Standard of Truth Podcast: S2E18 Zion Part 2

Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
Guest: Professor Richard Leduc
Release Date: May 4, 2022

Introduction

In Episode 18 of Season 2, titled "Zion Part 2," Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat continues his exploration of the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church). Joining him is Professor Richard Leduc, as they delve deeper into the establishment of Zion in Missouri, the challenges faced by early church members, and the criticisms from within the community.

Continuation of the Zion Discussion

Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc pick up their discussion on Zion, a foundational concept for early Latter-Day Saints aiming to establish a utopian society. They reference a previous episode where their conversation ended on a "cliffhanger," setting the stage for further exploration.

Listener Feedback and Criticism

The hosts address listener interactions, notably an email from a Missouri resident aimed at critiquing Professor Leduc. Despite receiving numerous positive and mildly critical emails, only one substantial criticism is acknowledged:

"We did receive dozens and dozens and dozens of emails criticizing me, but we only received one that criticized Richard."
— Professor Richard Leduc [02:31]

This highlights the generally positive reception of the podcast, with rare instances of significant critique.

The Missouri Pronunciation Debate

A humorous and light-hearted segment ensues as the hosts discuss the pronunciation of "Missouri." Professor Leduc's attempt to pronounce it with a specific accent drew criticism from listener Ari, prompting playful banter:

"We have some cultural oddities with regard to the pronunciation, such as crick and adding Rs where they oughtn't to be."
— Professor Richard Leduc [04:10]

This exchange underscores the cultural and regional nuances present within the early LDS community in Missouri.

The Ideal of Zion and Contemporary Parallels

Dr. Dirkmaat elaborates on the powerful vision of Zion held by early church members like Ezra Booth:

"The idea of Zion is instead this idea that what makes you happy is living the gospel and making other people happy."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [07:20]

He draws parallels between the 19th-century vision of Zion and modern-day aspirations for community and spiritual fulfillment, highlighting the enduring relevance of these ideals.

Spotlight on Ezra Booth

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Ezra Booth, a former Methodist minister whose journey through various religious movements provides critical insights into early LDS challenges.

Booth’s Background and Conversion

Ezra Booth, described as a "man of more than ordinary powers of mind," was deeply educated, mastering Greek to read the Greek Testament:

"He used to say that in the early days of his ministry, he and Mr. Charles Elliot were the only Methodist preachers west of the Alleghenies who were able to read Greek."
— Professor Richard Leduc [13:00]

Booth's intellectual rigor made his eventual apostasy a notable event within church history.

Booth’s Apostasy and Criticism of Mormonism

After a brief period within the LDS Church, Booth becomes disillusioned with the realities of Zion in Missouri, which contrasted sharply with his utopian expectations. He authored letters denouncing Mormonism, challenging Joseph Smith's prophetic authority and the authenticity of the Book of Mormon:

"If God be a God of consistency and wisdom, I now know Mormonism to be a delusion."
— Excerpt from Ezra Booth's Letter [24:16]

Booth's critiques focus on perceived inconsistencies, the centralized authority of Joseph Smith, and the mystical experiences claimed by church leaders.

Analysis of Booth’s Letters

Professor Leduc analyzes Booth's letters, noting his attempt to rationalize his departure from the church:

"He kind of agrees with them by saying it was like, you know, it was a power that I'd never felt before."
— Professor Richard Leduc [28:00]

Booth portrays his conversion and subsequent abandonment of Mormonism as a struggle between rational skepticism and spiritual fervor.

Growing Tensions within the Early Church

Church Leadership Conflicts in Missouri

The episode details tensions between Missouri Saints and Ohio-based church leadership. Issues arose from the appointment of church officials and the adherence to church protocols. For instance, a Missouri conference elected a moderator without following the established revelation:

"The Conference of the Church kind of did a parliamentary procedure and elected someone to preside and be the moderator over the conference."
— Professor Richard Leduc [35:00]

This deviation led to reprimands from Ohio, emphasizing centralized authority and revealed guidance.

Communication Challenges between Missouri and Ohio

Geographical distances exacerbated misunderstandings and delayed responses to issues. The Missouri Saints felt isolated and underserved by the Ohio headquarters, fostering a sense of disconnect:

"It is the furthest western reaches of Missouri that the Saints are moving to an independence."
— Professor Richard Leduc [38:00]

The delayed communications, sometimes taking months, hindered effective leadership and unity within the burgeoning church community.

Establishment of the Evening and Morning Star Newspaper

To bridge communication gaps, W.W. Phelps established the "Evening and Morning Star," the first LDS Church newspaper in Jackson County:

"The idea of Jesus being the Morning Star actually comes from Revelation, the book of Revelation, chapter 22, verse 16."
— Professor Richard Leduc [43:18]

The newspaper served as a tool for disseminating revelations, church news, and maintaining doctrinal consistency among members.

Concluding Insights

Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc reflect on the complexities of establishing Zion in Missouri, the internal conflicts that arose, and the broader implications for understanding early LDS history. They acknowledge the passionate convictions of individuals like Ezra Booth and the inherent challenges in realizing a utopian vision amidst societal and organizational pressures.

The episode sets the stage for future discussions on the interactions between Missouri Missourians and the LDS settlers, emphasizing the cultural and ideological clashes that ultimately shaped the church's trajectory.

Notable Quotes:

• "The idea of Zion is instead this idea that what makes you happy is living the gospel and making other people happy."
  — Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [07:20]

• "If God be a God of consistency and wisdom, I now know Mormonism to be a delusion."
  — Ezra Booth [24:16]

• "We have some cultural oddities with regard to the pronunciation, such as crick and adding Rs where they oughtn't to be."
  — Professor Richard Leduc [04:10]

Resources and Further Listening

For more in-depth analysis and historical context, listeners are encouraged to visit standardoftruth.com and explore previous episodes that delve into related topics such as "Mormonism Unveiled" and the history of polygamy within the LDS Church.

Note: This summary captures the essence of Episode 18, focusing on the significant discussions and insights presented by Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc. For a complete understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.