192 - Does the Church Contradict Science? | Church History Matters I Science Religion Series

Church History Matters

Scripture Central

Religion & Spirituality:christianity, Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.9 • 2K Ratings

🗓️ 17 February 2026

⏱️ 90 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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. This episode places those statements in historical context, showing how questions about science and religion are not new but part of a continuing conversation. At the same time, the video emphasizes a hopeful and faithful perspective: that religion offers meaning, moral grounding, and a relationship with God that science alone cannot replace. Rather than framing science and faith as enemies, the podcast invites viewers to see them as different tools for discovering truth—one focused on the how of the universe, the other on the why of our existence. For Latter-day Saints, this balanced approach encourages both intellectual honesty and spiritual commitment, showing that sincere faith can coexist with thoughtful engagement in science.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Maybe the mid-century conflicts over evolution were really about how doctrine is defined.
0:04.7	Mormon doctrine's a great resource. The problem with it is that it's called Mormon doctrine.
0:08.8	You know what else is interesting? When President Smith passes away, guess who is called as an apostle
0:13.7	to fill the vacancy? Bruce R. McConkey. Elder McConkey was strongly against evolution.
0:19.5	It is with a little fear and trepidation that we enter into documenting this era of church history.
0:26.6	One of the questions he asked was, do you subscribe to the damnable doctrine of evolution?
0:32.6	One survey back in 1973, 81% rejected the idea that creation involved evolution at all.
0:40.2	The author suggested that political conservatism, rather than education alone, plays a major
0:46.2	role in the shaping of LDS views.
0:48.8	And I think a person can study evolution and even be in favor of evolution and be a fully
0:53.5	involved, engaged, and active latter-day saint. Wow. Wow. Thank you. study evolution and even be in favor of evolution and be a fully involved engaged in active
0:55.4	latter-day saint.
0:56.3	Wow.
1:00.6	Well, hello, Scott.
1:02.4	Hello, Casey.
1:03.5	It's good to see you once again.
1:05.3	And I've got to say, this has been a fascinating walk through some lesser-known history.
1:12.4	A lot of interesting stuff that's come up, especially the last couple episodes.
1:16.3	Yeah, I was going to say, in our last couple episodes, we've really gotten into the weeds that are so interesting.
1:21.9	These weeds are so fun.
1:25.0	It's not often that we talk about, you know, out in the open, like clear disagreements
1:30.3	that have happened between church leaders on issues and lessons we can learn from that. But,
	...

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