Church History Matters Podcast Episode 122 - D&C 49 CFM: The Revelation that Defined Marriage (E21 May 19-25) Release Date: May 14, 2025

Hosts: Scott and Casey from Scripture Central

Introduction

In Episode 122 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants Section 49, a pivotal revelation in Latter-day Saint history that redefines the doctrine of marriage. Titled "D&C 49 CFM - The Revelation that Defined Marriage," the episode explores the historical context, key messages, controversies, and lasting impacts of this significant revelation.

Understanding the Shakers

[02:02] Casey:
Casey begins by introducing the Shakers, formally known as the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing. Originating in 18th-century England under the leadership of Ann Lee, the Shakers emphasized celibacy, communal living, and ecstatic worship practices such as shaking and dancing. Ann Lee, later revered as "Mother Ann," led her followers to establish communities in America, including one in North Union, Ohio, near Kirtland.

[02:02] Scott:
Scott provides a detailed background on Ann Lee's life, highlighting her struggles with personal loss and her eventual vision that solidified her leadership among the Shakers. He narrates how Ann's revelations emphasized celibacy and communal living, setting the foundation for Shaker communities that thrived for several decades before declining.

Context of Doctrine and Covenants Section 49

[04:25] Casey:
Casey transitions to the immediate context of Section 49, explaining that by 1831, the Shakers had a significant following, outnumbering the early Latter-day Saints. The revelation was prompted by Leman Copley's conversion from Shakerism to Mormonism. Copley sought to bridge his Shaker beliefs with the emerging Mormon doctrines, prompting Joseph Smith to seek divine guidance, resulting in the revelation of Section 49.

[06:35] Casey:
He further elaborates on the interactions between the Shakers and early Latter-day Saints, noting that despite initial friendly relations and mutual respect for some shared beliefs, profound doctrinal differences existed, particularly regarding marriage and the nature of Jesus Christ's second coming.

Content of Doctrine and Covenants Section 49

[10:10] Scott:
Scott breaks down Section 49 into two primary segments:

1. Verses 1-11: Addressed to Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt, and Leman Copley, commanding them to preach the gospel to the Shakers. The revelation emphasizes that Copley must base his teachings solely on what Sidney and Parley instruct, not on Shaker doctrines.

2. Verses 12-28: Directly address the Shakers, outlining corrections to their beliefs.

Key Messages of Section 49

1. Affirmation of Christ’s Role
[13:42] Casey:
The revelation begins by affirming Jesus Christ's role in redemption, countering Shaker beliefs that downplayed the atonement and the resurrection.

2. Sanctity of Marriage
[17:32] Scott:
A pivotal message in verses 15-17 asserts, “whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God. For marriage is ordained of God unto man.” This direct declaration underscores the divine purpose of marriage, countering the Shakers' emphasis on celibacy.

3. Dietary Practices
[19:35] Scott:
Verses 18-21 address vegetarianism, permitting personal choice in diet while condemning the prohibition of meat consumption, linking proper use of resources to preventing sin.

4. Second Coming of Christ
[22:25] Scott:
The revelation emphatically states that the Second Coming of Christ will be unmistakable and not in female form, directly refuting Ann Lee's claims. It emphasizes a dramatic and global event, countering the Shakers' more subdued expectations.

Controversies and Interpretations

[23:27] Casey:
Casey addresses contemporary questions arising from Section 49, such as:

• Vegetarianism: Affirmed as permissible for individuals but not to be imposed on others.

• Monogamous Marriage: Clarified as the divine standard, with historical context provided to reconcile past practices of plural marriage within the Church.

• LGBTQ Implications: Emphasizes the divine purpose behind marriage, focusing on the procreation and union of man and woman, while highlighting the importance of approaching sensitive topics with understanding and emphasizing God's plan.

[26:23] Scott & [28:05] Casey:
They discuss the implications for same-sex marriage, interpreting the revelation as a clear endorsement of male-female unions for their intended spiritual and biological purposes, while advocating for compassion and understanding towards all individuals.

Consequences of Section 49

[34:06] Scott & [35:58] Casey:
The hosts narrate the aftermath of the revelation:

• Mission to the Shakers: Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt’s attempt to convert the Shakers resulted in rejection and tension, particularly between Leman Copley and the Shaker leader Ashbel Kitchell.

• Personal Struggles: Leman Copley's faith was significantly tested, leading to his eventual departure from the Church in 1838 after initial enthusiasm waned following the unsuccessful mission.

• Lessons Learned: The episode draws parallels to biblical narratives, emphasizing the importance of deep-rooted faith and the challenges of interfaith missions, highlighting human agency in accepting or rejecting divine revelations.

Lessons and Reflections

[39:27] Scott & [39:10] Casey:
Scott and Casey reflect on the enduring significance of Section 49, particularly its clear articulation of marriage as central to God's plan. They emphasize that while the mission to convert the Shakers was unsuccessful, the revelation itself provides crucial doctrinal clarity that continues to influence Church teachings on marriage and family.

Notable Quotes:

• Casey [00:00]: "The Lord had given a revelation just to them, a very consequential revelation, one of the most important ones in the entire Doctrine and Covenants."

• Scott [10:10]: "The Lord here is basically laying out the only path by which the inexperienced Leman Copley, who is still sympathetic with some Shaker doctrines, will actually succeed in this mission."

• Casey [23:38]: "The Bible and the Book of Mormon teach that monogamy is God's standard for marriage unless He declares otherwise."

• Scott [19:35]: "Marriage is like why the earth was created. This is how I get mankind here so that they can have this probation experience and we can do the Kingdom of God project."

• Casey [35:58]: "We could learn from the Shaker's example that people simply have their agency to choose to accept or reject the gospel if they want to, even when they're presented with a personalized revelation to them from God himself."

Conclusion

Episode 122 of Church History Matters offers an in-depth exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Section 49, illuminating its historical roots, doctrinal significance, and lasting impact on Latter-day Saint teachings on marriage. Through engaging dialogue and thorough analysis, Scott and Casey provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of how this revelation not only addressed contemporary challenges with the Shakers but also solidified foundational principles that continue to shape the Church today.

Stay tuned for the upcoming Part Two, where Scott and Casey will examine Section 50 of the Doctrine and Covenants, promising further insightful discussions.