What is the Doctrine and Covenants?

Summary

In this passionate discussion, the speaker expresses their deep appreciation for the *Doctrine and Covenants* (D&C) as their favorite scripture, emphasizing its clarity in revealing the nature of Jesus Christ and heaven. They highlight the direct, revelatory format of D&C, which contrasts with other scriptures, offering a more personal and precise understanding of divine teachings. The speaker also touches on the evolution of D&C, the changes made over time, and their significance. Throughout, the speaker invites others to explore D&C, particularly Section 1, with an appreciation for its timeless relevance and transformative power.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker’s favorite scripture is the *Doctrine and Covenants*, citing its powerful impact and unique portrayal of Jesus Christ.
• 😀 The *Doctrine and Covenants* is compared to the Quran in terms of divine revelation, with both texts being records of God's communication with a prophet.
• 😀 The speaker appreciates the *Doctrine and Covenants* for its vivid portrayal of the Three Kingdoms of Glory and celestial marriage (sections 76 and 132).
• 😀 Unlike the Bible and Book of Mormon, the *Doctrine and Covenants* provides more detailed and direct descriptions of heaven and the afterlife.
• 😀 The speaker views the *Doctrine and Covenants* as offering the clearest depiction of Jesus Christ's character, highlighting His strong, sometimes harsh, nature in contrast to the gentle image often portrayed.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the evolving nature of revelation in the *Doctrine and Covenants*, with Joseph Smith continually learning to better express the revelations he received.
• 😀 The *Doctrine and Covenants* is seen as a 'living' scripture, with an open canon that remains relevant in the modern world and subject to ongoing clarification.
• 😀 The changes in the *Doctrine and Covenants* over time are viewed as necessary clarifications, with adjustments made to improve understanding rather than alter fundamental doctrine.
• 😀 The speaker explains that Joseph Smith struggled initially with recording revelations, but later worked to ensure the information was documented before his death.
• 😀 The speaker encourages reading the *Doctrine and Covenants*, particularly Section 1, as it outlines God's direct words for modern-day revelation.
• 😀 The conversation includes humorous references to musicals, which serve to make the discussion of scripture more engaging and accessible.

Q & A

What makes the Doctrine and Covenants the speaker's favorite scripture?

The speaker finds the Doctrine and Covenants to be deeply impactful and relatable. They appreciate its direct revelations from God to Joseph Smith, which they believe provides a clearer understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ, especially compared to other scriptures.

How does the speaker compare the Doctrine and Covenants to the Quran?

The speaker compares the Doctrine and Covenants to the Quran by emphasizing that both are collections of divine revelations, with the Quran being the revelation to Muhammad and the Doctrine and Covenants being a series of revelations to Joseph Smith and later prophets.

What does the speaker mean when they say the Doctrine and Covenants 'will make you slap your mama'?

The speaker uses this phrase to express how powerful and impactful they find the Doctrine and Covenants. They believe it has the ability to deeply resonate with readers and evoke strong emotional reactions.

What is the speaker’s view on how Jesus Christ is portrayed in the Doctrine and Covenants?

The speaker believes that Jesus Christ is portrayed as more authoritative and sometimes harsh in the Doctrine and Covenants, in contrast to the more gentle image often depicted in the New Testament. They describe Jesus as a 'general' figure who speaks directly and even harshly at times.

Why does the speaker think the Doctrine and Covenants provides the best understanding of the character of Jesus Christ?

The speaker argues that the Doctrine and Covenants offers the most direct and personal insights into the character of Jesus Christ. Unlike other scriptures, which portray Jesus through the lens of others, the Doctrine and Covenants includes revelations that are seen as coming directly from Jesus himself.

What is the significance of the three degrees of glory mentioned in the Doctrine and Covenants?

The speaker highlights that the Doctrine and Covenants provides a detailed description of the three degrees of glory in heaven: the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms. These descriptions are not as explicitly outlined in other scriptures, making the Doctrine and Covenants unique in its portrayal of the afterlife.

How does the speaker describe the changes that have occurred in the Doctrine and Covenants over time?

The speaker acknowledges that there have been changes in the Doctrine and Covenants, particularly after Joseph Smith's death. They suggest that these changes were made for clarification and to ensure the text accurately conveyed the revelations, similar to how other religious texts like the Bible have evolved.

What role does Joseph Smith play in the creation of the Doctrine and Covenants?

Joseph Smith is portrayed as the primary prophet who received and recorded the revelations that make up the Doctrine and Covenants. However, the speaker notes that he did not initially write everything down, leading to later modifications and additions by others after his death.

Why does the speaker believe that the changes made to the Doctrine and Covenants are acceptable?

The speaker believes that the changes to the Doctrine and Covenants are a natural part of the revelation process. They explain that as a writer, they understand how clarification and rewording can improve the understanding of a message, which is why they are not troubled by the changes made to the text.

What cultural references does the speaker use to lighten the discussion about the Doctrine and Covenants?

The speaker references musicals like 'Hamilton,' 'The Sound of Music,' and 'Hairspray' to add humor and lighten the tone of the discussion. These references serve as a way to connect with the audience in a more relatable and fun way while still discussing serious theological concepts.