Standard of Truth

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.   Sign up for our free monthly email (seldom monthly): ⁠ ⁠⁠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 conversation dives into the problem of evil, questioning how a benevolent God correlates with suffering in our lives. Gerrit sheds light on the overlooked severity of suffering in the afterlife and the lack of justice for many. There's an engaging exploration of prophetic insights from the Doctrine and Covenants, relating them to past civil conflicts. The hosts mix humor with serious debate about faith and the nuances of atheist arguments, ultimately urging a deeper understanding of morality and personal growth.

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.

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 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

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

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.

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.

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    Sign up for our free monthly email (almost never monthly): ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠   If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

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 ⁠Subscribe to our free newsletter⁠⁠ - ⁠⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com/⁠⁠ Please visit our website at ⁠⁠www.standardoftruth.com⁠

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