Standard of Truth
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
In this episode, we review General Conference 2 weeks late with a segment we like to call “Fun with General Conference”. Gerrit answers a litner question about how the Book of Mormon was distributed and Joseph and Hyrum’s preaching to the Native Americans. Richard’s dander is way up after reading a question about Mary Magdalene. Gerrit provides the history of the genesis of Mary’s bad reputation. As always, we depart slightly from ...
In this Easter special, we explore the profound teachings about the Savior's suffering in Gethsemane and its eternal implications. We discuss how early Latter-day Saints grappled with the concepts of repentance, eternal punishment, and the infinite nature of Christ's atonement. We also explore the radical truths in D&C 19 that challenge the prevailing 19th-century Protestant beliefs by emphasizing a...
In this episode, we dive into a discussion about misconceptions surrounding "The Sound of Music," particularly the differences between the movie and the original Broadway play. The conversation then transitions to a look at an upcoming groundbreaking publication in the Latter-day Saint Historical Studies journal, featuring newly uncovered secret police files on the treatment of Latter-...
This week, Gerrit and Richard discuss the powerful symbolism of Elijah’s appearance during Passover and its profound connection to both Jewish traditions and Latter-day Saint teachings.
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In this episode, we explore a listener’s question: Are Latter-day Saints Christians if they don’t believe in the Trinity? Gerrit unpacks the theological and historical roots of Trinitarian Christianity, oneness Pentecostalism, and modalism and explains why other Christians often say Latter-day Saints “worship a different Jesus.” We also discuss Nephi’s reminiscent account in the small plates.
Episodes Discussing Trinitarian Theol...
In this episode, we revisit a popular format of playing a clip and listening to Gerrit's dander levels increase. We have 6 clips and we get through one and a half of them. The audio discusses the big theological questions from the perspective of Calvinism. The episode ends with a quote from Brigham Young on the beauty of the Plan of Salvation for ALL of God's children.
In this bonus episode, we dive into the Standard of Truth Bracket standings. We also cover vital spiritual matters like… groin sensitivity in NCAA officiating, listening to the Tabernacle Choir on the Vegas Strip, and why missionary door approaches like “You wouldn’t want to hear this, would you?” are slightly less effective than you’d think.
We also read missionary emails from all over the world—from Panama to Brazil to the frozen...
In this episode, we discuss the revelation that established the Three Witnesses to the Book of Mormon. We explore how the Three Witnesses were chosen, what the Book of Mormon says about future witnesses and how it shaped this moment, the miraculous event where the angel of the Lord revealed the plates, sword of Laban, and Liahona, why the testimony of these men remained firm—even when they later turned against Joseph Smith, and how...
In this bonus episode we dive into missionary emails and March Madness. We talk about the hundreds of missionary emails we have received and discuss the best litner names for the bracket buster challenge. There is still time so please click on the link below and join us in the Standard of Truth Bracket Buster Challenge.
Standard of Truth NCAA Bracket (password = rice) https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=257&from=esp...
In this episode, we discuss the potential problems associated with using ChatGPT and other AI as a source. The topics we review are Abraham Lincoln’s views on religious liberty, polygamy, and the witnesses of the Gold Plates.
Standard of Truth NCAA Bracket (password = rice)
Gerrit also takes on a listener question about why modern prophets don’t declare "Thus saith the Lord" like in early revelations.
Standard of Truth NCAA Bracket (password = rice) https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId=257&from=espn&context=GROUP_INVITE&edition=espn-en&groupId=1d5c280f-2dc4-4104-8176-cc1fa81237f6&joinKey=3767b450-8248-37f2-b8f2-84f7a5625440
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In this episode, we dig into the ever-growing missionary litenership and announce a March Madness-style contest to see which mission can get the most missionaries listening to the podcast.
Gerrit unpacks why sustaining President Nelson is essential to the restored gospel and comparisons to early Latter-day Saints following Joseph Smith an...
In this episode we continue our deep dive into D&C Section 10, focusing on the intense opposition Joseph Smith faced and the cunning plan of those who sought to discredit the translation of the Book of Mormon. We explore the reality of Satan’s influence, the importance of discerning spiritual voices, and the miraculous nature of Joseph’s ability to translate despite not yet holding the Melchizedek P...
In this episode we dive into Doctrine and Covenants Section 10, exploring its historical context and doctrinal significance. They discuss the stolen 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, the Lord’s warning to Joseph Smith, and how God prepared for this loss centuries in advance. examines how prophets act in faith without knowing why, with examples from Nephi, Mormon, and Joseph Smith. Along the way, Gerrit b...
In this episode, Gerrit addresses a heartfelt listener email on a deeply personal topic—miscarriages and stillbirths. Gerrit shares both historical and doctrinal perspectives, drawing on early Christian beliefs and statements from Latter-day Saint leaders while acknowledging the lack of definitive revelation on the subject. Rex’s Elders Quorum President Start Time: 14:05
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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 ...
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, G...
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.
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.
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 avail...
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