Standard of Truth

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.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

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/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 upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

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 upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

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.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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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 discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

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 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: [email protected]

In this episode we discuss the relationship between Brigham Young and John Taylor. We read an email from a descendant of John Taylor who shares a story from her family history that the two of them were never friends. Link to Sunstone Conference discussion mentioned by Gerrit: https://sunstone.org/never-friends-brigham-young-and-john-taylor/ Subscribe to our free newsletter 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: [email protected]

A recent internet post about the mother of Mary and a question about whether or not Jesus had brothers and sisters led to a discussion that examined early Christian noncanonical gospels and Catholic tradition. Subscribe to our free newsletter 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: [email protected]

Welcome to Season 3 of the Standard of Truth Podcast. In this episode we continue our discussion on the nature of God, the Trinity, and the question “Are Mormon’s Christian?”. We do a deeper theological dive into the nature of Jesus and try to find common ground on the idea of salvation ultimately coming through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Subscribe to our free newsletter 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: [email protected]

We wrap up our foray into early Christian theology (for now) and discuss some of the unique aspects of Latter-day Saint theology that are different from traditional Christians. Again, we apologize for the poor audio quality. 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

Transcript

The discussion about Latter-day Saint beliefs about Christ and early Christian history continues from the previous week. Because we were traveling outside of our “studio” but wanted to deliver a podcast, the audio quality is poor on this and the next episode. We apologize for that. The content is the same level of quality you get every week; we will let you determine what that is. 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

A recent uptick in social media conversations about whether or not Latter-day Saints (Mormons) are really Christians causes Gerrit and Richard to wade into early Christian theology. You have not lived until you have had a discussion about Arianism. 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

In this episode Gerrit examines the claims that particular emphasis was given to part of Joseph Smith History by way of punctuation. Few things are more exciting than punctuation. 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

In this episode, Gerrit finally gets to the Mormon Battalion and exposes James K. Polk as the liar he is. Controversial we know, we only hope that Gerrit’s aggressive attacks on President Polk will not offend our Polkite listeners. We also discuss the temple work done for the Founding Fathers and Wilford Woodruff’s vision. Link to Wilford Woodruff’s journal: https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/eb07ddd8-d258-43b3-82fd-1b0bc186b269/0/275 Link to conference address (end of page 89): https://archive.org/stream/conferencereport1898a/conferencereport681chur_djvu.txt 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

In this episode, we continue with our discussion of the context for the Mormon Battalion as the Federal Government continues its disinformation campaign with the Saints. We share some specific conversations that Jesse Little has with Thomas Kane and President James Polk. 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

We start the episode as we usually do by ranking hells. Mormon hell is obviously the best, then Jehovah's Witness hell and Catholic purgatory. Gerrit has been upfront with his anti-camping agenda but extends his feelings about camping to Trek. We discuss Samuel Brannan, head of the Church in the Eastern U.S., telling Brigham Young that the Secretary of War is saying that the saints need to be obliterated. We also talk about Manifest Destiny and Gerrit says that this time in history Mormons are the American can opener, rarely used but hugely useful. 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: [email protected] YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG0yyZlH_HYWmKegHoC96ig/featured

We wanted to apologize for some audio issues in this week's episode. We will try to fix the audio on the upcoming Mormon Battalion episodes. In this episode, we set the context for America at the time of the Mexican-American War. At the time the majority of Americans make their living through farming and westward expansion continues as land is the driver of social standing and monetary wealth. We also discuss both the blessing and curse of saints gathering altogether and look at Nauvoo and Illinois as a whole in 1844. 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: [email protected]

In this episode, we continue our discussion of a self-published anti-Mormon book. We talk about the poor genealogical research done by the author (thank you for the help Family Search). We also address Polygamy and DNA testing, claims of Sydney Rigdon writing the Book of Mormon, and last but not least claims of attempted William Law wife swapping. With our first Standard of Truth Book Review, we give Mormon Counterfeiting the lowest of possible scores: 13 Willard Richard’s pistols down 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: [email protected]

We received a question from a listener about a self-published anti-Mormon book and we again examine why using real sources matters. We talk about the difference between a person who likes history and a historian. Example: Richard likes history (not really, but for the purpose of this example we will say that he does). Dr. Dirkmaat is a historian. We also discuss the problem with self-publishing books and making arguments that no one else is making. We show an example from Church history on how mistakes can be made by well-meaning people where Emma is said to have lost a child when she only had a chill. The references are below: Original Journal Entry "Sister Emma sick had another chill had a consultation concerning her with secretary" History of Church 1838-1856 “Wife Emma sick, she was delivered of a Son, which did not survive its birth” 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: [email protected]

In this episode, we continue our discussion of polyandry, specifically discussing the sources that relate to Marinda Hyde. We talk about the one source used by people antagonistic to the Church and then we also discuss additional sources that are never mentioned on anti-Mormon blogs and subreddits because they do not support their argument. 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: [email protected]

No, you are not caught in a time vortex. It is not Season 38 yet, but we answer a listener’s specific question about plural marriage. 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: [email protected]

In this week's episode, we respond to an email we received about Prosperity Theology, specifically D&C 130:20-21. We also discuss current apostate movements that claim Brigham Young has led the Church astray and Joseph Smith never practiced polygamy. We talk about a meme sent by a listener that claims Brigham Young changed Joseph Smith's journal to justify polygamy. The links below take you to Joseph Smith's original journal entry and the Church History record that references Joseph Smith's journal. We also discuss that if the intention of the Church is to hide Joseph Smith's original journal they are doing a terrible job of it by posting it on a freely accessible website. Joseph’s journal entry https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/journal-december-1842-june-1844-book-3-15-july-1843-29-february-1844/123 History of Church version https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/118 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: [email protected]

In this week's episode, we continue to discuss the theology of the Prosperity Gospel. We play a clip from a Joel Olsteen sermon to help the listener understand how these ideas are also taught outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gerrit shares several heartbreaking experiences from early Saints (Wilford Woodruff and Stillman Pond) who experience struggle after struggle and trial after trial despite being incredibly faithful and obedient. Gerrit ends with a quote from Joseph Smith where he talks about how, in the end, God will make up for all of our losses. 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: [email protected]

In this week's episode, we respond to a listener's email about the ideas surrounding Prosperity Gospel Theology. Gerrit begins with a discussion about paganism and the idea of worshiping a god for immediate gain as a contrast to Jesus saying that His Kingdom is not of this world. Gerrit also talks about how the notion that all of our suffering or all of our prosperity is directly connected to our level of righteousness can create faith crises. 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: [email protected]

In this week's episode, we conclude our discussion about the signs of the times. We start with an email from the Ebenezar Hazard Mailbag and discuss a book about the Second Coming written by Latter-day Saint authors mentioned in an earlier email. Gerrit shares several problematic statements made about the Second Coming and explains that while every day the Second Coming is closer than the day before, the Lord will let us know what we should do through his prophet and not through cryptic interpretations of well-intentioned people. Sign-ups for the Standard of Truth Tours are available. Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com to sign up to join us in June. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this bonus episode, we talk about the details of the Standard of Truth Tour that Gerrit will be leading from Boston to Cleveland starting on Monday, June 5th, and going through Sunday, June 11th. We discuss some of the details of the tour and Gerrit shares additional information about the sites we will be visiting. The tour bus we have booked has room for 44 people and we have 20 spots remaining. Thank you for your interest and we hope to see you in June. Sign-ups for the Standard of Truth Tours are available. Please visit our website to sign up to join us in June of 2023 (Standard of Truth Tour) If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this week's episode, we continue our discussion about the signs of the times and the Savior's Second Coming. Gerrit discusses religious movements from history where the end of the world was predicted. He goes into detail on William Miller and the Great Disappointment of 1844. Gerrit shares a quote from Joseph Smith talking about the Millerite Movement and says that all that give exact times of the Savior's Second Coming are false teachers. Also, as assumed by many, Samuel Osgood's Estate refused to pay naming rights for the mailbag segment and Richard apologizes for the sports gambling jokes he made in Part 1 as he has been racked with the pains of a damned soul (Alma 36:16). Sign-ups for the Standard of Truth Tours are available. Please visit our website at www.standardoftruth.com to sign up to join us in June. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this week's episode, we discuss the signs of the times of the Savior's Second Coming. Gerrit discusses several quotes that are used when teaching about the Second Coming and provides historical context. Gerrit also describes how people use proof-texting to prove a point or win an argument. The episode ends with a Millerite tease, the worst tease in podcast history, that we will discuss in Part 2. Richard attempts to gain sponsorship for the opening mailbag segment to no avail. Sign-ups for the Standard of Truth Tours will be available next week. 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: [email protected]

In this episode, we give a tribute to a great friend who recently passed away. We discuss one of his favorite scriptures (D&C 58:4) and provide additional content for section 58 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This larger context leads to a discussion about trials and tribulations and the promised blessings from the Lord. We also discuss the faithfulness of Lydia and Edward Partridge. Gerrit may also take occasional pot shots at Independence Missouri. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

We are on remote coming to you from the Yucatán peninsula (or at least in the buffet line of a cruise ship off the coast of Cancun). In this episode, we discuss the ancient Mayan people as viewed through the eyes of Diego de Landa. We discuss his book from the 16th century and his belief on the origin of the Mayan people and their mode of baptism. We also discuss the Church’s position on where the Book of Mormon took place. Based on exhaustive archeological research Richard believes that he has found Pahoran’s mother-in-law’s sublet apartment. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this 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 revelation for D&C Section 91. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected] [email protected]

We had some technical difficulties that prevented the podcast dropping on Thursday. We are sorry for that. In the episode this week, 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. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the 1861 letter to Brigham Young from W. W. Phelps. We provide insight into Brigham Young's feelings for W.W. Phelps as well as an 1831 account of the mission to the Native Americans from Ezra Booth. We conclude with the words of W. W. Phelps from the Council of Fifty minutes in 1845 that cast doubt on the accuracy of Phelps' memory of the events of 1831 We have received interest in hosting a Church History tour led by Gerrit for our podcast listeners in the summer of 2023. We are gauging demand so if this is something you would be interested in please click on the link below and let us know. www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we find out what a terrible friend Gerrit is as he recommends a brutal history class for Richard to take. Richard has still not forgiven him. We also talk about polygamy. In 1861 Brigham Young receives a letter from W. W. Phelps that discusses a revelation Phelps claims Joseph Smith received in 1831. The Civil War and polygamy feature prominently. We talk about the merits of the revelation and why it was not included in the Joseph Smith Papers. We have received interest in hosting a Church History tour led by Gerrit for our podcast listeners in the summer of 2023. We are gauging demand so if this is something you would be interested in please click on the link below and let us know. www.standardoftruth.com If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the different types of sources that historians have to examine for accounts of miraculous events and respond to the inquiry of a listener of how we can determine whether or not some of these accounts are credible. We discuss in particular the source of the well-known expression that Joseph Smith said that if people knew how great the telestial kingdom was, they would commit suicide just to get there. We have received interest in hosting a Church History tour led by Gerrit for our podcast listeners in the summer of 2023. We are gauging demand so if this is something you would be interested in please click on the link below and let us know. Standard of Truth Website If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we talk about the way the Saints celebrated the 4th of July early in the Nauvoo period and the change that occurs after the murder of Joseph Smith. We have touched on this topic before, but this is a deeper dive into the treatment of the Saints and the national response to their protest. Gerrit also talks about a recent Church History tour he led and asks if there would be interest from the podcast listeners to go on a Standard of Truth History Tour in the summer of 2023. If you would be interested please click on the link below and let us know https://forms.gle/DRwr4oFbVgJ4tBww8 If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the revelations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith that never made it into the Doctrine and Covenants. We review revelations about referring to people in the church by their title, the way to prepare to receive manifestations and revelations after the Kirtland temple is dedicated, and when the saints should leave Kirtland. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

There are many revelations that were received by the Prophet Joseph Smith that never made it into the Doctrine and Covenants. In this episode we review several of those revelations and discuss the lessons that can be applied to us today. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode, we discuss the aftermath of the W. W. Phelps article inviting black Latter-day Saints to join the Saints in Missouri. The mob destroys the Saint's printing press and threatens to kill them if they do not leave the county immediately. Roughly 1,200 Saints are driven from Jackson County in the winter of 1833. Plat of Zion https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revised-plat-of-the-city-of-zion-circa-early-august-1833/1 If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode we discuss the spark of the violent reaction of Missourians toward Latter-day Saints in Jackson County in 1833. In particular, we discuss the article in the Church's local newspaper, The Evening and the Morning Star, which was intended to help free black members navigate the anti black laws of Missouri as they immigrated to the city of Zion. The reaction of the anti black, anti Mormon Missourians is immediate and violent. Link to the W. W. Phelps article: https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/NCMP1820-1846/id/5850/ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode we resume our discussion of the Saints search for Zion in Missouri. We continue to discuss the events surrounding the Saints early attempts to build the city of Zion in Missouri. We focus on the reaction of Missourians to this influx of blasphemous outsiders and how their culture and history will lead to a violent expulsion. We also do a deeper dive into the law of consecration and land/property ownership as part of gathering in Zion. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

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. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In the second part of our examination of the claims made in the book Under the Banner of Heaven, we discuss the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the attempt of the author to claim that religious beliefs lead people to be more prone to violence. Church's response to Under the Banner of Heaven in 2003: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-response-to-jon-krakauers-under-the-banner-of-heaven If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

We have received multiple requests to talk about the new limited series Under the Banner of Heaven. While we are not film critics, the series is based on a book written by an outdoor adventurer/journalist and published in 2003. We examine the claims made in the book that will likely be shown in the series. Church's response to Under the Banner of Heaven in 2003: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/church-response-to-jon-krakauers-under-the-banner-of-heaven If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this episode we continue our discussion of the aftermath of the declaration that Jackson County was the location for the prophesied New Jerusalem. Ezra Booth, a former Methodist minister who had joined the Church of Christ in Ohio, became disillusioned with both the location of Zion and other aspects of the Church on his journey to Missouri and becomes a very public apostate and critic. Also, difficulties between the members of the Church in Missouri and Ohio are described. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

We discuss the importance of the doctrine of the establishment of the New Jerusalem and the way members reacted to the declaration that Independence, Missouri was the location for the city to be built. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

We continue our discussion of underlying American ideologies from the Revolutionary War era, with a very deep dive (scuba gear required) on the ideology surrounding the Boston Tea Party. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]

In this podcast we answer some questions posed by listeners about sources covering the era. This leads into a discussion of American ideologies and how they will eventually both be held by believing members and used as a justification for violence enacted against the Saints, especially religious freedom. Colonies of Virginia and Massachusetts Bay are discussed, probably at too much length. If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: [email protected]