Church History Matters: Episode 182

"The Articles of Faith CFM – Intro to Latter-day Saint Beliefs"

Podcast by Scripture Central | Hosts: Scott and Casey | Air Date: December 4, 2025

Overview

This episode explores the Articles of Faith—13 succinct statements that summarize the fundamental beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Hosts Scott and Casey walk through each article, providing historical background, theological context, points of commonality and divergence with other Christians, and commentary on their modern relevance. The conversation addresses misconceptions, controversies (such as claims of plagiarism or incompleteness), and the ongoing impact of the Articles of Faith in Latter-day Saint life.

Key Themes & Episode Structure

• Purpose: Introduce and analyze the LDS Articles of Faith as both a missionary tool and a foundational summary of belief.
• Historical Context: Discuss the origin and canonization of the Articles of Faith, primarily from the 1842 Wentworth Letter by Joseph Smith.
• Article-by-Article Breakdown: Examine each statement for meaning, intent, and comparison to broader Christian and world religious thought.
• Controversies & Challenges: Tackle criticisms, questions of authorship, completeness, and evolving doctrine.
• Consequences & Modern Use: Reflect on how the Articles shape LDS teaching and are used in both outreach and internal education.

Section Summaries & Discussion Highlights

1. Historical & Scriptural Context ([05:39])

• The Articles of Faith were first published as part of the Wentworth Letter (1842), a brief history and doctrinal summary of the church, later canonized in the Pearl of Great Price (1880).
• Quote – Casey:
  “The Articles of Faith specifically were meant to summarize the beliefs of the church. During the writing process, Joseph Smith probably drew from earlier outlines of Latter Day Saint beliefs...” ([07:16])
• The document arose from external curiosity about LDS beliefs; meant for interfaith understanding rather than internal instruction.

2. Article-by-Article Exploration

Article 1: The Godhead ([14:36]-[22:11])

• Text: "We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost."
• Lays out the LDS view of the Godhead. While sounding like classic Trinitarianism, LDS reject the doctrine of ontological unity (homoousios), emphasizing relational unity instead.
• Scott:
  “This is an outreach. This is a missionary tool. This is a way to build on common beliefs…” ([16:14])
• Casey:
  “There is some commonality here, but there’s some huge differences too… clarity is kindness.” ([20:26])

Article 2: Accountability for Sin ([22:11]-[29:17])

• Text: "We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression."
• Rejects original sin, aligns with some Christian groups (Universalists, Unitarians), emphasizes personal accountability.
• Eve and Adam’s actions are seen as transgression, not “sin” per se.

Article 3: Salvation through the Atonement ([29:17]-[34:41])

• Text: "We believe that through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel."
• Emphasizes a cooperative grace–human obedience paradigm. References President Nelson’s counsel to explicitly speak of the "atonement of Jesus Christ" rather than “the atonement” as an independent entity.
• Scott:
  “…a reciprocal relationship. God sent his Son to die for us. By obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel, we pledge our fidelity…” ([00:00] & [31:50])
• Casey:
  “There’s a difference between saying I was healed by the atonement and a difference in saying I was healed by Jesus Christ.” ([34:41])

Article 4: First Principles & Ordinances ([34:41]-[38:32])

• Text: "…first, Faith… second, Repentance; third, Baptism… fourth, Laying on of hands…"
• Connected throughout restoration scripture (Book of Mormon, Moses 6).
• Scott: Notes possible influence of Aristotle’s “first principles” ([37:39]).

Article 5: Authority to Minister ([38:32]-[42:57])

• Text: "…a man must be called of God, by prophecy…"
• Discussion of ecclesiastical calling, how LDS practice differs from professionalized clergy; inclusion of women in authority in modern practice.
• Casey:
  “Priesthood authority is also given to women…” ([41:03])

Article 6: Church Organization ([43:19]-[46:47])

• Text: "…same organization that existed in the Primitive Church…"
• Church offices are both scriptural and adaptive to modern needs; not all roles directly mirror the primitive church.
• Scott:
  “This is radically new… living apostles and living prophets—point of sharp divergence.” ([46:08])

Article 7: Spiritual Gifts ([47:25]-[49:49])

• Text: "…gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing…"
• Exist but manifest differently over time; today seen in missionary language abilities, personal healing, etc.

Articles 8 & 9: Revelation and Open Canon ([49:49]-[57:51])

• Texts:
  8: Bible and Book of Mormon are Word of God, Bible only as far as translated correctly.
  9: Continue to receive revelation; open canon.
• Casey:
  “…if we’re being intellectually honest, there’s two points where we disagree with almost all of Christianity… the Godhead and Open Canon.” ([49:49])
• Scott:
  “The Scriptures are not the ultimate source of knowledge for Latter Day Saints… the ultimate source… is the living God.” ([54:30])

Article 10: Gathering of Israel ([57:52]-[65:10])

• Text: "…literal gathering of Israel… New Jerusalem… American continent, Christ will reign personally…"
• Distinctive LDS belief; emphasis on spiritual over physical gathering in present era.
• Scott:
  “The place of gathering for the Koreans is in Korea, the place of gathering for Brazilians is in Brazil…” ([63:32])

Article 11: Religious Liberty ([65:10]-[69:55])

• Text: "We claim the privilege of worshiping… allow all men the same privilege…"
• Strong emphasis on religious tolerance, non-bigotry—a sentiment squarely in line with American ideals.
• Scott:
  “…nothing can reclaim the human mind from its ignorance, bigotry, superstition, etc. but those grand and sublime principles of equal rights and universal freedom to all men.” ([66:01])
• Casey:
  “When Jesus comes again… there will be religious freedom, that not everybody’s going to be forced to be a Christian…” ([67:29])

Article 12: Obedience to Law & Civics ([69:55]-[74:30])

• Text: "…being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates…"
• Emphasizes civic engagement and honoring government; applies globally, even as a minority faith.
• Casey:
  “…the church has been kind of a sanctuary for me politically, because I go there to meet with people of different political persuasions…” ([72:01])

Article 13: Seeking the Good ([74:30]-[79:52])

• Text: "…honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous… we seek after these things."
• Open-ended, anti-creedal; urges Latter-day Saints to seek truth and virtues wherever found.
• Scott:
  “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things. Ah, that’s so good. What a good succinct description of who we are.” ([74:30])
• Brigham Young & Joseph Smith Quotes: (Inspirational; see [74:30]-[79:52])

Controversies & Notable Issues

1. Did Joseph Smith Plagiarize Orson Pratt’s Writings? ([82:21]-[87:15])

• Close parallels exist, but Smith and Pratt collaborated; Joseph’s version is more succinct and diplomatic, designed for outreach.
• Casey:
  “That’s misunderstanding fundamentally the relationship of Joseph Smith and Orson Pratt and all church leaders to begin with. They work together, they share ideas.” ([84:47])

2. Why Do the Articles of Faith Omit Core Doctrines? ([89:39]-[91:55])

• “Nauvoo” doctrines (like eternal families, baptism for the dead) not yet fully developed/presented for a public audience in 1842.
• Intended as an introduction, not exhaustive.
• Scott:
  “This is Latter Day Saints 101. This isn’t the higher ed courses. This is the beginning stuff.” ([91:55])

Consequences & Ongoing Influence ([92:12]-[95:46])

• The Articles serve as the bedrock for basic LDS teaching, missionary outreach, and are memorized by primary children.
• Used by scholars (e.g., Talmage’s and McConkie’s books) to launch deeper inquiry into LDS doctrine.
• Casey:
  “They're a great introduction… And let's use them for that. Like, I really think we would all be better off if we memorized the articles of faith and could kind of stay snap them off at that… I found them very useful in sparking conversations…” ([95:46])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Scott on Religious Freedom:
  “Let’s get the spirit of bigotry about other people, religions, our intolerance towards other people’s beliefs out of our system. Let’s let them worship God how, where, or what they may…” ([68:41])
• Casey on Collaboration & Truth-Seeking:
  “God didn’t just raise up one prophet. He raised up an entire generation of gifted people and brought them together so that they could collaborate and produce these beautiful works…” ([89:03])
• Scott on Article 13 Inspiration:
  “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things…” ([74:30])

Key Timestamps

• Historical Introduction: [05:39]-[14:28]
• Articles 1-3: [14:36]-[34:41]
• Articles 4-6: [34:41]-[46:47]
• Articles 7-9: [47:25]-[57:51]
• Articles 10-12: [57:52]-[74:30]
• Article 13 & Aspirational Quotes: [74:30]-[79:52]
• Controversies ([82:21]-[91:55])
• Impact & Conclusion: [92:12]-[95:46]

Final Thoughts

The Articles of Faith encapsulate both the points of continuity and sharp distinction between Latter-day Saint and mainstream Christian teachings in mid-19th-century America. They remain a powerful tool for outreach, education, and reflection, signposting the evolving, expansive worldview that is central to Latter-day Saint theology. The hosts encourage listeners and members to study, memorize, and use these articles to inspire both personal discipleship and broader interfaith dialogue.

Next Episode Preview:
Stay tuned for a discussion of "The Family Proclamation" in the coming week!