Church History Matters Podcast Episode 132 Summary

Title: D&C 71-73 CFM - Responding to Opposition & The Lord’s Surprising Command - E27 June 30-July 6
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 132 of Church History Matters, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) sections 71-73, exploring how early Latter-day Saint leaders responded to external opposition and internal organizational challenges. The discussion not only provides historical insights but also offers practical lessons for contemporary church members on defending their faith while maintaining Christlike behavior.

Background: External Opposition from Ezra Booth

Casey sets the stage by introducing Ezra Booth, a former Methodist minister who became one of the earliest public antagonists of the Latter-day Saint movement. After joining the church and witnessing miraculous healings, Booth's faith wavered during a mission to Missouri, leading him to criticize Joseph Smith and the church publicly.

“Joseph Smith's system of delusion, almost unparalleled in the annals of the world. He also calls it a system of darkness fraught with glaring absurdity and as deceptive as falsehood itself.”
—Ezra Booth, 03:00

Scott and Casey highlight Booth’s role as a pioneering anti-Mormon propagandist, paralleling later critics like Philastus Hurlbut.

“He’s the earliest to publish. Right. To make it really public.”
—Scott, 07:13

Booth’s aggressive letters to the Ohio Star newspaper significantly impacted the church’s reputation, prompting Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to seek divine guidance through D&C 71.

Doctrine and Covenants 71: Responding to Public Criticism

Scott explains that D&C 71 calls Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to address the falsehoods and negative publicity stemming from Booth’s letters. The Lord instructs them to “confound your enemies” and engage with critics both publicly and privately.

“Wherever ye are, you shall not be confounded: yea, all things, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be done unto you.”
—D&C 71:9, paraphrased

Casey provides a detailed backstory:

“Ezra Booth was a gifted 39-year-old Methodist minister. He joins the church in April or May... his faith is deeply shaken... Joseph Smith votes that Ezra be silenced from preaching... Booth starts publicly denouncing the church.”
—Casey, 02:48

Despite their challenges, Joseph and Sidney proceed with their mission, demonstrating faith in divine assurance that their efforts would prevail.

“There's nothing you need to be afraid of. A God has died for you. You are worth it no matter your level of sinfulness.”
—Scott, 00:17

Doctrine and Covenants 73: Continuing the Mission

Scott transitions to D&C 73, outlining that after addressing external opposition, Joseph and Sidney are directed to resume their Bible translation work.

“...the Lord instructs that the elders in this area should continue to preach the Gospel and an exhortation to the churches in the regions roundabout until conference... after the conference... continue the work of Bible translation until it be finished.”
—Scott, 20:43

Casey emphasizes the sequential nature of these revelations:

“Section 73 puts them back on task, sending them back to do the work of translation.”
—Casey, 33:35

They fulfilled their initial mission by issuing public notices challenging Booth and Simon's writer to debate their accusations. While Booth and Simon's writer declined, leading to increased tensions that culminated in violent confrontations later, their efforts were seen as effective in calming some of the church's internal unrest.

“He who is afraid to have his assertions put to the test, let him cease to make them.”
—Sidney Rigdon, 15:30

Balancing Defense of Faith and Avoiding Contention

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the delicate balance between contending for the faith and avoiding contention, as rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Joseph and Sidney.

Casey raises a pertinent question about modern application:

“How do we thread the needle between being contentious but also not getting walked all over?”
—Casey, 22:02

Scott references Scriptures that caution against the spirit of contention:

“The spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil...”
—Matthew 12:34, referenced by Scott, 22:38

They discuss the importance of approaching defenses of the faith with balance and Christlike demeanor, ensuring that debates do not devolve into personal attacks but remain focused on addressing falsehoods constructively.

“Let your responses to criticism be motivated by love, not anger or contempt.”
—Scott, 33:10

Casey adds insights on maintaining this balance:

“Contend for the faith, but don't get into contention where we start to do it because we're angry...”
—Casey, 25:28

Quoting Austin Farrar and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, they underscore the necessity of defending the faith to maintain a conducive environment for belief to flourish.

“Rational argument does not create belief. But it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.”
—Austin Farrar (as cited by Scott), 29:37

Doctrine and Covenants 72: Organizational Leadership and Stewardship

Transitioning to D&C 72, Scott and Casey explore how this section introduces Newell K. Whitney as the second bishop of the church, expanding the organizational structure to manage internal affairs.

“Section 72 calls for Newell K. Whitney to serve as the second bishop in Ohio, complementing Bishop Edward Partridge in Missouri.”
—Scott, 39:42

Casey explains the significance of this revelation in establishing a structured ecclesiastical leadership:

“The legislation introduces the role of multiple bishops and geographically assigned leadership, laying the groundwork for the ward and branch system seen today.”
—Casey, 60:30

They discuss the responsibilities bestowed upon Bishop Whitney, including managing temporal welfare, overseeing church funds, and ensuring members adhere to the Law of Consecration.

“The bishop is supposed to make sure everybody's fed, everybody's keeping the law of consecration...”
—Casey, 46:45

Scott connects these early responsibilities to the modern role of bishops, emphasizing the continued importance of welfare and spiritual oversight.

“Today, bishops are called to teach the doctrine and principles relating to welfare and self-reliance...”
—Scott, 51:17

Responsibilities and Evolution of the Bishop's Role

Casey delves deeper into the evolving role of bishops, drawing parallels between early church revelations and contemporary practices. He highlights how D&C 72 set the precedent for bishops to act as both temporal and spiritual leaders, a dual role that remains integral today.

“The revelation introduces the idea of multiple bishops and bishops being assigned geographically... laying the groundwork for wards.”
—Casey, 60:30

They discuss the introduction of recommendations—certificates akin to modern temple recommends—that assess members' readiness for higher covenants and participation in significant church projects, like building Zion.

“This is the earliest form of a temple recommend... no temples had been built, but it signifies readiness to participate in divine work.”
—Casey, 52:31

Scott notes the historical importance of these revelations in shaping church governance and member participation:

“These revelations played a crucial role in organizational development, ensuring members were prepared for deeper commitments.”
—Scott, 55:48

Consequences and Historical Outcomes

The hosts link the revelations of D&C 71-73 to subsequent historical events, including the violent backlash faced by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon.

“There's going to be a tarring and feathering in March... a shameful sucker punch in history.”
—Scott, 33:35

They reflect on how unresolved contention can escalate, emphasizing the tragic outcome when adversaries resort to violence rather than intellectual debate.

“Violence is the worst possible outcome to contention. It accomplishes nothing.”
—Casey, 35:12

Conclusion and Forward Look

As the episode wraps up, Scott and Casey summarize the transformative impact of D&C 71-73 on church leadership and response strategies. They highlight the importance of defending the faith thoughtfully and organizationally, ensuring both external opposition and internal needs are addressed effectively.

“We're trying to model that at least imperfectly... but we're not afraid and we don't think anyone needs to be afraid.”
—Scott, 38:54

They tease the next episode, which will continue exploring D&C sections 74-75, promising further insights into the church's historical challenges and responses.

“Still more to come, sections 74 and 75. So we'll deal with that in our next video. Stay tuned.”
—Casey, 65:28

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Casey (00:04): “The truth is the truth. I accept it and take it as we go. It doesn't change the foundational parts of my testimony...”

• Scott (00:17): “There's nothing you need to be afraid of. A God has died for you. You are worth it no matter your level of sinfulness.”

• Ezra Booth (03:00, paraphrased): “Joseph Smith's system of delusion...”

• Scott (07:13): “He's the earliest to publish...”

• Scott (15:30): “He who is afraid to have his assertions put to the test, let him cease to make them.”

• Casey (22:02): “How do we thread the needle between being contentious but also not getting walked all over?”

• Scott (22:38): “The spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil...”

• Scott (33:10): “Let your responses to criticism be motivated by love, not anger or contempt.”

• Austin Farrar quoted by Scott (29:37): “Rational argument does not create belief. But it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.”

• Casey (60:30): “The revelation introduces the idea of multiple bishops and bishops being assigned geographically...”

Final Thoughts

Episode 132 of Church History Matters offers a comprehensive exploration of how early church leaders navigated external opposition and internal organizational challenges through divine revelation and strategic action. By examining D&C 71-73, Scott and Casey provide valuable lessons on faith, leadership, and conflict resolution that remain relevant for today's church members.