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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
Nov 29, 2025
Nov 29, 2025
1 hr 6 min
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 and protect their rights. We discuss his resulting presidential campaign. Apostasy from within the Church and political machinations and bigotry from without set the stage for that murderous day in Carthage.
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Nov 27, 2025
Nov 27, 2025
1 hr 5 min
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 murders, expulsions, and persecutions they suffered. We reflect on how the faith the Saints, who endured Missouri, Nauvoo, and the plains without knowing “why” can sustain modern disciples facing difficult trials.
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
Nov 20, 2025
Nov 20, 2025
1 hr 10 min
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.
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): D&C 133
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
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
1 hr 9 min
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.
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): POLYGAMY
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
Nov 5, 2025
Nov 5, 2025
1 hr 14 min
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 have no fear of hell that don't exist."
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-7-april-1844-as-reported-by-wilford-woodruff/6?highlight=hell%20fire%20that
Sweetwater Rescue Fundraiser for a Nairobi, Kenya Temple Trip: At any of the Hug Hes locations, mention that you are there for Sweetwater Rescue on November 6th, 7th, and 8th, and they will donate 100% of the bill from the first 49 customers to Sweetwater Rescue and 66% of the bill for all of the customers after that. 100% of those donations will go directly to the saints in Kenya, helping them get to the temple.
Hug Hes Locations: https://www.hug-hes.com/locations
If you wanted to support Sweetwater Rescue directly, please visit our website: https://www.sweetwaterrescue.org/
Follow Sweetwater Rescue on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQr_BIxklVu/?igsh=MWdxdzg1bTl5NzVxMA==
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stories/122098526660489948/UzpfSVNDOjQ0OTY1NDU5ODM5NjMyODM=/?view_single=1
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): D&C 125 & 126
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
Oct 30, 2025
Oct 30, 2025
1 hr 7 min
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/gqbk941x9ie6a4t5a06vt507n6oq6q0iup0wtk9l/summary_of_approved_adjustments_to_scriptures_2025.pdf
Sweetwater Rescue Fundraiser for a Nairobi Kenya Temple Trip: At any of the Hug Hes locations mention that you are there for Sweetwater Rescue on November 6th, 7th, and 8th and they will donate 34% of the bill to Sweetwater Rescue and 100% of those donations will go directly to the saints in Kenya helping them get to the temple. Hug Hes Locations: https://www.hug-hes.com/locations
If you wanted to support Sweetwater Rescue directly, please visit our website: https://www.sweetwaterrescue.org/
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): D&C 124
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
Oct 23, 2025
Oct 23, 2025
56 min
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 of loss, and a prophet pleading for the widows and fatherless). We vow to return to “Who’s Dead and in Hell?” next week.
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit provides additional context to the first verse of D&C 121 which turns into the entire episode
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
Oct 16, 2025
Oct 16, 2025
1 hr 9 min
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
Oct 9, 2025
Oct 9, 2025
1 hr 5 min
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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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.
Oct 2, 2025
Oct 2, 2025
58 min
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