Church History Matters Podcast - Episode 127 Summary: "D&C 60-62 CFM - Does Satan Have Power Over Water?"

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Scott and Casey
Podcast: Church History Matters by Scripture Central

Introduction

In Episode 127 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Sections 60-62, exploring the intricate dynamics of the 1831 Missouri River journey undertaken by early Latter-day Saint (LDS) church elders. The episode scrutinizes the controversial notion that "Satan controls the waters," unpacking historical events, scriptural interpretations, and theological insights.

Section 60: Initiation of the Return Journey

Historical Context:
Scott begins by outlining the series of revelations guiding the church's movements. After fulfilling their mission in Missouri and holding the first conference of the church in Zion on August 4, Joseph Smith and other church leaders prepare to return to Ohio as instructed in D&C Section 58.

Key Points:

• Revelation to Return Home: Section 60 commands the elders to journey back to Ohio, emphasizing obedience and the method of travel.
• Division of Roles: Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery are designated to travel to Cincinnati to "lift up their voice and declare my word," while others like Edward Partridge and William W. Phelps are instructed to "fan out" and preach along the way.

Notable Quote:
Casey reflects on the mission's unique nature:
"This is kind of like a traveling mission... you get to go from Ohio, almost a thousand miles to Missouri, and then turn around and go back."
(Timestamp: 04:13)

Section 61: Trials on the Missouri River

Incident Overview:
As the elders embark on their journey down the Missouri River, tensions escalate among them. Ezra Booth reports a "spirit of animosity and discord" that disrupts the voyage, leading to a near-capsize when the elders neglect to row and steer the canoe.

Key Points:

• Oliver Cowdery's Rebuke: Oliver sternly admonishes the elders for their behavior, threatening that "some accident will befall you" if they do not improve (02:57).
• Divine Intervention: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon attempt to calm the situation by joining the troubled elders in the canoe, but the discord intensifies.
• Vision of the Destroyer: At McKilwain’s Bend, William W. Phelps experiences a vision of "the destroyer" upon the waters, while others hear ominous noises (10:45).

The Controversy:
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the interpretation of "the destroyer." Scott and Casey debate whether this figure represents Satan or a divinely authorized force. They lean towards the latter, citing scriptural uses where "destroyer" often aligns with God's power rather than Satan's.

Notable Quotes:
Scott highlights the ambiguity:
"We don't know based on this context if the destroyer is a servant of Satan or a servant of God."
(Timestamp: 00:00)

Casey cautiously addresses the misinterpretation:
"It's in his jurisdiction, not the devil. So, yeah, I think all signs point to this is not the devil who controls waters."
(Timestamp: 25:53)

Section 62: Reconciliation and Affirmation

Serendipitous Meeting:
The day after the distressing river journey, Joseph Smith and his companions cross paths with other elders in Sheraton. This meeting, described as serendipitous, leads to reconciliation and a new revelation.

Key Points:

• Divine Arrangement: The Lord explicitly states that He brought the groups together to fulfill a promise made in Section 52 (31:04).
• Affirming Revelation: Section 62 is characterized by joy and encouragement. The Lord commends the elders for their testimonies, assures them of forgiveness, and instructs them to continue their missionary work without haste (33:33).

Notable Quote:
Casey emphasizes Christ’s character:
"Among his full-time servants, He is pleased by obedience... He's also very quick to forgive those who humbly confess their sins."
(Timestamp: 36:47)

Scott shares a personal anecdote highlighting divine guidance:
"I would call it a happy arrangement where the Lord just put into my path the person that I needed to see right at that moment."
(Timestamp: 38:21)

Consequences and Lessons from Sections 60-62

Character of Christ:
The episode underscores multiple facets of Christ's nature as depicted in these revelations:

• Merciful and Forgiving: Christ quickly forgives those who repent sincerely (Section 61, Verse 2).
• Guiding and Protective: He assures that the faithful "shall not perish by the waters" and is present during both trials and triumphs (Casey, 25:39).
• Encouraging Missionary Efforts: Emphasis on preaching to the wicked to prevent their downfall and to preserve the saints.

Mission Flexibility:
The revelation demonstrates that the specifics of missionary work—such as mode of travel—are less important than the faithful execution of the mission itself. The instruction "it mattereth not unto me" underscores God's focus on obedience over methodology.

Notable Quote:
Scott summarizes the spiritual insights:
"We see that he wants us to learn from our errors and our mistakes, and he wants us to warn others of the same."
(Timestamp: 35:00)

Conclusion

In this episode, Scott and Casey intricately unpack D&C Sections 60-62, shedding light on the complexities of early church history and the profound lessons embedded within scriptural revelations. They navigate through historical incidents, theological debates, and personal reflections to present a comprehensive understanding of how divine guidance, human frailty, and Christ’s enduring support intertwine.

Final Insights:

• Divine Providence: The Lord’s hand is evident in guiding and reconciling His servants.
• Avoiding Speculation: Scott and Casey advise caution against attributing ambiguous scriptural references to Satan without clear evidence.
• Enduring Faith: The importance of maintaining faith and obedience amidst challenges is a central theme.

Notable Closing Quote:
Casey encapsulates the episode's essence:
"The big takeaway is how many little glimpses they give into the character of Christ... That's exactly what this little group of elders were doing."
(Timestamp: 38:02)

This episode serves as a valuable resource for understanding the nuanced challenges faced by early LDS leaders and the enduring principles that guide faithful adherence to divine commandments. Whether you're a church historian or a modern-day member seeking deeper scriptural insights, Episode 127 offers a rich exploration of faith, leadership, and divine intervention.