Standard of Truth
Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
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
Mentioned books
Aug 7, 2025 • 44min
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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Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 12min
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 Dandometer: most controlled we have seen Gerrit in some time, but toward the end gets up to 402,836
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit discusses the miraculous nature of the D&C 87 and the prophecy of the coming Civil War
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If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com
Clips played on the show came from the following YouTube videos:
John MacArthur: Why Does God Allow So Much Suffering and Evil? - https://youtu.be/UTRm1go2Qw4?si=nwkqn18hic6HB7sw
If God, Why Evil? | Dr. Frank Turek - https://youtu.be/V2eNyrknOAk?si=FaUq0z1bcl9XMrJ1
Arguments For Atheism Tier List - https://youtu.be/s_5vfQE6_yE?si=-nWylNO1qiuVy-Wb
Alex O’Connor UNLOADS on Catholic Apologist: "Your God Let This Happen?" - https://youtu.be/9gND_uHQtlY?si=n49K5tjR_gcO5sLP
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 14min
S5E32 Atheism Part 1
The hosts dive into Christmas hymns from Joseph Smith's era, weaving humor with insightful theological reflections. They explore atheism, contrasting it with spiritual narratives, while addressing key topics like total depravity and the nature of good and evil. Personal anecdotes enrich their discussions on Joseph Smith's character and the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. A lively exchange on Christmas carols reveals their historical significance. The episode critically examines faith, skepticism, and the value of eyewitness accounts in religious contexts.
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 19min
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, and how Protestant denominations eventually reversed course under cultural pressure.
Gerrit Dander Meter: 373,641
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): We ran out of time, so this will be a separate mini-bonus episode
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If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com
Jul 24, 2025 • 19min
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://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/f8edb331-484b-4f4a-9b99-0138932c0075/0/1?lang=eng
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
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 14min
S5E30 Bad Sources and the Quorum of the Twelve Part 2
A lively banter kicks off with a unique 'Dandermeter' to spice up church history discussions. Delve into the complexities of faith as hosts explore Stephen Burnett's controversial claims about the golden plates, infusing humor into serious debates. They share humorous anecdotes from missionary life and the challenges of addressing spiritual concerns. A listener's email from Djibouti sparks a discussion on cultural nuances, while the importance of scrutinizing sources in church history is emphasized, especially regarding priesthood authority.
8 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 59min
S5E29 Bad Sources and the Quorum of the Twelve Part 1
Unpack the story behind Bill the Adulterer and hear about Abraham Lincoln playing Dixie after the Civil War victory. The hosts dive into the complexities of historical accuracy, discussing William McClellan's betrayal and the nuances of church history. They explore radical teachings of universal salvation from Doctrine and Covenants Section 76, while mixing in humor about sports and community dynamics. Expect lively banter as they tackle listener questions and share excitement for an upcoming historical tour.
Jul 3, 2025 • 48min
S5E28 John C. Bennett
We record this episode in the shadow of the Keokuk, Iowa Walmart in front of a live studio audience. We have some fun with litners on the Standard of Truth Tour and Gerrit answers an email about everyone’s favorite doctor, veteran, adulterer, and liar John C. Bennett.
Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): D&C 74
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If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 2min
S5E27 - Used Car Salesman Johann Tetzel (formerly premium content from JSR)
Martin Luther's disgust with the used car salesmen of indulgence peddlers, Johann Teztel, drive him to cross the religious Rubicon and nail his 95 theses to the door. The Protestant Reformation is about to explode.
If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com
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Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
S5E26 - Prelude to the Reformation (formerly premium content from JSR)
Before we dive headfirst into Martin Luther we spend a little time talking about a few of his predecessors. We discuss the impact that Augustine of Hippo (354-430), John Wycliffe (1328-1384), and Jan Huss (1369-1415) had on Christian thought. We also discuss the merits of throwing people out of windows as a solution to your problems.
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
