Standard of Truth

By Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat

What's Standard of Truth 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.

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Standard of Truth episodes:

05.16.2024
Gerrit Goes Hard in the Paint on Hurlbut and Solomon Spaulding Part 2
If you love the anti-Mormon book Mormonism Unvailed boy, do we have an episode for you. In this episode, Gerrit reads from Mormonism Unvailed where definitive statement after definitive statement is given by friends and family of Solomon Spaulding saying...
05.09.2024
Gerrit Goes Hard in the Paint on Hurlbut and Solomon Spaulding Part 1
In a premium episode several weeks ago Gerrit may or may have gone on a rant about Doctor Philastus Hurlbut and Solomon Spaulding and we wanted to play a section of that rant. So In this episode, Gerrit provides additional...
05.02.2024
Lesser Known Heroes from Church History - Eliza Dana Gibbs Part 2
We continue our discussion of Eliza Gibbs and the trials she suffered in Nauvoo, Iowa, and Utah. Despite her difficulty, she remained faithful. Gerrit shares a letter to Eliza from Wilford Woodruff to comfort her and share with her the...
04.25.2024
Lesser Known Heroes from Church History - Eliza Dana Gibbs Part 1
We begin this episode, like most episodes, with a discussion of the faith crisis of a 19th-century 20-year-old woman with consumption (tuberculosis). She has a miraculous experience and seven years later is introduced to the gospel. She believes the message...
04.18.2024
The Angel Raphael and Other Ninja Turtles
In this episode, Gerrit discusses D&C 128 and the identity of the Angel Raphael. We start with what we know from modern revelation and then bring in the Apocrypha. We talk about the Book of Tobit, written by Tobit, where...
04.15.2024
Bonus 5 – Thoughts on Following the Prophet After Conference
Gerrit shares some of his thoughts about the responses to several talks during General Conference. He compares the responses of General Conference to the responses to “The Vision”. We read a letter from Joseph Smith discussing the response to “The...
04.11.2024
The Angel Gabriel and a Good Old-Fashioned Feet Dusting
In this episode, Richard starts by thanking all the kind listeners who donated money to help 118 people in Peru travel to the Arequipa Temple. We discuss a listener’s question about Joseph Smith telling the missionaries in Cincinnati to wash...
04.08.2024
Bonus 4 – Explaining Poor Audio and Conference Report
On Thursday we released an episode that sounded like it was recorded in Gerrit’s bathroom in a cave. We fixed the audio and explained how you can access it. We also give our thoughts from the 194th Annual General Conference...
04.04.2024
Statements from the Three Witnesses (primarily Martin Harris)
We had a corrupted audio file that made the episode sound terrible. We have fixed the audio quality, however, the terrible content remains. We apologize for the inconvenience. We begin the episode with how a person can resolve concerns they may...
03.28.2024
Live Studio Audience Part 2 (Politics and Polygamy)
In this episode, we really wanted everyone in attendance to feel comfortable, so we discussed politics and polygamy. We learned the history of political parties in Utah, and we talked about the insanity of Idaho’s Anti-Mormon Constitution that disenfranchised Mormons...
03.21.2024
Live Studio Audience Part 1 (Phebe Draper Mail Bag)
Like every sitcom in the 1980s, this episode was recorded in front of a live studio audience. We cannot even begin to thank all the amazing people who attended the event. People came from all over the country and we...
03.14.2024
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 5 (we finally get to it)
We finally get back to the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Sure, we first spend a little time talking about the Book of Abraham and the characters copied from the gold plates, but then we jump right into the...
03.07.2024
Bonus 3 - Dedication of the Kirtland Temple
In this bonus episode, we replay sections of a previous episode from season 3 where we discuss the origin of the Hosanna Shout and the dedication of the Kirtland Temple.
03.07.2024
The Church Acquires the Kirtland Temple and Nauvoo Properties
In this episode, we discuss the historic purchase of the Kirtland Temple and other Nauvoo properties. Gerrit provides additional insight into the properties that the Church has acquired. Map of Nauvoo: ⁠https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/bc-jsp/content/jsp/images/content/library/pdf/D10_Nauvoo-Plat.pdf⁠ For details about our live studio audience recording on Saturday, March...
03.01.2024
Bonus - Update on Live Event
In this bonus episode, we discuss additional details of our live event on Saturday, March 16th at 6:00 PM in Orem. Space is limited so if you would like to purchase tickets to attend the event please click on the link...
02.29.2024
Questioning Scriptures and Frustration with Politics
In this episode, we begin the podcast by talking about the pseudepigraphal nature of some of the books of the New Testament and the problem with the process academics use for identifying pseudepigraphal records. We also talk about the importance...
02.22.2024
Oliver Cowdery Attempts to Translate
In this episode, we take a slight departure from the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon to answer a litner’s question about Oliver’s attempt to translate the Book of Mormon. Gerrit provides additional context for Doctrine and Covenants Sections 7,...
02.15.2024
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 4
Richard feels so confident coming off his first-ever successful football pick (Kansas City over San Francisco) that he predicts the Collingwood Magpies to repeat winning back-to-back McClelland Trophies under the veteran leadership of Jack Crisp. Gerrit discusses the context and...
02.08.2024
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 3
In this episode, we continue our discussion about the witnesses of the Gold Plates, but we start with Richard’s picks for the Super Bowl which he claims to be his stone-cold lock of the century. We also read several wonderful...
02.01.2024
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 2
In this episode, we continue our discussion about the witnesses of the Gold Plates. We discuss the setting where Joseph first learns that he will be allowed to show the plates to witnesses. We also talk about the attempt by...
01.25.2024
Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 1
In a surprise usurpation of power, Richard presents a top five list of facts surrounding modern day polygamy before Gerrit can shut his microphone off. We answer a listener’s question about when Joseph might have realized that he was...
01.22.2024
Exciting News
We are excited to annouce a recording of the Standard of Truth Podcast in front of a live studio audience. We would love for you to come. We are working on possible venues and are tentatively looking at the date of...
01.18.2024
Title Page of the Book of Mormon
In this episode we discuss some of the implications of Calvinism at the time of the Restoration juxtaposed against the religious world today and discussed the history behind the Book of Mormon Title Page and the early attacks on Joseph...
01.11.2024
Obscure Anti Argument
In this episode, we discuss an obscure anti-Mormon argument that confronted a missionary in the field. The story is about Arnold Potter a former member of the Church that became a self-declared Messiah and referred to himself as Potter Christ....
01.04.2024
Preface to the Book of Mormon
To usher in a new season and the study of the Book of Mormon we have a discussion of the original Preface to the Book of Mormon and the central aspect of the Book or Mormon and Joseph Smith in...
12.28.2023
Moroni Addendum
In this episode, we fulfill our promise from weeks ago and discuss a couple more questions listeners have asked about Moroni, such as his relationship with the Manti temple. If you would like to join us on a Standard of...
12.25.2023
Bonus 5 – Merry Christmas
We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas...our present to you...which is like getting coal in your stocking, is a bonus episode in which we read a letter from an early pioneer about what Christmas was like for the early Saints...
12.21.2023
Christmas Extravaganza
If you ever wondered how rabbit pies and Puritanism affected the history of Christmas in America and Europe, then this is the podcast for you. We examine Wilford Woodruff’s Christmas celebration over the years. If you would like to join us...
12.14.2023
Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
We started off with a plan to provide some addendums to our Moroni episodes, but a listener’s touching email kind of derailed us into a discussion about faith, testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and President Ballard. We also discuss...
12.07.2023
Walking on Water Part 2
We continue our discussion about antagonistic claims against Joseph Smith that were eventually repeated in the 20th century in a pseudo-academic source. If you would like to join us on a Standard of Truth Tour in the summer of 2024 please...
11.30.2023
Walking on Water Part 1
We respond to a question from a sister serving her mission in Pennsylvania who had someone call them up and share an outlandish story about Mormons attempting to trick people by faking the ability to on water. If you would like...
11.23.2023
Bonus 4 - Every Time A Bell Rings, An Angel Doesn’t Get Their Wings
This episode was referenced in Moroni Part 5 and so we wanted to make it easier to find by dropping it as a bonus episode. We hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving. During the Christmas season, believers talk more about...
11.23.2023
Moroni Part 5
We conclude the five-part series on the Angel Moroni. We discuss additional scolding and training that Moroni gives to the Prophet Joseph Smith. We also spend some time discussing Latter-day Saint belief on angels. If you would like to join us...
11.16.2023
Moroni Part 4
We conclude our four-part series on the Angel Moroni by admitting that there will be at least one more episode on the Angel Moroni. We talk about the temptation that Joseph Smith has to use the Gold Plates to solve...
11.09.2023
Moroni Part 3
In this episode, we discuss the book I gave Gerrit for his birthday. The book was a review of the opinion that the Supreme Court rendered in 1878 in the case of George Reynolds on the issue of polygamy. It...
11.02.2023
Moroni Part 2
In this episode, we continue our discussion about Moroni’s interaction with Joseph Smith. If you would like to join us on a Standard of Truth Tour in the summer of 2024 please sign up at: https://standardoftruth.com/tours/ If you have any questions or...
10.26.2023
Moroni Part 1
In this episode, we review some of the extensive feedback we received in the Hero Worship episodes and then start the long process of answering a question we received from a listener who was actively in labor as she wrote...
10.19.2023
Hero Worship Part 2
In this episode, we continue our discussion on hero worship and give several examples from the early days of Joseph Smith. If you would like to join us on a Standard of Truth Tour in the summer of 2024 please sign...
10.12.2023
Hero Worship Part 1
In this episode, we begin with an emailer’s question about dogs going to heaven. We also discuss the problem of “hero worship” in the church. The point is made that there is a problem anytime we care about anyone or...
10.05.2023
History of the Hosanna Shout
In this episode, we discuss the history of the Hosanna shout from Kirtland to Salt Lake and beyond. If you would like to join us on a Standard of Truth Tour in the summer of 2024 please sign up at: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ If you...
09.28.2023
Baptism Required for Salvation
In this episode, we discuss the claim made by the pastor at Alvin Smith’s funeral that Alvin was in hell because he wasn’t baptized. We go on to discuss the role that baptism plays for other Christians and Latter-day Saints. If...
09.21.2023
Colonizing the Holy Land
In this episode, we discuss the bizarre conclusion to George Adams attempts to found a Church prepared for the Second Coming and Richard learns that at least one 13-year-old listens just for his sports references. If you would like to join...
09.14.2023
Apostles, Apostates, and Apothecaries: George Adams
In this week’s episode, a listener’s question about the Council of Fifty leads us to a discussion of George Adams and a blistering letter from his brother Elias over the James Strang controversy. If you would like to join us on...
09.08.2023
Bonus - Okay, Let’s Try That Again
We were so excited to launch our Standard of Truth Tours for 2024...and then our credit card processor (Square) crashed. We talk about a couple of funny things that happened and read several funny responses that we received. We are sorry...
09.07.2023
Bonus - Standard of Truth Tours 2024
We are excited to announce two tours in 2024. Please click on the link for additional details ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠
09.07.2023
Questioning Richard’s Understanding of Authority
In this week’s episode, a listener takes Richard to the woodshed because she believes his discussion of what constitutes a ”general authority” is incorrect. We discuss the historical beginnings of the term. Difference between Area Authority Seventy and General Authority...
08.31.2023
The Final Charge to the Twelve
We discuss the final charge of Joseph Smith to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles wherein Joseph gave all of the keys he possessed to the Twelve collectively shortly before he was murdered. Wilford Woodruff Testimony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NjANSFISFY If you have any questions...
08.24.2023
The Standard of Truth Has Been Erected
Disclaimer: Halfway through the episode Richard’s mic stopped working. You’re welcome. In this episode, we answer a thoughtful listener’s question about the origin of the oft-quoted missionary stanza (and our podcast’s namesake) The Standard of Truth. If you have any questions...
08.17.2023
Why Me?
In this episode, we finally get to a persistent listener’s email. We didn’t come close to answering his question, but by reading a portion of his email we felt we met him halfway. Gerrit and Richard answer a listener’s question...
08.10.2023
”Mormon Hell”
Richard and Gerrit discuss Gerrit’s favorite topic…Mormon Hell…or the lack thereof in response to a listener’s question. Rex’s Elder’s Quorum President should begin listening at the 9th minute If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please...

What's Standard of Truth about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Standard of Truth episodes:

Gerrit Goes Hard in the Paint on Hurlbut and Solomon Spaulding Part 2

Gerrit Goes Hard in the Paint on Hurlbut and Solomon Spaulding Part 1

Lesser Known Heroes from Church History - Eliza Dana Gibbs Part 2

Lesser Known Heroes from Church History - Eliza Dana Gibbs Part 1

The Angel Raphael and Other Ninja Turtles

Bonus 5 – Thoughts on Following the Prophet After Conference

The Angel Gabriel and a Good Old-Fashioned Feet Dusting

Bonus 4 – Explaining Poor Audio and Conference Report

Statements from the Three Witnesses (primarily Martin Harris)

Live Studio Audience Part 2 (Politics and Polygamy)

Live Studio Audience Part 1 (Phebe Draper Mail Bag)

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 5 (we finally get to it)

Bonus 3 - Dedication of the Kirtland Temple

The Church Acquires the Kirtland Temple and Nauvoo Properties

Bonus - Update on Live Event

Questioning Scriptures and Frustration with Politics

Oliver Cowdery Attempts to Translate

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 4

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 3

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 2

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon Part 1

Exciting News

Title Page of the Book of Mormon

Obscure Anti Argument

Preface to the Book of Mormon

Moroni Addendum

Bonus 5 – Merry Christmas

Christmas Extravaganza

Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Walking on Water Part 2

Walking on Water Part 1

Bonus 4 - Every Time A Bell Rings, An Angel Doesn’t Get Their Wings

Moroni Part 5

Moroni Part 4

Moroni Part 3

Moroni Part 2

Moroni Part 1

Hero Worship Part 2

Hero Worship Part 1

History of the Hosanna Shout

Baptism Required for Salvation

Colonizing the Holy Land

Apostles, Apostates, and Apothecaries: George Adams

Bonus - Okay, Let’s Try That Again

Bonus - Standard of Truth Tours 2024

Questioning Richard’s Understanding of Authority

The Final Charge to the Twelve

The Standard of Truth Has Been Erected

Why Me?

”Mormon Hell”

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