing unauthorized doctrinal changes. This addresses early church conflicts and sets enduring standards for revelation assessment.

4. Lamanite Mission and Indigenous Descendants:

   • Issue: The relationship between the Lamanites in the Book of Mormon and modern Native Americans.
   • Discussion: While the episode affirms that Native Americans are descendants of the Lamanites, it cautions against rigid geographical models, advocating for a nuanced understanding of a Lamanite diaspora rather than fixed territorial assumptions.

Notable Quotes:
[33:01] Casey: “Prophets can do that.” … “That if he really was God's prophet, then he wouldn't have to change anything.”

[61:58] Scott: “The Church is a house of order, that revelation does come in a specific way if it's intended for the entire Church.”

Consequences and Aftermath

Resolution of Conflicts and Strengthening Church Structure [55:37] Scott: Recaps how Hyrum Page’s false revelations were publicly renounced, demonstrating the early church’s capacity to address internal conflicts constructively.

[71:01] Scott: Shares historical accounts of the destruction of Hyrum Page’s seer stone, symbolizing the church’s rejection of deceptive revelations.

Impact on Church Authority and Future Directions [72:25] Scott: Highlights D&C 28’s role in defining church authority, emphasizing the President’s unique revelatory role and setting precedents for future church governance and mission strategies.

Conclusion and Preview

[72:58] Casey: Concludes by summarizing the significance of D&C 28 in establishing church authority and initiating the Lamanite mission. The hosts tease the upcoming exploration of sections 30 through 36, promising an in-depth analysis of Oliver Cowdery’s mission and its lasting impact on the church.

[73:22] Scott: Reinforces the episode’s key themes and the transformative nature of the Lamanite mission, underscoring its pivotal role in the church’s history.

Final Remarks:
Scott and Casey encourage listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to support its mission of providing accurate historical and doctrinal insights. They also invite donations to Scripture Central to continue producing quality content.

Notable Quote:
[69:47] Scott: “Joseph isn't saying you can't have an angelic messenger visit you or receive a vision, but that you need to recognize that it will be for your personal instruction…”

Key Takeaways

• Sacrament Flexibility: D&C 27 emphasizes the importance of intent over the specific elements used in sacrament practices, allowing for adaptability in how members partake.

• Church Authority Structure: D&C 28 reinforces the hierarchical revelation process within the church, ensuring that only the President of the Church can introduce or alter significant doctrinal revelations.

• Handling False Revelations: The episode underscores the necessity of aligning new revelations with established scriptures and church leadership to maintain doctrinal integrity.

• Mission to the Lamanites: Initiated by Oliver Cowdery, this mission marks a significant strategic direction for the early church, focusing on evangelizing Native American populations.

• Ongoing Relevance: The discussions highlight how early church revelations and conflicts continue to influence contemporary practices and doctrinal interpretations within the Latter-day Saint community.

For more detailed explorations of church history and doctrines, be sure to listen to Episode 111 of Church History Matters and stay tuned for future episodes covering sections 30 through 36 of the Doctrine and Covenants.