Church History Matters Podcast Summary Episode 131: D&C 67-70 CFM - Scripture Is More Than You Think Release Date: June 17, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 131 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve deep into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 67 through 70. This episode, titled "Scripture Is More Than You Think," explores the intricate processes behind defining and publishing scripture in the early Latter-day Saint movement, the challenges faced by church leaders, and the profound implications these revelations have on our understanding of scripture today.
Defining Scripture and Canon
Casey opens the discussion by highlighting the complexity of these sections, which address the creation and publication of a new book of scripture—the Doctrine and Covenants. She emphasizes the urgency and context of the revelations received in the fall of 1831, shortly after the publication of the Book of Mormon.
Scott adds, "Is this the ultimate challenge to know if Joseph Smith's a true prophet?" [00:27]. Both hosts explore the distinction between "Scripture" and "canon," debating whether scripture encompasses any inspired writings or is limited to the officially recognized canon.
Notable Quote:
Casey: "We could be smooshing together five or six different revelations that are received over a very brief period of time in the fall of 1831." [01:00]
The Challenge of Prophecy and Revelation
The conversation moves to the testing of Joseph Smith's prophetic abilities. Casey recounts the challenge presented in D&C 67, where church elders were invited to replicate a revelation to question Joseph's authenticity.
Scott draws parallels to other religions, notably Islam, comparing the inimitability claims of the Quran to the challenge in the Doctrine and Covenants:
Scott: "This language is in my mind when I read chapter two of the Quran." [26:29]
Notable Quote:
Casey: "If you could produce what they're throwing out here, does that necessarily mean that they are a true prophet of God?" [28:26]
Revelations Addressing Human Frailty
D&C 67 also tackles the imperfections of Joseph Smith, addressing doubts regarding his ability to produce flawless revelations. The Lord reassures the elders that despite Joseph's human imperfections, the revelations remain pure and divine.
Scott reflects on the dynamic of having a young prophet:
"Imagine the church being led by a 25-year-old. What kind of questions would you have about the revelations that come through him?" [10:17]
Notable Quote:
Casey: "Section one was received, some conversation was had concerning revelations and language, and I received the following section 67." [09:36]
Practical Implications: Publishing Scripture
Sections 68 and 69 focus on the logistics of publishing the new scripture. The hosts discuss the formation of the "literary firm," a group responsible for printing and distributing the revelations despite facing significant opposition, including mob violence that destroyed early printing presses.
Casey highlights the importance of record-keeping:
"If you're in a place where it's 1830 right now, or whatever year figuratively it is, you're keeping a record because that story is going to be important in time and eternity." [86:15]
Notable Quote:
Scott: "Praise John Whitmer. Praise all those who helped in this enterprise." [81:02]
Expanding the Definition of Scripture
D&C 68 broadens the concept of scripture, asserting that anyone moved by the Holy Ghost can speak inspired words. This raises questions about the boundaries between personal revelation and official canon.
Scott urges a balance:
"We are both bound institutionally by the canon, but we ought to be wise enough to follow true scripture when it comes our way." [73:21]
Casey emphasizes discernment:
"We've got to develop a greater utility. We got to know what's in the canon and know it really well. So we can detect false scripture when it comes." [38:09]
Notable Quote:
Casey: "But we've also got to be open and flexible to this idea that God speaks to us in a number of ways from a number of different people." [38:09]
Organizational Growth and Compensation
Sections 70 outlines the establishment of the literary firm, detailing the roles and responsibilities of its members. The discussion touches on the early church's for-profit ventures to fund essential projects like printing scriptures, reflecting an enduring principle of building Zion through resourcefulness.
Scott connects historical actions to modern practices:
"We've got places of worship to build. We've got temples to build. We've got missionary efforts to help fund." [102:08]
Casey relates this to contemporary church operations:
"The early leaders of the church were concerned about that... it's built into the DNA of the church from the beginning that they are seeking resources because you have to have resources in order to effect change in the world." [102:25]
Notable Quote:
Casey: "It's about building Zion. It's not just about getting people ready for the hereafter. It's changing the right now." [102:25]
Parental Responsibilities in Zion
A significant portion of the discussion centers on D&C 68's commandments to parents to teach their children the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel by the age of eight. This responsibility ensures that children have the knowledge and opportunity to choose Christ, with parents held accountable for their diligence.
Scott interprets the law of parenting:
"If you don't have that done by the time they are eight years old, the Lord, Lord says, the sin be upon the heads of the parents." [63:40]
Casey connects this to modern parenting:
"I want to be absolutely crystal clear. There still is this temptation to say, well, my students need me." [70:39]
Notable Quote:
Scott: "And she taught me an important lesson. We don't own our children. Our parental privilege is to love them, to lead them, and to let them go." [62:30]
Consequences and Organizational Impact
The revelations in sections 67-70 had profound implications for the early church:
- Defining Scripture: Expanded the definition to include inspired utterances beyond the official canon.
- Organizational Structure: Established roles and compensation for those involved in publishing scripture.
- Parental Duties: Emphasized the critical role of parents in teaching Gospel principles to their children.
- Resource Management: Initiated for-profit ventures to fund church needs, laying the groundwork for future economic endeavors.
Casey underscores the lasting impact of these revelations:
"They played a key role in the publishing of Joseph Smith's translation of the Bible... these early papers are incredibly valuable resources." [84:36]
Scott highlights ongoing relevance:
"History matters for future generations, right? Like collecting historical documents, records of ministries, that kind of stuff." [81:02]
Notable Quote:
Casey: "If you're in a place where it's 1830 right now, or whatever year figuratively it is, you're keeping a record because that story is going to be important in time and eternity." [86:15]
Conclusion
In this episode, Scott and Casey meticulously unpack D&C 67-70, revealing how these sections not only shaped the early Latter-day Saint movement but also continue to influence the church's understanding of scripture, leadership, and organizational structure today. The discussions on the nature of scripture, the establishment of the literary firm, and the emphasis on parental responsibilities provide listeners with a comprehensive view of the foundational moments in church history.
Final Quote:
Scott: "Those early papers are incredibly valuable resources. It's where we draw a lot of the teachings of early church leaders from." [105:38]
Key Takeaways
- Broadened Definition of Scripture: Scripture includes any inspired words spoken by individuals moved by the Holy Ghost.
- Early Organizational Efforts: The formation of the literary firm was pivotal in publishing and preserving revelations.
- Parental Responsibilities: Parents are commanded to teach fundamental Gospel principles to their children by a specific age.
- Resourcefulness in Building Zion: For-profit ventures were initiated early on to support the church's temporal and spiritual growth.
Recommended For
Listeners seeking a deeper understanding of early church revelations, the development of Latter-day Saint scripture, and the foundational organizational structures of the church will find this episode particularly enlightening.