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Church History Matters

Church History Matters

Scripture Central 211 Episodes Aug 25, 2026

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.

Episodes

219 - White Horse Prophecy In Depth I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
219 - White Horse Prophecy In Depth I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Aug 25, 2026 01:19:19 Did Joseph Smith really predict that the Constitution of the United States would one day “hang by a thread” and that the Latter-day Saints would step forward to save it? And what about the mysterious and controversial White Horse Prophecy—a dramatic account involving the future of the United States, the Constitution, and the destiny of the Latter-day Saints? In this episode of Church History Matte
217 - Ezra Taft Benson: His Life in Washington D.C. I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
217 - Ezra Taft Benson: His Life in Washington D.C. I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Aug 11, 2026 01:22:01 Discover the remarkable double life of Ezra Taft Benson—a man who simultaneously served as a high-ranking Washington statesman and a chosen Apostle of the Lord.In this video, we dive deep into the chaotic, inspiring, and historic eight years (1953–1961) Ezra Taft Benson spent serving as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. As an LDS Apostle, Benson brought an unw
216 - 3-Term Senator Elbert Thomas, GI Bill Hero I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
216 - 3-Term Senator Elbert Thomas, GI Bill Hero I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Aug 4, 2026 01:04:10 For decades, Utah's Elbert D. Thomas represented Latter-day Saints on the national stage as one of the most influential members of Congress you've probably never heard of. In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the remarkable life and political career of the faithful Latter-day Saint, educator, missionary, and U.S. Senator who served during some of th
215 - U.S. Attempt to Expel Utah Senator Reed Smoot I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
215 - U.S. Attempt to Expel Utah Senator Reed Smoot I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Jul 28, 2026 01:12:23 In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore one of the most controversial political battles in Latter-day Saint history: the election and confirmation of Senator Reed Smoot. Although Smoot was not a practicing polygamist, his position as an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints led critics to question his loyalty to the United States a
214 - How Polygamy Affected Utah Politics I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
214 - How Polygamy Affected Utah Politics I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Jul 21, 2026 01:06:48 Religion and politics have always been intertwined in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—but where should the line be drawn? In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore the remarkable life and political career of Brigham H. Roberts, one of the Church's most influential scholars, historians, and public figures. From serving as a
213 - Faith, Utah Politics and Opium I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
213 - Faith, Utah Politics and Opium I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Jul 14, 2026 01:02:52 In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths continue their exploration of politics and religion by examining some of the most challenging and fascinating chapters of Latter-day Saint history. Together they explore how political pressures, party loyalties, and national events shaped the Church and its members during the nineteenth century. The discussion begi
212 - New Data: History of the LDS Church and Slavery I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
212 - New Data: History of the LDS Church and Slavery I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Jul 7, 2026 01:17:22 How did the early Latter-day Saints navigate one of the most difficult and divisive issues in American history—slavery? In this episode of Church History Matters, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward are joined by historian and author Paul Reeve for an in-depth discussion on slavery, race, and the Latter-day Saint experience in nineteenth-century America. Together, they explore the broader his
211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Jun 30, 2026 01:16:31 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 religio
210 - New Details on Joseph Smith's Run for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
210 - New Details on Joseph Smith's Run for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters Jun 23, 2026 01:16:52 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 th
209 - Does Science Conflict With the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
209 - Does Science Conflict With the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series Jun 16, 2026 00:57:49 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 an
208 - Are Caffeine and Meat Against the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
208 - Are Caffeine and Meat Against the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series Jun 9, 2026 00:52:03 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
207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series Jun 2, 2026 01:13:23 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 t

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