Standard of Truth Podcast: Episode S2E40 – Prosperity Theology Part 2 1/2 and Other Bad Arguments
Release Date: October 6, 2022
Hosted by Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, the "Standard of Truth" podcast aims to illuminate the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) and bolster the faith of its members. In episode 40, titled "Prosperity Theology Part 2 1/2 and Other Bad Arguments," Dr. Dirkmaat is joined by Professor Richard Leduc and guest Dave to delve into the contentious topic of prosperity theology and address misleading historical arguments concerning church practices.
Introduction
The episode opens with Dr. Dirkmaat welcoming listeners to the podcast, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of prosperity theology and its implications within the LDS community. Professor Richard Leduc and Dave join the conversation, bringing their unique perspectives to the discussion.
Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat:
"Welcome to the Standard of Truth podcast... where we explore the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints..." [00:01]
Listener Mailbag: Prosperity Theology
The first segment addresses an email from a listener named Dave, who raises concerns about the LDS teaching that obedience to commandments leads to material prosperity. Dave's email questions the dichotomy between cause and effect in blessings, reflecting on scriptural promises found in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants.
Dave:
"I am struggling with the dichotomy of cause and effect... If you keep my commandments, you shall prosper in the land." [13:21]
Understanding Prosperity Theology
Professor Richard Leduc responds to Dave's inquiry by unpacking the nuanced relationship between righteousness and blessings. He emphasizes that while scriptures affirm that obedience can lead to blessings, these blessings are not always material or immediate. Instead, they can manifest in various forms, including spiritual growth and personal fulfillment.
Professor Richard Leduc:
"We know that God blesses us, but we don't know exactly what blessings correlate to what obedience... God's promises are not always swift, but they are always certain." [09:03]
Leduc references Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's 2010 General Conference talk, "Continuing Patience," to illustrate that divine blessings often transcend human expectations and timelines. The talk underscores the importance of patience and trust in God's timing, highlighting that blessings may come in ways that are not directly tied to specific actions or desires.
Professor Richard Leduc:
"The promises of the Lord, if perhaps not always swift, are always certain." [31:32]
Listener Mailbag: Apostasy and Historical Misconceptions on Polygamy
The conversation shifts as Dave shares a more personal and heart-wrenching email from a sister dealing with her father's apostasy. Her father has left the LDS Church, joining groups that propagate historical inaccuracies, particularly regarding the church's practice of polygamy. He believes that Brigham Young altered Joseph Smith's journals to conceal polygamous teachings, feeding into a narrative that the church misrepresents its past.
Dave:
"My dad... has started down a dark path on the Internet until he found a guy that he called Anonymous... They believe that Brigham Young killed Joseph Smith so that he could practice polygamy." [39:05]
Debunking Historical Inaccuracies
Dr. Leduc and Professor Leduc tackle these misconceptions head-on, dismantling the erroneous claims made by apostate groups. They meticulously analyze a meme circulating within these communities that falsely asserts Joseph Smith's opposition to polygamy, suggesting that Brigham Young edited his journals to hide his true practices.
Professor Richard Leduc:
"Joseph’s journal remains completely unaltered... Joseph is not writing in the third person; it's his scribe who documents the daily records." [58:54]
They explain the historical context and process behind the "History of the Church" project, clarifying that the portrayal of Joseph Smith in these documents is a product of meticulous historical scholarship, not manipulation by Brigham Young. The hosts highlight the abundance of contemporaneous sources, including diaries and testimonies, that unequivocally support Joseph Smith's practice and teaching of plural marriage.
Professor Richard Leduc:
"There are dozens and dozens of sources surrounding it that confirm Joseph Smith taught and practiced plural marriage." [63:07]
Furthermore, they advocate for reliance on reputable resources like the Joseph Smith Papers, which provide transparent and comprehensive access to primary documents, allowing members to verify historical facts independently.
Navigating Faith and Historical Truth
Throughout the episode, Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc emphasize the importance of balancing faith with a commitment to historical accuracy. They encourage listeners to approach such sensitive topics with both spiritual discernment and intellectual rigor, advocating for thorough research and consultation of authoritative sources.
Professor Richard Leduc:
"If you're going to make a historical argument about something, then you better find some actual experts in the actual field who actually are recognized by actual publications who agree with the position you're taking." [39:47]
They also address the emotional and familial challenges that arise when members of the church encounter differing beliefs, offering empathy and practical advice on maintaining faith amidst adversity.
Conclusion
Episode S2E40 of the "Standard of Truth" podcast serves as a critical examination of prosperity theology and the importance of historical integrity within the LDS Church. By addressing listener concerns and debunking falsified historical claims, Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc provide valuable insights that empower members to navigate their faith with confidence and informed understanding.
Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat:
"If you know anybody that could benefit from the material in this episode, please share it with them." [67:40]
Listeners are encouraged to visit standardoftruth.com for additional resources and to continue their journey of faith and knowledge.
Notable Quotes:
-
Professor Richard Leduc:
"God's promises are not always swift, but they are always certain." [09:03] -
Dave:
"My dad... has started down a dark path on the Internet until he found a guy that he called Anonymous... They believe that Brigham Young killed Joseph Smith so that he could practice polygamy." [39:05] -
Professor Richard Leduc:
"There are dozens and dozens of sources surrounding it that confirm Joseph Smith taught and practiced plural marriage." [63:07] -
Professor Richard Leduc:
"If you're going to make a historical argument about something, then you better find some actual experts in the actual field who actually are recognized by actual publications who agree with the position you're taking." [39:47]
This episode underscores the necessity of distinguishing between faith-based beliefs and historically substantiated facts, fostering a more resilient and informed Latter-Day Saints community.