Standard of Truth

In this episode we continue our deep dive into D&C Section 10, focusing on the intense opposition Joseph Smith faced and the cunning plan of those who sought to discredit the translation of the Book of Mormon. We explore the reality of Satan’s influence, the importance of discerning spiritual voices, and the miraculous nature of Joseph’s ability to translate despite not yet holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.   Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (2 spots available)   Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out 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 dive into Doctrine and Covenants Section 10, exploring its historical context and doctrinal significance. They discuss the stolen 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, the Lord’s warning to Joseph Smith, and how God prepared for this loss centuries in advance. examines how prophets act in faith without knowing why, with examples from Nephi, Mormon, and Joseph Smith. Along the way, Gerrit breaks down the Book of Mormon translation process, the role of small and large plates, and how Latter-day Saints wrestle with changing scripture. It takes us one hour one minute and twenty-nine seconds, but we finally finish talking about the first verse.   Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (2 spots available)   Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out 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

Listeners are treated to heartfelt reflections on the painful topics of miscarriages and stillbirths, as the hosts address a touching email from a listener. They discuss the historical and doctrinal implications within early Christianity and offer a compassionate take on grief and disability. Humorous anecdotes lighten the mood, showcasing the dynamics of their engaging listener community. The emotional struggles of early religious leaders with divine revelation and personal loss also feature prominently, intertwining themes of faith, empathy, and hope.

In this episode, we examine some of the greatest rebukes in the Doctrine and Covenants. There are just so many people who refuse to follow the Lord’s direction that the list is long. Gerrit spends a decent amount of time on Almon Babbitt. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th  Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th   Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out 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 podcast dives into Joseph Smith's emotional struggles after the theft of the 116 pages. With humor, the hosts discuss the tension of waiting for Martin Harris, drawing parallels to our reliance on modern conveniences like microwaves. They explore themes of grief, support, and the consequences of lost manuscripts, revealing raw vulnerability. Anecdotes about punctuality highlight relatable frustrations, while Joseph's quest for forgiveness underscores the mercy and accountability found in faith. It’s a compelling blend of history and personal reflection.

Dive into the intriguing context of Doctrine and Covenants section 3, revealing Joseph Smith's early challenges and the pivotal role of Emma as a scribe. Explore the dramatic tensions between Martin and Lucy Harris, where personal beliefs clash with skepticism. Experience humorous anecdotes about barbed wire's impact on ranching and cheeky commentary on wealth dynamics in education. This rich narrative uncovers the struggles, faith, and emotional turmoil of early figures in the movement, blending history with wit.

In this bonus episode, Richard makes his Super Bowl picks and Gerrit talks about how we will be weaving Search These Commandments in and out of the premium content. As an example we will be releasing D&C 3 on the free side. We also share a new theme song that comes from a friend of the show.   Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (10 spots available)   Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out 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

Can Satan repent? This intriguing question sparks a theological exploration of angels and pride. The hosts share humorous anecdotes about missionaries and discuss the nature of agency among fallen beings. They reflect on historical thinkers' views regarding redemption and the irrevocable choices of rebel angels. The conversation also dives into the nature of forgiveness and the unique Latter-day Saint beliefs about sin and repentance, encouraging deep reflection on faith and existence through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

In this episode, we answer a litner’s question about a story they heard about Joseph Smith raising someone from the dead in Nauvoo. Many may not be aware of this, but apparently, the flood plains of the Mississippi River may have an above-average number of mosquitos and there is a breakout of malaria that leaves many Saints nigh unto death. Gerrit shares several miraculous experiences performed in Nauvoo during this malaria breakout. Gerrit also shares a story told by Levi Curtis about William Huntington being raised from the dead. What would you say if you had just been raised from the dead? Well, William Huntington said “I never felt better in my life…I want my pants.” Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th (10 spots remaining)   Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out 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 share an interview that Gerrit had with one of our younger litners, JT, and we also share an interview that Gerrit and I had with President Roggero, the district president for the Rio Gallegos district in Argentina. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2025: ⁠https://standardoftruth.com/tours/⁠ Missouri/Nauvoo – June 22nd through June 28th  Palmyra/Kirtland – August 3rd through August 9th   Sign up for our free monthly (that doesn’t go out 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