Standard of Truth Podcast: Episode S4E47 "Where is Zion?" Summary

Release Date: November 21, 2024

Hosted by Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat, Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, the "Standard of Truth" podcast aims to deepen the understanding of Latter-Day Saints regarding their history and bolster their faith. In episode S4E47 titled "Where is Zion?", Dr. Dirkmaat engages in a multifaceted discussion with Professor Richard Leduc, exploring historical teachings, contemporary missionary experiences, and theological insights related to the concept of Zion.

1. Missionary Insights and Anecdotes

The episode opens with light-hearted exchanges between Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc about recent missionary experiences. Professor Leduc shares a humorous yet unfortunate story about a missionary from Orem who was robbed in Peru:

Professor Richard Leduc [02:14]: "First of all, Rigdon's been robbed three times. One at knife, one at gunpoint, one he got decked in the head. And so big guy who's hitting him? Rodrigo was his name, actually. It was very funny, actually."

Despite the comedic retelling, the underlying message underscores the challenges missionaries face and the resilience they must embody. Additionally, the hosts discuss the logistical efforts to replace the missionary's stolen items, highlighting the supportive network within the community.

2. Listener Correspondence and Community Engagement

Dr. Dirkmaat and Professor Leduc address several listener emails, reflecting the podcast's interactive nature. One notable interaction comes from Elder Neal of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Mission, who humorously requests premium access to the podcast to fend off "priestcraft" from a fellow missionary:

Elder Neal's Email [13:11]: "...I need to gather his tools of priestcraft for when I train. Thank you so much for your podcast. It has helped me learn so much about Joseph Smith and the kind of man he is. Keep killing it out there, proverbially."

The hosts respond with wit, emphasizing the importance of community support and the podcast's role in aiding missionaries:

Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [13:57]: "The Pittsburgh Pennsylvania mission is encouraging us to murder."

Another email from a listener named Kimberly praises the podcast for fostering genuine brotherhood and faith, reinforcing the show's impact on its audience.

3. Pronunciation of 'Missouri' and Its Historical Significance

A significant portion of the episode delves into the pronunciation of "Missouri" and its implications for understanding Zion. A listener named Danielle shares her insights on how the pronunciation reflects historical contexts:

Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [20:19]: "That's... how people pronounce Missouri the same way that most people say it."

Professor Leduc corroborates this by referencing local news broadcasts in St. Louis, illustrating the regional variations in pronunciation. This discussion serves as a segue into the broader historical narrative of Zion's location and its theological importance.

4. Joseph Smith's Vision of Zion as All of North and South America

The core of the episode examines Joseph Smith's declaration that "the whole of North and South America is Zion," providing both historical context and theological reflection. Professor Leduc elaborates on the implications of this revelation:

Professor Richard Leduc [35:16]: "Joseph not only is declaring that all of north and South America is Zion, that it's a responsibility upon those who get endowed in the temple to go take those ordinances and those teachings to the other people in the other parts of north and South America."

Dr. Dirkmaat adds depth by recounting the challenges faced by early Saints in Missouri and Illinois, emphasizing the resilience required to build Zion amid persecution:

Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [35:32]: "But the Saints are driven from Jackson county and then eventually driven from Missouri completely."

The discussion highlights how Brigham Young embraced Joseph Smith's proclamation, reinforcing the expansive vision of Zion beyond traditional geographical confines.

5. Salvation, the Second Coming, and Following Prophetic Guidance

Towards the conclusion, the hosts address contemporary anxieties surrounding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Dr. Dirkmaat shares a personal anecdote about inadvertently advising a friend during a conversation about end-times theories:

Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [26:23]: "I unleashed on this faux theory that challenges prophetic utterance... he never told me that the guy was with him or that he put it on speakerphone."

This leads to a broader discussion on the importance of relying on prophetic teachings over speculative or unsupported theories. Professor Leduc emphasizes adhering to the guidance of church leaders:

Professor Richard Leduc [37:09]: "Being prepared for the second coming is not a trick... If you follow what the prophet and the leaders of the church are saying, you'll be ready."

The conversation underscores the balance between acknowledging historical injustices and maintaining a hopeful, faithful outlook towards divine promises and the fulfillment of Zion.

6. Building Connections and Future Endeavors

As the episode wraps up, Professor Leduc shares his excitement about an upcoming temple expedition to Argentina, coordinated with donor support from listeners:

Professor Richard Leduc [06:22]: "...We're going to spend time with these Saints. They. We're going to be helping in the temple and in the baptistry with the youth and stuff. It's going to be, it's going to be just awesome."

This initiative not only aids in building Zion in South America but also exemplifies the collective effort of the podcast's community in supporting global missionary work.

Key Takeaways:

• Zion's Expansive Vision: Joseph Smith's revelation that all of North and South America constitutes Zion broadens the traditional understanding, emphasizing a collective responsibility to build and sustain the community through missionary work and temple ordinances.

• Missionary Resilience and Community Support: The anecdotes shared illustrate the hardships faced by missionaries and the unwavering support network that aids them in overcoming adversities.

• Faith Amidst Persecution: Historical accounts of early Saints' suffering and resilience serve as a testament to the enduring faith that underpins the Latter-Day Saints' commitment to Zion.

• Navigating Contemporary Challenges: Addressing modern anxieties about the Second Coming, the podcast advocates for reliance on prophetic guidance over unfounded theories, fostering a grounded and hopeful approach to faith.

• Global Outreach and Unity: Upcoming missions, like the temple expedition to Argentina, highlight the ongoing efforts to fulfill the vision of Zion, underpinned by listener support and communal solidarity.

Notable Quotes:

• Professor Richard Leduc [02:14]: "Rigdon's been robbed three times... it's very funny, actually."

• Professor Richard Leduc [35:16]: "Joseph not only is declaring that all of north and South America is Zion..."

• Professor Richard Leduc [37:09]: "Being prepared for the second coming is not a trick... If you follow what the prophet and the leaders of the church are saying, you'll be ready."

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [26:23]: "I unleashed on this faux theory that challenges prophetic utterance..."

This episode of "Standard of Truth" intricately weaves historical teachings with contemporary experiences, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of Zion's significance and the enduring call to build and uphold it across the Americas.