Doctrine & Covenants 23-26 Part 2 • Sis. Morgan Pearson • March 17-March 23 • Come Follow Me
Mar 12, 2025
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Sister Morgan Pearson, an expert on Emma Smith and Church history, dives into Emma’s pivotal role in compiling hymns and her feelings surrounding plural marriage. She discusses Emma's profound influence on Latter-day Saint theology and her ministering nature. The conversation highlights the importance of spiritual growth through music and reflection, while also addressing the complexities of marriage in scripture. Throughout, Sister Pearson emphasizes historical accuracy and the lasting impact of Emma’s legacy on the Church.
Emma Smith's choice to remain in Nauvoo reveals the profound emotional ties and responsibilities that shaped her decisions during a tumultuous time.
Sister Pearson highlights Emma's influential role in early church leadership, emphasizing her contributions to church theology and encouragement for women.
The exploration of Emma Smith's complexities surrounding polygamy demonstrates her personal struggles while navigating faith, loyalty, and societal expectations.
Deep dives
Emma's Decision to Stay in Nauvoo
Emma Smith's choice to remain in Nauvoo rather than travel west with the Saints is explored as a matter of deep personal significance. Many believe that her commitment to Joseph's legacy and her care for her ailing mother-in-law, Lucy Mack Smith, were pivotal reasons for her decision. Historian Jenny Reeder emphasizes that Emma took the divine instruction to stay close to Joseph seriously and felt a sense of duty toward Lucy, especially given her declining health. This perspective highlights the complexity of Emma's situation, illustrating how her emotional ties and responsibilities influenced her actions during a tumultuous time.
Emma as a Theologian and Leader
Emma Smith's role as a theologian and influence within early church leadership is emphasized, particularly in her capacity to expound and exhort. The concept of expounding, defined as explaining and interpreting, frames Emma as a significant figure in Latter-day Saint theology, potentially impacting Joseph Smith’s teachings. Encouragement was another essential aspect of her role, as she motivated other women to step into their complementary spiritual responsibilities. This multifaceted view of Emma highlights her capabilities and contributions beyond societal expectations of women at the time.
The Importance of Writing and Learning
Emma Smith's divinely prescribed focus on writing and learning underscores the value of self-expression and scholarship. The scripture encourages her to write, suggesting that such activities help clarify thoughts and experiences, a sentiment echoed by leaders who advocate for personal journaling. The lack of extensive records of Emma’s writings raises questions about her contributions and perspectives, as well as the significance of recording one’s thoughts. This discussion leads to reflections on contemporary writing habits and the inherent value of personal journaling in understanding oneself.
Navigating the Challenges of Polygamy
Emma Smith's struggles with the concept of polygamy are acknowledged as complex and deeply personal, reflecting her emotional turmoil in light of doctrinal changes. Discussions with historians reveal that her experiences were shaped by societal norms and her own feelings, complicating her relationship with the practice. The historical context illustrates how she felt betrayed yet still sought to maintain faith in her husband and his prophetic role, navigating both personal feelings and divine instruction. This multifaceted portrayal encourages a compassionate understanding of Emma's experiences with polygamy during a challenging era.
Covenants and Personal Progression
The discussion centered around Emma’s covenants reveals a deeper understanding of personal progression within the church. As a woman who made vital contributions to her faith, Emma is framed as someone who would eventually progress from a daughter in the kingdom to a queen, implying significant spiritual potential. The exploration of covenants emphasizes a collective journey of coming together with God, inviting a dialogue on how personal and communal covenants can guide spiritual growth. This dialogue encourages reflecting on one’s own progression and the importance of allowing others the freedom to grow spiritually.
Sister Morgan Pearson continues to examine Emma’s instruction to be a scribe and compile hymns for the Church. Sister Pearson also explores Emma’s experience with plural marriage and the importance of covenants, forgiveness, and the beauty and strength of this complicated person from Church History.
14:16 Using your brain vs relying on computer power
17:13 BYU Citation Index
21:37 The Lord values women in the Church
25:11 D&C 25:11-12 - Emma’s hymn book
29:01 Calee Reed’s thoughts on spiritual music
32:46 Jesus sings hymns before His Atonement
34:36 Answering questions about polygamy
39:37 Nephi and trusting God
43:08 Brittany Chapman Nash’s Let’s Talk About Polygamy
47:47 “An Open Letter to Emma Smith” by Morgan Pearson
51:23 Historians and good sources
54:19 Elder Maxwell on meekness
59:04 Emma’s fingerprints on the Church
01:04:52 - End of Part II - Sister Morgan Pearson
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts Amelia Kabwika : Portuguese Transcripts
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