Church History Matters Podcast Summary

Episode: 126 - D&C 59 CFM - What Does the Sabbath Really Mean?
Hosts: Scott and Casey
Release Date: May 28, 2025

In Episode 126 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants Section 59, exploring the profound meanings and implications of the Sabbath within the Latter-day Saint tradition. This episode, part two of their discussion, provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the Sabbath's role in establishing a Zion community and its relevance both historically and in contemporary practice.

Historical Context of Section 59

Casey begins by situating Section 59 within its historical framework, addressing the challenges faced by the Colesville branch, particularly the Knight family, during their settlement in Zion. He recounts the poignant story of Polly Knight, whose unwavering faith amidst hardship exemplifies the spiritual resilience encouraged by the commandments.

Casey [00:55]: "Polly Knight... lived to stand upon that land, meaning Missouri... she quietly fell asleep in death, rejoicing in the new and everlasting covenant of the gospel..."

Scott adds depth by highlighting the cultural tensions between the Latter-day Saints and the existing settlers in Jackson County, painting a vivid picture of a community striving to uphold its values amidst an eclectic and often unwelcoming populace.

Scott [02:41]: "They're out there on the edge of the United States fleeing from civilized society... it does kind of gather this kind of eclectic group of riff raff, the basest of men."

The Purpose and Blessings of the Sabbath

The core of the discussion revolves around the significance of the Sabbath as outlined in Section 59. Scott emphasizes that the Sabbath is a blessing from God, intended to help individuals remain "unspotted from the world," rather than a burdensome set of restrictions.

Scott [00:07]: "The Sabbath is made for man, not man for the Sabbath. It's a day to help us become unspotted from the world..."

Casey supports this by interpreting commandments as divine guidance meant to bless adherents, citing the Word of Wisdom as an example of commandments that prevent daily struggles.

Casey [07:25]: "Commandments are meant to be a blessing. They're meant to give us guidance and help."

Key Commandments in Section 59

The hosts meticulously break down the commandments presented in Section 59, drawing parallels to both the Old and New Testaments. They discuss the integration of the Ten Commandments and teachings from the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing gratitude, love for God and neighbor, and the importance of righteous living.

Scott [05:23]: "For those that live shall inherit the earth... blessed are..."

Casey [10:32]: "Being thankful is one of those things. This is a commandment that I think we still need to follow today 100%."

Understanding Sabbath Observance

A significant portion of the episode addresses the nuances of Sabbath observance, exploring common misconceptions and cultural variances in practice. Casey shares personal anecdotes illustrating the challenges of defining Sabbath activities, such as watching television or engaging in family entertainment, highlighting the subjective nature of Sabbath observance.

Casey [30:35]: "It's a day where you can observe the Sabbath with whatever worked for you and your family... but there's no universal standard."

Scott and Casey discuss the balance between law and spirit, advocating for a Sabbath experience that fosters joy, gratitude, and spiritual growth without becoming overly restrictive or legalistic.

Scott [39:40]: "It's not the day of the week that's really significant. It's the concept and idea that there is a day of the week that's a holy day..."

The Role of Gratitude and Joy

The theme of gratitude permeates the episode, with both hosts underscoring its importance in fostering a meaningful Sabbath experience. They cite President Russell M. Nelson's teachings on the healing power of gratitude, reinforcing the idea that recognizing and expressing thankfulness enhances spiritual well-being.

Casey [41:49]: "To take a little bit of time each day, but especially on the Sabbath day, to sit back and reflect on how grateful you are..."

Scott shares a personal transformation, recounting how embracing joy and gratitude has reshaped his perception of the Sabbath from a day of restrictions to one of rejoicing and spiritual connection.

Scott [40:58]: "I have slowly, over time, come to see the Sabbath like that, Casey. And it's been a game changer for my own personal development and my relationship with God."

Practical Applications and Personal Reflections

Throughout the episode, Scott and Casey offer practical advice on implementing the principles of Section 59 in daily life. They encourage listeners to personalize their Sabbath observance, ensuring that their actions align with the overarching principles of rest, worship, and gratitude rather than adhering to rigid rules.

Scott [33:37]: "The Sabbath day is a day to help us stay unspotted from the world by doing things like going to the house of prayer, offering up sacraments, resting from your labors..."

Casey reflects on the diversity of Sabbath practices within the Latter-day Saint community, advocating for mutual understanding and flexibility to accommodate different family dynamics and cultural backgrounds.

Casey [37:13]: "If you have to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, what sign do I want to give to God?"

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, Scott and Casey reiterate the centrality of gratitude and joyful living in Sabbath observance. They emphasize that the Sabbath is not merely a day of obedience but a manifestation of one's devotion and relationship with God, encouraging listeners to embrace its blessings fully.

Scott [39:58]: "The principle is set aside a holy day so that you can observe the Sabbath... everything from preparation to eating the meal to cleaning up the meal can be part of that togetherness that the Savior wants us to experience."

The hosts conclude by previewing the next episode, promising to follow the journey of the Colesville saints as they return to Ohio, further exploring the dynamic interplay between faith, obedience, and community in church history.

Scott [42:14]: "Thank you, Casey. That's been fun to study through Section 59 in our Part 2 of this week's Come Follow me. Really, really good stuff."

Key Takeaways:

• Sabbath as a Blessing: Designed to help individuals remain spiritually "unspotted" and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.

• Commandments as Guidance: Viewed not as burdens but as divinely ordained blessings that enhance personal and communal well-being.

• Personalized Observance: Encouraged to align Sabbath practices with personal and family values, emphasizing flexibility and understanding.

• Gratitude and Joy: Central to a fulfilling Sabbath experience, fostering happiness and spiritual health.

• Community and Unity: Sabbath activities strengthen family bonds and community ties, embodying the principles of Zion.

This episode offers a nuanced exploration of Sabbath observance, blending historical insights with practical guidance, making it a valuable resource for both longtime Latter-day Saints and those seeking to understand the depth of their faith's practices.