The Iron Rod Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Iron Rod Podcast
In this episode we finish off the Doctrine and Covenants with the three sections that were written after Joseph’s death. Trigger alert: these posthumous sections contradict previous scripture!
Having already covered D&C 132 in episodes 10 and 11, we are joined this week by Kathy Bence to get a female perspective. If you’d like to get more of Kathy’s thoughts on the subject,...
It’s that time of year again: we review some of the talks from General Conference that caught our eye (usually because they contradict scripture).
Sections 129 through 131 were not revelations, nor even writings of Joseph. They are notes others took while Joseph was having discussions with them. Joseph never reviewed these nor published them. In 1876, Brigham added...
After covering D&C 125 and 126 which were added by Brigham in the 1876 edition, we spend most of the time covering sections 127 and 128, which say shockingly little about baptism for the dead.
We cover some history after Joseph escapes from Liberty Jail and then cover Section 124.
These three sections were extracted by Brigham Young in the 1870s from a much longer letter that Joseph wrote from Liberty Jail in 1839. While presented to the church as revelations, many are Joseph’s thoughts,...
We cover the 18 months after the Kirtland dedication experience, including sections 111 and 112.
We discuss the endowment that was received mid-week and then the visions recorded in Section 110 that occurred on the 8th day of the dedicatory period. Exodus 24:10 D&C 97:15 D&C 98:16-17 Ephesians 1:10
This episode covers the dedicatory prayer that kicked off the week-long dedication process of the house of the Lord in Kirtland.
This episode covers various events in the fall of 1835, including two revelations that are included in the current D&C as well as others that are not.
The last two sections of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants were not revelations, but rather were statements of policy and belief. One has been disavowed as a non-scriptural usurpation that was surreptitiously added to the...
We wrap up our review of Lectures 6 and 7, which cover the law of sacrifice and the effects of faith. As with the other lectures, they teach principles that contradict those of the modern...
These lectures the characteristics and attributes of God, many of which pose a problem for the modern LDS God.
In this episode we review the first two lectures that were delivered in the school of the elders. Joseph considered these to contain the important elements of the doctrine of Christ and they remained in...
Although an 1829 revelation spoke about calling twelve men as apostles, it wasn’t until 1835 that they were called. We discuss the aspostolic commission they were given and how that differs from what the men...
We start with a conference in September 1834 that commissions Joseph, Oliver, Sidney, and Frederick to arrange the items of doctrine of Jesus Christ, which arrangement would become the Lectures on Faith. We then discuss...
Joseph joins an expedition back to Independence and then receives a revelation detailing what the church needs to do before Zion can be redeemed. Included in that is the calling of 15 people to return...
Section 104 provides instructions on how to dismantle the United Firm as a collective endeavor while continuing operations of the mercantile and literary firms. In it the Lord says the covenant was broken through covetousness...
102 isn’t a revelation, but minutes that contain the rules on how the high council of the church should be run…a council that no longer exists in the modern church. Section 103 then focuses on...
The Lord explains why the church in Missouri wasn’t able to establish Zion – and it wasn’t because of the wicked non-members! Malachi 3:17 3 Nephi 24:17 D&C 60:4 D&C 95:1-2 D&C 87:6 D&C 84:54-58...
Section 98 teaches how we are to proclaim peace and renounce war. Section 100 tells us how the Lord ordained Sidney to be a spokesman for Joseph.
In these sections, the Lord reveals the purpose of the house of the Lord: to prepare the Elders to preach the gospel for the last time. The Lord also commands two identical buildings to be...
Section 93 covers important teachings about the nature of God. A careful reading reveals that many of these scriptural teaching contradict the teachings of the modern institution. Mike Allison joins us and brings some amazing...
We conclude with our analysis of the Sunday session of General Conference. Romans 11:25 Hebrews 10:16 2 Thessalonians 2:11 3 Nephi 27
We cover the Saturday sessions of General Conference, pointing out the precious morsels of truth surrounded by mounds of falsehood.
D&C 90 declares that the Sidney and Frederick are equal with Joseph in holding the keys of the kingdom…which according to the modern church doesn’t mean that they were equal, but instead can only do...
We discuss the kickoff of the school of the prophets and then dive into the Word of Wisdom. We recommend everyone listen to episode 025 which was also on the Word of Wisdom. We tried...
We wrap up our discussion of Section 88 with the specific instructions on the school of the prophets, then we discuss Joseph’s letter to a newspaper in Rochester, NY, and a few other historical tidbits....
Mike joins us again as well continue our analysis of Section 88, focusing on verses 62-116. Isaiah 55:6 Psalm 32:26 D&C 50:29-30 1 Nephi 22:2 Isaiah 34:4 Ether 3:13 D&C 43:31 D&C 38:5-6 2 Nephi...
Mike joins us again as we cover the first 61 verses of section 88. D&C 76:52-55 John 14:15, 26 John 15:26 D&C 84:45-47 D&C 50:27 Deuteronomy 17:3 D&C 105:3-5 Revelation 22:11 2 Nephi 9:16 Alma...
This is a new recording of the content we delivered at the 2021 Sunstone Symposium. It gives an introductory overview to the historical records and doctrinal changes most Mormons are unaware of. This is also...
Section 85 is an extract from a letter to William Phelps. Section 86 was viewed by Joseph to have important information about the priesthood. And Section 87 in the prophecy on war. D&C 101:55-58 D&C...
More instructions on setting up the law of consecration, and specific instructions for John Murdock.
These sections deal with specific instructions for individuals, plus we cover an unpublished revelation.
Section 77 consists of a series of questions and answers regarding portions of the Book of Revelation. We apologize that the audio quality of this episode is not up to our normal standards.
Taylor, Chris, and Mike wrap up their discussion of section 76. D&C 101:91 D&C 133:73 2 Nephi 28:15-16 D&C 88:100 Hebrews 1:14 D&C 7:6 Mosiah 15:8-11 1 Corinthians 13:12 1 Corinthians 1:13 1 Corinthians 3:22...
Mike Allison joins us a second time for an in-depth discussion of the celestial and terrestrial categories. JST Gen. 6:59-63 Romans 6:3-9 D&C 88:3-5 JST Genesis 14:27:32 Revelation 19:10 Revelation 12:17 John 1:11-13 D&C 50:28...
We are joined by Mike Allison as we discuss the first half of section 76 (verses 1-49).
We discuss Taylor’s appearance on Mormonism Live, his upcoming church court, and our session at the Sunstone Symposium. Then we discuss Section 133. 2: Malachi 3:1, D&C 42:36, Isaiah 29:4-6 34:5, Psalm 9:17, Jude 1:15...
Instructions for William McLellin, and the conference discussing the publishing of the revelations kicks off. We are joined by Paul (aka Saul) Cushing. JST Exodus 33:20 D&C 84:19-23
We are joined by guest commentator Quinn Eastin. Kirtland will be a strong hold for five years. When the righteous go to Zion, those who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. D&C 90:2-3...
Upon returning to Kirtland, Joseph receives a revelation with instructions on how to build up Zion. Exodus 4:14 Numbers 12:9 Numbers 32:13 2 Nephi 15:25 D&C 20:33-34
Revelations on practical matters, with some significant doctrinal nuggets included. 3 Nephi 26:7-10 2 Nephi 28:30 Ether 12:35 Alma 12:10-11 Ether 4:8 Exodus 19:5 Deuteronomy 7:5 Deuteronomy 7:16-19 D&C 101:3 Exodus 12:12, 23, 29 Hebrews...
We review the dedication of Zion August 2-3 1831. We compare the two versions of Sidney’s description of Zion, and discuss Section 59 that describes the Lord’s expectations for those that live in Zion. D&C...
We recount some of the experiences of the elders on their way to Missouri, the conditions they found, and the beginning of the Lord’s instructions on how to build up Zion. D&C 64:33 Isaiah 25:6...
Revelations to Sidney Gilbert, Newel Knight, William Phelps, and others. Some are doing well, others are struggling. JST Matthew 16:25-29 3 Nephi 12:29-30 D&C 23:6 D&C 58:30-33 Romans 1:18-25 2 Nephi 9:28-30
We begin with an unpublished revelation to Ezra Thayre promising he will receive power from on high at the June conference at Morley Farm. D&C 51 gives specific directions to the bishop trying to implement...
The Lord teaches true doctrine to a people that only desire the truth in part, yet some of those same doctrines are no longer believed by the modern LDS church. The Lord teaches his approved...
Disruptive visitors leads to a revelation on gifts of the spirit. John Whitmer refuses a call from the prophet and receives a revelation from the Lord. And what to do with all the immigrants from...
We take a break from the scriptures to evaluate some of the talks from General Conference and compare those teachings to what is taught in the scriptures.
The Lord establishes the rules of prophetic succession, calls the elders to gather for a conference, and gives information about his Second Coming. D&C 28:2 D&C 3:9 D&C 35:18 D&C 88:21, 34 D&C 100:16 D&C...
Edward Partridge is called as the first bishop. Shortly after, D&C 42 is received that contains the law of consecration, along with specific rules for dealing with sin within the church. D&C 50:4 D&C 112:24-26...
The command to go to the Ohio. The command to look after the poor. And the short discipleship of James Covel. Moses 7:26 Moses 7:61 D&C 112:23 2 Nephi 28:19-23 D&C 45:28 D&C 35:20-21 D&C...
The waiting is over. Searcher’s book is now available. In this episode he gives a chapter-by-chapter overview of Joseph in the Gap, which gives “the hidden history that explains Mormonism’s past, present, and future.” The...
In this episode we focus on the “precious morsel” of Moses 7, that gives Joseph a view of what Zion really is and why it is so important. We also cover D&C 74 which was...
We review some of the conversions and spiritual outpourings that occurred in Kirtland in November 1830, then discuss the revelations given to Sidney Rigdon and Edward Partridge. D&C 84:64-72 Mormon 9:24 Mark 14:16-18 Revelation 18...
Messages to the Whitmer brothers and Thomas Marsh, and the mission to the Lamanites. Alma 31:16-17 D&C 45:56 JS-Matthew 1:37
In homage to Numbers 12, Oliver learns in Section 28 that he, like Aaron, doesn’t receive revelations the same way as Joseph and Moses, but he is given broad discretion in teaching the things Joseph...
Common consent. How Joseph defused Oliver’s protests. And after being told while on the way to purchase wine that it doesn’t matter what you drink for the sacrament, Joseph proceeds to procure some wine for...
The Lord introduces the commandment for preachers of his gospel to go without purse or scrip. He also explains how the song of the righteous is prayer unto the Lord, even when performed using trumpets...
We conclude the organization events with meetings on April 11 and June 9. Shortly after that, Joseph receives Moses 1. Jeremiah 31 Ezekiel 37:26 D&C 35:4 D&C 20:61 2 Nephi 27 D&C 46:7 D&C 20:69...
We start off with the Articles of the Church of Christ, a revelation from God to Oliver Cowdery an uninspired, irrelevant “first draft” of D&C 20. Then we discuss D&C 19, which contains the final...
Authority to baptize from John the Baptist, Joseph evacuated from Harmony by David Whitmer after divine intervention, Joseph Knight: the man in all the right places, and what the voice of God actually said in...
This week’s episode focuses mostly on Oliver Cowdery as he begins to help Joseph with the translation. We finish with section 10, which has the Lord declare that the Book of Mormon contains “the true...
We discuss Martin Harris’ early involvement with the Book of Mormon, from visiting scholars with copies of the characters on the plates, to translating with Joseph, losing the 116 pages, and finally testifying in court...
As with the first vision, there are additional accounts of Joseph’s encounter with an angel in September 1823 that provide more information than is found in the Joseph Smith History. After reviewing Joseph’s four accounts,...
Joseph produced four separate accounts of his first vision: 1832 (while the fulness was on the earth), 1835 (while the church was being downgraded), 1838 (during the Missouri debacle) and 1842 (in the middle of...
We start off with an overview of the Book of Commandments and Doctrine and Covenants, then dive into a discussion of Section 1, a preface given by revelation in November 1831. D&C 70:1-4 D&C 88:84...
We wrap up the Book of Mormon this episode, discussing how we mock God and deny the mercies of God when we think that children and people without the law need baptism to be saved,...
We compare ordinances listed in Moroni with how the same ordinances are implemented in the modern church. We finish with a discussion of faith, hope, and charity. Acts 19:1-7 2 Nephi 32:9 3 Nephi 21:2...
Secret combinations, faith and miracles, and the destruction that comes when the Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with man. D&C 105:18-19 1 Peter 1:5-7 2 Corinthian 12:7
In this episode we cover the experiences of the brother of Jared, including being chastised by the Lord for three hours (!), proposing that the Lord touch the stones to make them shine, and the...
Moroni takes over from his dad, and immediately criticizes the readers for their latter-day church that builds expensive building, loves those buildings more than the poor, and requires people to give their money to receive...
We cover four hundred years of history in one episode, beginning with the establishment of Zion after the visit of Jesus and ending with the destruction of the Nephite nation. Romans 6:22 D&C 84:49-53, 40-41...
We wrap up the book of 3 Nephi, including the Three Nephites, the name of the church, and a warning to the Gentiles. D&C 45:58-59 D&C 13 D&C 124:38 Hebrews 7:5 D&C 101:2 D&C 60:3...
Searcher and MD review the latest General Conference talks, calling out the good, the bad, and the ugly. D&C 46:2 D&C 20:45 Matthew 10:1 Jeremiah 23:37 Alma 60:34 D&C 105:3 Exodus 4:10 Mark 3 D&C...
The modern LDS Church teaches that during the Millennium there will be two governing centers: Zion in North America and Jerusalem in the Middle East. In this episode we examine the scriptural record to see...
In this episode, we pull out the scriptural yardstick to measure the doctrine contained in the article by Russell Nelson entitled, “The Future of the Church”. Originally published in the April 2020 Ensign, it was...
Jesus talks about a new Jerusalem that will be built for the gathering of the house of Israel. Lectures on Faith 5 D&C 101:17-22 D&C 103:22 Deuteronomy 18:15-18 Abraham 2:8 D&C 38:22
Jesus challenges the official LDS chronology by teaching how the Gentiles will reject the fullness of the Gospel, after which the house of Israel will receive the knowledge of the fulness, and at some later...
Jesus continues to teach his doctrine and showing how he is the fulfillment of the law of Moses. Several times he states that obedience to the things he is teaching at that time is sufficient...
Destruction and three days of darkness mark the death of Jesus. The voice of the Lord speaks to the people. Almost a year later, Jesus descends and shows himself to the Nephites and begins teaching...
Miracles are performed, prophecies given and fulfilled, repentance is taught with power and authority, and yet the people vacillate between obedience to and rebellion against God. D&C 1:37 D&C 45:68 1 Nephi 13:5 3 Nephi...
Samuel the Lamanite preaches repentance or destruction unto the Nephites. 2 Nephi 5:10 Alma 30:3 Alma 9:25 Helaman 6:35 Mosiah 2:26 D&C 133:5-15 Matthew 6:19-21 2 Nephi 9:30 Luke 6:22, 26 D&C 64:38-39 Matthew 15:13...
Nephi prophecies, but instead of issuing a gospel essay he provides specific details to uncover the identity of a murderer, thereby demonstrating to the people that he has power from on high. Nephi hears the...
Dissenting Nephites, Gadianton robbers, and righteous Lamanites. Moses 5:29 3 Nephi 12:34 James 5:12 1 Nephi 20:1-2 Proverbs 6:30 Ezekiel 18:10 Ether 8:18
The stripling warriors fight battle after battle and are preserved by their faith while thousands of Nephites perish. Moroni and Pahoran join forces to re-establish the government in Zarahemla. Ephesians 2:8 D&C 112:24-26 James 5:16
Amalickiah continues to cause trouble, which then inspires the kingmen to rise up in rebellion. Moroni cleans the inner vessel and then begins to deal with the Lamanites. Matthew 15:19-20 D&C 105:14 Ephesians 3:14-17 D&C...
The wars begin, Moroni checks in, and Alma checks out. Ephesian 6:11-18 D&C 98:23-38 Alma 48:14 3 Nephi 3: D&C 10:67-68 Deuteronomy 32:48 Deuteronomy 34:5-6 2 Nephi 10:11-16
Alma warns Corianton about the sin second to murder…and it isn’t what we’ve been taught by SLC. Alma goes on to reveal some mysteries of the gospel, but rather than introducing new concepts he simply...
Alma gives instructions to Helaman and Shiblon. Ether 3:2 Mormon 9:29 D&C 84:98 Mosiah 28:20 Alma 14:1 D&C 1:37-38 Alma 7:24 Helaman 12:24 Alma 26:22 Acts 6:36 1 Timothy 5:10 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Acts 4:13...
Alma teaches that we don’t have to go to a special building to worship God, that we worship God through prayer, and that the Lord dwells in the hearts of the righteous. Isaiah 29:13 Luke...
The people of Ammon (aka the Anti-Nephi-Lehites) find refuge in the land of Jershon, Alma wishes he were an angel, and Korihor wishes he had never listened to the angel. Mosiah 4:3, 11 D&C 123:13...
Yet another miraculous conversion/spiritual rebirth caused by simply calling upon the mercy of God. We learn exactly what “all we can do” is, and the penitent “see the light”. D&C 123:7-8 Matthew 12:43-45 2 Peter...
Ammon preaches to king Lamoni. Lamoni cries out for the Lord’s mercy and is redeemed and sees a vision of Christ. After he is redeemed, he is baptized. Helaman 6:5 D&C 107:8, 18, Alma 22:15...
Alma teaches about the high priesthood of the holy order of God, makes a seemingly cryptic reference to a preparatory redemption, and prophesies that the people of Amonihah will perish if they don’t repent. The...
Amulek and Alma teach about how our spirits will be restored to our bodies and we will stand before God to be judged. Amulek teaches that there is not more than one God, and that...
Alma preaches in Gideon, Melek, and Ammoniah. He meets Amulek who brings him into his house and feeds him. 3 Nephi 28:38 Alma 13:1, 6 1 Nephi 6:3, 13 Mormon 8:23 3 Nephi 26 Mosiah...
Alma confronts Nehor and Amlici, fending of both spiritual and political threats. Then he delivers his great discourse to the people of Zarahemla, where in he asks, “Have you been spiritually born of God?” Moses...
Alma the Younger sees the angel of the Lord, suffers eternal torment for three days, and is redeemed and born again. Mosiah ends the kingdom and establishes a government of judges. Mosiah 11:7 Mosiah 9:12...
In these chapters we learn about the people of Alma after they flee from king Noah, and how they are miraculously delivered from bondage after putting their trust in the Lord. After arriving in Zarahemla,...
Back by popular demand, we review our favorite and least favorite talks from last week’s General Conference.
Abinadi finishes his preaching and is sentenced to death. Alma believes his words, flees, repents, and begins preaching Abinidi’s message, the people of Limhi suffer much before they are finally delivered. Mosiah 3:19 Alma 36:26...
Abinadi teaches the law of Moses and how it points towards a Messiah, and preaches that God himself will come down to earth and explains how the Father and Son are one God. Helaman 12:3...
We are introduced to Limni, learn about Zeniff, and begin the story of Noah and Abinadi. D&C 105:6 D&C 95:1-2 Helaman 12:1-6 D&C 87:6 Mosiah 28:13-16 D&C 101:7-9 Isaiah 42:6, 16 JST Isaiah 42:19
King Benjamin finishes his discourse and admonishes the people to care for the poor. The people are spiritually begotten of Christ and take upon them his name. Matthew 10:1 Deuteronomy 7:12-15 Alma 38:8-9 Alma 36:18-20...
King Benjamin begins his great discourse by talking about service, mysteries, and the atonement of Christ Matthew 23:11 D&C 59:21 Helaman 12:7-13 D&C 19:6-12 Alma 32:19 Alma 24:30 Alma 44:4 Alma 46:21 Helaman 4:21-26...
Enos wrestles with the Lord and receives a remission of his sins, the records are passed down through the centuries, the people of Zarahemla are discovered, and we are introduced to king Benjamin. Alma 3:6...
The allegory of the olive tree and Jacob’s encounter with Sherem are the main topics this week. Isaiah 53:6 2 Nephi 28:14 D&C 33:4 2 Nephi 25:9 2 Nephi 1:10-12 3 Nephi 16:10 D&C 86:1-7...
Nephi passes the records on to Jacob, Jacob receives his errand from the Lord calls the Nephites to repentance for pride, searching for riches, and polygamy. Mosiah 5:3 2 Nephi 11:2-3 Jeremiah 23:22 D&C 84:23-24...
We finish up 2 Nephi with his parting words, that include the simple doctrine of Christ. Revelation 22:18 Deuteronomy 4:2 D&C 27:5 Ezekiel 37:16-28 D&C 133:23 Moroni 10:1-2, 24 4 Nephi 1:35 D&C 1:24 3...
The words of a book that comes forth in the last days, the learned that say that they can’t read it, a people that draws near unto the Lord with their mouth but their hearts...
Jews will be scattered among all nations until they begin to begin in Christ, the Lord will set his hand again the second time to restore his people, we are saved by grace after all...
Wrapping up the Isaiah chapters this week, with a rod out of the stem of Jesse, a root of Jesse, the death of the king of Babylon, and promises of deliverance. 1 Samuel 16:7 D&C...
Continuing through the Isaiah chapters, we cover sections that discuss the birth of a deliverer, and the punishment that comes through the instrumentality of the king of Assyria. 2 Nephi 28:15 2 Nephi 27:25 Jeremiah...
We dig into Isaiah, including what he means when he says “the mountain of the Lord shall be established in the tops of the mountains”, “their land is also full of gold and silver”, and...
This week we begin to dip our toe into Isaiah with some prophecies about the restoration that will commence before the Second Coming. We also get Jacob’s explanation of these scriptures. 1 Nephi 17:45 D&C...
This week the world learned about Ensign Peak Advisors, a financial holding company owned by the LDS Church alleged to have over $100 billion in assets. While not denying the facts, the LDS Church’s public...
Opposition, Joseph the Seer, and the marred servant are just some of the topics covered this week. Moses 7:26Alma 12:6, 11Alma 13:30Ether 3:13D&C 6:20Helaman 14:30-31D&C 93:31Ezekiel 18D&C 123:12-15Zechariah 6:12Jeremiah 33:15Isaiah 11:1D&C 113:3-41 Nephi 22:10-121 Nephi...
These chapters cover the sojourn in the wilderness, building a ship, and crossing to the promised land. We spent most of the time focused on the two chapters from Isaiah and Nephi’s assessment of those...
This episode covers Lehi’s vision of the tree of life, along with Nephi’s similar-yet-different vision of the same. Plus, we cover a topic near and dear to our hearts, the iron rod! 2 Corinthians 11:14...
This week covers the efforts to obtain the plates of brass, what the plates of brass contained, and the commandments God gave Lehi on marriage. 1 Nephi 5:10-19 Alma 10:3 Alma 37:3-4 1 Nephi 10:5...
We begin with a discussion of the Book of Lehi and the lost 116 pages, and then dive into the first two chapters of 1 Nephi. Topics include what it means to have goodly parents,...
As we prepare to begin our study of the Book of Mormon, we start off with a discussion of arguments for and against the Book of Mormon.
After a review of the scriptural definitions of “gospel” and “church”, we review Elder Poelman’s talk from October 1984 General Conference which was re-recorded after-the-fact to completely change the message of his talk. D&C 42:12...
This week we discuss what Jesus taught about our relationships with our fellow man – how to deal with enemies, how to deal with disputes, and how to deal with sinners. Matthew 5:25, 40-50 Luke...
In this episode we review several of the talks given in last week’s General Conference, calling out the good, the bad, and the ugly things that were said over the pulpit, and comparing them to...
Between 1830 and 1833, Joseph worked on revisions to the Bible. Known as the Joseph Smith Translation or Inspired Version of the Bible, this effort was a commandment from the Lord and something that is...
The official story of the church in Missouri casts the members of the church as innocent victims of mob violence. While there were atrocities like Haun’s Mill committed against the Mormons, the official history fails...
Many members aren’t familiar with Wiliam Marks, even though he was a significant figure in Nauvoo and the Succession Crisis. This week’s episode talks about William, his role in Nauvoo, and what he had to...
The LDS Church teaches that William Law was a disgruntled, excommunicated apostate who wanted to destroy the Church when he published “vicious lies” in the Nauvoo Expositor. Strangely enough, these “vicious lies” are never examined...
Continuing last week’s discussion, we share a few more scriptures as well as blessings and other contemporaneous statements that demonstrate that it was a common belief back in the time of Joseph that Joseph and...
The scriptures talk about servants in the last days that will gather Zion and prepare for the return of Christ. Many often speculate on the identity of these servants. Speculation, however, is unnecessary. The Doctrine...
In this episode we conclude last week’s discussion of the three degrees of glory as told in the scriptures. We cover the telestial category, outer darkness, and the sons of perdition. D&C 88:15-35, 100-102, 110-116...
The three degrees of glory is a central tenet in the LDS Church, and shapes many aspects of LDS doctrine. But how closely does the theology we are taught actually agree with the scriptures upon...
When we have an incorrect understanding of one aspect of the gospel, it can prevent us from correctly understanding other aspects of the gospel. We need to correct our initial misunderstandings before we can successfully...
The Book of Abraham tells us about the council in heaven. But did you know the Old Testament also talks about God’s council? Perhaps one reason we don’t hear about this at church is because...
In this week’s episode, we take two hard-to-explain sections of scripture and try to make sense of them. The first is Noah’s nakedness from Genesis 9. Noah is drunk in his tent, Ham sees his...
Casually reading what the scriptures have to say about divorce can be confusing. The Law of Moses spells out the process of divorce and makes it clear that people are allowed to remarry after divorce....
The office of Presiding Patriarch was introduced in the 1830’s when Joseph Smith Sr. was ordained to that office and told that he and his posterity would hold that office. In D&C 124, the Lord...
D&C 2 tells us that the Priesthood will be revealed by the hand of Elijah. But the scriptural record tells us nothing about Elijah conferring priesthood by hand to Joseph. The one conferral of priesthood...
The scriptures give fairly specific descriptions of the duties of a bishop, and as we discussed last week, that the bishop should be paid for his duties. This week we review just what the scriptures...
Mormonism has a complicated relationship with paying church leaders. We have scriptures that condemn priestcrafts and the Church has often bragged about not having a paid clergy. Yet the church also defends paying Church leaders...
The modern LDS church teaches that within temples we can receive ordinances beyond baptism that are necessary for our salvation. These ordinances are so sacred that they aren’t even mentioned in the scriptures, yet we...
Scripture teaches that the Gospel at its core is very simple. Jesus himself declared His doctrine to be faith, repentance and baptism (of water and fire) and then stated that “more or less” than this...
Perhaps one of the most iconic practices of modern Mormonism is the prohibition of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Failure to adhere to the current interpretation is grounds for disciplinary action and considered a sign...
One modern doctrine that is repeated quite often is that the leaders of the LDS Church cannot lead the people astray. Even if they wanted to, God would take away their agency and end their...
Joseph Smith said: You might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the remission of sins and getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is...
Modern Mormon doctrine emphasizes the need for families to be sealed together for eternity through certain temple ordinances beyond baptism. In this episode we explore what the scriptures have to say about sealing and trace...
Modern Mormonism teaches that Elohim is the name of the Father, and Jehovah is the name of Jesus before his earthly ministry. This is taught in the temple and from the pulpit. But it’s not...
The Lord teaches us in scripture that tithing is to be used primarily for the poor. In this episode, we explore how we can come to know the Lord through dealing justly with the poor...
This week’s topic has several interesting angles: are the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit the same thing or different? Is the Holy Ghost a personage? What is the gift of the Holy Ghost and...
Picking up from last episode, Sidney has been excommunicated and Brigham Young, as head of the Quorum of the Twelve, begins to made rapid organizational changes in defiance of scriptural requirements. We cover those changes...
After the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the church was uncertain who should take charge. Several candidates presented themselves as the right person, but the biggest challenge was between Sidney Rigdon, member of the...
Our review of the Biblical prophecies about a latter-day prophet who stumbles is continued in this episode. We cover the allegory of the olive trees in Jacob 5, the marred servant prophecy by Isaiah and...
In this episode, we begin to look at the prophetic profile that is contained in the Bible about a future prophet who will be like unto Moses. This Biblical profile predicts a change in behavior,...
Building off the previous episode that reviewed what the scriptures say and don’t say about polygamy, in this episode we test the doctrine espoused in Section 132 against the rest of the scriptures. D&C 1:31...
One of the most divisive topics to come out of Nauvoo is polygamy. One challenge, however, is that the modern Mormon polygamy is completely different than the polygamy that is mentioned in the scriptures. In...
The history of the modern LDS Church portrays Sidney Rigdon in a generally unflattering light. His decision to not acquiesce to Brigham Young after the death of Joseph and Hyrum, and his resulting excommunication are...
After the Kirtland temple dedication, the church proceeded on a much different trajectory than in the preceding years. Financial troubles in Kirtland, internal strife and conflict with non-members in Missouri, relocation to Nauvoo and the...
One cannot truly understand the Doctrine and Covenants without understanding the historical context in which they were received. A challenge we all face is that the history of the church that we have been taught...
We dive deeper into the nature of God as described in the Lectures on Faith and corroborated by the rest of the scriptures, and discuss how we got D&C 130 which contradicts all these scriptural...
Lectures on Faith were added to the scriptures in 1835 by a general assembly of the church. They were removed in 1921 by a committee of six men. In this episode we review the history...
We discuss the different roles of a prophet, including bringing forth the word of God and testing the people. We also review and test “The Fourteen Fundamentals of Following the Prophet” against the scriptures.
We discuss MD’s reformatted scriptures project, which puts the text back into paragraph form, removes commentary, minimizes the impact of chapters and verses on the flow of text, and highlights key changes.
We review the tools we use to search the scriptures, from the scriptural search engine on lds.org, to BibleHub.com to uncover the original meaning of the Greek and Hebrew text. We also discuss search the...
A re-recording of the debut podcast by Searcher, and MD. After introductions, we discuss the value of searching the scriptures rather than simply reading or studying them. D&C 1:37-38 3 Nephi 20:11 3 Nephi 23:1...