The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today owns and operates several successful for-profit businesses, from livestock and agriculture to publishing and digital media to real estate and many others. This has caused some to wonder, does a Church focused on bringing people to Christ have any business getting involved in business? Are business ventures like these compatible with the mission of the Church generally and the founding principles of consecration specifically?  In this episode of Church History Matters, we go back to the beginning of the Church to discuss its very first consecration-based business ventures—the Literary Firm and the United Firm, or United Order. Specifically, we’re interested in the founding revelations that justify these ventures and how the principles found in these have paved the way for the Church’s very successful business ventures today. For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/   

Dive into the intriguing history of church finances and the crucial concept of consecration. Discover how this guiding principle has shaped the financial practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from its early days. Learn about Joseph Smith's role in establishing community guidelines and the evolution of communal living. The podcast also contrasts scarcity versus abundance while emphasizing unity and voluntary participation. Personal stories enrich the discussion on how these principles continue to support marginalized members.

Dr. Anthony Sweat, author of Seekers Wanted, discusses the importance of thinking skills for a strong faith. They explore topics such as seeking knowledge, guidance from God, sustaining the prophet, embracing ambiguity, gratitude, belief in restoration, and the value of church history.

Dr. Keith Erekson, a Church Historian and author of 'Real vs. Rumor: How to Dispel Latter-day Myths,' joins the hosts to discuss the importance of good thinking in church history and the dangers of binary thinking. They explore the use of analogies in church policy and the usefulness of historical analogies. They also express gratitude to Dr. Erekson and announce upcoming interviews.

The hosts spread festive cheer with warm Christmas and New Year greetings. They take a moment to announce a holiday break, creating excitement around future content. Listeners can look forward to a special guest, Dr. Keith Erickson, who will explore rich themes in church history and share insights from his book. It's a delightful blend of holiday spirit and scholarly intrigue!

Explore the relationship between evidence-based faith and seeking learning. The hosts discuss the importance of critical thinking and a common language. They highlight the skill of mental flexibility and the need for contextualization. Learn about the Kirtland apostasy and a secret temple meeting. Discover the power of Christ-like attributes and critical thinking in becoming effective disciples.

This podcast discusses the importance of contextualizing facts, especially in Church History. It explores mental flexibility in seeking by study and faith, the significance of understanding perspectives, and the historical context of controversial topics. The speakers also delve into the complexity of plural marriage and the symbolic representation of the Adam and Eve story. They plan to interview experts and invite listeners to join them in studying 'mental pickle jitsu'.

Explore the importance of mental flexibility in Church History, challenging assumptions about God, prophets, and the Church. Learn from key moments in history, such as the story of Ezra Booth, to show why mental flexibility is crucial for enduring discipleship. Delve into how critical thinking and personal discovery can strengthen faith and navigate challenging aspects of belief.

Exploring the reliability of historical claims about Book of Mormon witnesses through critical thinking. Analyzing multiple witness testimonies and the credibility of these witnesses. Delving into the challenges and high stakes of determining truthfulness. Examining specific witness accounts and early criticisms, shedding light on internal strife within the early Mormon community.

Learn how historians evaluate the reliability of historical claims and the importance of being source critical. They emphasize the significance of firsthand accounts and discuss the dangers of biased narratives. The hosts analyze witness accounts and allegations of adultery involving Joseph Smith. Stay tuned for an upcoming episode on evaluating historical statements.