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Standard of Truth

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaatstandardoftruth.podbean.com
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.
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Episodes

S5E5 Great Rebukes from Church History: Almon Babbitt

In this episode, we examine some of the greatest rebukes in the Doctrine and Covenants. There are just so many people who refuse to follow the Lord’s direction that the list is long. Gerrit spends a decent amount of time on Almon Babbitt. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out monthly) email: ⁠ ⁠https:/...

Jan 30, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 5

S5E4 D&C 3 Part 2

In the thrilling conclusion of D&C 3 Gerrit begins with a story of Joseph’s stagecoach ride from Harmony to Palmyra. Gerrit paints the picture of the despair in the Smith home when Martin comes to tell share the news about the stolen 116 pages. No matter what you have done in your life reflect upon the state of Joseph Smith after the 116 pages we stolen and read D&C 3 verse 10: “But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the command...

Jan 23, 202547 minSeason 5Ep. 4

S5E3 D&C 3 Part 1

In this episode, Gerrit discusses Doctrine and Covenants section 3. Gerrit spends this episode providing context for the section. This can be one of the most profound revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants when we understand the context. There is a lot of discussion of everyone’s favorite Lucy Harris. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (10 spots available) Sign up for our free monthly (that do...

Jan 16, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 3

S5B1 Search These Commandments and a New Theme Song

In this bonus episode, Richard makes his Super Bowl picks and Gerrit talks about how we will be weaving Search These Commandments in and out of the premium content. As an example we will be releasing D&C 3 on the free side. We also share a new theme song that comes from a friend of the show. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (10 spots available) Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go ...

Jan 13, 202518 minSeason 5Ep. 1

S5E2 Can Satan Repent?

In this episode, Gerrit discusses a question from a litner’s nonmember brother-in-law. Can Satan repent? Not that he would, but if he could is that option available? Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (10 spots available) Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out monthly) email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for ...

Jan 09, 20251 hr 7 minSeason 5Ep. 2

S5E1 Joseph Smith Raising the Dead

In this episode, we answer a litner’s question about a story they heard about Joseph Smith raising someone from the dead in Nauvoo. Many may not be aware of this, but apparently, the flood plains of the Mississippi River may have an above-average number of mosquitos and there is a breakout of malaria that leaves many Saints nigh unto death. Gerrit shares several miraculous experiences performed in Nauvoo during this malaria breakout. Gerrit also shares a story told by Levi Curtis about William H...

Jan 02, 20251 hr 11 minSeason 5Ep. 1

S4E52 The Importance of the Temple (Interview with President Roggero)

In this episode, we share an interview that Gerrit had with one of our younger litners, JT, and we also share an interview that Gerrit and I had with President Roggero, the district president for the Rio Gallegos district in Argentina. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out monthly) email: ⁠ ⁠https://st...

Dec 26, 202455 minSeason 4Ep. 52

S4E51 Fallacies, Forgeries, and Football

In this episode, Gerrit shares a story about a fight that broke out in a BYU football game on Christmas Day in their second season. He also shared several stories about letters and documents he has recently come across. Team Photo of the BYA Football Team: http://www.byhigh.org/History/SportsHistory/1896-BYA-1st-Football-Team-650x492-a.jpg Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – Aug...

Dec 19, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 4Ep. 51

S4E50 Has the Day of Miracles Ceased?

In this episode, we discuss the Sweetwater Rescue temple trip to Buenos Aires with the Saints of Rio Gallegos. We talk about the Lord’s hand in the miraculous events of our daily life. They run out of time to play a message from President Roggero and will have to put it on next week’s episode. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th Sign up for our free...

Dec 12, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 4Ep. 50

S4E49 Additional Witnesses of the Gold Plates Part 2

In this episode, we begin with a discussion of the anti-Mormon claim that others should have seen the angel Moroni as he appeared to Joseph in a room where his other siblings were sleeping. Gerrit goes on to discuss Lyman Johnson’s witness of the Gold Plates. Lyman ends up leaving the Church and despite being responsible for much of the apostasy in Kirtland, when Lyman moves to Nauvoo Joseph expresses his love Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tour...

Dec 05, 20241 hr 18 minSeason 4Ep. 49

S4E48 Additional Witnesses of the Gold Plates Part 1

In this episode, Gerrit shares stories about additional witnesses of the Gold Plates. We discuss Mary Whitmer and Josiah Stoal’s witness of the Gold Plates and talk about Emma’s experience with translation. Also, early evidence suggests that the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission is the smartest mission in the Church. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9t...

Nov 28, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 48

S4E47 Where is Zion?

In this episode, we discuss a litner’s email about the location of Zion and Gerrit shares a lesser-known quotes from Joseph Smith from one of his last sermons. Gerrit also share a sermon from Brigham Young about Zion. “When I heard brother Joseph make his proclamation yesterday about North and South America, I thought it was a sweepstakes.” – Brigham Young Websters 1828 definition of sweepstakes: “A man that wins it all” “Do all the good we can and as little harm as possible. And any man or woma...

Nov 21, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 4Ep. 47

S4E46 Questions About Eternal Sealings

In this episode, Gerrit’s dander is way up as we focus on a question from a litner about celestial marriage. A wonderful sister who was baptized later in life has a husband who has no desire to join the Church, and she wanted to know the opportunity for eternal marriage for people like her. Gerrit shares a quote from Joseph Smith about those who “die in Jesus Christ” Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June...

Nov 14, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 4Ep. 46

S4E45 Sidney Rigdon’s Apostasy Part 3

In this episode, we begin with a discussion of academic procrastination and how desperate Richard’s dissertation committee is to read about implied referrals. We look at Rigdon’s movement away from the teachings of the Prophet Joseph. Gerrit shares the things Rigdon was saying publicly verses things he shared privately showing how Sidney was not being an honest broker. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through Ju...

Nov 07, 20241 hr 22 minSeason 4Ep. 45

S4E44 Sidney Rigdon’s Apostasy Part 2

In this episode, we begin with a discussion of the impact of Sidney Rigdon’s tarring and feathering injuries on his mental health. We then move to Sydney Rigdon's attack on Joseph Smith and the Quorum of the Twelve and his founding of the Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite). Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠...

Oct 31, 20241 hr 9 minSeason 4Ep. 44

S4E43 Sidney Rigdon’s Apostasy Part 1

In this episode, Gerrit discusses the claim that President Joseph Fielding Smith destroyed pages of Joseph Smith’s history so that the saints wouldn’t be upset with some of the things found in the history. Gerrit also destroys Sidney Rigdon’s claims to lead the Church after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith. THANK YOU to all of those who donated to Sweetwater Rescue. You have donated over $38,000 to pay for 100 members of the Rio Gallegos District to go to the Buenos Aires Temple the week of...

Oct 24, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 43

S4E42 Following the Prophet Joseph Smith After his Death

In this episode, we read a couple of missionary emails and talk about why the Church is mocked. We discuss our experience at the premier of the movie 6 Days in August and go on to talk about how Brigham Young follows the Prophet Joseph Smith and his teachings after Joseph and Hyrum’s death. Link to The Prodigal Son: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meBiSt4NgkI⁠ Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th ...

Oct 17, 202456 minSeason 4Ep. 42

S4E41 Six Days in August

In this episode, we begin with a celebration of the Milwaukee, Wisconsin temple. We play everyone’s favorite game “Fun with General Conference”. We discuss the historical context behind the movie Six Days in August which is a dramatization of the succession crisis after the murder of Joseph Smith. Six Days in August Trailer: https://youtu.be/8JcNJzfDtyY?si=Fa7lKg2yUyOaATpd Where to find the film: https://witnessesfilm.com Picture of Gerrit as a missionary in Wisconsin: https://drive.google.com/f...

Oct 10, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 4Ep. 41

S4B7 Standard of Truth Tour, the People Cry Out

In this bonus episode, we play a recording that we did on the 2024 standard to tour in Palmyra. We hear the comments of tour participants and the things that they liked the most about the tour. We hope that you enjoy this bonus episode and that you are having a lovely conference weekend. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th Sign up for our free month...

Oct 06, 202427 minSeason 4Ep. 6

S4E40 The Essential Answers to the Most Important Questions Part 2

In this episode, we continue a deeper theological discussion of the problem of evil and what happens to the billions upon billions of people who never hear the name Jesus let alone be given the opportunity to accept Him. Gerrit’s dander is way up. In fact, in this episode on the Gerrit Dander Meter we are at a 93. Is that high? We have no frame of reference but 93 sure seems high. Joseph Smith sermon Gerrit reads from during the episode: https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-...

Oct 03, 20241 hr 33 minSeason 4Ep. 40

S4E39 The Essential Answers to the Most Important Questions Part 1

In this episode, we discuss the theological impact of the restored gospel on Christianity. Most if not all of us have family or friends that have had a crisis of faith over some aspect of the church, church, history, or doctrine. Many of these people leave the church while still having a strong love and belief in Jesus Christ. We discussed the false choice that exists between the teachings that come through revelation in the restoring gospel and mainstream Christianity. We play several audio cli...

Sep 26, 20241 hr 33 minSeason 4Ep. 39

S4E38 Super Special Secret Source on Polygamy?

In this episode, Gerrit discusses a book that was randomly sent to a litner, Joseph Smith Revealed: A Faithful Telling: Exploring an Alternate Polygamy Narrative. Gerrit provides an academic breakdown of the argument taking it apart piece by piece. Richard provides a slightly less comprehensive review by calling the book stupid. In these highly charged political times The Standard of Truth Podcast finally takes a controversial stance. We stand with Connecticut against the 3rd Amendment. Cynical ...

Sep 19, 20241 hr 16 minSeason 4Ep. 38

S4E37 Secret Ways to Prepare for the Second Coming

We continue our discussion on President George Albert Smith’s apocalyptic vision and Gerrit shares other quotes and warnings from modern prophets on how to prepare for the great calamities and signs of the times of the Second Coming. In addition, Richard accused Gerrit of being wealthy enough to have the Disney Channel in his youth. Richard is proven incorrect as the cartoon Gummi Bears originally appeared on NBC from 1985 to 1989, season 5 was on ABC, and only aired on the Disney Channel with s...

Sep 12, 20241 hr 6 minSeason 4Ep. 37

S4E36 George Albert Smith’s Apocalyptic Vision

The Standard of Truth Podcast is nothing if not hip to the kids and current social media trends. Recently a recollection of an apocalyptic vision attributed to George Albert Smith has been making its way around the interwebs. In this episode, we go through the vision and the original source. BYU archived source: https://archives.lib.byu.edu/repositories/ltpsc/resources/upb_mss6105 Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd ...

Sep 05, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 4Ep. 36

S4E35 Changes to the Aaronic Priesthood

The episode begins with a TREMENDOUS amount of gratitude for those who donated to Sweetwater Rescue’s fundraiser to help Latter-day Saints in Rio Gallegos get to the temple ( https://www.sweetwaterrescue.org ). Gerrit answers litner’s questions about the changes made to Aaronic Priesthood offices and responsibilities. Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us ...

Aug 29, 20241 hr 36 minSeason 4Ep. 35

S4E34 Sweetwater Rescue

Gerrit is asked for his favorite story from Church history, leading to a discussion of the rescue of the Willie and Martin handcart companies at the Sweetwater River. Richard talks about the organization Sweetwater Rescue and their goal to help people get to the temple. He shares a miraculous story about saints in southern Argentina and the work being done to help them. Sweetwater Rescue website: ⁠https://www.sweetwaterrescue.org⁠ President Hinckley's conference address about the Sweetwater Resc...

Aug 22, 202459 minSeason 4Ep. 34

S4E33 Theory for the Origin of the Book of Mormon

Attacking the Book of Mormon is a staple of anti-Mormon commentary, however, the fact that it exists creates a problem. There are many theories about the origin of the Book of Mormon that attempt to explain it away and in this episode, we explore a lesser-known theory. Gerrit also makes a definitive statement that Joseph Smith did not steal the line “I have dreamed a dream” (1 Nephi 8:2) from the 1980 musical Les Misérables. Gerrit also sets up the context of one of his favorite stories from Chu...

Aug 15, 20241 hrSeason 4Ep. 33

S4E32 Questions About Joseph Smith

We start the episode by providing an answer to a litner’s email, if they could choose the date for their child to be born, what date from Church history would Gerrit choose. We then go on to answer the following questions about Joseph Smith from a missionary’s email: What was Joseph Smith’s education? What was Joseph’s military service? What were Joseph’s financial circumstances? What were some of the radical teachings from the Prophet Joseph Smith? Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ https://...

Aug 08, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 4Ep. 32

S4E31 Joseph Smith Removed as Prophet Part 2

In this episode, Gerrit’s dander and blood pressure both continue to remain way up as he continues to refute the assertion that Joseph was in any way a fallen prophet. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22 nd through June 28 th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3 rd through August 9 th Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us ...

Aug 04, 20241 hr 13 minSeason 4Ep. 31

S4E30 Lectures on Faith and Joseph Smith Removed as Prophet Part 1

We begin with a discussion about the author of Lectures on Faith and why was it removed from the Doctrine and Covenants. Then the episode takes a sharp turn as Gerrit refutes an argument made on social media that Joseph Smith was taken from the earth because he refused to practice polygamy. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ https://standardoftrut...

Jul 25, 20241 hrSeason 4Ep. 30
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