Church History Matters Podcast Episode 113 Summary

Title: D&C 30-36 - CFM - The Lamanite Mission - E15
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Release Date: April 1, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 113 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 30 through 36, exploring the intricate narratives of the early Latter-day Saint missions and the pivotal figures who shaped the church's trajectory. Framing their discussion around the parable of the Sower from Matthew 13, Scott and Casey illuminate how different individuals responded to the divine "seeds" planted through these revelations.

1. Overview of Doctrine and Covenants Sections 30-36

Scott and Casey begin by contextualizing these sections within the early restoration period of the church. They highlight that these revelations primarily focus on the Lamanite Mission, the first organized missionary effort led by Oliver Cowdery following the church's establishment.

• Reference to Oliver Cowdery's Mission:
  Casey (00:20): “You might remember an episode or two ago that Oliver Cowdery in section 28 is commanded to lead the church's first mission...”

2. The Parable of the Sower as a Framework

Casey introduces the parable of the Sower, likening the responses of early converts to the different types of soil described by Jesus.

• Casey on the Parable:
  Casey (03:05): “Sections 30 to 36 are kind of the personification of the parable of the Sower...”

• Scott's Recap of the Parable:
  Scott (03:18): “Jesus said, a sower went forth to sow, and he starts spreading seeds...”

3. Detailed Analysis by Section

a. Section 30: Revelations to the Whitmer Brothers

This section comprises three revelations addressed to David Whitmer, Peter Whitmer Jr., and John Whitmer. Scott and Casey discuss David Whitmer's gentle rebuke for being distracted by worldly matters and his eventual departure from the church.

• David Whitmer's Correction:
  Scott (05:27): “The Lord opens this revelation by mildly rebuking David Whitmer...”

• Casey's Insight on David's Future:
  Casey (10:34): “David does eventually leave the church eight years after this.”

b. Section 31: Introduction of Thomas B. Marsh

Section 31 introduces Thomas B. Marsh, a significant yet complex figure in church history. Despite his initial strong commitment, Marsh's later apostasy is explored, illustrating the challenges faced by early missionaries.

• Casey's Historical Tidbit:
  Casey (13:23): “Thomas does die faithful in the Gospel.”

• Thomas B. Marsh's Struggles:
  Scott (30:28): “...a safeguard against Thomas B. Marsh's apostasy is to pray always...”

c. Section 32: The Initiation of the Lamanite Mission

This section details the commencement of the Lamanite Mission with key figures Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson joining Oliver Cowdery. Despite the mission's official lack of Lamanite conversions, its indirect success in bringing numerous new members is emphasized.

• Parley P. Pratt's Conversion and Mission Call:
  Casey (34:33): “...Parley becomes a preacher on behalf of this movement...”

• Unexpected Success in Kirtland, Ohio:
  Scott (45:01): “...this is one of the most successful missions in the history of the church.”

d. Section 33: Revelations to Ezra Thayer and Northrop Sweet

Section 33 addresses new converts Ezra Thayer and Northrop Sweet, highlighting their brief but impactful memberships and eventual departures, further illustrating the diversity of responses to the early gospel message.

• Ezra Thayer's Vision:
  Casey (66:55): “He holds the first schism linked back to the church...”

e. Section 34: Revelations to Orson Pratt

Orson Pratt, Parley's younger brother, receives a significant revelation, outlining his vital role in supporting Joseph Smith and systematizing church theology. His later contributions and occasional disagreements with church leadership are noted as key elements of his legacy.

• Orson Pratt's Mission Assignments:
  Scott (87:49): “...he shall declare the gospel as I live.”

f. Section 35: Revelations to Sidney Rigdon

Sidney Rigdon is depicted as a cornerstone in the early church, receiving five pivotal assignments that reinforce his role as a scribe, companion, and protector of Joseph Smith's faith.

• Sidney Rigdon's Vision Confirming the Book of Mormon:
  Casey (89:21): “...this was a testimony from God that the Book of Mormon was divine revelation.”

g. Section 36: Revelations to Edward Partridge

Edward Partridge, the church's first bishop, receives a revelation commissioning him to preach and support the burgeoning church community. His unwavering dedication exemplifies the ideal church member's response to divine callings.

• Edward Partridge's Commission:
  Casey (98:25): “Edward is going to be a key figure, the first bishop in the church.”

4. Theological Insights

Scott and Casey explore profound theological themes woven through these revelations:

a. Becoming Children of Christ

They discuss the nuanced understanding of being children of God versus becoming children of Christ through covenant and discipleship.

• Scott on Divine Orbits:
  Scott (26:56): “...we have to teach what makes us different.”

• Casey on Covenant Relationships:
  Casey (77:09): “...we are on the path to becoming the children of God...”

b. The Role of Prayer and Agency

Emphasizing the importance of continual prayer as a safeguard against personal weaknesses, they reflect on how agency plays a crucial role in individual and collective faith journeys.

• Casey's Reflection on Prayer:
  Casey (30:28): “...the Lord knows where this is going.”

5. Consequences and Impact of the Lamanite Mission

Despite limited direct success in converting Lamanites, the mission's indirect outcomes were monumental:

• Church Growth in Kirtland:
  Scott (49:22): “...church membership nearly triples in a matter of weeks because of this mission.”

• Formation of Influential Leaders:
  Casey (53:16): “...many of these folks are key in the early Restoration.”

• Long-term Impact on Church History:
  Scott (56:56): “...the impact of the Lamanite mission on the future of the church is pretty difficult to overestimate.”

6. Reflections and Lessons Learned

The hosts highlight the importance of agency, personal choices, and learning from both the successes and failures of early church members.

• Casey's Emphasis on Agency:
  Casey (107:21): “...the Savior seemed to be trying to prepare his disciples to know that that was part of the deal...”

• Scott on Inviting and Letting Be:
  Scott (110:07): “...our job is to just love everyone and invite them to come into Christ.”

Conclusion

Episode 113 of Church History Matters offers a comprehensive exploration of D&C sections 30-36, illuminating the complex interplay of divine instruction, personal agency, and historical context in the early Lamanite Mission. Scott and Casey adeptly connect these revelations to broader theological principles, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of how foundational figures and missions have shaped the enduring legacy of the Latter-day Saint movement.

Notable Quotes

• Casey (00:20): “...the Lord invites people to come unto him and how they respond to his calls...”

• Scott (03:18): “Jesus said, a sower went forth to sow, and he starts spreading seeds...”

• Casey (10:34): “David does eventually leave the church eight years after this.”

• Scott (30:28): “...the safeguard against Thomas B. Marsh's apostasy is to pray always...”

• Casey (34:33): “Parley becomes a preacher on behalf of this movement...”

• Scott (45:01): “...this is one of the most successful missions in the history of the church.”

• Casey (66:55): “He holds the first schism linked back to the church...”

• Scott (87:49): “...he shall declare the gospel as I live.”

• Casey (89:21): “...this was a testimony from God that the Book of Mormon was divine revelation.”

• Casey (107:21): “...the Savior seemed to be trying to prepare his disciples to know that that was part of the deal...”

This summary encapsulates the dense and rich discussions from the podcast, providing listeners with a structured understanding of the early Lamanite Mission's revelations, key historical figures, theological insights, and the mission's profound impact on the Latter-day Saint church's development.