117 - How a Move to Ohio Sparked a Global Movement w/Scott Esplin - E17 Bonus - April 21-27
Apr 17, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Scott Esplin, Dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, shares his insights on the pivotal move of early Latter-day Saints to Ohio. He highlights the emotional journey of the faithful as they left their New York roots for divine instructions. Listeners will discover the miraculous challenges faced by the Smith family, the evolution of gathering principles, and the creation of a Zion-like community. Esplin emphasizes the significance of personal revelation and the enduring impact of gathering in faith across generations.
The migration of saints to Ohio highlights the dual motivations of economic opportunities and spiritual quests for community and safety.
The temple serves as a unifying space, transforming individual differences into a shared identity among believers through collective worship.
The evolving doctrine of gathering emphasizes spiritual support over geographic relocation, fostering community building in diverse local contexts.
Deep dives
Gathering to Build Zion
The act of gathering saints is fundamentally aimed at building the new Jerusalem, with a temple at its center, in preparation for the second coming of Jesus. This gathering signifies more than just a physical relocation; it fosters unity among believers, allowing them to partake in the same ordinances and blessings, thereby forming a single community of faith. The eternal principle of gathering emphasizes the importance of coming together, sharing experiences, and supporting one another in their spiritual journeys. The initiative reflects a divine strategy for creating a spiritual space where followers can grow collectively and enhance their relationship with God.
Historical Context of the Move to Ohio
When the command was given for the saints to move from New York to Ohio, the reactions varied significantly among church members. Some embraced the call with enthusiasm, while others showed hesitation due to their deep connections in New York and the uncertainties of moving to a new frontier. Ohio, with its burgeoning population and fertile lands, offered both opportunities and challenges, making it an appealing yet daunting destination for many. This migration signifies the often difficult choices believers must make when responding to spiritual promptings, echoing similar historical narratives of divine calls to gather.
The Role of Economic and Spiritual Motivations
The move to Ohio was characterized by both economic opportunities and a spiritual quest for belonging and safety among early saints. The availability of affordable farmland and improved transportation networks were significant factors driving many to relocate, as these conditions allowed families to secure a stable life. Simultaneously, spiritual motivations played a crucial role, as saints were drawn by a divine command to gather for the purpose of receiving God’s laws and preparing for future blessings. This duality of motivation — economic and spiritual — exemplifies how practical needs can intersect with faith-driven imperatives in the lives of believers.
The Unity of Saints in the Temple
The temple serves as a central theme in the gathering of saints, representing a space where believers can come together to learn, grow, and worship as one. Within the temple, the focus shifts from individual differences to a shared identity among saints, fostering a sense of community regardless of worldly divisions. The teaching emphasizes the importance of esteeming one another and practicing virtue in a collective setting, reflecting the unifying nature of temple worship. This idea that in the house of the Lord all are equal highlights the transformative power of the temple in achieving spiritual oneness and unity among church members.
The Evolution of the Doctrine of Gathering
The doctrine of gathering has evolved from a literal interpretation, where early saints moved to specific locations, to a broader understanding that encourages believers to gather spiritually and support one another in their local communities. Modern leaders emphasize that gathering isn't solely about relocating to one geographical area, but also about helping individuals build their covenant relationships with God wherever they are. This shift recognizes the cultural diversity within the church and promotes the idea that every member can contribute uniquely to the global community of faith. The ongoing call to gather highlights both the historical significance of early migrations and the contemporary application of building spiritual Zion in diverse contexts.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Scott Esplin about why the saints moved to Ohio in this "Voices of the Restoration" episode.
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