Standard of Truth

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 Minute Lesson Prep): Official Declaration 1 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: (https://standardoftruth.com/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

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 departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins. 7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;   Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): the whole 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

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. ⁠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: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

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. ⁠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: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

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. ⁠⁠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: ⁠⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

Thanksgiving brings reflections on faith and endurance. The hosts explore Joseph Smith’s teachings about God’s physical body and the idea of a 'trial of Abraham' for every disciple. Daniel H. Wells' address reminds us of early Saints' loyalty to the Constitution amid their suffering. Anecdotes about missionary experiences and the influence of church history enrich the conversation. The fiery arrival of federal judge Perry Brocous hints at fraught future tensions with the Latter-day Saints, making this discussion both poignant and historically intriguing.

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.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2024/10/05-can-we-heal-our-relationship-addressing-verbal-and-emotional-abuse?lang=eng   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

The hosts share humorous anecdotes and thank listeners for their support at the Sweetwater Rescue fundraiser. A deep dive into historical tensions unfolds as they discuss William Smith's remonstrance and anti-Mormon newspaper sentiment. The political landscape takes center stage with the fallout from Zachary Taylor’s veto threat and his sudden death, leading to Millard Fillmore's compromises. Kristy’s Corner tackles the complexities of polygamy, with emotional testimonies shedding light on personal experiences in pioneer families.

Exciting discussions unfold as the hosts delve into the Sweetwater Rescue fundraiser, aimed at supporting a Nairobi temple trip. They review Doctrine and Covenants sections 125 and 126, shedding light on early church settlement and leadership dynamics. A listener mailbag sparks a thoughtful exploration of the Bickertonites, their beliefs, and ways to bridge understanding between faiths. Trivia about townships adds a fun twist, and a continuation of historical narratives reveals intriguing controversies within early church history.

The hosts dive into a fundraiser for Sweetwater Rescue's Nairobi Temple trip, offering listeners a chance to support the cause. They explore recent changes to the Doctrine and Covenants’ headings, shedding light on significant adjustments and their context. Notably, discussions focus on D&C 132 regarding polygamy, addressing common criticisms and reaffirming the importance of these revelations. Engaging listener feedback adds a personal touch, making this episode both informative and thought-provoking.