

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 21, 2025 • 1h 11min
S5E35 Women and the Sacrament
In this episode, we discussed the changes to sacrament overtime. We also attempted to answer a listeners question about women participating in the administration of the sacrament
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Aug 21, 2025 • 53min
S5B9 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 91 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, we continue our discussion of the Apocrypha. The podcast starts with a 19th-century Latter-day Saint view of the Apocrypha. Gerrit asks Richard a question where Richard has a 50% shot of getting it right… He gets it wrong. We also read from 2 Ezras and its reference to the lost 10 tribes and Zion being built up. This all provides the context for Joseph receiving the revelation for D&C Section 91.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
S5B8 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 91 Part 1
In this rereleased episode, we decided to tackle one of the great hot-button historical issues of the day…well, of Joseph Smith’s day anyway. We discuss the history of the Apocrypha and how controversy in Christianity led to Joseph Smith’s revelation on it.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
S5B7 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 89 Part 2
In this rereleased episode, we discuss how the Word of Wisdom changes over time within the Church to where we are today.
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Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
S5B6 Kristy’s KorneЯ - D&C 89 Part 1
In this rereleased episode, we discuss the context around the receiving of the Word of Wisdom and talk about how the saints responded to the revelation when it was received.
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If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

10 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
S5E34 Atheism Part 3
In a live setting with a sweltering atmosphere, the hosts tackle atheism with humor and insight. They delve into divine hiddenness, questioning why faith isn’t evenly distributed across the globe. A critique of Wesley Huff's views leads to playful banter about faith and skepticism. The misconceptions surrounding hell are tackled, contrasting traditional beliefs with scriptural interpretations. Amidst discussions of choices and consequences, they uniquely reflect on the divine plan for human existence, blending serious topics with lighthearted anecdotes.

Aug 7, 2025 • 44min
S5B6 Rerelease Joseph Smith's Civil War Prophecy
Discovery of a bold prophecy from Joseph Smith reveals his predictions about the American Civil War, made on Christmas Day in 1832. The podcast dives into the tense social climate of that era, highlighting race and slavery conflicts in Missouri. It explores how tariffs fueled regional disputes and outlines early misconceptions about the war. The parallels drawn between Abraham Lincoln's views and Smith's revelations suggest a deeper moral narrative, framing the conflict as a form of divine judgment.

10 snips
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 12min
S5E33 Atheism Part 2
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.

10 snips
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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