Standard of Truth Podcast: Episode S5B4 Re-Release of S1E9 D&C 49 – Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Standard of Truth
• Host: Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat
• Description: Aimed at helping Latter-Day Saints better understand their history and bolster their faith, the podcast delves into the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, uncovering historical insights about its foundation through visions, manifestations, and miracles.
• Episode: S5B4 Re-release of S1E9 D&C 49
• Release Date: May 22, 2025

1. Introduction

The episode begins with Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat welcoming listeners to the Standard of Truth podcast, introducing himself and his guest, Richard Leduc. They set the stage for an in-depth exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Section 49 (D&C 49), a unique revelation addressing the Shakers, a now-extinct Christian sect.

[00:26] Richard Leduc: "We are excited to spend a little bit more time here on early church history with you today."

2. Understanding the Shakers

Richard Leduc provides an overview of the Shakers, highlighting their origins as a radical offshoot of Quakerism and their unique theological positions. He notes the Shakers' decline, with only a handful remaining, making them a "dead Christian sect."

[03:39] Richard Leduc: "There's no Shakers left. There's two Shakers left and possibly a third based upon some other things."

He elaborates on their beliefs, particularly their emphasis on pacifism and rejection of traditional Christian authority structures.

3. Shaker Beliefs vs. LDS Beliefs in D&C 49

The core of the discussion revolves around contrasting Shaker doctrines with those of the Latter-Day Saints, as delineated in D&C 49.

a. Baptism by Immersion

Leduc explains that Shakers viewed only spiritual baptism as essential for salvation, dismissing the necessity of water baptism.

[14:45] Richard Leduc: "Shakers believe that spiritual baptism was the only one that mattered. Physical water baptism, that wasn't essential at all."

In response, D&C 49 reaffirms the importance of baptism by immersion in Jesus Christ's name for the remission of sins, emphasizing the need for proper authority.

[11:22] Richard Leduc: "Believe on the name of the Lord Jesus who was on the earth, and is to come the beginning and the end. Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ according to the holy commandment for the remission of sins."

b. Absolute Celibacy

One of the most striking Shaker doctrines is the belief in absolute celibacy, rejecting marriage and sexual relations entirely, even within marriage.

[39:10] Richard Leduc: "They're saying that even if you are married, essentially you should have no physical aspect to your marriage ever again."

This contrasts sharply with LDS teachings, where marriage is not only encouraged but also considered essential for both earthly and eternal progression.

c. Doctrine of Marriage

D&C 49 vehemently counters the Shaker stance by declaring marriage as ordained by God, essential for fulfilling the creation's purpose.

[55:12] Richard Leduc: "Verily I say unto you that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God. For marriage is ordained of God unto man."

This assertion directly opposes the Shaker belief that marriage was a sin, reinforcing the LDS view of marriage's divine origin and purpose.

d. Pacifism and Animal Rights

The Shakers extended their pacifism to include a strict prohibition against harming animals, viewing it as an extension of their commitment to non-violence.

[48:30] Richard Leduc: "They also believed that it was absolutely a sin to kill and eat animals."

D&C 49 addresses this by stating that the consumption of meat is ordained for humanity, countering the Shaker ideology of vegetarianism as a higher moral standard.

e. Belief in Jesus Christ's Return

The Shakers believed that Jesus had already returned in the form of Mother Ann Lee, rejecting the imminent, physical return of Jesus Christ. D&C 49 refutes this by prophesying His literal second coming.

[62:50] Richard Leduc: "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, and I come quickly."

This proclamation reaffirms the LDS belief in Jesus Christ's future, personal return, and the transformative events associated with it.

4. Historical Interaction Between LDS Missionaries and Shakers

The podcast recounts the historical attempt by early LDS missionaries, including Oliver Cowdery and Leman Copley, to convert the Shakers. Copley, a former Shaker himself, orchestrated a mission to spread LDS teachings among Shaker communities.

[50:00] Richard Leduc: "These missionaries, they travel the 20 or so miles to North Union Village, the Shaker commune there immediately, because they arrive on May 7, and the revelation is received on May 7."

Despite their efforts, the mission failed as the Shakers vehemently rejected LDS doctrines, particularly the notions of marriage and tainted themselves as "carnal men."

[69:03] Richard Leduc: "How dare you, you filthy animals, shake your dirty coattails at me as a pacifist."

Copley's disillusionment led him to abandon Mormonism and reintegrate into Shakerism, resulting in the expulsion of LDS members from his 1,000-acre farm, further straining relations.

5. Lessons and Takeaways

The episode draws several key lessons from this historical account:

• Interfaith Understanding: Studying other religions clarifies and strengthens one's own beliefs by highlighting unique doctrines and fostering respect for differing perspectives.

  [77:15] Richard Leduc: "One of the best ways to really understand what it is that you believe and why it matters is to find out what someone else believes."

• Faith Amidst Uncertainty: Addressing complex doctrines, such as eternal marriage, can lead to questions and doubts. The podcast emphasizes trust in prophetic guidance despite incomplete revelations.

  [78:45] Richard Leduc: "We don't have everything revealed on how exactly marriage is going to work in the next life... We simply have to have faith in God."

• Resisting Rigid Doctrine: The Shakers' strict interpretations highlight the dangers of allowing specific beliefs to overshadow prophetic teachings, urging listeners to remain flexible and open to divine guidance.

6. Conclusion

Dr. Dirkmaat and Richard Leduc conclude by reinforcing the importance of faith, understanding, and adherence to prophetic revelation within the LDS framework. They encourage listeners to embrace questions as a natural part of faith and to trust in God's promises, even when not all details are clear.

[80:02] Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat: "I hope that we can have faith that it will work out even if we can't fill in all the blanks... Always follow the prophet."

Listeners are invited to share the episode and explore more resources at standardoftruth.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• On Understanding Other Faiths:

  [77:15] Richard Leduc: "One of the best ways to really understand what it is that you believe and why it matters is to find out what someone else believes."

• On Doctrine of Marriage:

  [55:12] Richard Leduc: "Verily I say unto you that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God. For marriage is ordained of God unto man."

• On Faith and Uncertainty:

  [78:45] Richard Leduc: "We don't have everything revealed on how exactly marriage is going to work in the next life... We simply have to have faith in God."

• On Following Prophetic Revelation:

  [80:02] Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat: "Never forget the central aspect of our worship is following Jesus and loving other people. When you reject what the prophet is teaching, we're on pretty shaky ground."

Final Thoughts: This episode serves as a profound exploration of early LDS history, highlighting the challenges faced when confronting divergent religious beliefs. By dissecting D&C 49, Dr. Dirkmaat and Richard Leduc offer listeners a nuanced understanding of foundational LDS doctrines, the importance of prophetic guidance, and the enduring value of intercultural religious dialogue.