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Standard of Truth

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat

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.

  1. S1E44 D&C 33

    15 HR AGO • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S1E44 D&C 33

    The episode begins with Richard’s ill-advised 100-hour fast and turns into a discussion of D&C 33. Gerrit shares a story of the remarkable conversion of Ezra Thayer: from railing against “blasphemous wretches” to being pierced by Hyrum Smith’s preaching, electrified simply by opening the Book of Mormon, and reporting visions of angels. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours Our 2026 tours are sold out, but if you would like to join us in the future here is a link to our 2027 tours: ⁠ 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 at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

    59 min

  2. 3 DAYS AGO

    S5E43 Dead and in Hell Part 3

    In this episode, we get back into who is dead and in hell with a discussion of President Zachary Taylor’s secret “mega-state” plan to skip territorial status by fusing the Mexican Cession into two giant states (California and New Mexico) and setting the stage for Deseret, Utah Territory, and next week’s “Who’s Dead and in Hell?” installment.    Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Doctrine and Covenants 115 the revelation that formally names the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours Our 2026 tours are sold out, but if you would like to join us in the future here is a link to our 2027 tours: ⁠ 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 at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

    1h 9m
  3. S1E43 D&C 32

    12 OCT • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S1E43 D&C 32

    In this episode, we trace the “Lamanite mission” of Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson, and show how one short revelation catalyzed the Kirtland explosion: from roughly 100 members to hundreds more in weeks. Along the way we detour (productively) through Alexander Campbell, Sidney Rigdon, and why the term “Reformed Baptist” muddies more than it clarifies. We contrast Calvinist and Arminian currents, ask where ministerial authority comes from, and read Parley Pratt’s own words, his all-night wrestle with the Book of Mormon and his encounter with Hyrum Smith. We also tackle the “problem of evil,” ex nihilo creation, and why early Christian enemies calling believers “atheists” mirrors modern misreadings of Latter-day Saint doctrine.   Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours⁠ Our 2026 tours are sold out, but if you would like to join us in the future here is a link to our 2027 tours: ⁠⁠⁠ 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 at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

    1 hr

  4. 9 OCT

    S5E42 Prescription to Avoid Apostasy

    In this episode, we discuss the most recent General Conference, Thomas B. Marsh’s prescription to avoid apostasy after apostasy and his return to the Church, and why “Mormons” are viewed as a cult. Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): D&C 112 ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email that is rarely monthly: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: 01:31 – Gerrit reflects on empathy and family teachings from Conference. 03:05 – Discussion on emotional reactions to doctrines about marriage and family. 04:30 – Sports-team loyalty as an analogy for emotional reasoning in faith. 07:50 – Mercy and gratitude; Richard’s emotional takeaway from Conference.  08:45 – Cajun-seasoning humor from Elder Amos’ talk; lighthearted recap. 09:30 – Listener email from Mindy, stake RS president; Kristy’s KorneЯ intro. 13:45 – Doctrine & Covenants 112: Thomas B. Marsh revelation overview. 20:40 – Marsh’s pride, Kirtland apostasy, and “rebel not against my servant Joseph.” 23:15 – Missouri conflicts; Marsh’s eventual apostasy and later return. 25:30 – Reading Marsh’s handwritten “Prescription for Apostasy.” 28:55 – Bishop Jepson’s email; humor about accidental promotions. 30:31 – Running joke: the show’s “power” to make listeners bishops. 33:45 – Panama missionary asks why God allows apostasy 36:37 – Gerrit explains apostasy, agency, and salvation for the dead. 42:14 – Couple in hospital email: garments and “Mormons as a cult” questions. 48:41 – History of sacred clothing and the Protestant Reformation. 53:30 – Catholic vs. evangelical views on sacred garments. 56:30 – Why some Christians call Latter-day Saints a cult; creed differences.

    1h 6m
  5. S1E42 D&C 31

    5 OCT • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S1E42 D&C 31

    In this episode, we discuss Zion and the conversion story of Thomas B. Marsh Sign up for our free monthly email (seldom monthly): ⁠ ⁠⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

    1h 6m

  6. 2 OCT

    S5E41 Peacemakers Needed

    In this episode, we reflect on the life and teachings of President Russell M. Nelson and the horrific tragedy in Michigan. Peacemakers Needed: President Russell M. Nelson, April 2023 General Conference https://youtu.be/vQghSMOOYz4?si=J2iZzTDkfRcYSH_n   Forgiving Others: An Easter Message from President Russell M. Nelson https://youtu.be/cb6UGnSEDi4?si=zzkJwvQcmvi9EjYo   The Healing Power of Forgiveness: President James E. Faust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqlNqeRc8KY ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email that is rarely monthly: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠

    58 min
  7. S1E41 D&C 30

    28 SEPT • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    S1E41 D&C 30

    In this episode, we begin with a detour into Rosh Hashanah traditions, feeding ducks, shofars, and an unexpected dinner invitation from a rabbi in Phoenix. Richard shares how his Jewish roots and LDS faith intersect in surprising ways, leading to a fascinating discussion with rabbis about Adam, Eve, agency, and original sin. From there, Gerrit seamlessly pivots to D&C 30, unpacking the aftermath of the Hiram Page seer stone revelations and why this near-schism matters for understanding prophetic authority today. They draw connections between early Church challenges and modern struggles with apostasy, social pressure, and trusting “good people” over living prophets. Sign up for our free monthly email (seldom monthly): ⁠ ⁠⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: 01:24 – Richard explains the Tashlich tradition of casting bread into water before Yom Kippur. 03:26 – Talking heritage: balancing Jewish roots with LDS identity. 04:32 – Memories of Rabbi Zippel and the ease of luring Richard with Judaism or rice tariffs. 05:17 – Dinner with Chabad Phoenix; small community, warm hospitality. 06:04 – Symbolism in a multi-course Jewish meal; Psalms as a spiritual soundtrack. 09:51 – Contrast between Calvinist original sin and LDS reverence for Adam and Eve. 10:50 – Outcasts among Christians and Jews; shared sense of marginalization. 12:27 – Section 30 context: aftermath of Hiram Page’s false revelations. 13:24 – How Seer Stone “revelations” nearly split the early church. 15:14 – Speculation on what Hiram Page may have taught (original sin, baptism). 16:20 – John 9: the blind man healed; Pharisees echo Calvinist ideas of sin. 18:17 – Section 30 as a composite revelation: three parts, three addresses. 20:15 – The Whitmers’ credibility (Three and Eight Witnesses) vs. their susceptibility to deception. 22:18 – David Whitmer’s chastening: fearing man, not God. 24:21 – Application: ignoring spiritual promptings under social pressure. 26:22 – Parallels with Joseph Smith’s struggle to please Martin Harris. 28:25 – Temporal vs. eternal rewards; discipleship requires patience. 30:28 – Even faithful families can be deceived; modern apostasy examples. 32:30 – Peter Whitmer Jr. called to preach with Oliver Cowdery. 36:34 – Why spiritual charisma isn’t proof of truth. 38:36 – Don’t trust in the “arm of flesh”; prophets as guardrails. 42:40 – Heuristics we use for truth; dangers of persuasion by “good people.” 44:42 – Preparing for Conference: receive messages “with patience and faith.” 48:46 – How to listen to Conference prayerfully, with humility. 50:48 – Historian’s caveat: don’t elevate podcasters or influencers above prophets. 52:50 – John Whitmer’s charge; Seneca Falls branch and Parley P. Pratt’s zeal. 54:52 – Pratt as the original “Netflix binger” of the Book of Mormon. 56:54 – Section 30 lessons: don’t be deceived; follow ordained channels.

    59 min

  8. 25 SEPT

    S5E40 Dead and in Hell Part 2

    In this episode, we inch ever closer to identifying the US President that Brigham Young said was dead and in hell.  Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit discusses D&C 107 Sign up for our free monthly email (seldom monthly): ⁠ ⁠⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: 06:03 – First historical example discussed and reactions. 08:04 – Hosts compare perspectives and clarify early details. 10:07 – Beginning of doctrinal discussion with audience tie-ins. 12:10 – Close reading of a historical source with commentary. 14:13 – Analysis continues with theological implications. 16:11 – Host insights on interpretation and cultural context. 18:13 – Comparison of events and how they shaped beliefs. 20:16 – Transition into related doctrine and historical figures. 22:19 – Examples illustrating the broader argument. 24:21 – Reflections on interpretation challenges. 26:23 – Stories and applications to modern understanding. 28:26 – Hosts debate nuance and context around the text. 30:29 – Historical anecdotes supporting key points. 32:31 – Doctrinal implications revisited in greater detail. 34:33 – Questions from one host, answers from the other. 36:35 – Continued analysis with new textual evidence. 38:37 – Transition toward audience application and insights. 40:39 – Lively back-and-forth clarifying interpretations. 42:41 – Broader lessons drawn from the historical record. 44:43 – Anecdotes illustrating theological points. 46:45 – Hosts emphasize takeaways and significance. 48:47 – Final textual comparisons and reflection. 50:49 – 52:50 — Application to modern faith practice.

    1h 12m
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Hosts & Guests

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    419
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2022 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Standard of Truth
  • Provider
    Standard of Truth Podcast

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