Church History Matters Podcast Summary
Episode 123 - D&C 50 CFM - How We Can Learn to Discern the Spirit
Release Date: May 15, 2025
Introduction to Doctrine and Covenants Section 50
In Episode 123 of the Church History Matters podcast, Scott and Casey delve deep into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Section 50, exploring its historical context, key teachings, and contemporary applications. This episode, titled "How We Can Learn to Discern the Spirit," provides listeners with an insightful analysis of early Latter-day Saint experiences with spiritual manifestations and offers guidance on discerning genuine spiritual inspiration today.
Historical Context: Spiritual Manifestations in the Early Church [00:00 - 05:22]
Scott opens the discussion by highlighting the tumultuous period in the early church, particularly focusing on Section 50 of the Doctrine and Covenants. He notes that the Lord is guiding the church through discernment amid "noise" and unusual spiritual activities. Casey contrasts the external challenges posed by groups like the Shakers with internal struggles among church members in Ohio.
Casey explains:
"The Shakers are sort of an external thing that the church is dealing with... This is more of an internal thing where there are struggles happening among members of the church."
[00:30]
They reference accounts from church leaders like John Whitmer and Parley P. Pratt, who observed bizarre and potentially dangerous spiritual behaviors among converts, such as speaking in tongues uncontrollably, visions, and physical manifestations like convulsions and falling into ecstasies.
John Whitmer's Observation:
"The devil blinded the eyes of some good and honest disciples."
[02:03]
Parley P. Pratt recounts:
"Some persons would seem to swoon away, make unseemly gestures... a false and lying spirit seemed to be creeping into the church."
[02:15]
Joseph Smith’s Revelation in Section 50 [05:22 - 09:15]
The discussion transitions to how church leaders sought divine guidance to address these manifestations. Scott and Casey describe the scenario where elders approached Joseph Smith for a revelation to discern genuine spiritual experiences from deceptive ones.
Casey narrates:
"After we joined in prayer in his translating room, he dictated in our presence the following revelation."
[06:05]
They emphasize Parley P. Pratt's detailed account of Joseph Smith’s revelation process, highlighting the miraculous coherence and immediacy of the dictated text.
Key Principles: Edification, Intelligence, and Benefit [09:15 - 32:38]
Scott and Casey break down the core teachings of Section 50, focusing on how to discern spirits based on three primary tests:
-
Edification:
The manifestation should build up and improve individuals spiritually. -
Intelligence Communicated:
Genuine spiritual communication should convey meaningful knowledge and truth. -
Benefit:
The experience should provide tangible benefits to the individuals involved.
Casey explains:
"One key element of the spirit will be that it builds you, not that it just kind of stirs up the emotions within you or gets you to feel something."
[25:49]
They cite Brigham Young’s conversion story as a prime example of edifying spiritual communication, contrasting eloquent but empty persuasion with simple, Spirit-led testimonies that profoundly impact individuals.
Casey shares Brigham Young’s Account:
"He could only say, I know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true... When the Spirit's there, it's edifying."
[25:49]
Contemporary Applications: Discerning the Spirit Today [32:38 - 50:03]
The hosts discuss the relevance of Section 50's teachings in the modern era, addressing common spiritual manifestations and media consumption.
Scott states:
"You'll be edified and you'll both want to rejoice together. And so pray for that, seek for that, be humble, don't be a hypocrite, don't be deceptive."
[30:45]
They apply the principles of edification, intelligence, and benefit to various aspects of daily life, such as media choices and personal spiritual experiences. Casey emphasizes the importance of evaluating whether interactions and content genuinely build up individuals or merely stir emotions without meaningful substance.
Casey advises:
"Before you watch a movie or listen to a song, is it edifying? Is this going to build me up and make me better?"
[39:26]
Handling Hypocrisy and Promoting Genuine Faith [13:22 - 19:49]
A significant portion of the discussion centers on hypocrisy within the church. Scott and Casey explore how Section 50 addresses hypocrites—those who outwardly appear righteous but are inwardly flawed—and contrasts this with genuine, humble leadership exemplified by church leaders like President Nelson.
Casey observes:
"The Savior's leadership model isn't that the greatest person is on top, but the greatest person is on a lower level."
[15:23]
Scott reinforces this by quoting Joseph Smith’s 1843 discourse, underscoring that true righteousness doesn’t entail being superior to others but involves humility and continual striving for improvement.
Practical Steps for Discerning Spirits [40:20 - 54:42]
The episode concludes with practical advice on applying the teachings of Section 50:
-
Personal Worthiness:
Ensuring personal purity to better receive and discern spiritual communications. -
Gentle Correction:
Addressing darkness and deception by guiding others into the light rather than condemning them. -
Consistent Application:
Early church leaders like Parley P. Pratt exemplified the application of these principles by rebuking false spirits and fostering genuine spiritual growth within the church.
Casey emphasizes:
"It's one of the most relevant sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. There's constantly messaging coming our way. If we can pause... it makes a huge difference in the choices that we make."
[54:23]
Scott echoes this sentiment, encouraging listeners to use the edification test when evaluating their daily interactions and media consumption.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Scott and Casey wrap up the episode by reaffirming the timeless relevance of Section 50’s teachings. They urge listeners to:
-
Seek Edifying Experiences:
Focus on activities and communications that build up spiritually. -
Test Spirits Through Intelligence and Benefit:
Assess whether experiences convey meaningful truth and provide tangible benefits. -
Emulate Genuine Leadership:
Strive for humility and service, mirroring the example set by early church leaders.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for members seeking to navigate spiritual experiences thoughtfully and discern true inspiration from deceptive influences.
Notable Quotes:
-
Scott [00:00]:
"I think the Lord is cutting through all the noise right here when he's telling us exactly how you know when it's happened." -
Casey [00:30]:
"The Shakers are sort of an external thing that the church is dealing with... This is more of an internal thing where there are struggles happening among members of the church." -
Casey [02:03]:
"Thus, the devil blinded the eyes of some good and honest disciples." -
Casey [25:49]:
"The Spirit is constantly speaking to us, and God is always giving us directions. But sometimes we're just not in tune." -
Scott [30:45]:
"You'll be edified and you'll both want to rejoice together."
This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 123, providing listeners with a clear understanding of how early church teachings continue to guide modern Latter-day Saints in discerning genuine spiritual experiences.