Why Some Sections of the Doctrine and Covenants Were Removed in the Teachings and Commandments
Each year, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dedicate their study to a volume of scripture through the Come, Follow Me program. In 2025, the focus has returned to the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C)—the collection of revelations given mostly through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
I love these scriptures. I still gather with fellow Latter-day Saints to study them each week. Most of these revelations are the words of Joseph Smith, the man whom God called to usher in the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Yet, as I’ve studied these revelations over a lifetime, I have encountered serious and difficult questions. Why were certain early revelations lost, altered, or removed? Why were some sections added that Joseph Smith never taught, wrote, or canonized himself? These questions have led me—and many others—to seek a more accurate record of the words that God revealed through Joseph.
In the Teachings and Commandments (T&C)—a restored and clarified version of scripture used by those who have entered into the Covenant of Christ—some sections of the Doctrine and Covenants have been removed because they were either altered after Joseph Smith’s death, or were not part of the original revelations he received.
This post explains why certain sections were left out of the T&C. It is not meant to criticize or attack the faith of my fellow Saints, but rather to share the reasons behind these changes.
Why Were Certain Sections Excluded?
Each section of scripture that was excluded from the T&C was carefully reviewed for authenticity, authorship, and doctrinal consistency. Below are some of the most significant sections that were removed and the reasons why (Here is a more complete list):
1. Section 101 (1835 Edition) – The Original Marriage Statement
- This section taught that marriage was to be between one man and one woman and that polygamy was not a doctrine of the church.
- The LDS Church later removed this section, replacing it with D&C 132 to justify plural marriage.
- The Teachings and Commandments does not include this section because it was not authored by Joseph or Hyrum, and was removed by Brigham Young to conceal the fact that Joseph Smith opposed polygamy.
2. Section 110 – The Kirtland Temple Vision
- This section claims that Elijah, Moses, and others appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836.
- The earliest contemporary records of the event do not include any mention of this supposed visitation.
- The account did not appear in any published church history during Joseph’s lifetime and was inserted into the Doctrine and Covenants 50 years later.
- Because the authenticity of this vision is in question, it was removed from the T&C.
- It is especially suspect because it mentions the transmission of keys from Elijah, which did not take place. They were shown, but not conferred (See Elijah Reconsidered).
- A replacement was given by the Lord and is found in the Answer to Prayer for Covenant (T&C 157:26-32)
3. Section 132 – The Polygamy Revelation
- Perhaps the most controversial section, D&C 132, was introduced by Brigham Young to justify plural marriage.
- There is no evidence that Joseph Smith ever taught or wrote this revelation, at least not in the form it is in the D&C today. The original manuscript is not in his handwriting.
- Emma Smith, Joseph’s wife, rejected this revelation in it’s present form, stating it was not from her husband.
- Because Joseph Smith never practiced or taught polygamy, and because D&C 132 contradicts his other teachings on marriage, it was removed from the T&C.
- A replacement was given in the Answer to Prayer for Covenant and is found in T&C 157:34-43
4. Sections 136 & 138 – Brigham Young’s & Joseph F. Smith’s Additions
- Section 136 was added by Brigham Young, who claimed it was a revelation from God after Joseph’s death.
- Section 138 was added in 1918 by President Joseph F. Smith regarding the spirit world.
- Because these were not Joseph Smith’s revelations, they were not included in the Teachings and Commandments.
What Was Added Back? The Restoration of the Lectures on Faith
While some sections were removed due to questionable origins, one major portion of scripture was restored in the T&C: The Lectures on Faith.
- The Lectures on Faith were originally included in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants as the “Doctrine” portion of the book.
- These lectures were taught by Joseph Smith himself and formed the core theological foundation of the early church.
- In 1921, the LDS Church removed them without any revelation or sustaining vote.
- Because these teachings are essential to understanding faith, priesthood, and the nature of God, they have been restored in the Teachings and Commandments.
How Can We Know the Truth?
This can be a difficult subject. I understand how unsettling it may be to learn that some sections of the Doctrine and Covenants were altered or added after Joseph’s death. Many faithful members believe that everything in the LDS scriptures today is inspired and untouched, but the historical record tells a different story.
For me, the most important question is: What did God actually reveal through Joseph Smith?
- The Doctrine and Covenants has undergone many changes over time.
- The Teachings and Commandments seeks to restore the pure and original revelations given to Joseph Smith.
- Additional revelations have been given through Denver Snuffer, whom I believe is the Lord’s servant today, sent to complete the Restoration.
I do not expect every Latter-day Saint to agree with this conclusion. Most faithful members believe that Russell M. Nelson is the Lord’s prophet today. I respect that belief—and I still love and fellowship with my LDS brothers and sisters.
However, I personally believe that the Restoration did not end with Joseph Smith. The Lord is still speaking, and the truths that were once lost are being restored today through Denver Snuffer. Some may feel the Lord only speaks through President Russell M. Nelson. I do not believe that.
An Invitation to Study & Pray
I invite every sincere seeker of truth to study the history of these revelations and to pray about what is right.
- Read the Lectures on Faith and see how they deepen your understanding of faith, priesthood, and God’s nature.
- Compare D&C 132 to Joseph Smith’s true teachings and ask if he really taught or practiced polygamy (I refer you to this post on polygamy).
- Study Denver Snuffer’s writings and ask if he fulfills the prophecies of the last days.
I share this with love and respect for all my fellow Latter-day Saints. God is moving again. The Restoration is still unfolding. The Heavens are open. I hope we can have the courage to seek truth wherever it may be found. It can be a difficult thing to even begin to consider that the LDS church was misled by Brigham Young after the death of the prophet Joseph Smith, but it’s true.
Final Thoughts
This has been a difficult journey for me. Carol is still very dedicated and committed to the LDS Church. I withdrew my membership in 2014 (see my story). I know that discussing these topics may be uncomfortable for some. But I love the scriptures. I love the words of Joseph Smith. And I love the truth. After years of continued study, I remain convinced, converted, and wholly persuaded that the Lord is working through channels other than the LDS Church to prepare a people for Zion.
The Teachings and Commandments is a step toward restoring the pure revelations that God originally gave. For those who are ready, I invite you to seek further light and knowledge. God is still speaking today. Are we listening? We will be voting on new scripture. Consider participating in the upcoming April 12th conference or the April 13th conference to learn more. You can review the proposed new scripture there.
