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Church History Matters: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Scripture Central
The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey inviting you to dive deeper into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History
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- Today57 min
209 - Does Science Conflict With the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
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.
- 1 weeks ago52 min
208 - Are Caffeine and Meat Against the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
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?
- 2 weeks ago1h 13m
207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
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.
- 3 weeks ago1h 8m
206 - U.S. Constitution is Critical to Freedom Everywhere I Church History Matters I Religion & Politics
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.
- 4 weeks ago1h 8m
205 - Did Brigham Young Enjoy Tobacco? I Word of Wisdom I Church History Matters
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.
- May 12, 202655 min
204 - Did Joseph Smith Drink Alcohol? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
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.
- May 5, 202650 min
203 - Word of Wisdom Command or Counsel? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
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.
- Apr 28, 20261h 15m
202 - Joseph Smith Promised Female Priests | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
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.
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About Church History Matters
The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey inviting you to dive deeper into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History
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