Podcast Summary: Standard of Truth – S2E42 "Is It Season 38 Already? Part 2"

Release Date: October 20, 2022
Host: Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat
Guest: Professor Richard Leduc

1. Introduction and Context

[00:01 – 00:26]
Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat opens the episode by reiterating the podcast’s mission: to help Latter-Day Saints understand their history and bolster their faith by exploring early Church history, focusing on the foundational period led by Joseph Smith.

[00:26 – 00:38]
Dr. Dirkmaat introduces his guest, Professor Richard Leduc, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on a sensitive historical topic.

2. Addressing Doubts and Criticisms

[00:38 – 02:34]
Professor Richard Leduc outlines the primary focus of the episode: responding to critical claims about Joseph Smith’s practices, specifically allegations of polygamy and polyandry. He references an email from a concerned sister whose loved one, an educated attorney, questions Joseph Smith’s prophetic integrity based on purportedly reliable sources.

Notable Quote:
"His biggest issues are with Joseph Smith and church history... he's an attorney, that Joseph Smith sent men on missions and while they were gone, he married their wives..."
— Professor Richard Leduc [00:47]

3. Responding to Allegations of Joseph Smith’s Misconduct

[02:34 – 05:14]
Dr. Dirkmaat shares a personal anecdote illustrating the challenge of addressing misinformation. He recounts an instance where someone falsely claimed to have read harmful information in the "Joseph Smith papers," highlighting the difficulty in correcting such assertions when they are presented with supposed authoritative sources.

Notable Quote:
"I know it’s not in the Joseph Smith papers... He was pretty antagonistic."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [03:56]

4. The Complexity of Historical Claims and Emotional Reactions

[05:14 – 09:06]
Professor Leduc praises Dr. Dirkmaat’s humility and expertise, noting that while Dirkmaat typically responds calmly, certain triggers—like accusations against Willard Richards—can provoke strong reactions. They discuss the emotional weight of addressing accusations that challenge foundational beliefs.

Notable Quote:
"I desperately want people to believe because I believe... The Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought great joy into my life."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [07:00]

5. Investigating the Mirinda Hyde Affidavit

[09:06 – 32:00]
Dr. Dirkmaat delves into a specific case involving Mirinda Hyde, examining the validity of claims that Joseph Smith used missionary missions as a cover to marry women's wives. He scrutinizes the historical records, including sealing dates and affidavits, to assess the credibility of these allegations.

Notable Quotes:
"There are two different dates given for Mirinda Johnson Hyde's sealing to Joseph Smith... we don’t know which one it is."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [30:10]

"It’s not until the 20th century... primarily, from Fawn Brody’s book."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [30:10]

6. Addressing Apostate Group Claims

[32:00 – 54:35]
The discussion shifts to modern groups that deny Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy. Dr. Dirkmaat debunks the notion that historians dismiss evidence of plural marriage, emphasizing the extensive documentation supporting Joseph Smith’s involvement. He critiques the conspiracy theories posited by these groups and underscores the substantial historical evidence contradicting their claims.

Notable Quotes:
"They have to say there’s no way this argument is credible given the sources that we have."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [25:43]

"If someone wants to conclude that it was nefarious and hidden, they are making those claims on the basis of what their opinion is, not on the basis of what the facts state."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [32:00]

7. The Human Element of Plural Marriage

[54:35 – 56:14]
Dr. Dirkmaat reflects on the personal sacrifices and deep faith of women involved in plural marriages, challenging listeners to separate the practice from the individuals who endured it. He acknowledges the emotional and spiritual complexities surrounding plural marriage, advocating for empathy and understanding rather than judgment.

Notable Quotes:
"There are many men and women, especially women, who defend the practice, who say that they practice it because God told them to."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [49:15]

"Once I became convinced that it was a revelation through the prophet Joseph Smith, I determined to live it because she knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [50:20]

8. Concluding Thoughts: Faith Amidst Controversy

[56:14 – End]
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Dirkmaat urges listeners to focus on the core tenets of their faith, emphasizing the divine visions and revelations foundational to Latter-Day Saint beliefs. He advocates for a balanced approach to faith—acknowledging and grappling with historical complexities while maintaining spiritual convictions.

Notable Quotes:
"The only way we can know whether or not Joseph Smith was a prophet of God is the same way that we can know whether or not Jesus is your savior only through the Holy Spirit."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [55:42]

"We believe that we have a father and a mother in heaven... we believe that we have the ability to progress, to become like our heavenly parents."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [52:30]

9. Final Remarks

Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc close the episode with light-hearted banter about future podcast seasons, underscoring the serious yet approachable tone of their discussions.

For more insights and resources, visit standardoftruth.com.