Doctrine and Covenants Section 74

Historical Background

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had abandoned the inspired revision of the King James Bible to preach and dispel the myths that were circulating about the Church. Section 73 instructed them to return to that project. This they did. In the course of working on that project they received light and knowledge concerning a New Testament verse: 1 Corinthians 7:14, which reads, “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.”

D&C 74:1-4 A Great Contention

In the days of Paul the Apostle, there was a feeling among Jewish fathers who had not converted to Christianity that their children should be circumcised. Thus, the children, who had a Jewish mother who had converted to Christianity, were circumcised, according to the traditions of the Jews and the law of Moses. According to verse 4, what was the result of this decision?

D&C 74:5 A Commandment, Not of the Lord

What commandment did Paul give the ancient Church concerning marriage between Jewish converts to Christianity and Jews who had not converted? Where did this commandment come from? What is the Lord’s feeling about persons who are not of the same faith marrying one another? Cross-reference: D&C 132:15-17. Is it possible that a husband and wife can be members of the same Church but not have the same faith? Why would it be wise to marry a person who has the same faith as you?

D&C 74:6-7 Little Children Are Holy

The tradition of the Jews was to circumcise their children. Why is that no longer necessary? Cross-reference: D&C 137:10; Moroni 8:19.