Church History Matters

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 Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths take a careful look at one of the most debated statements in Latter-day Saint history. The White Horse Prophecy has been repeated, quoted, expanded, and sometimes used to interpret modern politics for generations. But how much of it can actually be traced back to Joseph Smith? Scott and Casey examine the weaknesses in the prophecy's claim to authenticity, including the late recollection on which much of the account depends, the absence of a contemporary record, and questions about how the story changed and developed over time. The result is a fascinating example of why historians have to distinguish between what may have been remembered, what can be documented, and what later generations may have added to the story. But that does not mean every idea associated with the White Horse Prophecy should be dismissed. The famous concept that the Constitution of the United States would one day “hang by a thread” has a stronger historical foundation. Multiple sources attribute statements to Joseph Smith expressing concern for the future of the Constitution and describing a time when it would face grave danger. Scott and Casey explore those sources, their strengths and limitations, and what Joseph Smith may actually have meant. Join us as we separate prophecy from folklore, documentation from tradition, and historical evidence from later interpretation. What can we responsibly say Joseph Smith taught about the future of the Constitution? What parts of the White Horse Prophecy are difficult to substantiate? And why has this controversial story continued to capture the imagination of Latter-day Saints for more than a century?

After serving as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ezra Taft Benson returned to full-time service as an Apostle and became one of the most influential—and sometimes controversial—leaders in modern Latter-day Saint history. In this episode of Church History Matters, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths examine Elder Benson's post-Washington years, including his outspoken warnings about communism during the Cold War, his strong advocacy for constitutional principles and free-market economics, his criticism of government welfare programs, and the debates surrounding his association with conservative political movements such as the John Birch Society. They explore how his political views were received both inside and outside the Church and how Church leaders worked to keep the Church politically neutral despite the personal convictions of individual Apostles. The episode also traces the remarkable transformation of Ezra Taft Benson's public ministry after he became the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rather than emphasizing politics, President Benson focused the Church on what he believed mattered most: becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ through daily scripture study and repentance. His landmark call for members to flood the earth with the Book of Mormon renewed worldwide interest in the keystone scripture of the Restoration, while his unforgettable teachings on pride, humility, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ continue to influence Latter-day Saints around the world. Join Scott and Casey as they separate history from myth, examine the historical context surrounding President Benson's political legacy, and discover how his prophetic ministry ultimately centered on Christ, the Book of Mormon, and the invitation for every disciple to come unto Him. Topics covered in this episode: Ezra Taft Benson after leaving Washington, D.C. Cold War fears and anti-communism The John Birch Society and political controversy Government welfare, self-reliance, and constitutional principles Republican politics and Church neutrality Becoming President of the Church Flooding the earth with the Book of Mormon "Beware of Pride" and the call to humility President Benson's lasting prophetic legacy #ChurchHistoryMatters #EzraTaftBenson #BookofMormon #LDSHistory #ChurchHistory #Restoration #JesusChrist #ScriptureStudy #Pride #Humility #ScottWoodward #CaseyGriffiths

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 controversial political figures of the 1950s.From hanging in effigy by furious farmers to a historic, miraculous television broadcast that changed the nation's heart, we explore the jaw-dropping events that defined his tenure. The Prophet's Call: How President Eisenhower convinced a reluctant LDS Apostle to join his cabinet, and the unique condition Benson demanded before accepting.The Battle of the Barnyard: Why Benson’s fight to eliminate government price supports made him the target of intense political crossfire and protests.

The Miracle of the 'Edward R. Murrow' Broadcast: The behind-the-scenes story of the 1954 See It Now television special that saved Benson's career overnight.Apostle to the Soviet Union: The emotional, historic 1959 visit to the Central Baptist Church in Moscow where Benson preached freedom and faith behind the Iron Curtain.The Spiritual Statesman: How his eight years in Babylon prepared him to eventually become the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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 a global perspective to Washington, D.C., where he became a leading advocate for workers' rights, public education, scientific research, and social welfare during the Great Depression.

Scott and Casey examine his strong support of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, his efforts to strengthen labor protections, expand educational opportunities, and help establish institutions such as the National Science Foundation. They also discuss his role in promoting the Civilian Conservation Corps, support for veterans' education, and his work toward greater federal investment in education and public welfare. The conversation also highlights Thomas's international vision. Long before the end of World War II, he warned about the persecution of European Jews, advocated for Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi oppression, and later became a vocal supporter of the newly formed United Nations and America's leadership in building a more peaceful postwar world. His experiences as an LDS missionary in Japan shaped his lifelong commitment to diplomacy, religious understanding, and international cooperation.

How did a devoted Latter-day Saint become one of the Senate's most progressive voices? Why did his impressive political career end amid the political tensions of the early Cold War? Join Scott and Casey as they uncover the fascinating story of Elbert D. Thomas and explore how his faith, education, and public service intersected during one of America's most consequential eras.

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 they examine the famous Reed Smoot hearings, the national debate over religion and politics, and how this pivotal moment shaped the Church's relationship with the American government in the early twentieth century.