Standard of Truth Podcast Summary: S4E49 "Additional Witnesses of the Gold Plates Part 2"

Introduction

In Episode 49 of Season 4, titled "Additional Witnesses of the Gold Plates Part 2," Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc delve deeper into the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church). This episode explores the testimonies of additional witnesses of the gold plates, their experiences, and the ramifications of their apostasy. Hosted by Dr. Dirkmaat, an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, alongside his colleague Dr. Leduc, the podcast aims to enlighten Latter-Day Saints about their heritage while reinforcing their faith.

Personal Anecdotes and Mailbag Interaction

The episode begins with light-hearted banter between Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc about personal academic challenges and graduation plans. This segment, though seemingly peripheral, sets a relatable tone for listeners familiar with academic pressures.

At [04:06], Dr. Leduc introduces the "mailbag" segment, where listener emails are addressed. One notable email from Matt stands out due to its emotional depth and personal struggle with faith amidst family upheaval and divorce. Matt shares how the podcast provided solace during his separation, highlighting its impact:

"Your podcast provides that especially the betting lines for games that already occurred." [16:00]

Exploring Lyman Johnson and John Boynton

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Lyman Johnson and John Boynton, two early members who served as witnesses to the gold plates. Their testimonies are scrutinized, especially considering their eventual apostasy.

Dr. Leduc recounts historical accounts detailing their initial fervor and subsequent departure from the church:

"Lyman Johnson has left father, mother, brothers and sisters... to declare the will of God... he knows these things to be true." [13:00]

However, their journey takes a tragic turn as both men become excommunicated. The discussion highlights the reasons behind their excommunication, emphasizing accusations of gossiping against church leadership, financial misdeeds, and personal conflicts. Dr. Dirkmaat references specific charges against Johnson:

"For seeking to injure the character of Joseph Smith Jr... for telling falsehoods... for taking whiskey and making Weldon drunk." [39:08]

Despite their excommunication, historical records show that both men maintained connections with the church. Dr. Dirkmaat shares an emotional reflection on Joseph Smith's attempts to reconcile with them:

"Joseph Smith is so desperate to forgive people... it's impressive enough that Wilford Woodruff will write to his... bringing him back to Nauvoo and rejoicing over the fact I have my friends around me again." [41:02]

Brigham Young's perspective on their apostasy is also examined, revealing a mixture of frustration and theological explanations:

"You walk on slippery ground... living next to them in Iowa and in Nauvoo." [55:44]

Implications of Their Apostasy

The heart of the episode analyzes the paradox of witnessing miraculous events yet abandoning faith. Dr. Leduc delves into the psychological and spiritual dimensions that might lead such individuals to renounce their testimonies.

"When light in us becomes darkness, how great is that darkness. The apostle says that if the light within you has become darkness, how great it is." [16:00]

The hosts discuss how these apostates challenge the credibility of their initial testimonies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of personal revelation and the dangers of over-reliance on external proof:

"The whole point of religion is the miraculous power of God that we believe because of those miracles." [23:41]

Dr. Dirkmaat underscores the significance of maintaining faith even when confronted with doubts, advocating for reliance on spiritual guidance rather than purely logical reasoning.

"Trust and believe... God has promised that your faithfulness, your willingness to follow even into the darkness will turn for our good." [26:23]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a poignant reminder of the fragility of faith and the necessity of steadfastness in belief. Dr. Leduc and Dr. Dirkmaat encourage listeners to draw lessons from the experiences of Lyman Johnson and John Boynton, emphasizing resilience and trust in divine guidance.

"Don't allow yourself to become angry at the prophet, the church, the leadership... because in the end, desperately trying to hang on to the things of this world doesn't really bring happiness anyway." [44:14]

They also reflect on the enduring nature of testimonies amidst personal trials, urging listeners to find strength in their faith and community.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Leduc at [01:27]:

  "I think that that takes a lot of, I mean I, that suggests that I do well in the dissertation defense."

• Dr. Dirkmaat at [17:19]:

  "I just have to say that that proves that Joseph made it up."

• Dr. Leduc at [22:42]:

  "He was a man that was visited with revelation... he couldn't even tell for the life of him whether he'd had that vision."

• Dr. Dirkmaat at [26:02]:

  "When all you're doing is trying to reason your way to truth instead of looking to revelation and following the prophet, that would be like walking over Niagara Falls naked on a tightrope."

Key Takeaways

1. Complexity of Faith: The testimonies of witnesses like Lyman Johnson and John Boynton illustrate the intricate relationship between personal revelation and sustained faith.

2. Impact of Apostasy: Their departures from the church despite initial powerful experiences highlight the vulnerabilities within religious adherence and the factors that can lead to doubt.

3. Importance of Revelation: The discussion underscores the necessity of spiritual experiences and personal revelations in maintaining faith, as opposed to relying solely on external evidence or logical reasoning.

4. Community Support: The emotional and psychological support provided by faith communities, as exemplified by Matt's email, plays a crucial role in individual faith journeys.

5. Historical Context: Understanding the historical nuances and personal stories within early LDS Church history provides deeper insights into present-day beliefs and challenges.

6. Endurance of Testimonies: The episode reinforces the enduring nature of faith-based testimonies, encouraging listeners to remain steadfast despite personal and communal trials.

Final Reflections

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc adeptly navigate the delicate balance between historical analysis and personal faith, providing listeners with both intellectual and spiritual nourishment. By examining the lives of additional witnesses of the gold plates, the podcast not only honors their testimonies but also offers valuable lessons on maintaining faith amidst adversity. This episode serves as a compelling exploration of early LDS Church history, the complexities of personal belief, and the enduring strength of community and revelation in sustaining faith.