Standard of Truth Podcast: Season 5, Bonus Episode B5 – "Kristy’s KorneЯ D&C 83"
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmont
Guests: Dr. Richard Leduc
Episode Focus: Doctrine and Covenants Section 83
Introduction to Christy’s Corner
In this special bonus episode of Standard of Truth, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmont introduces Christy’s Corner, a segment dedicated to unpacking intricate doctrinal topics to deepen the understanding and faith of Latter-Day Saints. Joined by his co-host, Dr. Richard Leduc, Dr. Dirkmont sets the stage for an engaging discussion centered around Doctrine and Covenants Section 83.
Dr. Dirkmont [00:00]: "When you want to look smart in Sunday school... it's Christy's Corner."
A Lighthearted Start
The episode opens with light-hearted banter between Dr. Dirkmont and Dr. Leduc, referencing personal anecdotes and playful exchanges about everyday topics like Campbell's Chunky Soup and YooHoo. This casual conversation establishes a friendly rapport and sets a relaxed tone before delving into more serious doctrinal discussions.
Dr. Leduc [00:46]: "Hello, Garrett. Thanks for having me to this inaugural bonus episode of Christie's Corner..."
Doctrine and Covenants Section 83: An Overview
Transitioning from their light-hearted exchange, Dr. Dirkmont introduces the core topic: Doctrine and Covenants Section 83. He emphasizes the revelation's brevity but underscores its significant focus on the support systems for widows and orphans within the church community.
Dr. Dirkmont [02:20]: "Speaking of marriage, let's talk about Doctrine and Covenants section 83... widows and orphans have claim upon the church for their support."
Historical Context and Practical Applications
Dr. Dirkmont delves into the historical context of Section 83, explaining its relationship with Section 42, which outlines the Law of Consecration—a system of communal ownership intended to eliminate poverty and ensure equity within the community of Zion. He discusses the challenges of maintaining a spiritually and morally cohesive community, drawing parallels with historical examples such as the Massachusetts Bay Colony and Vermont's shift from religious fervor to secularism over time.
Dr. Dirkmont [05:00]: "How do I ensure as I'm building up this city of Zion that the people living in it have a minimum standard of worthiness?"
Ensuring Communal Integrity Through Stewardship Covenants
To address the potential pitfalls of maintaining a righteous community, Dr. Dirkmont introduces the concept of stewardship covenants. He explains that land in Zion is owned collectively by the church, and individuals settle on this land under specific covenants that require them to uphold certain standards of worthiness. These covenants ensure that members remain faithful and contribute to the community's well-being.
Dr. Dirkmont [06:32]: "The only way that you could prevent that is if the land isn't actually purchased by the people living there... they receive a stewardship that gives them the rights to that property as long as they are faithful members of the church."
Analogies with Church Practices
To illustrate the practicality of Section 83, Dr. Dirkmont draws analogies to existing church practices, such as temple recommends and the Brigham Young University (BYU) system. He explains how access to sacred spaces and educational institutions is contingent upon maintaining personal righteousness, similar to how stewardship of land in Zion is conditional upon adherence to church standards.
Dr. Dirkmont [04:40]: "If I fail to meet those standards, then I no longer have access to the temple."
Detailed Examination of Stewardship Covenants
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to dissecting a Stewardship Covenant from 1832. Dr. Dirkmont reads and explains the terms of the covenant, highlighting the responsibilities and obligations it imposes on members. He discusses how these covenants not only ensure the productive use of land but also provide safeguards for widows and orphans in the event of a member's death.
Dr. Dirkmont [04:50]: "...it's agreed by the parties that this lease and loan shall be binding during the life of said Joseph Knight Jr..."
Support Systems for Families
Expanding on Section 83, Dr. Dirkmont explains the provisions made for widows and orphans. He outlines how the covenant ensures that families are supported even if the primary breadwinner passes away, emphasizing the church's commitment to caring for all members of the community.
Dr. Dirkmont [07:45]: "Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance until their husbands are taken... children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they're of age."
Addressing Doubts and Strengthening Faith
Towards the conclusion, Dr. Dirkmont addresses misconceptions about prophetic leadership, particularly defending Joseph Smith against claims of selfishness and fraud. He argues that the meticulous care in designing support systems reflects a genuine desire to follow Christ's example and support the community, countering narratives that portray the prophet negatively.
Dr. Dirkmont [10:15]: "Revelations like this... demonstrate that the Lord Jesus Christ cares about everybody... not the sign of someone who's a charlatan and a liar."
Conclusion and Faith Affirmation
Dr. Dirkmont wraps up the episode by reaffirming the importance of Section 83 in fostering a supportive and spiritually vibrant community. He underscores how practical revelations like these not only address immediate communal needs but also strengthen members' faith by illustrating divine care and guidance.
Dr. Dirkmont [11:00]: "I think this is a really good example of a practical revelation... they were all thinking about, oh my goodness, how do we distribute consecrated properties."
Notable Quotes
- Dr. Dirkmont [02:20]: "Widows and orphans have claim upon the church for their support."
- Dr. Leduc [00:46]: "Christie's Corner, where I don't want to be long winded."
- Dr. Dirkmont [06:32]: "The city of Zion is owned collectively by the church... as long as they are faithful members of the church."
- Dr. Dirkmont [07:45]: "Children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they're of age."
- Dr. Dirkmont [10:15]: "Not the sign of someone who's a charlatan and a liar."
Final Thoughts
This bonus episode of Standard of Truth provides an in-depth exploration of Doctrine and Covenants Section 83, highlighting its foundational role in establishing a supportive and morally robust community within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Through historical context, practical examples, and thoughtful analogies, Dr. Dirkmont and Dr. Leduc offer listeners a comprehensive understanding of how divine revelations guide and sustain the community.
If you found this episode insightful, consider sharing it with fellow members or those seeking a deeper understanding of LDS doctrines and history.