S5E24 Was Hyrum Smith Called as an Apostle?
Digest
This podcast episode blends personal anecdotes with gospel doctrine discussions and listener questions. It begins with lighthearted introductions and a discussion of missionary access to podcast episodes. A significant portion focuses on "Christie's Corner," designed to enhance gospel doctrine understanding. Dr. Dirkmot shares a personal experience about heeding spiritual promptings, highlighting the importance of acting on inspiration despite potential obstacles. The podcast then addresses listener emails, tackling the challenges of discerning truth in a world of misinformation and conspiracy theories. One listener shares a deeply personal experience connecting her patriarchal blessing to her ancestors, Hiram Smith and John Taylor, leading to a discussion of Hiram Smith's unique role and authority as a prophet, seer, and revelator in the early Church. The episode concludes with practical advice on navigating spiritual promptings and distinguishing truth from falsehood.
Outlines
Introduction, Missionary Access, and Christie's Corner
The podcast opens with introductions, humorous anecdotes, and information on missionary access to episodes. It transitions into "Christie's Corner," a segment focused on improving gospel doctrine comprehension.
Spiritual Prompings and a Personal Experience
Dr. Dirkmot shares a personal experience in Fruta, Colorado, illustrating the importance of following spiritual promptings despite hesitation.
Listener Mailbag: Discerning Truth and Early Church Organization
Listener emails address discerning truth amidst misinformation and the organizational structure of the early Church, specifically Hiram Smith's role.
Listener Mailbag: Family History and Hiram Smith's Authority
A listener connects her patriarchal blessing to her ancestors, prompting a discussion of Hiram Smith's unique authority as a prophet, seer, and revelator in the early LDS Church.
Keywords
Epistemology
The study of knowledge; how we know what we know. Relevant to discerning truth.
Spiritual Prompings
Impressions or feelings from the Holy Ghost guiding actions and decisions.
Hiram Smith
Brother of Joseph Smith; significant leadership role in the early LDS Church.
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Governing body of the LDS Church; its evolution and role in the early Church.
Discernment
Ability to judge well; distinguish between truth and falsehood.
False Narratives
Untrue stories used to mislead or manipulate.
Gospel Doctrine
Principles and teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Missionary Work
The work of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Patriarchal Blessing
A blessing given by a patriarch tracing lineage and spiritual gifts.
Early LDS Church
The early years of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Q&A
How can we effectively discern truth from falsehood in today's information-saturated world?
Rely on the Holy Ghost for spiritual guidance. Prioritize teachings from current Church leaders and be wary of information contradicting established doctrine or lacking verifiable sources.
What was Hiram Smith's role and authority in the early LDS Church?
Hiram Smith served as a counselor in the First Presidency and was later appointed patriarch and prophet, seer, and revelator. His authority was unique and not easily comparable to later Church structures.
What advice would you give someone struggling to follow spiritual promptings?
Don't overthink it. If the prompting feels good and aligns with gospel principles, act on it.
How did the organization of the apostles differ in the early Church compared to today?
The quorum of the Twelve Apostles' authority and role evolved over time. In the early years, Joseph Smith held ultimate authority, gradually delegating more responsibility to the quorum. The structure and functions weren't identical to the modern organization.
Show Notes
We begin the episode with Richard recounting a personal spiritual experience at a sacrament meeting in Fruita, Colorado… home of Mike the Headless Chicken. We then answer a litner’s question: Was Hyrum Smith an apostle? We discuss Hyrum’s unique role in the Church, drawing from Doctrine & Covenants 124 and the Council of Fifty minutes. Gerrit walks through the complexity of 19th-century Church leadership structure, why modern categories like “apostle” don’t always cleanly map to early Church roles, and why Hyrum’s spiritual authority was second only to Joseph’s. Finally, Gerrit shares a powerful, little-known sermon from Hyrum Smith delivered just months before his death, where Hyrum tells the Council of Fifty to stop worrying about how God’s work will be done, and start believing that He will do it.
Mike the Headless Chicken: https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34198390
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): The Lord chastens Richard (D&C 58:4 and D&C 3:1)
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