Church History Matters

In this thought-provoking discussion, Dr. Paul Reeve, Chair of the History Department at the University of Utah and expert on race in Latter-day Saint history, explores the parallels between historical church policies on race and current LGBTQ+ restrictions. He delves into the implications of the priesthood ban for Black members, questions prophetic authority, and the complexities of scriptural interpretations. Reeve advocates for critical engagement with faith, promoting inclusivity and a reevaluation of past doctrines to embrace all of God’s children.

This episode of Church History Matters explores the 1978 revelation that lifted the priesthood restriction for people of African descent. It delves into President Kimball's journey towards change, the involvement of scripture and doctrine, and the efforts to build consensus and seek unity among the apostles. The episode also discusses the significant impact of the 1978 revelation in the history of the Church and reflects on the need to eradicate racism.

In 1907, the First Presidency codified the Church’s official policy about black African participation in both priesthood and temple declaring that, “No one known to have in his veins negro blood, (it matters not how remote a degree) can either have the Priesthood in any degree or the blessings of the Temple of God; no matter how otherwise worthy he may be.” By contrast, in 2020 Church President Russell M. Nelson reminded all church members that, “Your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin. Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments and not the color of your skin.” The major catalyst shifting the Church away from that discriminatory 1907 policy and toward the marvelous inclusivity encapsulated in President Nelson’s words, was the Lord’s revelation to Church leaders in 1978. But this revelation didn’t come all of the sudden nor out of the blue; in fact, it was decades in coming and grew out of the convergence of real-world circumstances in which Church leaders found themselves and the Church.  In today’s episode of Church History Matters, we take a look at some of the relevant historical developments in the Church during the 70 year period from 1908-1978—from the decades-long season of racial hardening and exclusion, to a softening and relaxing of certain Church policies under President David O. McKay in the 1950s and 60s, to disharmony and divergence of views among the apostles in the 60s, and finally to the unexpected call of Spencer W. Kimball as Church president in 1973. So today we set the stage for next week's climactic episode all about the details of the 1978 revelation itself. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

Once people come to terms with the uncomfortable idea that Brigham Young committed an error in endorsing a priesthood ban on church members with black African ancestry, a puzzling question naturally follows: “If the ban was an error, then why didn’t it get corrected earlier than 1978?! There were nine Church presidents between Brigham Young and Spencer W. Kimball and 101 years between President Young’s death in 1877 and President Kimball’s revelation in 1978. So why did it take so long to correct this mistake and again offer full privileges to black Africans in the Church as they had enjoyed in Joseph Smith’s day?”     In today’s episode of Church History Matters, we attempt to offer at least the beginning of an answer to this question by tracing the key moments and decisions in the leadership councils of the Church when, instead of correcting this error, they came to conclusions that led to an unfortunate hardening in place of the priesthood ban. In this episode, the years 1879, 1904, 1907, and 1908 will sadly be added alongside the year 1852 as we piece together both the timeline and the reasoning behind this ban. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

The historical record shows that Joseph Smith did not implement or endorse any practices or policies which specifically prevented Church members with black African ancestry from fully participating in priesthood offices or temple worship. But in 1847, only three years after Joseph’s death, attitudes and teachings of some church leaders began to shift away from full inclusion of blacks, to partial exclusion—until only five years later, in 1852, President Brigham Young first publicly articulated a priesthood restriction on blacks in the church.  In today’s episode of Church History Matters, we probe what exists in the historical record to learn what happened between 1847 and 1852 to precipitate this divergence in attitudes and teachings about blacks away from Joseph Smith’s more inclusive teachings and practices.  We’ll then look at the context and content of Brigham Young’s first public articulation of the priesthood restriction and attempt to answer the very important question, “Was Brigham Young inspired by God to institute the priesthood ban, or is this an example of an uninspired error?” For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

Exploring Joseph Smith's approach towards race and slavery in a racially charged culture. Understanding the racial situation in the early 19th century America. The origins of the Church and its views on race, including Joseph Smith's teachings. Persecution and racial tensions faced by the Saints in Missouri. Joseph Smith's approach towards blacks in the early Mormon Church, advocating for equality. Joseph Smith's radical views on ending slavery. The lack of policy regarding blacks during Joseph Smith's time and the mystery of the subsequent ban.

This podcast delves into the racial climate in America during the founding of the church, exploring the racist views held by prominent figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. It discusses the influence of science, scripture, and misinterpretation on racial prejudices, debunking misconceptions around biblical texts. The podcast emphasizes the need to understand the historical context of the church's establishment, including the discriminatory practices towards black Africans.

Dr. Brian Hales, an expert on polygamy and the history of Joseph Smith's plural marriages, discusses tough polygamy questions. He addresses Joseph Smith's regrets, denial of polygamy, marriage while men were away on missions, refusal of proposals, Emma's relationship to plural marriage, and the reasons behind its existence. The importance of unbiased historical analysis and debunking reductionist statements is emphasized. They also explore Joseph Smith's denials, approach to plural marriage, regrets, and the significance of keeping covenants.

Explore the tumultuous history of plural marriage in the LDS Church, from public announcements to legal battles and eventual decline. Learn about the impact of the Edmunds Tucker Act, the George Reynolds trial, President Woodruff's Manifesto, and the emergence of the FLDS Church. Dive into the complexities, controversies, and societal pressures that led to the end of plural marriage within the Church.

Explore the turbulent marriage of Joseph and Emma Smith in 1843, with Emma's resistance to plural marriage leading to conflicts. Learn about John C. Bennett's scandalous past and vengeful actions in Nauvoo. Dive into Emma's struggles with plural marriage, her confrontations with Joseph's other wives, and her eventual collaboration with Joseph. Discover the role of William Law in Joseph Smith's death and the motives behind the Carthage Jail attack. Uncover the history of plural marriage after Joseph Smith's death.