Podcast Summary: followHIM—Doctrine & Covenants 115-120 Part 2

Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Alex Baugh
Date: October 8, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode continues the deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants sections 115–120 with Dr. Alex Baugh, an expert in early Latter-day Saint history. The discussion navigates historical myths surrounding Adam-ondi-Ahman, the doctrinal and human realities of Missouri-era revelations, significant leadership challenges, and enduring principles like tithing. Rich with historical anecdotes and spiritual insights, the episode emphasizes the importance of sound scholarship, fidelity in record-keeping, and personal faithfulness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Myth-Busting: Adam-ondi-Ahman and the “Nephite Altar”

• Historical Confusion Explained (00:01–09:02)

  • Dr. Baugh clarifies longstanding myths about physical remnants at Adam-ondi-Ahman, particularly the so-called “Adam’s altar” and a “Nephite altar.”
  • Key Insight: The term "Nephite-ish" (not "Nephite") was used in George W. Robinson’s original 1838 record, referring simply to ancient, Native American stonework—not Book of Mormon-era Nephite artifacts.
  • Misreadings by Willard Richards and later perpetuated by BH Roberts led many to wrongly assume a direct Book of Mormon link.
  • Quote:

    “Number one, it’s not Adamic Altar. Number two, it’s not Nephite, it’s Native American.” – Dr. Baugh (04:36)

  • Ray Matheny’s 1979–80 BYU archaeological excavations confirm these remains are from the late Woodland period (500–1000 AD), not from Adam or Book of Mormon peoples.
  • Memorable Moment: Anecdotes about Saints taking “pieces of Adam’s altar” as souvenirs (08:47) and warnings about ticks and chiggers when visiting the site (12:10).

• Spiritual and Historical Significance

  • Dr. Baugh underscores both the misunderstood and genuinely sacred aspects of Adam-ondi-Ahman—a site with both a storied past and a prophesied future in Latter-day Saint eschatology.
  • Quote:

    “Let the gospel play out… this is part of the Lord’s glorious Second Coming… a place where it will end in some marvelous fashion.” – Dr. Baugh (11:32)

2. Section 117: The Call to Leave Kirtland and Lessons on Obedience

• Leadership Transitions and Personal Struggles (13:15–18:38)
  • Exploration of why Newell K. Whitney and William Marks remained in Kirtland as the Saints were urged to gather in Missouri.
  • Historical Context: Both leaders lingered to settle affairs; Whitney dealt with fallout from the Kirtland banking crisis.
  • The “Nicolaitan band” critique is discussed as a warning but not an indictment of immorality—rather, an urging to leave behind compromising associations and move forward.
  • Quote:

    “I wouldn’t read too harsh a condemnation on both these men… just Lord and Joseph saying, we need to close up shop, come where the saints are.” – Dr. Baugh (17:39)

3. Section 118: The Quorum of the Twelve and Their British Mission

• Filling Vacancies and Fulfilling Prophecy (18:41–33:33)

  • Details the loss and replacement of apostles in the Quorum of the Twelve and the call to collectively serve a mission in Great Britain.
  • Direct ties are made between the revelation’s instructions and their literal fulfillment—despite danger, apostles returned to Far West in April 1839, under cover of darkness, to rededicate the temple site and launch their mission.
  • Wilford Woodruff’s Journal Account Read (24:22–28:52)
    • Moving firsthand narration of the ceremony, including ordinations and symbolic acts on the far west temple site cornerstone.
    • Quote:

      “The 12 then offered up a vocal prayer… after which we sang Adam-ondi-Ahman. There you go.” – Dr. Baugh, reading Woodruff’s journal (28:29)

• Personal and Family Anecdotes

  • Dr. Baugh’s tradition of taking his children to touch the temple cornerstone where Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith were ordained—emphasizing sacred sites as tangible links to faith history (30:35–32:09).

4. Section 119: The Law of Tithing—Doctrine and Practice

• Roots, Changes, and Enduring Principles (33:48–44:38)

  • Early attempts at consecration in Missouri led to a proposal of a 2% annual net worth tithe before the Lord clarified a standing law: 10% of annual “interest” or income (37:14).
  • The shift from property-based consecration to monetary tithing is explained, with “interest” interpreted as income or increase.

• Modern Application and Spiritual Testimonies

  • Quotes & Personal Stories:
    • “Every bishop can testify... when members of the church pay their tithing honestly and faithfully, they have very little difficulty keeping the other commandments of God.” – Dr. Baugh, quoting President Monson (38:30)
    • Elder Dallin H. Oaks’ mother’s testimony of tithing as a lifeline for God’s blessings (39:10).
    • Hank Smith:

      “For me, it’s like, oh, this is one of the easier ones.” (42:34)

    • Discussion on how tithing is a “heart check” and a source of sanctification, referencing Elder Bednar’s invitation to obedience (45:04).

5. Section 120: Disposition of Tithes

• Oversight of Sacred Funds (46:13–49:20)
  • Establishes the scriptural foundation for the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes (First Presidency, presiding bishop, and high council).
  • Modern application: this council is referenced at every General Conference via the audit report, signifying transparency and stewardship.
  • Quote:

    “I think I remember President Hinckley said he had a widow’s mite on his desk to remind him of those out there paying tithing and to be careful how you use this money.” – Hank Smith (48:37)

  • Dr. Baugh and both hosts express deep trust in Church leaders’ stewardship of tithing funds.

6. Amanda Barnes Smith—Faith Amid Tragedy

• A Disciple-Scholar’s Testimony (51:53–56:59)
  • At John Bytheway’s request, Dr. Baugh recounts the harrowing story of Amanda Barnes Smith at Haun’s Mill: the loss of her husband and child, her faith in healing her son, enduring spiritual and physical ordeals, and her lasting legacy.
  • Quote:

    “If we don’t sing the seventh verse, How Firm a Foundation… we’ve missed that whole hymn… that soul who hath leaned on me for repose, I shall not… forsake.” – Dr. Baugh (55:13)

  • Dr. Baugh adds a personal tradition of honoring her grave, tying history to continuing remembrance and sacrifice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Religious Folklore:

  “We don’t have to perpetuate things that aren’t true.” – John Bytheway (05:43)
  “It’s not Adamic and it’s not Nephite. It’s Nephite-ish.” – Dr. Baugh (04:38)

• On Faith and Sacrifice:

  “Your sacrifice is meaningful to God. But some paid a supreme sacrifice which we ought to always remember.” – Dr. Baugh (56:35)

• On Tithing:

  “I promise you, you can always get along better with 9/10 than 10/10.” – Dr. Baugh (42:46)
  “Do you still love me more than these?” – Hank Smith, on tithing as a “heart-check” (43:05)

Important Timestamps

• 00:01 — Adam’s altar and Nephite-ish altar myth explained
• 05:26 — Correction of the historical record on Tower Hill
• 13:15 — Section 117, Kirtland leadership and personal sacrifice
• 18:41 — Section 118, replacing and sending the Twelve on their British mission
• 24:22 — Wilford Woodruff’s account of the Far West temple cornerstone event
• 33:48 — Introduction to tithing and its doctrinal evolution (Section 119)
• 37:14 — Move from consecration to tithing; application in an agrarian-to-monetary culture
• 45:04 — Elder Bednar’s comments and invitation on tithing
• 46:13 — Section 120, the Council on the Disposition of Tithes
• 51:53 — Dr. Baugh’s story of Amanda Barnes Smith and the tragedy at Haun’s Mill

Tone and Takeaways

The discussion is scholarly yet accessible, reverent yet occasionally lighthearted, blending heartfelt testimony with candid, accurate history. Listeners are encouraged to value both faith and diligent scholarship, to honor legacy while facing historical reality, and to draw faith from the examples of Saints both past and present.

Final Thought:

“Whatever questions or problems you have, the answers are always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Turn to him. Follow him.” – Dr. Alex Baugh (58:31)