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Church History Matters

Scripture Central
Joseph Smith
Doctrine and Covenants
Doctrine & Covenants
Latter-Day Saints
Book Of Mormon
Brigham Young
Latter-Day Saint Church History
Kirtland Temple
Zion
Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints
Priesthood
Evolution
Word Of Wisdom
Sidney Rigdon
Plural Marriage
Latter-Day Saint Church
Carthage Jail
New Jerusalem
Missouri
Hyrum Smith

The Church History Matters Podcast features in-depth conversations between Scott and Casey where they dive deep into both the challenges and beauty of Latter-day Saint Church History

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes216Founded3 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityChristianity

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Artwork for Church History Matters

Latest Episodes

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 remarka... more

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 expl... more

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 ... more

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 pre... more

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Recent Guests

Paul Reeve
Professor and author on Utah and Mormon history
University of Utah
Episode: 212 - New Data: History of the LDS Church and Slavery I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Derek Sainsbury
Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University; author of Storming the Nation
Brigham Young University
Episode: 211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Lisa Olsen Tait
Church history scholar
Brigham Young University / Church History Department
Episode: 194 - How are Women Connected to the Priesthood? | Church History Matters I Women & Priesthood Series
Ben Spackman
Scholarly expert in the history of science and religion, focusing on the Latter-day Saints perspective
Episode: 193 - Latest Research: Science & Scripture w/Ben Spackman | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Dr. Jamie Jensen
Biology professor at BYU specializing in genetics and evolution.
Brigham Young University
Episode: 188 - BYU Biologist Talks Faith & Science | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Jamie Jensen
A professional scientist specializing in epistemology
not mentioned
Episode: 187 - Should Science Affect Our Understanding of Scripture? | Church History Matters I Science & Religion Series
Dow Wilson
CEO at Scripture Central
Scripture Central
Episode: 182 - The Articles of Faith CFM - Intro to Latter-day Saint Beliefs - E50C December 8-14
Jonathan A. Stapley
An award-winning historian and scientist who writes on topics related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially liturgy and practice.
Episode: 171 - The Power of Temple Ordinances & Work for the Dead with Jonathan Stapley - E45C November 3-5
Alexander L. Baugh
Professor and former chair of the Department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, expert on Missouri period of early Church history
Brigham Young University
Episode: 166 - What You Never Knew About Liberty Jail with Alex Baugh - E43C October 20-26

Hosts

Casey Griffiths
Co-host with Scott; provides historical analysis and guides discussions.
Scott (last name not confirmed)
Co-host; moderator and facilitator of discussion, drives historical inquiry and synthesis.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • Thank you for doing this series!

    I have learned so much from your conversations. I appreciate the authenticity and candor. You have taken a lot of the emotion out of the dialog. This has been a very good experience for me. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    9832Flora
    United States3 months ago
  • Will return when

    Not a fan of Lisa’s interpretation of women’s history soapbox moments. Made it up to episode covering 1950’s before checking out. Will return when this series is over. I lived the life a of child born in the 60’s and raised by a women’s libber who chose her career over family. Not inspiring at all.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    *LIFE IS GOOD*
    United States3 months ago
  • Thanks for inviting Lisa

    Love the podcast & am especially grateful that you invited Lisa to participate in the latest series. I would eagerly listen to a podcast dedicated to her soapboxes! 😊

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    KKP729
    United States3 months ago
  • Thank you

    I just wanted to drop you a line to say that I have always loved history in general, but I have so thoroughly enjoyed the latest episodes of women in the church. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    vickiewag
    United States3 months ago
  • Tight Program, Love Lisa too

    I recommend this program all the time because you cover the most content ! Lisa is a great addition, quite an amazing communicator. Thanks for sharing your experience and hard work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LoveMedNM
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests are top-tier experts who bring depth and credibility.
Listeners appreciate the transparent handling of controversial topics and well-sourced analysis.
The hosts balance rigorous history with thoughtful, faith-centered discussion.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Q: What happened after Joseph Smith's assassination in terms of leadership and organizational impact?
The missionary corps and political networks continued to influence church leadership and community structures in Nauvoo and later Utah, contributing to a form of governance that persisted beyond Smith's death and helped shape the church's political culture for decades.
211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Q: How did theodemocracy differ from plain democracy or theocracy in this context?
Theodemocracy combined leadership selected by revelation with popular participation, aiming to govern in alignment with divine guidance while still operating within a democratic framework where people could vote for leaders.
211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Q: What evidence convinced you the campaign was a serious political effort rather than purely missionary work?
The campaign grew from symbolic discussions to a structured effort: the creation of independent electors, formal electioneering by thousands of elders, and the Council of Fifty's active planning for political strategies across multiple states, including organizing conventions and political newspapers.
212 - New Data: History of the LDS Church and Slavery I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Q: What pressures are Utah's leaders feeling, and how did national debates around slavery influence Utah's politics?
The discussion covers the Mexican-American War's aftermath, territorial expansion, the question of free vs. slave in new territories, and how national politics pressured Utah to address slavery and citizenship.
212 - New Data: History of the LDS Church and Slavery I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters
Q: At a high level, just kind of help set the political scene for us in Utah in the late 1840s, early 1850s here. Who are Utah's political leaders?
Paul explains the overlap of church and political leadership, with Brigham Young as governor and church president, plus a legislature dominated by Latter-day Saints, and high-level religious figures like Orson Pratt and others shaping policy.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Church History Matters

What is Church History Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program hosts deep-dive conversations about Latter-day Saint Church history, often through a scholarly lens that weighs historical sources, temple practices, and doctrinal developments. Episodes frequently explore contested topics—ranging from priesthood and women's roles to the evolution of temple rites and the interplay between faith and science—while balancing rigorous analysis with accessible storytelling. A standout is the consistent use of primary sources and expert guests to illuminate complex moments in church history, inviting listeners to think critically while staying within a faith-focused framework.

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Which podcasts are similar to Church History Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Church History Matters:

1. followHIM
2. Scripture Central
3. The Scriptures Are Real
4. Standard of Truth
5. Y Religion

How many episodes of Church History Matters are there?

Church History Matters launched 3 years ago and published 216 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Church History Matters?

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What guests have appeared on Church History Matters?

Recent guests on Church History Matters include:

1. Paul Reeve
2. Derek Sainsbury
3. Lisa Olsen Tait
4. Ben Spackman
5. Dr. Jamie Jensen
6. Jamie Jensen
7. Dow Wilson
8. Jonathan A. Stapley

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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