Summary of "Standard of Truth" Podcast Episode S5B6: Rerelease Joseph Smith's Civil War Prophecy
Podcast Information:
- Title: Standard of Truth
- Host/Author: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
- Description: This podcast aims to help Latter-Day Saints better understand their history and bolster their faith by exploring the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, hosts the series.
- Episode: S5B6 Rerelease Joseph Smith's Civil War Prophecy
- Release Date: August 7, 2025
Introduction to Section 87 of the Doctrine and Covenants
Timestamp: [00:39]
Dr. Dirkmaat introduces the episode alongside his co-host, Richard Leduc. They delve into Section 87 of the Doctrine and Covenants, focusing on its prophetic content related to the American Civil War.
Key Points:
- Historical Context: Section 87 was revealed to Joseph Smith in 1832, during a period when the church was centered in Kirtland. This revelation was not included in the initial compilations of the Doctrine and Covenants but was later published in the Pearl of Great Price in 1851.
- Main Prophecy: The section foretells the impending Civil War, describing it as a catastrophic event that would bring death and misery to many nations.
Notable Quote:
"This [revelation] is one of the most fascinating and frankly, one of the most incredible revelations that Joseph Smith received."
— Richard Leduc [01:02]
Analysis of the Civil War Prophecy
Timestamp: [01:02]
Richard Leduc elaborates on why Section 87 is a significant yet often underappreciated prophecy.
Key Points:
- Misinterpretation Over Time: Modern perspectives tend to downplay the prophecy because, with historical hindsight, the Civil War seems inevitable.
- Timing and Impact: The revelation was given well before the Civil War's causes were fully apparent, making its predictive nature noteworthy.
- Content of the Revelation: It predicts the war's onset in South Carolina, division between Southern and Northern states, foreign involvement (specifically Great Britain), and widespread devastation.
Notable Quote:
"It's often dismissed because we know that the Civil War was bloody, and we know that it started in South Carolina, and we know the Southern states were divided into the northern states..."
— Richard Leduc [07:30]
Historical Accuracy of the Prophecy
Timestamp: [07:30]
Leduc discusses the accuracy and specifics of the prophecy in light of actual historical events.
Key Points:
- Start in South Carolina: The prophecy correctly identifies South Carolina as the starting point of the Civil War.
- Division of States: The Southern states' secession and their call upon Great Britain align closely with the prophetic content.
- Unforeseen Elements: While the prophecy accurately forecasts the war's location and general nature, it does not specifically mention slavery as the primary cause—a factor that became central later.
Notable Quote:
"Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with, or even before the conflict itself should cease."
— Richard Leduc [25:45]
Evaluating the Prophecy's Predictions
Timestamp: [25:45]
The discussion shifts to evaluating the prophecy's detailed predictions, especially regarding the war's brutality and duration.
Key Points:
- Unexpected Severity: Both Joseph Smith's prophecy and Abraham Lincoln's expectations underestimated the war's brutality and length.
- High Casualties: The Civil War resulted in approximately 620,000 deaths, surpassing casualties from subsequent American wars, highlighting the prophecy's foresight regarding the conflict's destructiveness.
- Public Perception: Before the war, many did not foresee its violent and prolonged nature, reflecting the prophecy's unexpected fulfillment.
Notable Quote:
"It is horrifically bloody. And so when someone very blithely and casually says things like, oh, everyone knew there was going to be a Civil War... Actually, nobody knew there was going to be a Civil War."
— Richard Leduc [30:20]
Addressing Criticisms of the Prophecy
Timestamp: [30:20]
Leduc confronts common criticisms regarding the prophecy, particularly the lack of major slave insurrections.
Key Points:
- Slave Participation: While there were no large-scale slave revolts, many slaves fled to the Union and contributed significantly to the war effort.
- Military Contributions: Over a hundred thousand black men served in the Union Army, supporting the war despite facing segregation and discrimination.
- Prophetic Validity: The absence of large-scale direct rebellions does not negate the prophecy, as indirect contributions and support played a crucial role.
Notable Quote:
"But the reality is there are hundreds of thousands of slaves who flee their masters and many tens of thousands of them who will enlist in, in, in helping the Union cause any way that they can."
— Richard Leduc [38:10]
The Civil War as Divine Judgment
Timestamp: [38:10]
The conversation transitions to the theological interpretation of the Civil War as divine judgment, particularly from the Latter-Day Saints' perspective.
Key Points:
- Persecution as Sin: The violent persecution and eventual martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith are seen as sins that warranted divine retribution.
- National Reflection: The war is interpreted not just historically but as a manifestation of divine justice against the nation for its treatment of the Latter-Day Saints and the perpetuation of slavery.
- Lincoln’s Address: Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address echoes the sentiment that the war was a divine punishment for the nation’s sins, aligning with the prophetic themes in Section 87.
Notable Quotes:
"They [Latter-Day Saints] believe that the nation was suffering for its rejection of the Gospel and its refusal to do anything about those unjust murders and thefts."
— Richard Leduc [40:50]
"Abraham Lincoln's explanation, four years into the war, very parallel to what it is."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [42:10]
Conclusion: Significance of Section 87
Timestamp: [42:10]
Dr. Dirkmaat and Richard Leduc conclude by emphasizing the profound significance of Section 87.
Key Points:
- Prophetic Precision: Despite initial dismissals, the prophecy’s accuracy regarding location, cause, and consequences of the Civil War underscores its prophetic value.
- Enduring Impact: The revelation's fulfillment within three decades highlights its importance in Latter-Day Saints’ theological framework.
- Reflection Today: While not frequently discussed in contemporary settings, the prophecy remains a cornerstone for understanding the interplay between divine providence and historical events within the faith.
Notable Quote:
"Section 87 is one of the great prophecies of all time and one of the great prophecies of Joseph Smith."
— Richard Leduc [43:30]
Final Remarks
Timestamp: [43:30]
Dr. Dirkmaat wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to share the insights discussed.
Closing Note:
"Thank you for listening to the Standard of Truth podcast, hosted by his historian, Dr. Garrett Dirkmot. If you know anybody that could benefit from the material in this episode, please share it with them. And for more resources visit standardoftruth.com. Until next time."
— Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat [43:36]
Key Takeaways
- Prophetic Foresight: Joseph Smith's revelation in Section 87 accurately predicted the onset, location, and destructive nature of the American Civil War.
- Historical Context Matters: Understanding the era's political and social dynamics is crucial to appreciating the prophecy's depth and accuracy.
- Theological Interpretation: The Civil War is viewed within the Latter-Day Saints tradition as a manifestation of divine judgment due to national sins, particularly the persecution of the Saints and the perpetuation of slavery.
- Enduring Relevance: Section 87 remains a significant prophetic utterance, offering insights into the relationship between faith, prophecy, and historical events.
This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Joseph Smith's Civil War prophecy, evaluating its historical accuracy, addressing criticisms, and interpreting its theological implications. By bridging historical events with prophetic insights, Dr. Dirkmaat and Richard Leduc offer a nuanced understanding of a pivotal moment in both American and Latter-Day Saints history.