Church History Matters Podcast Summary

Episode: 146 - D&C 90-92 CFM - Learning Is A Divine Duty - E34B August 18-24
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Host/Authors: Scott and Casey from Scripture Central

Introduction and Overview

In Episode 146 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Sections 90 through 92, exploring the divine directives on learning, church governance, and the handling of extra-canonical scriptures. The episode emphasizes the importance of continuous learning as a divine duty and examines foundational developments in the organizational structure of the Latter-day Saint Church.

Understanding Section 90: Establishing the First Presidency

Key Points:

• Revelation on Church Leadership: Section 90 marks a significant step in defining the church's leadership by detailing the roles within the First Presidency. The revelation underscores the equal holding of keys of the kingdom by Joseph Smith and his counselors, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams.

• Historical Context: Casey provides a comprehensive background, explaining how Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery initially received apostolic authority from heavenly messengers. This foundation set the stage for further revelations that shaped church governance.

• Development of the First Presidency: Scott highlights the structural evolution from Joseph and Oliver as the first two elders to the establishment of the First Presidency. The inclusion of Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams as equal holders of priesthood keys was a pivotal moment, as noted in Joseph Smith's 1838 history (Casey, [02:43]).

Notable Quotes:

• Casey: "Section 90 elevates the role of the two counselors in the First Presidency. It makes them equal with Joseph Smith in holding the keys of the last kingdom." ([02:43])
• Scott: "I love that these verses affirm that the Gospel of Jesus Christ transcends national and cultural boundaries. You can almost print that out and put it on your wall. That's so good." ([02:50])

Implications for Succession:

• The revelation in Section 90 laid the groundwork for the concept of prophetic succession, where the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold the necessary keys to lead the church. This understanding became crucial after Joseph Smith's death, influencing how the church navigated leadership transitions.

Exploring Section 91: The Apocrypha and Scriptural Translation

Key Points:

• Joseph Smith’s Inquiry: As Joseph Smith neared the completion of his Bible translation, he questioned whether the Apocrypha should be included in the effort. Section 91 addresses this, distinguishing between authentic and interpolated content within the Apocrypha.

• Definition and Status of the Apocrypha: The hosts explain that the Apocrypha comprises books found in the Greek Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Bible. They note the distinction between its acceptance among Roman Catholics and its general exclusion by Protestant denominations.

• Divine Guidance on Extra-Canonical Texts: The revelation in Section 91 advises that while some content in the Apocrypha is true and profitably translates, much of it is not. Consequently, Joseph Smith was directed that it was unnecessary to translate these texts further.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott: "Therefore, it's not needful that it should be translated." ([36:18])
• Casey: "The Lord is basically saying it is of lesser substance and lesser value than the Bible, the Old, the New Testaments as we understand it." ([37:51])

Application and Modern Perspectives:

• The hosts discuss how this revelation sets a precedent for evaluating extra-canonical works. They emphasize the importance of discerning the value of such texts through the lens of established canon and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

• Spiritual Discernment: Casey ties this principle back to the 13th Article of Faith, advocating for the pursuit of virtuous and praiseworthy things while maintaining discernment guided by the Spirit (Scott, [43:39]).

Controversies:

• While Section 91 itself is straightforward, it sparks discussions on how to approach other extra-canonical texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls or the Gospel of Thomas. The consensus presented is to view these works as potentially valuable yet subordinate to canonical scriptures.

Reviewing Section 92: Integration of Frederick G. Williams into the United Firm

Key Points:

• Expansion of the United Firm: Section 92 addresses the inclusion of Frederick G. Williams into the United Firm, a governing financial council established earlier. This inclusion was strategic, ensuring that key leaders were part of the firm responsible for managing the church’s financial and commercial affairs.

• Significance of Frederick G. Williams: Casey elaborates on Williams’ pivotal role, including his contribution of land for the Kirtland Temple, which became central to the church's development (Casey, [52:16]).

Notable Quotes:

• Scott: "Verily, thus saith the Lord, I give unto the united order or firm organized, agreeable to the commandment previously given." ([49:58])

Impact on Church Development:

• The integration of Williams solidified the financial and organizational structure necessary for significant projects like the Kirtland Temple, illustrating the practical application of divine revelations in church growth and infrastructure.

Controversies:

• Section 92 does not present new controversies but reinforces the established framework of the United Firm, illustrating the flexibility and responsiveness of church governance to include key leaders.

Final Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, Scott and Casey emphasize the divine mandate for continuous learning and adaptability within church leadership structures. They highlight how D&C Sections 90-92 collectively underscore the importance of knowledgeable, spiritually guided leadership and the prudent handling of both canonical and extra-canonical scriptures.

Key Takeaways:

• Divine Duty to Learn: The revelation calls believers to engage deeply with good literature and diverse cultures, enhancing their ability to fulfill divine purposes (Casey, [00:00]).

• Foundation of Church Governance: The establishment of the First Presidency with equal holding of priesthood keys by its members was a foundational development that has long-lasting implications for church leadership and succession.

• Balanced Approach to Extra-Canonical Texts: While recognizing the value in studying texts like the Apocrypha, the church maintains a clear boundary, ensuring that canonical scriptures remain the primary source of doctrinal truth.

Notable Quotes:

• Casey: "The Lord throws us into the broader world... use the Spirit to discern what's actually going to be helpful to you and what might be not so helpful." ([00:19])
• Scott: "Use the Spirit of God, maybe no benefit if you don't." ([43:39])

The episode concludes with anticipation for future discussions, particularly on Section 93, promising continued exploration of critical revelations that have shaped church history and doctrine.

Overall, Episode 146 of Church History Matters offers a thorough examination of key church revelations, blending historical context with doctrinal insights. Scott and Casey provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how these sections have influenced the leadership, governance, and doctrinal boundaries of the Latter-day Saint Church, all while encouraging an informed and spiritually guided approach to learning and leadership.