followHIM Doctrine & Covenants 125-128 Part 2 • Dr. Jordan Watkins • November 3-9 • Come Follow Me
71 snips
Oct 29, 2025 Dr. Jordan Watkins, a religious historian specializing in early Latter-day Saint history, sheds light on the profound connections between record-keeping, baptism for the dead, and community healing. He discusses how Joseph Smith's revelations bridged law and theology, emphasizing the importance of precise records for salvation. Watkins draws parallels between historical records and their lasting impact on familial connections, even referencing Schindler's List as a metaphor for life's continuities. He stresses the necessity of proxy work, asserting that both the living and the deceased contribute to spiritual restoration.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Records Are Central To Temple Work
- Joseph Smith emphasized records as central to temple work, especially baptisms for the dead, not just rituals themselves.
- Records functioned to link earthly acts to heavenly judgment and community memory.
Legal Threats Shaped Revelation
- Joseph's legal troubles and hiding sharpened his concern for records and proxy mechanisms like writs and authorized agents.
- His fear of separation prompted revelation about restoring relationships across life and death.
Habeas Corpus As A Theological Metaphor
- Joseph and Nauvoo leaders used legal texts (habeas corpus) and record procedures as protective, proxy systems.
- The writ that freed Joseph became a metaphor for how records free the dead.
