Standard of Truth

In this episode, we pause the “Who’s Dead and in Hell?” series to discuss the letters behind Doctrine & Covenants 121–123. Gerrit walks through what Joseph wrote in March 1839, and why those canonized excerpts (power, priesthood, and “the Son of Man hath descended below them all”) hit harder when you know the context (state-sanctioned violence in Missouri, Saints fleeing in winter, affidavits of loss, and a prophet pleading for the widows and fatherless). We vow to return to “Who’s Dead and in Hell?” next week.   Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit provides additional context to the first verse of D&C 121 which turns into the entire episode    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours 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: ⁠ 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

In this episode, we get back into who is dead and in hell with a discussion of President Zachary Taylor’s secret “mega-state” plan to skip territorial status by fusing the Mexican Cession into two giant states (California and New Mexico) and setting the stage for Deseret, Utah Territory, and next week’s “Who’s Dead and in Hell?” installment.    Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Doctrine and Covenants 115 the revelation that formally names the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours 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: ⁠ 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

In this episode, we discuss the most recent General Conference, Thomas B. Marsh’s prescription to avoid apostasy after apostasy and his return to the Church, and why “Mormons” are viewed as a cult. Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): D&C 112 ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email that is rarely 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   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: 01:31 – Gerrit reflects on empathy and family teachings from Conference. 03:05 – Discussion on emotional reactions to doctrines about marriage and family. 04:30 – Sports-team loyalty as an analogy for emotional reasoning in faith. 07:50 – Mercy and gratitude; Richard’s emotional takeaway from Conference.  08:45 – Cajun-seasoning humor from Elder Amos’ talk; lighthearted recap. 09:30 – Listener email from Mindy, stake RS president; Kristy’s KorneЯ intro. 13:45 – Doctrine & Covenants 112: Thomas B. Marsh revelation overview. 20:40 – Marsh’s pride, Kirtland apostasy, and “rebel not against my servant Joseph.” 23:15 – Missouri conflicts; Marsh’s eventual apostasy and later return. 25:30 – Reading Marsh’s handwritten “Prescription for Apostasy.” 28:55 – Bishop Jepson’s email; humor about accidental promotions. 30:31 – Running joke: the show’s “power” to make listeners bishops. 33:45 – Panama missionary asks why God allows apostasy 36:37 – Gerrit explains apostasy, agency, and salvation for the dead. 42:14 – Couple in hospital email: garments and “Mormons as a cult” questions. 48:41 – History of sacred clothing and the Protestant Reformation. 53:30 – Catholic vs. evangelical views on sacred garments. 56:30 – Why some Christians call Latter-day Saints a cult; creed differences.

In this episode, we reflect on the life and teachings of President Russell M. Nelson and the horrific tragedy in Michigan. Peacemakers Needed: President Russell M. Nelson, April 2023 General Conference https://youtu.be/vQghSMOOYz4?si=J2iZzTDkfRcYSH_n   Forgiving Others: An Easter Message from President Russell M. Nelson https://youtu.be/cb6UGnSEDi4?si=zzkJwvQcmvi9EjYo   The Healing Power of Forgiveness: President James E. Faust https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqlNqeRc8KY ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email that is rarely monthly: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠

In this episode, we inch ever closer to identifying the US President that Brigham Young said was dead and in hell.  Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit discusses D&C 107 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 Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: 06:03 – First historical example discussed and reactions. 08:04 – Hosts compare perspectives and clarify early details. 10:07 – Beginning of doctrinal discussion with audience tie-ins. 12:10 – Close reading of a historical source with commentary. 14:13 – Analysis continues with theological implications. 16:11 – Host insights on interpretation and cultural context. 18:13 – Comparison of events and how they shaped beliefs. 20:16 – Transition into related doctrine and historical figures. 22:19 – Examples illustrating the broader argument. 24:21 – Reflections on interpretation challenges. 26:23 – Stories and applications to modern understanding. 28:26 – Hosts debate nuance and context around the text. 30:29 – Historical anecdotes supporting key points. 32:31 – Doctrinal implications revisited in greater detail. 34:33 – Questions from one host, answers from the other. 36:35 – Continued analysis with new textual evidence. 38:37 – Transition toward audience application and insights. 40:39 – Lively back-and-forth clarifying interpretations. 42:41 – Broader lessons drawn from the historical record. 44:43 – Anecdotes illustrating theological points. 46:45 – Hosts emphasize takeaways and significance. 48:47 – Final textual comparisons and reflection. 50:49 – 52:50 — Application to modern faith practice.

We begin the episode with apologies to Sarah, who emailed us while in labor… again. Gerrit then sets the stage for a multi-part deep dive: Brigham Young, James K. Polk, and the Mormon Battalion with a question about the oft-repeated story that in General Conference Brigham Young announced a U.S. president “died and went to hell.”  Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours 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 ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email that is rarely 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   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: 00:02:47 – General Banter 00:14:10 – Baby naming digression 00:18:46 – Listener email reading 00:23:59 – President Hinckley, and improvised remarks during a church meeting. 00:29:29 – Brigham Young and the U.S. president, question raised about which president Brigham Young referenced, opening into deeper historical analysis. 00:33:51 – Secretary of Defense texts and politics, Discussion of a Secretary of Defense text message reference, bridging to political tensions in LDS history. 00:37:55 – Brigham Young’s perception of government problems, exploration of Brigham Young’s uneasy feelings about U.S. government actions and underlying suspicions. 00:43:30 – James Polk and the Mormon Battalion, quoting Polk’s journal about calling Mormons into military service, with historical and political implications. 00:48:49 – Party politics and Mormon voters, Analysis of Democrats vs. Whigs, Mormons as consistent Democrat voters, and shifting political dynamics. 00:52:46 – Close elections and minority status, Reflection on razor-thin election margins, using comparisons to modern U.S. states like Texas. 00:55:09 – Email reading recap, Lighthearted commentary on how emails were read, with jokes about voice impressions. 00:57:46 – Figuring things out in real time, Hosts note that they essentially just “lived through” the lesson while talking—meta humor about their own podcasting style. 01:01:04 – Postmaster positions and patronage, Historical detail about the importance of postmaster appointments and thousands of federal jobs. 01:06:09 – Closing thoughts and unfinished material, Discussion of Alexander McCrae’s anger, acknowledgment that time ran out, and teasing future continuation.

In this episode, we continue our discussion of the context leading to Orson Hyde writing a letter to the Missouri Republican. Utah is desperately trying to get into the Union while half of the states are seceding from the Union. Gerrit then reads the letter and provides commentary. We also discuss a litner’s email about Christian’s understanding of the Trinity based on the King James Version of the Bible.   Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit shares his thoughts on D&C 101 and the idea of what do we do when the Lord doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we may want Image attempting to explain the Trinity: https://thepentecostalwesleyan.substack.com/p/the-core-doctrines-of-the-christian-4fb    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours 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: ⁠ 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   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: •00:05:00 – Sunday School etiquette humor and Kristy’s Corner segment •00:07:20 – D&C 101: Zion’s expulsion, Joseph’s 1833 letter to Missouri Saints •00:10:04 – Lessons from unanswered prayers — “be still and know that I am God” •00:12:16 – Hope of Zion’s redemption and Abrahamic parallels of consecration •00:13:52 – Listener mailbag: Lacey’s email on the Trinity and KJV •00:16:02 – Banter about reading emails late and missionary timelines •00:18:08 – Explaining the Nicene Creed: three persons, one God, and why it confuses •00:20:28 – The “triangle diagram” of the Trinity and its limits •00:23:00 – Matthew 3:16–17 — Baptism of Jesus challenges Trinity claims •00:25:22 – Workarounds: Some early Christians claimed “the voice was an angel” •00:28:05 – Story: Lithuanian Catholic convert rejects Trinity after reading scripture •00:31:00 – Council of Nicaea and how early Christians struggled with monotheism & Christ’s divinity •00:35:26 – Who still uses the King James Bible today? Presbyterians, Baptists, Pentecostals •00:39:16 – NIV vs KJV — John 1:18 and doctrinal differences in translation •00:41:00 – Listener Dawson’s email introduces Orson Hyde’s Civil War letter •00:45:00 – Charleston newspapers: downplaying fears of large-scale war in 1861 •00:48:00 – Missouri newspapers: hope that secession won’t mean inevitable war •00:51:00 – Virginia’s call for a 10,000–20,000 militia — seen as scandalous then •00:55:00 – Hartford Convention (1814): New England nearly secedes during War of 1812 •01:00:00 – Hindsight bias: Chamberlain’s “peace for our time” compared with prophecy •01:05:00 – Critics on D&C 87 — manuscript evidence and Pearl of Great Price 1851 printing •01:10:00 – Faith and prophecy: why hindsight makes Joseph’s revelation look “obvious”

To celebrate the kickoff to the 2025 NFL season (Eagles -7.5 vs the Cowboys), we begin in the obvious place with a discussion of Orson Hyde’s letter to the Missouri Republican in 1861, providing commentary on the Civil War. They read an email from a litner who shares how she used to be afraid of Church history and how the podcast has given her confidence in the face of anti-Mormon garbage, and Richard shares his feelings on the idea of putting Gospel and Church history topics “on a shelf”…spoiler alert, he doesn’t like the expression.   Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): We ran out of time. There is no way your Sunday School teacher will be getting D&C 94 through 97. Use any of the three-part rerelease from D&C 93 last week, and you should be in great shape.    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours 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: ⁠ 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   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: •00:01:20 – Richard’s new glasses, carrots, and “big carrot conspiracy” •00:03:40 – Football season talk (NFL & College) •00:09:20 – Listener mailbag begins •00:09:36 – Testimony of Emer Harris and family connections •00:15:00 – Listener Danica’s email on family faith struggles and church history fears •00:25:00 – Richard’s thoughts on “putting things on the shelf” vs. gaining testimony •00:31:00 – Discussion of Lyman Johnson’s regret and the value of faith •00:35:00 – Dawson’s email introducing Orson Hyde’s Civil War commentary •00:37:00 – Civil War Prophecy context: hindsight bias and the problem of interpreting prophecy. •00:39:00 – Challenges of Second Coming prophecies and people’s tendency to over-interpret. •00:40:30 – Specifics of Joseph Smith’s prophecy: slavery, South Carolina, and secession. •00:43:00 – Why hindsight makes the Civil War “seem obvious,” but it wasn’t. •00:45:00 – South Carolina newspapers downplaying fears of a large-scale war. •00:47:00 – Border state (Missouri) newspapers hoping for compromise to avoid war. •00:51:00 – Virginia’s “scandalous” call for 10,000–20,000 militia—later dwarfed by actual numbers. •00:53:00 – Historical context: the Nullification Crisis and its contrast with Joseph’s prophecy. •00:55:00 – War of 1812 Hartford Convention—New England nearly seceding. •01:00:00 – Hindsight bias analogy: Neville Chamberlain’s “peace for our time.” •01:02:00 – Why critics’ arguments against Joseph Smith’s prophecy are hollow. •01:05:00 – Civil War prophecy in early manuscripts and the Pearl of Great Price (1851). •01:07:00 – Prophecy credibility, critics’ weak arguments, and final remarks.

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/   You can follow us on Social Media at: https://www.facebook.com/share/1FRGVJQVVB/?mibextid=wwXIfr https://www.instagram.com/sweetwaterrescue 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

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

In this rereleased episode, we continue to discuss Doctrine and Covenants 93. In Part 3, we discuss what this revelation tells us about the nature of mankind in relation to the nature of our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. 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

In this rereleased episode, we continue to discuss Doctrine and Covenants 93. In Part 1, we provided some historical and theological context from the Christian world. In Part 2, we go through Section 93 and discuss the radical nature of this revelation as it provides insights into questions about the nature of Jesus Christ that have confounded philosophers and theologians for centuries. 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

In this rereleased episode, we dive deep into one of the most important revelations ever received by Joseph Smith, Doctrine and Covenants 93.  But to understand how radical and how profound this revelation is, we must first understand a little of what the Christian world thinks about the nature of God, the nature of Christ, and our own nature. 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

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   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

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. 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

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. 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

In this rereleased episode, we discuss how the Word of Wisdom changes over time within the Church to where we are today. 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

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. 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 record this episode in front of a live studio audience in the air-conditionless conference room of the Palmyra Inn. We conclude our discussion on atheism and discuss another YouTube clip of a Christian theologian that attempts to soften the mainstream Christian understanding of hell. Gerrit Dandometer: 867,003 Kristy’s KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): Gerrit discusses D&C 88 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 Clips played on the show came from the following YouTube videos: What Is Hell ACTUALLY? Bible Expert Wes Huff Explains - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq64jDI5gA0 Arguments For Atheism Tier List - ⁠https://youtu.be/s_5vfQE6_yE?si=-nWylNO1qiuVy-Wb

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    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   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