Church History Matters

Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters 30.06.2026 1ч 16мин

What happens when a prophet runs for President of the United States? In this fascinating episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths are joined by historian and author Derek Sainsbury to explore the remarkable 1844 presidential campaign of Joseph Smith. Together they examine why Joseph Smith entered the race for the nation's highest office, the political and religious circumstances that motivated his candidacy, and the bold reforms outlined in his campaign platform. The discussion explores Joseph Smith’s proposals for the gradual abolition of slavery through compensated emancipation, prison reform focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, reducing the size and cost of the federal government, and providing stronger protections for religious minorities whose rights were often ignored on the American frontier. The episode also investigates one of the most unique aspects of Joseph Smith’s campaign—his use of Latter-day Saint missionaries as political representatives to spread awareness of his platform across the United States. Was Joseph Smith’s campaign a serious bid for the presidency, a protest against government failures, or a visionary attempt to address some of the nation’s most pressing problems? Join Scott, Casey, and Derek as they uncover the historical context, political ideas, and lasting significance of one of the most unusual presidential campaigns in American history.

210 - New Details on Joseph Smith's Run for President I Church History Matters I Religion & Politics 23.06.2026 1ч 16мин

What happens when faith and politics collide? In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore one of the most fascinating and controversial chapters in Latter-day Saint history: Joseph Smith’s views on religion, government, and the United States Constitution. What happened when Joseph Smith met with President Martin VanBuren? What concerns did he have about the protection of religious liberty in America? And what led him to launch an unexpected campaign for President of the United States in 1844? Join Scott and Casey as they examine the political and religious climate of Joseph Smith’s day, the persecution that shaped his views on government, and the reforms he proposed in his presidential platform. Along the way, they discuss Joseph’s teachings about constitutional principles, the role of religion in public life, and why his candidacy became a significant moment in both American and Latter-day Saint history. Whether you're interested in Church history, American history, or the ongoing relationship between faith and politics, this episode provides important context and thoughtful insights into Joseph Smith’s vision for the nation and his enduring reverence for the Constitution. #ChurchHistoryMatters #JosephSmith #Constitution #LDSHistory #ChurchHistory #AmericanHistory #ReligiousFreedom #PresidentialCampaign #LatterdaySaints #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

209 - Does Science Conflict With the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series 16.06.2026 57мин

This final episode in the Church History Matters series on the Word of Wisdom untangles the difference between revelation, policy, science, folklore, and culture, showing how modern-day science on health matches up against a revelation on health from 1833. Through historical sources, prophetic statements, and changing scientific principles over time, we explore the Word of Wisdom verse by verse and compare it to modern day medical knowledge. Whether you’ve wondered about meat in the Word of Wisdom, the Church’s history with caffeinated drinks, or how certain cultural assumptions developed among Latter-day Saints, this episode provides important context, clarity, and nuance for one of the most discussed revelations in Church history.

208 - Are Caffeine and Meat Against the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series 09.06.2026 52мин

In this episode of Church History Matters, we trace the fascinating and sometimes surprising history of the Word of Wisdom throughout the 1900s. How did a revelation originally framed as “not by commandment or constraint” become one of the defining markers of Latter-day Saint identity? Along the way, we explore the influence of Elder John A. Widtsoe and Leah Widtsoe’s influential book The Word of Wisdom, the leadership of President David O. McKay, and the growing cultural debates surrounding caffeine, chocolate, meat consumption, and other “gray areas” that shaped Mormon life in the twentieth century. We’ll examine how Saints and leaders wrestled with questions the revelation itself does not explicitly answer: Is caffeine against the Word of Wisdom? What about cola drinks? Why did some members avoid chocolate or hot soup while others focused only on coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco? And how did cultural traditions, personal opinions, and local teachings sometimes become confused with doctrine?

207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series 02.06.2026 1ч 13мин

Join hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths for a fascinating deep dive into the evolution of the Word of Wisdom from the era of Brigham Young to Heber J. Grant. Discover how early Church leaders viewed the revelation as inspired counsel rather than a strict commandment, why enforcement varied across generations, and how attitudes toward tea, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco gradually changed over time. The episode also explores John Taylor and the intriguing “lost revelation” theory connected to the Word of Wisdom during his administration. Finally, Scott and Casey examine the pivotal moment under Heber J. Grant when full adherence to the Word of Wisdom became a requirement for temple attendance, forever shaping modern Latter-day Saint culture and identity.

206 - U.S. Constitution is Critical to Freedom Everywhere I Church History Matters I Religion & Politics 26.05.2026 1ч 8мин

In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the Latter-day Saint perspective on the divinely inspired nature of the United States Constitution as taught in the Doctrine and Covenants. What did Joseph Smith and early Church leaders think about the Constitution? What does it mean that God “established” the Constitution? Why is it applicable to all nations? And how should modern disciples understand these revelations today? Together, Scott and Casey dive into key passages from the Doctrine and Covenants, including Sections 98 and 101, while unpacking the historical context surrounding religious liberty, agency, and the role of constitutional government in God’s plan. They also address common misunderstandings, modern political assumptions, and how faithful Saints can approach these teachings with both conviction and nuance. Whether you’re interested in Church history, constitutional principles, or restored doctrine, this episode offers thoughtful insights into one of the most discussed themes in Latter-day Saint scripture.

205 - Did Brigham Young Enjoy Tobacco? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series 19.05.2026 1ч 8мин

What did the Word of Wisdom actually look like in the days of Brigham Young? In this fascinating episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore how early Latter-day Saints understood, practiced, and sometimes struggled to live the Word of Wisdom during the pioneer era. From frontier medicine and tobacco use to coffee, tea, and homemade alcohol, Brigham Young’s generation approached the revelation in ways that may surprise modern members of the Church. Scott and Casey examine Brigham Young’s teachings, personal example, and efforts to gradually encourage the Saints toward greater obedience while building Zion in the American West. Along the way, they uncover stories about pioneer culture, the economic push to produce local goods instead of importing “Gentile” products, and the slow evolution of the Word of Wisdom from inspired counsel into a temple worthiness standard. This episode provides important historical context for one of the most recognizable practices in Latter-day Saint life today.

204 - Did Joseph Smith Drink Alcohol? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series 12.05.2026 55мин

In this episode, we explore how Joseph Smith personally kept the Word of Wisdom as a divine principle of health, spiritual strength, and wise living—not just a list of restrictions. Revealed in 1833 and recorded in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89, the Word of Wisdom was originally given as “a principle with promise,” offering guidance on caring for the body and drawing closer to God. Join us as we trace the history of the Word of Wisdom in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, from its early introduction during Joseph Smith’s lifetime to its development as a defining standard of faith and discipleship. Discover how this revelation shaped Latter-day Saint identity and why it remains one of the most discussed and important teachings in the Church today.

203 - Word of Wisdom Command or Counsel? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series 05.05.2026 50мин

In this exciting new series, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths dive into one of the most talked-about and most requested topics from listeners of the show: the Word of Wisdom. First revealed to Joseph Smith in 1833 as a revelation from the Lord (Doctrine and Covenants Section 89), the Word of Wisdom began as loving counsel for the Saints and has grown into a vital commandment and covenant marker for Church members around the world. Scott and Casey explore the origins of the revelation in Kirtland, the cultural context of health reform in early America, and the Lord’s counsel regarding strong drinks, tobacco, hot drinks, wholesome herbs, grains, and meat. They also trace how the Word of Wisdom gradually evolved from inspired advice into a standard for temple worthiness and full fellowship in the Church. Why do some things seem emphasized more today than others? How did early Church leaders and members understand and live this law? And what does the Word of Wisdom teach us about obedience, revelation, and caring for both body and spirit? Join Scott and Casey for a fascinating historical and doctrinal journey through one of the most recognizable and sometimes misunderstood principles of the restored gospel. Whether you’ve wondered about coffee, tea, health practices, or the deeper spiritual purpose behind this commandment, this episode offers context, clarity, and powerful insight.

202 - Joseph Smith Promised Female Priests | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 28.04.2026 1ч 15мин

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths and Lisa Tait explore the powerful and often overlooked theme of Joseph Smith’s vision of women as part of a “kingdom of priests.” From the earliest days of the Restoration in 1830, Joseph Smith taught expansive ideas about spiritual authority, inviting women into sacred spaces like the temple and organizing the Relief Society with language that echoed priesthood power, purpose, and covenant identity. Women in the early Church blessed the sick, participated in temple ordinances, and understood themselves as active contributors in building God’s kingdom—not just as supporters, but as partners in a divine work rooted in shared access to heavenly power. As the Church grew and developed through the 19th and 20th centuries, the way these teachings were interpreted and practiced shifted, leading to a more formal distinction between priesthood office and women’s roles. Yet the original vision of a covenant community—where women and men alike are endowed with spiritual power—continues to shape conversations today. This episode traces that journey from Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo teachings to the present, highlighting both the continuity and the tension in how Latter-day Saint women relate to priesthood authority, and inviting viewers to reconsider what it means to truly become a “kingdom of priests” in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

201 - History of Women's Service in the Temple | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 21.04.2026 1ч 26мин

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and Lisa Olsen Tait explore the rich and often overlooked history of women’s interaction with temple worship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Beginning in the era of Joseph Smith, they examine how women participated in sacred ordinances, contributed to temple preparation, and understood their relationship to priesthood power within these holy spaces. Tracing developments from the early days of the Church through the 20th century, the discussion highlights how women’s roles in temple work expanded and adapted over time. From the Nauvoo Temple to later temple practices, the hosts uncover key moments, teachings, and experiences that shaped women’s spiritual authority and participation. This episode offers thoughtful insight into how temple worship has been a central place for women to engage with covenant-making, service, and the power of God throughout LDS history.

200 - Priesthood & Women During the 20th Century | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 14.04.2026 1ч 39мин

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths and Lisa Tait explore the sweeping changes that reshaped The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the mid-20th century, focusing on the rise of the correlation movement under Harold B. Lee. As the Church experienced rapid global growth, leaders sought to simplify complex programs, unify curriculum, and create a structure that could function across cultures and languages. What began as an effort to streamline administration soon evolved into a broader theological and organizational shift—placing priesthood authority at the center of all Church functions. This transition helped the Church become a truly international faith, but it also redefined leadership dynamics, particularly for women, as long-standing auxiliary organizations were integrated into a more centralized, priesthood-led framework. The discussion highlights both the gains and the losses of this transformation for women in Church leadership. While correlation made programs more adaptable and scalable worldwide, it also reduced women’s institutional autonomy, limiting their control over budgets, publications, and decision-making processes. The episode thoughtfully examines how this era reinforced male headship structurally, even as it laid the groundwork for future collaboration and expanded influence for women in later decades. By wrestling with questions of authority, partnership, and global diversity, this conversation invites viewers to consider how evolving structures have shaped—and continue to shape—the relationship between women, priesthood, and leadership in a worldwide Church.

199 - Priesthood & Women in the Early Church | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 07.04.2026 1ч 36мин

In this episode, hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and Lisa Olsen Tait explore the vital ecclesiastical presence of women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and how their roles have developed alongside the history of the priesthood. Drawing on historical records and doctrinal context, they examine how women have actively participated in the work of the Church through leadership, service, and organization, even as priesthood offices have been held by men. A special focus of this episode is the development of the Relief Society and Young Women organization and its significance in shaping the spiritual lives and leadership opportunities of young women in the Church. From its 19th-century origins to its modern global influence, the hosts highlight how this organization reflects broader patterns of women’s involvement in ecclesiastical structures. Through insightful discussion, they illuminate how women’s contributions continue to be central to the growth and strength of the Church today.

198 - Evolution of Women Doing Healing Rituals | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 31.03.2026 1ч 10мин

In this episode, hosts Lisa Tait, Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward explore a fascinating and often overlooked chapter in Latter-day Saint history: the role of women in performing healing rituals. Drawing on early Church records, personal journals, and historical accounts, they highlight how women in the 19th-century Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints exercised profound faith by administering to the sick, offering blessings, and participating in sacred acts of healing. Figures like Eliza R. Snow and other Relief Society leaders emerge as powerful examples of women who understood healing as a spiritual gift rooted in faith, compassion, and covenant relationships. As the discussion unfolds, Casey, Scott and Lisa examine how these practices developed over time and how Church leadership gradually clarified the relationship between healing rituals and priesthood authority. While modern practices differ from those of the early Church, the episode emphasizes continuity in the principle that faith in Jesus Christ brings healing and power into individuals’ lives. This thoughtful conversation invites viewers to better understand the historical context of women’s spiritual contributions and to appreciate the enduring influence of their faith within Latter-day Saint theology.

197 - Can Women Administer to the Sick? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 24.03.2026 1ч 3мин

Join Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and special guest Lisa Olsen Tait as they explore a fascinating chapter in LDS history: the role of women in performing healing blessings and administering to the sick in the early church. In this episode, the hosts examine how women participated in priesthood-related blessings and ministering practices in the 19th century—practices that, while common in the early church, are no longer performed today. Through historical documents, accounts, and scripture, this discussion illuminates how women exercised spiritual authority in healing and caring for others, offering a richer understanding of women’s roles in the foundations of the church. Perfect for members, scholars, and anyone curious about the evolving role of women and the priesthood.

196 - Do Men and Women Share the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 17.03.2026 1ч 14мин

Join hosts Scott Woodward, Casey Griffiths, and special guest Lisa Olsen Tait as they explore the fascinating history of the priesthood in the Latter-day Saint tradition. In this episode, the team delves into the 19th century, examining how church leaders, scripture, and policies shaped the understanding of the priesthood—and where women fit within that evolving framework. From early church practices to key developments in doctrine, this discussion sheds light on the dynamic role of women in the religious life of the 19th-century LDS community. Whether you’re a scholar, member, or simply curious about church history, this episode offers thoughtful insights into how the priesthood and women’s participation have been interpreted and defined over time.

195 - Can Women Be Part of the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 10.03.2026 1ч 15мин

In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with special guest Lisa Olsen Tait to explore one of the most frequently asked and historically complex questions in Christian history: Were women ever allowed to be priests or hold priesthood authority? Together they examine the evidence not only within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also across broader Christian traditions, tracing how different communities have understood women’s spiritual authority over time. From the early Christian world to modern debates, the conversation carefully separates assumption from documentation and myth from history. The discussion also highlights a pivotal moment in Latter-day Saint history—temple worship in Nauvoo, where in the Nauvoo Temple men and women participated in sacred ordinances involving priesthood functions in ways that were new and significant. What did this mean in the 1830s? How did early Latter-day Saints understand women’s relationship to priesthood power? With careful scholarship and a positive, faith-centered approach, this episode offers historical clarity while inviting thoughtful reflection on women, authority, and divine partnership throughout Christian history.

194 - How are Women Connected to the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series 03.03.2026 1ч

This week on Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths kick off an important new series exploring women and the priesthood, joined by cohost Lisa Olsen Tait, a respected scholar of Latter-day Saint women’s history. In this opening episode, the team lays a thoughtful historical foundation—examining how women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have understood, accessed, and spoken about priesthood power from the 19th century to today. Drawing on original documents, sermons, Relief Society minutes, and lived experience, they explore how Mormon women have been taught about priesthood authority, temple covenants, healing blessings, and spiritual gifts across generations. With clarity and optimism, Scott, Casey, and Lisa frame the discussion around a powerful truth: women have always had a vital and meaningful connection to the priesthood of God. Rather than focusing solely on policy questions, this series seeks to illuminate doctrine, covenant relationships, and the ways Latter-day Saint women participate in and access priesthood power in their homes, congregations, and temples. This is the first episode in a multi-part series that promises historical depth, faithful scholarship, and a hopeful exploration of how priesthood power blesses the entire covenant community.

193 - Latest Research: Science & Scripture w/Ben Spackman | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series 24.02.2026 1ч 27мин

In this final episode of the Church History Matters Science and Religion series, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU religion professor Ben Spackman, whose groundbreaking dissertation explores the historical relationship between science, the Bible, evolution, and Latter-day Saint thought. Together they trace how interpretations of Genesis, debates over Darwinian evolution, and shifting cultural pressures shaped conversations among members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From early 20th-century tensions to more nuanced modern approaches, this episode carefully unpacks how Saints have wrestled with questions at the intersection of revelation and reason. Casey, Scott, and Professor Spackman examine the divide between “fundamentalist” and “modernist” approaches to scripture—exploring how different assumptions about prophetic authority, biblical literalism, and scientific discovery have influenced Latter-day Saint perspectives. Rather than framing science and faith as enemies, the discussion highlights the importance of historical context, careful interpretation, and intellectual humility. As the capstone to the series, this episode invites listeners to approach both scripture and science with faith, patience, and a deeper understanding of how past conversations can inform present discipleship.

192 - Does the Church Contradict Science? | Church History Matters I Science Religion Series 17.02.2026 1ч 30мин

In this episode of the Church History Matters podcast, we explore the long-standing tension many Latter-day Saints have felt between scientific discovery and religious belief. From the rise of evolutionary theory to advances in geology and biology, new ideas have sometimes seemed to challenge traditional readings of scripture. Historically, some Church leaders spoke strongly against evolution and certain scientific claims, reflecting the concerns of their times and a desire to protect faith. This episode places those statements in historical context, showing how questions about science and religion are not new but part of a continuing conversation. At the same time, the video emphasizes a hopeful and faithful perspective: that religion offers meaning, moral grounding, and a relationship with God that science alone cannot replace. Rather than framing science and faith as enemies, the podcast invites viewers to see them as different tools for discovering truth—one focused on the how of the universe, the other on the why of our existence. For Latter-day Saints, this balanced approach encourages both intellectual honesty and spiritual commitment, showing that sincere faith can coexist with thoughtful engagement in science.