

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

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
S5E42 Prescription to Avoid Apostasy
Dive into recent conference highlights and emotional responses about family and mercy. Explore Thomas B. Marsh’s intriguing journey, from his conflicts with Joseph Smith to his eventual return to faith. Uncover his handwritten 'Prescription for Apostasy,' filled with poignant reminders about faith and charity. The conversation also tackles why some Christians label Latter-day Saints as a cult, shedding light on key theological differences. Plus, enjoy listener stories and humor that bring lightness to serious topics.

Oct 2, 2025 • 58min
S5E41 Peacemakers Needed
This discussion centers on the impactful life of President Russell M. Nelson and addresses the tragic events in Michigan. The hosts examine how compassion should triumph over theological disputes in hard times. They reflect on Nelson's teachings about forgiveness, offering Jesus' example as a guiding principle. The impact of anti-Mormon sentiments and its historical roots is also explored, alongside how Nelson's leadership has influenced church history and materials. Listeners gain insight into the importance of peacemaking in challenging circumstances.

8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
S5E40 Dead and in Hell Part 2
The hosts dive into a historical investigation to pinpoint which U.S. President Brigham Young claimed was 'dead and in hell.' They discuss Brigham Young's political views, including his strong rhetoric against President Polk during tumultuous times. A lively debate on the implications of early Latter-day Saint political alignments reveals conflicts within the community. The episode also explores evolving scriptural interpretations and the importance of contextual understanding in religious discussions.

4 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
S5E39 Dead and in Hell Part 1
The hosts discuss a legendary remark by Brigham Young regarding a U.S. president's fate, diving into its historical context. They also explore Brigham Young's complex feelings about government, revealing his suspicions during tumultuous times. A humorous listener email about labor prompts entertaining anecdotes, while the importance of names sparks engaging banter. Additionally, the motivations behind the Mormon Battalion's formation and the political dynamics of the period come to light, setting the stage for future discussions on these pivotal historical figures.

5 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 1h 19min
S5E38 Orson Hyde and the Prophecy of the Civil War Part 2
The discussion revolves around Orson Hyde's pivotal letter, shedding light on Utah's quest for statehood amid a fractured Union. Analyzing the historical context, the hosts dive into the spiritual lessons of unanswered prayers and the hope for Zion's redemption. A listener's personal experiences enrich the dialogue, blending family connections with theological insights. The complexities of the Trinity are explored through historical and contemporary lenses, highlighting the Latter-day Saints' struggles during the Civil War and their quest for divine protection.

Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
S5E37 Orson Hyde and the Prophecy of the Civil War Part 1
The hosts kick off with humorous banter about carrots and the imminent NFL season, setting a lively tone. They discuss Orson Hyde's Civil War insights, blending faith with historical perspectives. Listener interactions reveal personal journeys in faith, addressing how church history can be navigated with confidence. They delve into the dynamics of college football and predictions for key matchups, all while intertwining lighthearted jokes. The complexities of interpreting prophetic statements about the Civil War are explored, highlighting history's intricate connections.

Sep 2, 2025 • 19min
S5B13 Sweetwater Rescue Lithuania - Interview with President Rissi
In this bonus episode, Richard has a conversation with President Rissi, the Lithuania District President, about the recent Sweetwater Rescue temple trip to the Helsinki, Finland Temple.
Church News Article:
https://www.thechurchnews.com/members/2025/09/01/vilnius-lithuania-district-long-journey-helsinki-finland-temple/
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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

Aug 28, 2025 • 1h 3min
S5E36 Sealed Portion of the Plates
In this episode, we discuss the sealed portion of the plates. Gerrit shares the accounts of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on returning the plates and go through comments from Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and David Whitmer.
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

16 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 42min
S5B12 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 3
Dive into intriguing discussions about the pre-existence of humanity and the nature of mortality. Explore contrasts between traditional Christian views and Latter-day Saint teachings on intelligence's eternal existence. Unpack the profound implications of existence beyond the physical realm and how it shapes identity and agency. Learn about themes of choice and purpose in mortal life amidst challenges, all grounded in insights from Doctrine and Covenants section 93.

21 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 57min
S5B11 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 93 Part 2
In this engaging discussion, the hosts dive into the radical revelations of Doctrine and Covenants section 93, exploring the complex nature of Jesus Christ. They unravel theological debates surrounding divine sovereignty versus human agency, and how these issues relate to salvation and sin. Through poignant narratives, they contrast Latter-day Saint beliefs with traditional Christian perspectives, particularly on the fate of children in faith. The insights drawn from John chapter one further highlight Jesus's divinity and transformative journey, inviting listeners to reflect on their own spiritual identities.