Standard of Truth
Standard of Truth is a podcast aimed at helping Latter-day Saints better understand their history and strengthen their faith. It is hosted by Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University. The show explores topics in Latter-day Saint history from a faithful perspective.
Episodes
S6E40 Please Refer to President Christofferson's October 2026 Conference Address
We break down the October 2026 General Conference. The heart of the episode: President Christofferson's address on gambling. Richard debuts a montage of the duo's many tongue-in-cheek nods to President Hinckley's 2005 talk.
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S6E39 Saved By Grace After All You Can Do
Heidi writes mid-labor to ask about D&C 76: does rejecting the gospel in this life really cap you at the terrestrial kingdom? We discuss that we simply don't know what fully constitutes a person's opportunity to accept Christ, and that a bitter, door-slammed missionary is nobody's final judge. Joseph Smith's own teachings point to a far more merciful God.
That flows into a heavyweight take
S6E38 Idiot or Liar - How to Spot a Bad Source Part 1
We crack open an all-missionary mailbag with letters from the Philippines, Cincinnati, and beyond. Then the big question: was Cincinnati really cursed by Joseph Smith? We dig into D&C 61, trace how "well nigh ripened for destruction" shifted across the manuscript versions, and follow Orson F. Whitney's later meetinghouse dedication, settling the folklore with actual sources (plus a spirited de
S6E37 Exceptions Are God's to Make
We celebrate 10 million downloads, the arrival of video recordings of the podcast, and a missionary listener who has built a four-generation podcast family tree using "phone checks" on exchanges.
After Nauvoo and before St. George, where did the Saints receive their endowments? Gerrit walks through the Council House, the Endowment House, and Addison Pratt's 1849 endowment atop Ensign Peak, and wh
S6E36 Joseph Smith on the Second Coming (Churchy McChurch Church)
The heart of the episode is a Lyceum dive into a March 16, 1841 discourse of Joseph Smith on the Second Coming and the Millennium. Joseph taught that the wicked won't all be destroyed at Christ's coming, that non-members will remain through the Millennium, and that Christ will come and go rather than reside on earth continuously. We trace how Brigham Young echoed these ideas in Civil War-era sermo
S6E35 The Great Apostate Hall of Shame - #8 Ezra Booth Part 5 (FINAL)
Richard hadn't showered in days, his water heater's dead, and his family staged an intervention over his baggy clothes. We read emails from listeners and missionaries, including an elder serving in the California Ontario Mission, whose Gen Z slang ("capping," "yapping") had us reaching for a translation guide. Then we got into apostate #8: Ezra Booth. A former Methodist minister and early high pri
S6E34 The Great Apostate Hall of Shame - #8 Ezra Booth Part 4
In this episode, we continue our deep dive into Ezra Booth's anti-Mormon letters from October 1831, examining how this early apostate mounted his attack against our fledgling church. What fascinates us most is that Booth personally witnessed miracles, including Elsa Johnson's arm being healed, yet later dismissed such spiritual experiences as delusion or deliberate fraud.
We highlight striking lo
S6E33 Did Brigham Revise Joseph's Journal?
We open with incredible news from Sweetwater Rescue: a second Kyulu Stake group reached the Nairobi Kenya Temple and set a record for the most endowments performed in an African temple in a single day.
Gerrit answers a litner’s question on whether or not Brigham Young secretly altered Joseph Smith’s journals to invent polygamy, a claim popular among denialists. Gerrit's dander meter climbs as he u
S6E32 The Great Apostate Hall of Shame - #8 Ezra Booth Part 3
This episode of the Standard of Truth continues discussing the apostasy of Ezra Booth, a former Methodist minister who joined the early Church after witnessing Joseph Smith heal Elsa Johnson’s arm.
Gerrit traces Booth’s journey to Missouri in 1831, his disillusionment upon finding the future site of Zion to be a rough frontier town, and his subsequent public renunciation of the faith through nine
S6E31 The Great Apostate Hall of Shame - #8 Ezra Booth Part 2
In this episode we dive deeper into Ezra Booth, ranked #8 in the "Great Apostate Hall of Shame." Once a prominent Methodist minister leading anti-Masonry campaigns in Ohio, Booth's conversion to Mormonism shocked his community and sparked heated newspaper responses.
We examine his miraculous experiences witnessing the instant healing of Eliza Johnson and attending the historic June 1831 ordinat
S6E30 Where There's Smoke: The Bad Logic Behind Anti-Mormon Claims
In this episode, Gerrit pays a heartfelt tribute to Eric Smith, a beloved Joseph Smith Papers colleague and devoted listener who recently passed after a long battle with cancer, complete with the legendary tales of stolen break-room milk and a service missionary's knuckle-deep Oreo heist.
The mailbag delivers a live-show love story, a a testimony-strengthening note from Kimberly, and a listener's
S6E29 The Great Apostate Hall of Shame - #8 Ezra Booth Part 1
Richard braves self-diagnosed tuberculosis as he and Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat dig into the mailbag: identical twins listening from two different Zions, an ambitious MTC zone leader, and a great question from Joni. Did a prophet really call Del Parson's red-robe painting the most accurate likeness of Christ? Gerrit explains why that's folklore, and why the anti-Catholic climate of the Second Great Awake
S6E28 Nauvoo Lyceum Part 2 and the Trinity
In this episode, we continue our discussion of the Lyceum (debates/discussions) in Nauvoo. From the most popular chewing tobacco (it is Copenhagen byt the way) to manners and the Trinity, we just about cover everything
#SmallWonder
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S6E27 As Far As It Is Translated Correctly
Was Francis Scott Key a bitter recluse who denounced America and wrote the anthem from a boat offshore? No, no he was not.
Elder Gurr writes in with an investigator's list of questions, and we tackle the big ones. Who holds the authority to decide which parts of the Bible are "translated correctly"? Who decided the canon, and why did Protestants pull the Apocrypha after 1,400 years? On grace ver
S6E26 The Great Apostate Hall of Shame - OLI Joseph Wakefield
The podcast begins with the US-Bosnia World Cup match (SEC championships as the definitive metric), then open the Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown mailbag. Jerry from North Dakota earns a heartfelt thank-you and an unnecessary swipe at the Bismarck capitol building, plus a Roosevelt-in-the-Badlands tangent and BYU's windowless MARB building. Elder Ballard (the Nauvoo Mississippi River mission one) reque
S6E25 Nauvoo Lyceum & 1980s Church Movies
We are recording in front of a live studio audience in Nauvoo, Illinois.
In this week's episode, we begin with a movie review of the 1980s classic Prodigal Son and Cipher in the Snow, and then make the obvious transition to Nauvoo Lyceum. Gerrit regales the audience with several topics discussed in this adult education program, and we cover the Chestnut Hill College Lacrosse Team's dominance from
S6E23 King Follett Sermon Part 3
In this episode, we answer a litter's questions who wrote while in "DEEP" labor asking about the lesser-known Pratt brothers and an audio submission from Filer, Idaho about the legend that Joseph of Arimathea brought the teenage Jesus to Cornwall. Gerrit traces the idea to William of Malmesbury's 12th-century history of Glastonbury and its tangle of Arthurian folklore.
We close with part three
S6E22 King Follett Sermon Part 1
This episode was recorded 4 1/2 years ago, but was never released. In this episode, Gerrit provides context around the setting of Joseph Smith’s King Follett Sermon.
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S6E21 Declaration of Independence Part 2 (rerelease of premium CTRI)
This is a rereleased episode from season 1 of Condemned to Repeat It. In this episode, we work through the grievances section of the Declaration of Independence, unpacking how Jefferson methodically built his case against King George III. Gerrit shows how each charge, dissolving colonial legislatures, making judges beholden to the Crown, quartering standing armies, employing Hessian mercenaries, c
S6E20 Declaration of Independence Part 1 (rerelease of premium CTRI)
This is a rereleased episode from season 1 of Condemned to Repeat It. In this episode, we set the stage for the Declaration of Independence by exploring the deep English political and intellectual history Jefferson drew upon when he sat down to write it. Far from being a spontaneous act of rebellion, the Declaration was the latest entry in a long English tradition of publicly justifying political
S6E19 King Follett Sermon Part 2
In this episode, we finally depart into the King Follett Sermon. Most podcast would start with a part one but here soon the truth podcast we would like to start with a Part 2 and then play a part one three weeks from now it was recorded 4 1/2 years ago. Gerrit discusses some of the problems that Christians see with the implications of this sermon and Gerrit reads from one of the accounts.
We also
S6B3 How Visiting LDS Historical Sites Can Strengthen Our Faith - Dr. Mark Ogletree
Mark sits down with renowned church historian Gerrit Dirkmaat to discuss powerful experiences they have had visiting church history sites, and that others have had in the groups they have lead through these places. Mark and Gerrit explain why visiting these sites can have such a deep effect on our faith, testimonies, and sense of belonging to the church.
Perserving Families Podcast
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S6E18 The United Order and Tyler Too
In this episode, we tackle the question of why early Utah Saints embraced cooperative economics like the United Order. Gerrit digs into a 1866–67 Inspector General's report submitted to Congress by Generals Ruesling and Hazen. The document characterizes Latter-day Saints as "open and avowed foes" of the United States, recommends banning Mormons from government contracts, and bizarrely treats the f
S6E17 Jingle Bells and the United Order
Richard returns to share a temple-trip story from Kenya where a skeptical food vendor's view of the Church changed after witnessing the love at the temple. The hosts then read listener emails. The episode ends with 16-year-old Abigail's question about Jingle Bells being a Thanksgiving song and so Gerrit obviously shares a quote from Frederick Douglass as he takes down Jingle Bells with its roots i
S6E16 Gathering in Missouri to Move Irrigation Pipe
In this episode, Gerrit is joined by his brother Dallin as guest host while Richard is away following the passing of his father. After announcing the NCAA bracket winner and working through the mailbag, including a listener-made "Dendometer" chart ranking Gerrit's biggest pet peeves, the brothers tackle a question about whether Latter-day Saints will one day gather to Missouri to build the New Jer
S6E16 In Preparation of the First Vision (premium JSR)
Any LDS podcast can do a review of general conference two weeks after the broadcast but here in the truth podcast we want to do our review of general conference three or possibly four weeks after the original broadcast
Because of this, we are dropping a previously aired premium episode from Joseph Smith, and the Restoration about his preparation for the First Vision
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S6E15 The Book of Enoch Part 5 (City of Zion)
What an incredible General Conference that was. Okay, we recorded this well before you're hearing it, so we have absolutely no idea what happened at General Conference, but we're confident the talks were great. After opening the Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown mailbag and a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Bishop Howard Wilde of Nampa, Idaho, we tackle a litener's question on Catholic apostolic autho
S6E14 The Book of Enoch Part 4 (Joseph Smith's Teachings)
In this episode of the Standard of Truth podcastwe discuss the Latter-day Saint teachings that parents who lose infant children will have the opportunity to raise them during the Millennium. We also finally get to Joseph Smith's revelations in the Book of Moses relating to Enoch and how they far surpass the apocryphal Book of Enoch and reveal Enoch as an active ministering angel to both Paul and J
S6E13 The CES Letter and Polygamy
In this mailbag episode, we cover the origins and shortcomings of the CES Letter, correct false claims about the timeline of Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage, and firmly address the notion that polygamy wasn't divinely commanded.
Along the way, they share global polygamy statistics, reflect on lesser-known figures of faith who endured extraordinary trials, and offer thoughtful advice to
S6E12 The Book of Enoch Part 3 (TERTULLIAN!!!!)
In this episode Richard debuts a "Fun with Numbers" segment with a rapid-fire March Madness breakdown (12-seeds win 35.6% of first-round matchups and hit in 85% of all tournaments, and that 11-seeds have won 51.8% of their games against 6-seeds since 2011)
We read a heartfelt PDPB mailbag question from a couple writing in from the delivery room about LDS doctrine on IVF and embryos, with Gerrit wa
S6B2 Standard of Truth Dead and in Hell March Madness Bracket Buster Challenge
In this bonus episode, we prepare emotionally for the NCAA tournament that kicks off on Thursday. We go through some of the hilarious team names and provide you with absolute stone cold locks for the upcoming NCAA March madness tournament.
Please join us in our Standard of Truth Dead and in Hell March Madness Bracket Buster Challenge:
Password: rice
https://fantasy.espn.com/tc/sharer?challengeId
S6E11 The Day Bernie Came Inside
In this episode, we discuss a bizarre culinary textbook that credits the founding of the Church to “Joseph Young,” and a missionary's question about whether someone should pray to know if the Book of Mormon is true.
Gerrit also shares an unforgettable Walgreens VHS story that ends with a strong testimony.
Please join us in our Standard of Truth Dead and in Hell March Madness Bracket Buster Cha
S6E10 Live! With Chocolate-Flavored Candy and Zero Tertullian
In this special live studio recording of the Standard of Truth Podcast, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard LeDuc are joined by an in-person audience for a lively mailbag episode. The hosts tackle a question submitted mid-labor, fielding a request for obscure Angel Moroni stories guaranteed to keep the asker out of church leadership.
Gerrit shares an account from Edward Stevenson describing a roa
S6E9 Prepare, Don’t Predict the Second Coming
In this episode we discuss a litners email where he asks about “the day and the hour” quote attributed to Joseph Smith and how some YouTube voices use it to fuel end times certainty. Gerrit breaks down why this kind of content deserves real skepticism: source quality matters, corroboration matters, and the Joseph Smith Papers exist for a reason. He explains how cherry picked, poorly sourced, or co
S6E8 The Book of Enoch Part 2 (Giants in the Land)
In this episode, we begin with a discussion prompted by a question about The Chosen; if the show depicts Joseph comforting Jesus in Gethsemane, is that a theological shift in broader Christianity toward the LDS idea that angels can be resurrected beings who once lived on earth?
From there, the conversation pivots into Part 2 with a deeper dive into the apocryphal Book of Enoch: why it mattered to
S6E7 The Book of Enoch Part 1
It may be too early to say but based on the number of emails we have received from litners giving birth it appears that members of the Church are following the urging of President Oaks by increasing the size of their families.
We answered a handful of litner emails and then Gerrit began a discussion of the Book of Enoch. Given the subject matter we also celebrate the sesquicentennial residuum of
S6E6 Gadianton Robbers Part 4 (Heavenly Travel)
This episode centers on Brigham Young’s insistence that death does not transform us into something fundamentally different, but removes limitations that currently slow us down. Drawing directly from a funeral sermon, the discussion highlights how embodied beings, including Christ, move, visit, and perceive real places with speed and purpose rather than existing as abstract spirits.
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S6E5 Gadianton Robbers Part 3 (Brigham Young Sermon)
We begin the episode with a response to a litner’s email about signs of the times of the Savior’s Second Coming. Gerrit shares a sermon from Brigham Young that Wilford Woodruff said was one of the greatest sermons he had ever heard.
Crinkling Leaves Update: schedule a live virtual tourhttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/locations/historic-sites-virtual-tours?lang=eng
We would love to
S6E4 Gadianton Robbers Part 2 (the Spirit World)
We begin this week's episode by asking if Gerrit is the reincarnated Apostle Matthias? (He’s not saying he is, but he is also not not saying it.)
Where did the thief on the cross go when he died? If Jesus went to “paradise,” why does Peter say He preached to “spirits in prison”? We read from theologian R.C. Sproul (because nothing says “good time” like Calvinism) and then pivot to Joseph Smith’s s
S6E3 Gadianton Robbers Part 1
After debating the college football national championship (with Richard very much not gambling… while also explaining the VIG in suspicious detail), Gerrit drops a sneak peek announcement: they might do another live event, likely in Davis County, with the goal of raising funds to help get more people to the temple in Kenya on the next Sweetwater Rescue trip.
What are the strongest, most legitimate
S6E2 President Holland and Avoiding Deception
We begin the episode with a loving tribute to President Holland and move on to a discussion of a fraudulent email that was sent out to many members of the Church representing itself as an email coming from the Church while making a series of false claims. We also discuss a litner's email about Joseph Smith’s successor and a tremendous scientific experiment on YooHoo performed by a litter in Fairba
S6B1 D&C 24 Part 2
In this episode, we wrap up D&C 24, but not before detouring through the agricultural merits of buckwheat and the theological weight of consecration.
Gerrit reflects on President Holland’s haunting admonition “If you knew what I know, you would run.” and connects it to Oliver Cowdery’s call to speak as with the voice of a trumpet.
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S6E1 Book of Moses and D&C 24
In this episode, we discuss the explosive nature of the Book of Moses and a mob tearing down baptismal dams and dragging a woman away from baptism using power of attorney, 1830s-style. To provide context for the environment in Colesville we talk about Joseph Smith’s narrow escape from violent vigilantes, a heroic constable with a musket, and the early Saints’ intense persecution.
Kristy’s Korne
S5E53 Merry Christmas and Dead and in Hell Part 10, the Finale
Merry Christmas!
In this episode our gift to the greatest litners in all of podcastdom is to bring a conclusion to a 10 part series on who is dead and in hell. We would like to ask that there are no more questions pertaining to Dr. Dirkmaat's dissertation, or a 10 part series on Zachary Taylor will be the shortest thing the podcast produces.
Thank you for an incredible year. The podcast ends 202
S5E52 Dead and in Hell Part 9 (and the Bee Gees)
It’s the end of the year, the Spotify “Wrapped” flexing is in full swing, and Richard LeDuc is fresh off hosting a Hanukkah party that looked suspiciously like a full-blown ward social. Gerrit trys to solve the greatest unsolved case of 2025: why Richard’s “most played song” is Massachusetts by the Bee Gees… a song he swears he has never listened to.
After a quick stop at the Phoebe Draper Palmer
S5E51 Dead and in Hell Part 8 (and Official Declaration 1)
In this episode, Gerrit discusses the back and forth between Joseph Smith III and Joseph F. Smith (remember the F) on the topic of polygamy. The episode closes by setting the stage for the next installment of “Dead and in Hell,” as we return to Judge Brocchus, early Utah politics, and how one disastrously ill-judged conference speech helped light a fuse in territorial Utah.
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last M
S5E50 Dead and NOT in Hell, Alvin Smith
In this episode, we discuss D&C Section 137 and the lessons found in D&C 137:5-7, specifically the faith shown by Joseph Smith regarding the eternal status of his brother Alvin.
5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had dep
S5B15 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 135 Part 3
In part three we talk about some of the differing accounts surrounding just how and when Joseph Smith died at Carthage, including the less-well known William Daniels account that claimed Joseph had been executed by a firing squad after he hit the ground.
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S5B14 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 135 Part 2
In part two of our special podcast commemorating the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith we continue to discuss the events that led to the martyrdom. We read from a letter Joseph Smith wrote to Illinois Governor Thomas Ford and John Taylor’s detailed account of that tragic day. We also share the testimony John Taylor bore of Joseph Smith in 1854 on the 10th anniversary of the martyrdom.
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S5B13 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 135 Part 1
We honor the anniversary of the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith and the attempted murders of John Taylor and Willard Richards in Carthage Jail. In Part 1 we give an overview of some of the historical events that led up to the martyrdom. We discuss Joseph Smith’s attempts to get any presidential candidate, from either party, to pledge to help the Saints recover their stolen property in Missouri
S5E49 Dead and in Hell Part 7
Happy Thanksgiving! In this episode, we discuss how do we actually know Heavenly Father has a physical body and what Joseph Smith taught regarding every disciple facing a “trial of Abraham”. The episode closes with Daniel H. Wells’s powerful 24th July address: a reminder that early Latter-day Saints could be fiercely loyal to the Constitution and the United States while refusing to whitewash the m
S5E48 Dead and in Hell Part 6
In this episode, we answer a missionary email about a father who left the Church and won’t leave it alone. We also continue our discussion of the early Utah territorial period, the 24th of July pioneer celebrations with the Nauvoo Brass Band, suspicious federal officials, and polygamy panic at Heber C. Kimball’s dinner table.
Church’s article referenced in the episode:
https://www.churchofjesusch
S5E47 Dead and in Hell Part 5
In this episode, we discuss the results of the Sweetwater Rescue fundraiser at Hug Hess and thank all of our wonderful litners.
Continuing with “Who’s Dead and in Hell” we discuss William Smith’s remonstrance, hostile newspapers, Zachary Taylor’s veto threat (and sudden death), Millard Fillmore’s appointments, Stephen Douglas, and “popular sovereignty” all setting the table for Utah Territory.
S5E46 Dead and in Hell Part 4
In this episode, we discuss the Sweetwater Rescue fundraiser at Hug Hess, and review D&C 124 and 126 for Kristy’s KorneЯ. From there, we tackle a thoughtful mailbag question on the Church of Jesus Christ, commonly called the Bickertonites. We close with a quick detour through townships' trivia and a teaser for the long-delayed “Who’s Dead and in Hell” continuation.
Reference for the quote "I
S5E45 Changes to the Section Headings and Polygamy
In this episode, we begin with a promotion of an upcoming fundraiser for Sweetwater Rescue’s Nairobi Kenya Temple Trip. Gerrit provides additional information and context on the recent changes to Doctrine and Covenants’ headings, specifically D&C 132 (POLYGAMY)
Summary of Adjustments to Doctrine and Covenants’ Headings:
https://assets.churchofjesuschrist.org/gq/bk/gqbk941x9ie6a4t5a06vt507n6oq
S5E44 Letters from Liberty
In this episode, we pause the “Who’s Dead and in Hell?” series to discuss the letters behind Doctrine & Covenants 121–123. Gerrit walks through what Joseph wrote in March 1839, and why those canonized excerpts (power, priesthood, and “the Son of Man hath descended below them all”) hit harder when you know the context (state-sanctioned violence in Missouri, Saints fleeing in winter, affidavits
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 a
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
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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 Forg
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
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S5E39 Dead and in Hell Part 1
We begin the episode with apologies to Sarah, who emailed us while in labor… again. Gerrit then sets the stage for a multi-part deep dive: Brigham Young, James K. Polk, and the Mormon Battalion with a question about the oft-repeated story that in General Conference Brigham Young announced a U.S. president “died and went to hell.”
Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: https://stan
S5E38 Orson Hyde and the Prophecy of the Civil War Part 2
In this episode, we continue our discussion of the context leading to Orson Hyde writing a letter to the Missouri Republican. Utah is desperately trying to get into the Union while half of the states are seceding from the Union. Gerrit then reads the letter and provides commentary. We also discuss a litner’s email about Christian’s understanding of the Trinity based on the King James Version of th
S5E37 Orson Hyde and the Prophecy of the Civil War Part 1
To celebrate the kickoff to the 2025 NFL season (Eagles -7.5 vs the Cowboys), we begin in the obvious place with a discussion of Orson Hyde’s letter to the Missouri Republican in 1861, providing commentary on the Civil War. They read an email from a litner who shares how she used to be afraid of Church history and how the podcast has given her confidence in the face of anti-Mormon garbage, and Ric
S5B13 Sweetwater Rescue Lithuania - Interview with President Rissi
In this bonus episode, Richard has a conversation with President Rissi, the Lithuania District President, about the recent Sweetwater Rescue temple trip to the Helsinki, Finland Temple.
Church News Article:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/09/01/vilnius-lithuania-district-long-journey-helsinki-finland-temple/
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S5E36 Sealed Portion of the Plates
In this episode, we discuss the sealed portion of the plates. Gerrit shares the accounts of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on returning the plates and go through comments from Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and David Whitmer.
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S5B12 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 3
In this rereleased episode, we continue to discuss Doctrine and Covenants 93. In Part 3, we discuss what this revelation tells us about the nature of mankind in relation to the nature of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ.
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S5B11 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, we continue to discuss Doctrine and Covenants 93. In Part 1, we provided some historical and theological context from the Christian world. In Part 2, we go through Section 93 and discuss the radical nature of this revelation as it provides insights into questions about the nature of Jesus Christ that have confounded philosophers and theologians for centuries.
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S5B10 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 1
In this rereleased episode, we dive deep into one of the most important revelations ever received by Joseph Smith, Doctrine and Covenants 93. But to understand how radical and how profound this revelation is, we must first understand a little of what the Christian world thinks about the nature of God, the nature of Christ, and our own nature.
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S5E35 Women and the Sacrament
In this episode, we discussed the changes to sacrament overtime. We also attempted to answer a listeners question about women participating in the administration of the sacrament
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S5B9 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 91 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, we continue our discussion of the Apocrypha. The podcast starts with a 19th-century Latter-day Saint view of the Apocrypha. Gerrit asks Richard a question where Richard has a 50% shot of getting it right… He gets it wrong. We also read from 2 Ezras and its reference to the lost 10 tribes and Zion being built up. This all provides the context for Joseph receiving the rev
S5B8 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 91 Part 1
In this rereleased episode, we decided to tackle one of the great hot-button historical issues of the day…well, of Joseph Smith’s day anyway. We discuss the history of the Apocrypha and how controversy in Christianity led to Joseph Smith’s revelation on it.
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S5B7 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 89 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, we discuss how the Word of Wisdom changes over time within the Church to where we are today.
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S5B6 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 89 Part 1
In this rereleased episode, we discuss the context around the receiving of the Word of Wisdom and talk about how the saints responded to the revelation when it was received.
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S5E34 Atheism Part 3
We record this episode in front of a live studio audience in the air-conditionless conference room of the Palmyra Inn. We conclude our discussion on atheism and discuss another YouTube clip of a Christian theologian that attempts to soften the mainstream Christian understanding of hell.
Gerrit Dandometer: 867,003
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit discusses D&C 88
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S5E33 Atheism Part 2
In this episode, we continue our discussion of atheist arguments against the existence of God. We primarily talk about the problem of evil, and Gerrit discusses a point that both the atheist and Christian miss, which is that despite the suffering in this life, the suffering in the next life is much worse, and there is no opportunity for justice for the majority of God’s creations.
Gerrit Dandome
S5B6 Rerelease Joseph Smith's Civil War Prophecy
In one of the most astounding feats of prophecy, Joseph Smith received this revelation from the Lord on Christmas Day, 1832. It astonishingly predicts with great clarity the coming and horrific nature of the American Civil War.
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If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for u
S5E32 Atheism Part 1
In this episode, we review Christmas hymns in Joseph Smith’s time and begin the evaluation of atheist arguments against the existence of God and the Christian rebuttals that often leave a believer wanting.
Gerrit Dandometer: For most of the episode, we held Gerrit below 100,000, but at the end, we spiked to over 726,499
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit discusses verses 45 and
S5B5 Kristy’s KorneЯ D&C 83
We didn’t have room for Kristy’s KorneЯ in our regular episode this week, but never fear, we’ve cut a fresh bonus episode devoted often overlooked D&C 83.
What happens to consecrated property when landholders pass away? We dig into original 1830s stewardship contracts, make temple recommend parallels, and BYU Honor Code analogies.
Early Stewardship Agreement for Consecrated Land:
https://ca
S5E31 Crosses and Purgatory
In this episode, we dive into listener questions about Catholic doctrine and why every Latter-day Saint chapel does not have a crucifix. Gerrit walks through Catholic doctrine, including venial vs. mortal sin and purgatory’s purpose. We discuss the history of the Christian cross as a symbol, tracing how early Protestants saw it as Catholic idolatry, why Joseph Smith and early Saints avoided it, an
S5E30 Bad Sources and the Quorum of the Twelve Part 2
In this episode, we start with an email from an Australian missionary in Croatia and a bishop requesting a good Kristy’s KorneЯ. We continue our defense of accusations against the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles with a good old-fashioned discussion of Cochranite spiritual wifery in Saco, Maine, in the early 1800s.
Gerrit Dander Meter: 901,284 (scale was previously 1 to 10, but we felt it lacked t
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