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Church History Matters
30 episodes
217 - Ezra Taft Benson: His Life in Washington D.C. I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 219 · Aug 11, 2026 · 1 hr 22 min
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 unwavering moral compass to Washington, but his strict free-market principles made him one of the most…
216 - 3-Term Senator Elbert Thomas, GI Bill Hero I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 218 · Aug 4, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
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 the most pivotal years in American history. After serving a five-year mission in Japan, Thomas brought…
215 - U.S. Attempt to Expel Utah Senator Reed Smoot I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 217 · Jul 28, 2026 · 1 hr 12 min
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 and accuse the Church of continuing to wield improper political influence. Join Scott and Casey as th…
214 - How Polygamy Affected Utah Politics I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 216 · Jul 21, 2026 · 1 hr 7 min
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 General Authority to becoming a nationally recognized political leader, B. H. Roberts found himself…
213 - Faith, Utah Politics and Opium I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 215 · Jul 14, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
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 begins with the difficult subject of slavery in early Utah Territory, examining how Utah's territorial l…
212 - New Data: History of the LDS Church and Slavery I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 214 · Jul 7, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
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 history of slavery in the United States, the political tensions that surrounded westward expansion, and…
211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 213 · Jun 30, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
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 platfor…
210 - New Details on Joseph Smith's Run for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Ep 212 · Jun 23, 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
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…
209 - Does Science Conflict With the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
Ep 211 · Jun 16, 2026 · 58 min
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 Wisd…
208 - Are Caffeine and Meat Against the Word of Wisdom? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
Ep 210 · Jun 9, 2026 · 52 min
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 caf…
207 - How the Word of Wisdom Became a Temple Standard I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
Ep 208 · Jun 2, 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
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…
206 - U.S. Constitution is Critical to Freedom Everywhere I Church History Matters I Religion & Politics
Ep 209 · May 26, 2026 · 1 hr 9 min
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 d…
205 - Did Brigham Young Enjoy Tobacco? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
Ep 207 · May 19, 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
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 Cas…
204 - Did Joseph Smith Drink Alcohol? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
Ep 206 · May 12, 2026 · 55 min
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…
203 - Word of Wisdom Command or Counsel? I Church History Matters I Word of Wisdom Series
Ep 205 · May 5, 2026 · 51 min
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…
202 - Joseph Smith Promised Female Priests | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 204 · Apr 28, 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
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 si…
201 - History of Women's Service in the Temple | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 203 · Apr 21, 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
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…
200 - Priesthood & Women During the 20th Century | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 202 · Apr 14, 2026 · 1 hr 39 min
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 evo…
199 - Priesthood & Women in the Early Church | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 201 · Apr 7, 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
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 t…
198 - Evolution of Women Doing Healing Rituals | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 200 · Mar 31, 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
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 Eli…
197 - Can Women Administer to the Sick? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 199 · Mar 24, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
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, t…
196 - Do Men and Women Share the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 198 · Mar 17, 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
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…
195 - Can Women Be Part of the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 197 · Mar 10, 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
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…
194 - How are Women Connected to the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ep 196 · Mar 3, 2026 · 1 hr
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 docu…
193 - Latest Research: Science & Scripture w/Ben Spackman | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Ep 195 · Feb 24, 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
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…
192 - Does the Church Contradict Science? | Church History Matters I Science Religion Series
Ep 194 · Feb 17, 2026 · 1 hr 30 min
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. Thi…
191 - Where is Truth: Theology or Science? | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Ep 193 · Feb 12, 2026 · 1 hr 27 min
Explore the ongoing debate between science and religion through the lens of fundamentalism versus modernism, a conversation that has shaped religious thought for over a century. Scott and Casey dive into the historical roots of the conflict—highlighting modern scientific thought and modern Latter-day Saint thinking. Learn how cultural shifts led some believers to defend scripture strictly while others sought harmony between revelation and reason. Viewers will gain context for how these two appro…
190 - Do Church Leaders Support Scripture or Science? | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Ep 192 · Feb 3, 2026 · 1 hr 24 min
In this episode, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths explore one of the most enduring questions in the science-and-faith conversation: how should religious believers approach evolution? Using the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial as a historical touchpoint, they unpack how the early 20th-century clash between fundamentalist and modernist perspectives shaped the broader American debate over science and the Bible. They explain what those two models mean—fundamentalism emphasizing strict, literal reading…
189 - Is Evolution a Threat to Faith? | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Ep 191 · Jan 27, 2026 · 1 hr 25 min
How should Latter-day Saints think about evolution—and has that thinking changed over time? In this episode, hosts Casey Griffith and Scott Woodward explore why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are uniquely positioned to engage the conversation between evolution and Christian faith without fear or false dichotomies. Drawing on LDS scripture, prophetic teachings, and historical context, Casey and Scott trace how Latter-day Saint perspectives on creation, science, and rev…
188 - BYU Biologist Talks Faith & Science | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Ep 190 · Jan 20, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
In this episode, hosts Casey Griffiths and Scott Woodward sit down with BYU biology professor Jamie Jensen to explore how science and religion can work together rather than compete. Drawing on her experience in the classroom, Professor Jensen shares how today’s students wrestle with big questions about faith, evolution, scripture, and evidence—and how honest inquiry can actually strengthen belief rather than undermine it. She explains how a scientific worldview, when properly understood, invites…
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