Podcast Summary: Church History Matters

Episode: 140 - D&C 84 CFM - Clarity on the Priesthood in the Church - E31B
Host/Authors: Scott and Casey
Release Date: July 23, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 140 of the Church History Matters podcast, Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants Section 84, focusing on attaining clarity regarding the priesthood within the Latter-day Saint Church. This episode explores the complexities and beauty of church history, addressing contemporary challenges and theological insights surrounding priesthood authority and its implications for both men and women.

Understanding Priesthood: Definitions and Evolutions

Scott initiates the discussion by posing the fundamental question: "What is priesthood?" (00:00). Casey responds by emphasizing that priesthood involves speaking with authority bestowed by the Lord to perform divine work critical for the salvation of humanity (00:05).

Key Points:

• Historical Definitions: Originally, priesthood was viewed as a holy order or group within the church, not merely an authority held by individuals. This contrasts with the modern interpretation that often equates priesthood with authority granted to men.

• Evolution Over Time: The definition has shifted from a collective holy order to an individualized authority, a change that has sparked much discussion and controversy within the church.

Notable Quote:

Casey (00:05): "You can speak with authority because the Lord has placed authority upon you, but you're given divine authority to do the work of God, and that will be binding for the salvation of the human family."

Section 84: Commandment vs. Prophecy

The hosts analyze whether Section 84 is a prophecy or a commandment, especially regarding the building of temples.

Key Points:

• Prophecy vs. Commandment: Scott suggests that the directive to build temples may be a commandment rather than a prophecy, implying that failure to fulfill it doesn't negate the commandment itself (02:27).

• Church's Interpretation: The church tends to view this as a commandment, as later revelations (e.g., Section 124) provide reasons for not building the temple immediately, such as persecutions and internal strife.

Notable Quote:

Scott (02:27): "It's possible that it's not a prophecy at all, it's a commandment. And there's a difference between a prophecy and a commandment."

The Role of Women in the Priesthood

A significant portion of the conversation addresses whether the oath and covenant of the priesthood applies to women, challenging the notion that priesthood is synonymous with manhood.

Key Points:

• Historical Inclusion: During the Nauvoo period, women were inducted into the priesthood and participated in temple ordinances, an aspect often overlooked in modern discussions.

• Modern Perspectives: Leaders like Dalliny Stokes and Jean Bingham highlight that women hold priesthood authority in their callings, such as missionaries and Relief Society presidents, indicating that priesthood is not limited to men.

• Temple Ordinances: Casey emphasizes that in temples, women perform ordinances with authority, reinforcing their integral role in priesthood functions.

Notable Quotes:

Casey (21:37): "The oath and covenant of the priesthood applies to women 1000%."

Jean B. Bingham (25:31): "All those priesthood blessings from the oath and covenant of the priesthood are enjoyed by both men and women."

Historical Context: Nauvoo Temple and Section 124

The discussion explores the Nauvoo Temple and its unique role in expanding the understanding of priesthood to include women.

Key Points:

• Section 124 Insights: Casey explains that Section 124 reveals the Nauvoo Temple as a groundbreaking structure where both men and women administer ordinances, a divergence from historical precedents.

• Fullness of the Priesthood: The Nauvoo Temple represented the restoration's fullness of the priesthood, integrating men and women into a collective holy order essential for eternal family sealing.

• Modern Applications: The hosts suggest that recognizing the Nauvoo period's contributions can help reconcile modern practices with early church teachings on priesthood.

Notable Quote:

Scott (27:50): "A salvational system that doesn't include women, that doesn't put them to work and doesn't offer them the same blessings, is really, really not complete."

Notable Quotes and Modern Insights

Throughout the episode, Scott and Casey reference influential statements from church leaders to support their analysis.

Key Points:

• Elder Joseph Fielding Smith: Differentiates between priesthood and authority, stating that women can hold priesthood authority to perform essential church duties (14:27).

• Jean Bingham and President Nelson: Illustrate contemporary confirmations that priesthood covenants and blessings are inclusive of women, reinforcing that both men and women are integral to priesthood responsibilities (24:00).

Notable Quotes:

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith (14:27): "Priesthood is a holy order with officers and stuff in it. And then there's also divine authority that can be given to men and women for various things..."

President Russell M. Nelson (24:00): "...all those priesthood blessings from the oath and covenant of the priesthood are enjoyed by both men and women."

Consequences of Section 84 for the Church

In concluding their discussion on Section 84, Scott and Casey highlight its profound impact on church doctrine and practice.

Key Points:

• Doctrinal Clarity: Section 84 outlines the high and lesser priesthoods, the oath and covenant, and emphasizes the universal invitation to all mankind to receive priesthood blessings.

• Church Purpose: The revelation establishes that the core purpose of the church is to gather people by inviting them to partake in priesthood ordinances, centralizing temple building as the epicenter of this mission.

• Eternal Implications: The teachings of Section 84 are seen as foundational for understanding the eternal family and the comprehensive nature of priesthood in both earthly and heavenly realms.

Notable Quote:

Casey (32:10): "It's like all the theological pieces of the restoration that had been revealed up to this point are starting to come together into like a more cohesive picture of what God is up to."

Conclusion

Episode 140 of Church History Matters offers a nuanced exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Section 84, shedding light on the evolving understanding of priesthood within the Latter-day Saint Church. Scott and Casey successfully navigate complex theological debates, particularly regarding the inclusivity of women in priesthood covenants and the historical significance of temple ordinances. Their insightful discussion underscores the richness of priesthood as a holy order and divine authority, essential for both individual salvation and the collective mission of the church.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Scott (00:00): "What is priesthood? I don't know if there's a more difficult question in the Church today."

• Casey (00:05): "You can speak with authority because the Lord has placed authority upon you, but you're given divine authority to do the work of God, and that will be binding for the salvation of the human family."

• Scott (02:27): "It's possible that it's not a prophecy at all, it's a commandment. And there's a difference between a prophecy and a commandment."

• Casey (21:37): "The oath and covenant of the priesthood applies to women 1000%."

• Elder Joseph Fielding Smith (14:27): "Priesthood is a holy order with officers and stuff in it. And then there's also divine authority that can be given to men and women for various things..."

• Scott (27:50): "A salvational system that doesn't include women, that doesn't put them to work and doesn't offer them the same blessings, is really, really not complete."

• Casey (32:10): "It's like all the theological pieces of the restoration that had been revealed up to this point are starting to come together into like a more cohesive picture of what God is up to."

This episode serves as a comprehensive resource for members seeking a deeper understanding of priesthood, its historical context, and its essential role in the eternal plan of salvation. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful conversation, Scott and Casey provide listeners with valuable insights into one of the most pivotal aspects of church doctrine.