Podcast Summary: followHIM - Doctrine & Covenants 71-75 Part 1 • Dr. Rosalynde Welch • June 30 - July 6 • Come Follow Me
Hosts: Hank Smith & John Bytheway
Guest: Dr. Rosalynde Welch
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Duration: Approximately 80 minutes
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00 - 05:38)
Hank Smith welcomes listeners to the episode of followHIM and introduces co-host John Bytheway. The hosts express excitement about welcoming Dr. Rosalynde Welch, a research fellow and associate director at the Maxwell Institute. Dr. Welch is praised for her expertise in Latter Day Saints' scripture, theology, and literature, and her collaborative work with Adam Miller on their co-authored books, including Seven Images of Christ in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Notable Quote:
"Rosalind, we are in sections 71 through 75 today. The lesson is called no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper."
— Hank Smith [00:35]
Contextualizing Doctrine & Covenants Sections 71-75 (05:38 - 16:36)
The discussion delves into the historical and theological context of Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) sections 71-75. John Bytheway outlines the challenges faced by Joseph Smith and the early Church, including criticisms from former believers like Ezra Booth. The hosts highlight the significance of missionary work, the appointment of bishops, and the ongoing project of building Zion through the Law of Consecration.
Dr. Rosalynde Welch emphasizes the importance of receiving as part of consecration, not just giving. She explains that consecration transforms one's relationship with possessions and the community, fostering accountability and service.
Notable Quote:
"The Book of Mormon is a book that has never failed me more than any other text that I have ever encountered or spent time in. The Book of Mormon gives back."
— John Bytheway [79:19]
Exploring the Law of Consecration (16:36 - 43:39)
John Bytheway and Dr. Welch explore the Law of Consecration, discussing its dual aspects of giving and receiving. They use analogies like the TARDIS from Doctor Who to illustrate how consecrated principles and teachings reveal deeper spiritual meanings upon closer engagement.
John Bytheway shares a personal story to explain consecration to his son, highlighting how stewardship changes one's relationship to possessions and fosters generosity and mutual support within the community.
Dr. Welch adds that consecration extends beyond material possessions to include afflictions and personal challenges, which can be consecrated to build empathy and strengthen community bonds.
Notable Quote:
"Conflict is inevitable, but creative responses to that conflict are always open to us. And if those who oppose us go negative, we're going to be tempted to follow suit, but it's not justified."
— Dr. Rosalynde Welch [52:30]
Responding to Opposition and Building Zion (43:39 - 77:02)
The hosts discuss Ezra Booth's criticisms of the Church and how Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were instructed to respond. They emphasize the importance of responding with confidence, openness, and courage rather than defensiveness or aggression. John Bytheway references Elder Holland's teachings on defending faith with courtesy and compassion, aligning with the principles outlined in D&C 71.
Dr. Welch elaborates on the role of bishops in managing the Church's resources and fostering a spirit of generosity and mutual support. She shares insights into how consecration fosters not only economic fairness but also spiritual growth and community building.
Notable Quote:
"Here's the prince... Scriptural references on receiving and understanding deeper spiritual meanings are powerful tools in our study."
— Dr. Rosalynde Welch [21:39]
Personal Testimonies and Practical Applications (77:02 - 79:19)
John Bytheway shares his testimony, highlighting the Book of Mormon, the vision of Zion, and the Restoration's vision of exaltation as his strongest reasons for faith and commitment to the Gospel. Dr. Welch reinforces the idea that everyone has unique gifts and ways to consecrate, emphasizing that consecration is a spiritual covenant that transforms relationships and character.
Hank Smith connects these teachings to contemporary challenges, such as technological advancements and societal expectations, urging listeners to find meaning and purpose in their real-world interactions and relationships.
Notable Quote:
"Conflict is inevitable, but destructive conflict is a choice. Only love can transform our conflicts into opportunities for creative growth."
— Dr. Rosalynde Welch [52:30]
Conclusion and Teaser for Part 2 (79:19 - End)
Hank Smith wraps up the episode by thanking Dr. Welch and teasing the continuation of the discussion in Part 2, which will further explore sections 71-75 and the ongoing themes of consecration and building Zion.
Notable Quote:
"I hope anybody listening who thought, how do I defend my beliefs against these attacks, even within my own family. Why don't you go back, listen to that again and again."
— Hank Smith [55:45]
Key Themes Covered
- Historical Context of D&C 71-75: Challenges faced by early Church leaders, including opposition from Ezra Booth.
- Missionary Work and Building Zion: The importance of missionary efforts and the establishment of a consecrated community.
- Law of Consecration: Understanding consecration as both giving and receiving, transforming relationships with possessions and fostering community stewardship.
- Responding to Opposition: Principles for engaging with critics constructively, emphasizing love, forgiveness, and finding common ground.
- Personal Testimonies and Applications: Sharing individual reasons for faith and practical ways to apply consecration in daily life.
- Role of Bishops and Church Leadership: Managing resources, fostering generosity, and building a supportive community.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper."
— John Bytheway [00:35] -
"Scripts are a place where we go to meet the Lord."
— Hank Smith [17:14] -
"Conflict is inevitable, but destructive conflict is a choice. Only love can transform our conflicts into opportunities for creative growth."
— Dr. Rosalynde Welch [52:30] -
"I was blind. Now I see."
— Dr. Rosalynde Welch [55:46] -
"The Book of Mormon gives back."
— John Bytheway [79:19]
Conclusion
In this episode, followHIM delves deeply into Doctrine & Covenants sections 71-75, exploring the historical challenges faced by early Church members, the profound principles of the Law of Consecration, and effective strategies for responding to opposition. Through engaging dialogue and insightful testimonies, Hank Smith, John Bytheway, and Dr. Rosalynde Welch provide listeners with a rich understanding of building a faithful, generous, and resilient community grounded in Gospel principles.
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The followHIM Podcast is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The opinions expressed on episodes represent the views of the guest and podcasters alone.