Standard of Truth
Religion & Spirituality
About
The purpose of this podcast is to help Latter-Day Saints better understand their history and increase their faith. The podcast hosted by Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU.
Episodes
- S6E18 The United Order and Tyler Too
This episode discusses early Utah Saints' cooperative economics, specifically the United Order, and analyzes a 1866–67 Inspector General's report. It also touches on the Articles of Agreement from the St. George United Order and a ranking…
- S6E17 Jingle Bells and the United Order
This episode features a temple story from Kenya and listener emails. The history of "Jingle Bells" is discussed, and a question about the United Order is posed for a future episode.
- S6E16 Gathering in Missouri to Move Irrigation Pipe
This episode explores the doctrine of Latter-day Saints gathering in Missouri to build the New Jerusalem, examining its historical development through early revelations and Brigham Young's teachings to the present day. The hosts also share…
- S6E16 In Preparation of the First Vision (premium JSR)
This episode from the Standard of Truth podcast is a previously aired premium episode from Joseph Smith and the Restoration. It focuses on the preparation for the First Vision.
- S6E15 The Book of Enoch Part 5 (City of Zion)
This episode of the Standard of Truth podcast explores the Book of Enoch, Catholic apostolic authority, and Joseph Smith's teachings. The discussion also includes Hyrum Smith's perspective on faith and Orson Pratt's vision of the City of E…
- S6E14 The Book of Enoch Part 4 (Joseph Smith's Teachings)
This episode of the Standard of Truth podcast discusses Latter-day Saint teachings about infant children and Joseph Smith's revelations in the Book of Moses relating to Enoch. It also covers how these revelations compare to the apocryphal…
- S6E13 The CES Letter and Polygamy
This episode covers the origins and shortcomings of the CES Letter, Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage, and global polygamy statistics. It also addresses the notion that polygamy was divinely commanded and offers advice regarding a…
- S6E12 The Book of Enoch Part 3 (TERTULLIAN!!!!)
This episode features discussions on March Madness statistics, LDS doctrine concerning IVF and embryos, and responses to common anti-Mormon arguments. The hosts also continue their Book of Enoch series, examining how historical figures lik…
- S6B2 Standard of Truth Dead and in Hell March Madness Bracket Buster Challenge
This bonus episode of Standard of Truth prepares for the NCAA tournament, discussing team names and providing predictions for the March Madness Bracket Buster Challenge. Listeners are invited to join their challenge.
- S6E11 The Day Bernie Came Inside
This episode discusses a culinary textbook crediting "Joseph Young" with the founding of the Church and a missionary's question about the Book of Mormon. Also shared is a Walgreens VHS story ending with a strong testimony.
- S6E10 Live! With Chocolate-Flavored Candy and Zero Tertullian
This episode of Standard of Truth features a live discussion on Angel Moroni stories, the dating of the First Vision, Hyrum Smith's prophetic role concerning the Word of Wisdom, and the experiences of Emmeline Anderson during the Battle of…
- S6E9 Prepare, Don’t Predict the Second Coming
This episode of Standard of Truth discusses how some YouTube voices use out-of-context quotes attributed to Joseph Smith to fuel end-times predictions. It emphasizes the importance of source quality and corroboration, noting that poorly so…
- S6E8 The Book of Enoch Part 2 (Giants in the Land)
This episode discusses theological implications regarding angels in modern media and explores the apocryphal Book of Enoch. The hosts examine why the work was significant to early Christians, how it is referenced in Jude, and its narrative…
- S6E7 The Book of Enoch Part 1
This episode discusses the Book of Enoch and responds to listener emails. It also references a historical footrace won by George D. Watt in 1837.
- S6E6 Gadianton Robbers Part 4 (Heavenly Travel)
This episode explores Brigham Young's funeral sermon regarding the nature of the afterlife and embodied beings. It examines the perspective that death removes physical limitations and allows individuals to move and perceive locations with…
- S6E5 Gadianton Robbers Part 3 (Brigham Young Sermon)
This episode of the Standard of Truth podcast discusses a sermon by Brigham Young, which Wilford Woodruff considered one of his greatest. The hosts also respond to an email about signs of the Savior's Second Coming.
- S6E4 Gadianton Robbers Part 2 (the Spirit World)
This episode explores concepts of the spirit world, including paradise and prison, by examining biblical texts and the teachings of Joseph Smith. The hosts also share updates regarding upcoming podcast events and tour information.
- S6E3 Gadianton Robbers Part 1
The hosts discuss the philosophical challenge of suffering in relation to faith and explore local Utah folklore regarding Gadianton robbers. They also share a potential announcement about a future fundraising event for temple trips to Keny…
- S6E2 President Holland and Avoiding Deception
In this episode, the hosts offer a tribute to President Holland and discuss a fraudulent email posing as an official communication from the Church. They also address a listener inquiry regarding Joseph Smith's successor and review a scient…
- S6B1 D&C 24 Part 2
This episode concludes the discussion on Doctrine and Covenants 24. It covers agricultural topics like buckwheat, theological concepts of consecration, and connects President Holland’s admonition to Oliver Cowdery’s call.
- S6E1 Book of Moses and D&C 24
This episode of Standard of Truth explores the history of the Book of Moses and the persecution of early Saints in Colesville. The discussion details Joseph Smith's experiences with vigilantes and the legal challenges faced by converts dur…
- S5E53 Merry Christmas and Dead and in Hell Part 10, the Finale
In this final installment of a ten-part series, the hosts discuss the topic of who is dead and in hell. The episode also features Gerrit’s testimony of the Savior and His atoning sacrifice.
- S5E52 Dead and in Hell Part 9 (and the Bee Gees)
In this episode, the hosts discuss Judge Perry Brocchus’s 1851 Bowery speech, Brigham Young’s response, and the subsequent accusations of sedition against the Saints. The episode also includes a mailbag segment and a lighthearted discussio…
- S5E51 Dead and in Hell Part 8 (and Official Declaration 1)
Gerrit explores the discourse on polygamy between Joseph Smith III and Joseph F. Smith. The episode also introduces Judge Brocchus and early Utah politics, and includes a lesson on Official Declaration 1.
- S5E50 Dead and NOT in Hell, Alvin Smith
This episode examines D&C 137:5-7 and Joseph Smith’s reflections on the salvation of his brother, Alvin. The discussion focuses on the theological implications of those who die without a formal knowledge of the gospel.
- S5B15 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 135 Part 3
In this episode, the hosts examine various accounts regarding the death of Joseph Smith at Carthage, including the William Daniels account which claims Smith was executed by a firing squad after falling to the ground.
- S5B14 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 135 Part 2
In this episode, the hosts continue their discussion on the events surrounding the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. They examine a letter from Joseph Smith to Governor Thomas Ford, an account from John Taylor, and John Taylor's 1854 te…
- S5B13 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 135 Part 1
This episode discusses the events leading up to the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail. Topics include Joseph Smith's presidential campaign and the political and internal pressures facing the Church at that time.
- S5E49 Dead and in Hell Part 7
This episode explores the theological understanding of Heavenly Father's physical body and Joseph Smith's teachings on the 'trial of Abraham.' Additionally, it examines Daniel H. Wells’s 1878 address regarding the experiences of early Latt…
- S5E48 Dead and in Hell Part 6
This episode addresses a listener question about a former Church member and explores the early Utah territorial period. Topics include pioneer celebrations, historical figures, and discussions on polygamy, alongside a lesson prep segment o…
- S5E47 Dead and in Hell Part 5
This episode of Standard of Truth covers the Sweetwater Rescue fundraiser results, listener appreciation, and continues the "Who’s Dead and in Hell" series. Topics include William Smith, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Stephen Douglas, a…
- S5E46 Dead and in Hell Part 4
This episode covers the Sweetwater Rescue fundraiser, a study of D&C 124 and 126, and a discussion regarding the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonites). The hosts also include a segment on township trivia and provide a preview of future co…
- S5E45 Changes to the Section Headings and Polygamy
This episode covers recent changes made to the section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants, with a focus on section 132 regarding polygamy. The hosts also discuss a fundraiser for Sweetwater Rescue’s Nairobi Kenya Temple Trip and provid…
- S5E44 Letters from Liberty
This episode discusses the historical context of letters written by Joseph Smith in March 1839, which form the basis for Doctrine and Covenants sections 121–123. The discussion explores the circumstances of the Saints in Missouri and the m…
- S5E43 Dead and in Hell Part 3
This episode explores President Zachary Taylor's plan to create two large states from the Mexican Cession, impacting the development of Deseret and the Utah Territory. The segment also covers Doctrine and Covenants 115 regarding the naming…
- S5E42 Prescription to Avoid Apostasy
This episode explores General Conference reflections, the history of Thomas B. Marsh, and his prescription for avoiding apostasy. The hosts also address listener questions regarding why Latter-day Saints are sometimes perceived as a cult a…
- S5E41 Peacemakers Needed
This episode reflects on the teachings of President Russell M. Nelson regarding being a peacemaker, as well as the tragedy in Michigan. The discussion also touches upon the themes of forgiveness.
- S5E40 Dead and in Hell Part 2
In this episode, the hosts continue their search to identify the US President Brigham Young stated was dead and in hell. The episode also features Gerrit discussing D&C 107 in a segment titled Kristy's KorneЯ.
- S5E39 Dead and in Hell Part 1
In part one of this deep dive, the hosts examine the historical claims regarding Brigham Young’s reported comments about a U.S. president. The episode further explores the relationship between Brigham Young, James K. Polk, and the formatio…
- S5E38 Orson Hyde and the Prophecy of the Civil War Part 2
This episode continues the discussion on Orson Hyde's letter to the Missouri Republican regarding the American Civil War and Utah's statehood quest. Additional segments cover the Christian understanding of the Trinity, lessons from unanswe…
- S5E37 Orson Hyde and the Prophecy of the Civil War Part 1
This episode explores Orson Hyde’s 1861 commentary on the American Civil War, discusses the concept of putting Church history topics "on a shelf," and addresses listener questions regarding faith and Church history. The hosts also provide…
- S5B13 Sweetwater Rescue Lithuania - Interview with President Rissi
In this bonus episode of Standard of Truth, Richard interviews Lithuania District President Rissi regarding a recent trip to the Helsinki, Finland Temple.
- S5E36 Sealed Portion of the Plates
This episode explores the sealed portion of the plates, examining accounts from Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, as well as commentary from Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and David Whitmer.
- S5B12 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 3
In this rereleased episode of Standard of Truth, the hosts discuss Doctrine and Covenants 93, focusing on the nature of mankind in relation to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
- S5B11 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, the hosts continue their discussion of Doctrine and Covenants Section 93. They explore the historical context and the revelation's insights into the nature of Jesus Christ.
- S5B10 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 1
This episode of Standard of Truth re-examines Doctrine and Covenants 93, a foundational Joseph Smith revelation. The discussion explores this revelation in the context of broader Christian understandings of the nature of God, Christ, and h…
- S5E35 Women and the Sacrament
In this episode, the hosts discuss the historical changes to the sacrament and address a listener's question regarding women's participation in its administration.
- S5B9 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 91 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, the hosts discuss the 19th-century Latter-day Saint perspective on the Apocrypha, including references to 2 Esdras and the lost 10 tribes. The discussion provides context for the revelation found in Doctrine and…
- S5B8 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 91 Part 1
This episode examines the history of the Apocrypha and the context surrounding Joseph Smith's revelation regarding it, as addressed in Doctrine and Covenants section 91.
- S5B7 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 89 Part 2
In this episode of Standard of Truth, the hosts explore the historical evolution of the Word of Wisdom within the Church up to its current practice. This is a rereleased episode.