We answer a few listeners’ questions about the Joseph Smith Papers and then about the building of temples for Latter-day Saints in the last days. Rex’s Elder’s Quorum President should begin listening at the 17th minute If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com...
Aug 03, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 31
Rex’s Elder’s Quorum President should begin listening at the 8th minute If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com...
Jul 27, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 30
In this episode, we discuss the well-known story of Brigham Young being publicly rebuked by Joseph and its origin. We also discuss who really was the first postmaster of Quebec...the answer may surprise you. Truman Madsen’s speech referencing Brigham Young’s rebuking: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/truman-g-madsen/joseph-smith-teacher-speaker-counselor/ Reference to Brigham Young speaking about Joseph Smith in the first Church conference after he was murdered (beginning on page 672): https://www...
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 29
Gerrit and Richard continue discussing John C. Bennett's role in claiming Joseph Smith ordered Porter Rockwell to murder Boggs and put up a reward for it. They examine what Joseph did say about Boggs and then discuss the California settlement of both the Saints and Boggs and the likely origin of the rumored prophecy...Gerrit can't help himself and mentions the Compromise of 1850 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and goes on a tangent about a scheme to make a Mega Giant California when it first...
Jul 13, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 28
In this two-part conversation, Richard and Gerrit discuss a listener's inquiry about a rumored Joseph Smith prophecy about the death and grave of former Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs, of Extermination Order infamy. Gerrit discusses some of the background surrounding Boggs and of course gets angry about what happened in Missouri. He gets more angry when they start talking about John C. Bennett. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit o...
Jul 06, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 27
We wanted to rerelease our 4th of July Extravaganza episode. What better way to celebrate our nation's independence than rereleasing an episode that talks about how we didn't celebrate the 4th of July in 1845. We think the saints were pretty justified. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questio...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 2
We apologize that we had some sound issues with Richard’s microphone. The good news is that Gerrit’s mic sounds great. In this episode, we begin our discussion on apostles and apostates by discussing the calling of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. We also talked about the inaugural Standard of Truth Tour and gave tour dates for next year. As a service to Rex’s Elders Quorum President the silliness of this episode ends around minute 22 so, please feel free to skip ahead. Subscribe to our free n...
Jun 29, 2023•57 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this episode, we take a swing at recording the podcast in front of a studio audience while on the Standard of Truth Tour's maiden voyage. We talk about the relationship between Joseph and Emma and the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. We wanted to give a special thanks to everyone who joined us on the tour. Usually, we crack a joke here, but we are sincerely grateful for such a wonderful group of people. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack....
Jun 22, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 25
We answer a listener’s question about the actual burial location of Seymour Brunson. It was during his funeral sermon that Joseph Smith first taught the doctrine of baptism for the dead. We discuss how this doctrine was received by Saints then and how it is viewed by other Christians today. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for up...
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 24
We answer a listener’s question about something he heard from a political science professor about Joseph Smith supposedly becoming so frustrated with the administrative headaches of the Church, that he resigned as Prophet and put Hyrum in charge. The idea of resigning from a Church calling intrigues Richard, especially after Ward Council. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any ...
Jun 08, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this episode, we continue our discussion of the “Happiness Letter” and how it came to be regarded as an authentic teaching of the prophet Joseph Smith. Gerrit also answers an emailer’s question about a person being sealed to more than one spouse in the most unsatisfying way possible. Link to The Deseret News “Happiness” article published on December 12, 1855 - https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/desnews1/id/3090/rec/11 Gerrit’s article on the “Happiness Letter” - https://www.j...
Jun 01, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 22
We begin a discussion about one of the most well-known documents in Latter-day Saint history and its provenance. We get to bag on one of the great villains of Latter-day Saint history, John C. Bennett. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com...
May 25, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this episode, we answer a listener's question about an obscure Joseph Smith quote that was once related in General Conference. Richard barely contains his hope that the Lakers make the NBA finals. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com...
May 18, 2023•53 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this episode, we hear from a longsuffering listener and member in Wisconsin, who take a brief break from constantly filling baptismal fonts to let us know there are members still in Wisconsin. We discuss a rising trend/movement among Church members to adamantly reject that Joseph Smith used seer stones placed into a hat (in order to block out the light) to translate the Book of Mormon. We discuss the multiple Church publications and statements on the topic. Subscribe to our free newsletter...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 19
As it is the season when many missionaries receive their callings, we want to help provide additional resources for mission prep. In this episode, we replay a premium episode from Holy Places from Our Past (#CrinklingLeaves) that discusses the historical context around D&C Sections 4 and 5 which include the miraculous events that led to Joseph Smith meeting Oliver Cowdery. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.stan...
May 04, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 18
As it is the season when many missionaries receive their callings, we want to help provide additional resources for mission prep. In this episode, we replay a premium episode from Joseph Smith and the Restoration that discusses the Great Apostasy. We talk about the immediate problems that arise for Paul as the Gospel spreads to the Gentiles. To understand the restoration, we need to gain an understanding of what was lost and what is being restored. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https:/...
Apr 27, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 17
In this episode, we discuss some of the topics that are important to study as you prepare to serve a mission. Gerrit also shares several stories of early missionary work in the Church. If you would like the links to the episodes that discuss the missionary preparation topics, please sign up for the newsletter. The link is below: Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or pos...
Apr 20, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 16
In this episode, we answer a missionary's inquiry about antagonistic claims that Joseph Smith and his family performed animal sacrifices. Richard also gets fact-checked on his NCAA tournament sports picks. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If yo...
Apr 13, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 3Ep. 15
We respond to a listener's question about a sacred ordinance and another listener's question about whether or not we are truly free to act if God has omniscience. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com...
Apr 06, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 13
In this episode, we discuss the documents that the Church chooses to make public versus those they decide to keep private. Yup, archive talk. If that doesn't do it for you, we also lovely make fun of Canada. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have...
Mar 30, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 12
Last week we said we were going to answer this question. This week we do, kind of, part of it. In this episode, we answer a listener’s email about the changing name of the Church, from the Church of Christ to The Church of Latter Day Saints to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruth...
Mar 23, 2023•52 min•Season 3Ep. 12
I mean, maybe, we don’t know. In this episode, we respond to a listener's email about whether we choose our families in the premortal existence or are assigned them in a more random way. Gerrit references a talk by Brigham Young, a dream by Mosiah Hancock, and the documentary film Saturday’s Warrior. Mosiah Hancock Autobiography: http://boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/MHancock.html Did we choose our families and spouses in the premortal life: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2016/06/t...
Mar 16, 2023•49 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode, we receive one of the greatest emails in Standard of Truth Podcast history where the emailer lists all of the subjects we claimed we would talk about and then never actually talk about. We respond to a comment by a pastor who talks about the people that are saved and the people who will burn in the fires of hell. Spoiler alert, Latter-day saints make it on his “naughty” list. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, Ju...
Mar 09, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode, we discuss the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible and spend some time on the Sermon on the Mount. We also read an email about how popular the podcast is with arrested criminals in the back of police cars. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftrut...
Mar 02, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this episode, a listener asks some questions stemming from their visit to the “School of the Prophets” of an apostate group. The discussion revolves around the age-old question of “How can we know what it is that we know?” We discuss some of the conflated ways apostates and critics misuse historical sources in order to bolster their religious claims. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/to...
Feb 23, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 3Ep. 8
In this bonus episode, Richard fires away random questions to Gerrit from the fun for Latter-day Saint family game "Blast from the Past". #RIPMillardFillmore Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday June 5th through Sunday June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for ...
Feb 20, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode, we respond to a listener’s inquiry about a woman who tragically died during her baptism in England in 1843. We discuss the various accounts (they got this from a game they were playing) surrounding the incident and Latter-day Saint persecution in England at the time. Join us on the Standard of Truth Tour (a few slots still available): Monday, June 5th through Sunday, June 11th - https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast....
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Season 3Ep. 7
A listener’s question about an oft repeated attack on the Church, is part of our discussion on sources. An antagonist claimed that Joseph Smith said Quakers were living on the moon. We investigate the sources behind that claim. Subscribe to our free newsletter - https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/ Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com...
Feb 09, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode we start by responding to a missionary’s question about the Illuminati’s involvement in the temple ceremony…spoiler alert, there wasn’t any involvement by the Illuminati on the temple ceremony. Or at least that is what they would have us believe. We answer a question about the documents surrounding the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Subscribe to our free newsletter Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of disc...
Feb 02, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 5
We respond to a listener’s inquiry about the identity of the two prophets whose deaths in Jerusalem are prophesied of in Revelation. They ask a question about a talk from our favorite speaker and theologian, Truman Madsen. We provide sources from Joseph Smith and even read another non-canonical early Christian gospel to explain where the ideas come from. Truman G. Madsen’s talk on Elijah’s Mission: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/truman-g-madsen/elijahs-mission/ Subscribe to our free newsletter P...
Jan 26, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 4
