Podcast Summary: Standard of Truth S5E1 – "Joseph Smith Raising the Dead"

Introduction

Standard of Truth, hosted by Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, delves into the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) to enhance understanding and strengthen faith among its listeners. In Season 5, Episode 1, titled "Joseph Smith Raising the Dead," Dr. Dirkmaat explores one of the more miraculous aspects of Prophet Joseph Smith's ministry: his ability to heal the sick and purportedly raise the dead.

Listener Engagement and Mailbag Insights

The episode begins with light-hearted banter between Dr. Dirkmaat and his co-host, Dr. Richard Leduc, as they navigate the commencement of a new season and share amusing anecdotes about listener interactions. A significant portion of their emails originates from missionaries, particularly those in the Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Mission. Dr. Dirkmaat humorously notes the influx of emails from individuals falsely claiming missionary status to gain airtime.

Notably, they highlight the "Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown" mailbag, celebrating a notable female figure in LDS history who exemplifies dedication and resilience. A listener, Ryan, identifies as a descendant of Brown, prompting a discussion on her impactful contributions, including her role as the first postmaster in Draper, Utah, and her involvement in the Mormon Battalion march.

Historical Accounts of Miracles in Joseph Smith’s Ministry

The core of the episode focuses on historical accounts and personal testimonies surrounding Joseph Smith's miraculous abilities:

1. Wilford Woodruff's Testimony ([20:07]):

   • Dr. Leduc shares an email from Elder Leduc, questioning the influence of the Hamilton Plan on the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. However, the discussion shifts to Wilford Woodruff's journal entries detailing Joseph Smith's healing miracles.
   • Woodruff recounts moments when Joseph Smith healed the sick through prayer and the laying on of hands. For instance, on July 22, 1839, Woodruff describes a day he refers to as "a day of God's power," where Smith commanded the sick to arise and be made whole, including specific individuals like Elder Elijah Fordham and Joseph Nobles.

2. Brigham Young’s Accounts ([23:54]):

   • The hosts delve into Brigham Young’s manuscripts, which, while not directly recorded in his personal journals, describe similar miraculous healings. These accounts emphasize Smith's role in healing multiple individuals, reinforcing the narrative of his divine gift.

3. Levi Curtis and William Huntington’s Narrative ([52:46]):

   • An excerpt from the June 15, 1892, issue of Juvenile Instructor features Elder Levi Curtis recounting William D. Huntington's experience of being miraculously healed by Joseph Smith. Huntington describes being on the verge of death when Smith and two brethren administered a blessing with a red silk handkerchief, resulting in his recovery.

4. Modern Miracles and Personal Experiences ([37:01]):

   • Dr. Dirkmaat shares a personal missionary experience where he and a companion provided a blessing to a severely injured woman in a Wisconsin hospital. Despite grim medical prognoses, the woman significantly recovered, leading to a transformative experience for her parents and reaffirming the hosts' belief in ongoing miracles within the church.

Analysis of Sources and Reliability

Dr. Dirkmaat critically examines the reliability of these accounts, distinguishing between primary sources (e.g., journals of Joseph Smith, Wilford Woodruff) and secondary or tertiary sources (e.g., Juvenile Instructor articles recounting others' testimonies). He acknowledges the challenges in verifying miraculous events, especially those recounted years later or through indirect narratives. Nonetheless, the consistency across multiple accounts from different individuals lends credence to the authenticity of these miracles.

Theological Implications and Faith Perspectives

The discussion extends to the theological significance of miracles within the LDS faith:

• God’s Will and Human Agency:

  • Dr. Dirkmaat emphasizes that while Joseph Smith possessed divine gifts, the efficacy of miracles depended on God's will. Not every prayer for healing was answered, reflecting the LDS belief in a balance between divine intervention and personal agency.

• Modern-Day Miracles:

  • Addressing skepticism, the hosts argue that miracles continue to occur, albeit often unnoticed or unheralded. They highlight that contemporary miracles may manifest as personal transformations, spiritual awakenings, or subtle acts of divine kindness, rather than overt, widely-publicized events.

Concluding Insights

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of faith in divine miracles, drawing connections between historical accounts and contemporary experiences within the LDS community. Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc underscore the enduring belief in Joseph Smith's prophetic gifts and the continued presence of miracles through the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Richard Leduc ([20:07]):

  "I have listened to the first three seasons in about a month and a half and I figured when I caught up then I would only consider the premium content."

• Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat ([20:08]):

  "He mentions in passing that if he had more time that he could tell the story of the prophet Joseph Smith raising someone from the dead..."

• Elder Levi Curtis via Juvenile Instructor ([52:46]):

  "Brother Huntington ate the bowl of bread and milk with as good a relish as he ever ate... I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God."

• Dr. Dirkmaat ([38:10]):

  "We have dozens and dozens and dozens of miracles. And if I opened up the floodgates to the people listening, I would receive hundreds, if not thousands of emails from other people that have experienced, seen, and witnessed miracles."

Closing Remarks

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc wrap up the episode by encouraging listeners to share the podcast with others who might benefit from its insights. They reiterate their commitment to exploring and elucidating the rich history of the LDS Church, fostering both understanding and faith among their audience.

Timestamp Highlights

• [00:01 - 01:07]: Introduction and season announcement.
• [02:25 - 05:07]: Discussion on Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown and listener emails.
• [20:07 - 38:34]: Deep dive into Joseph Smith’s miracles, historical accounts, and personal testimonies.
• [52:46 - 70:50]: Analysis of sources, theological implications, and modern miracles.

Final Thoughts

"Joseph Smith Raising the Dead" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most profound aspects of Joseph Smith's ministry. Through meticulous examination of historical records and personal testimonies, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc present a nuanced perspective that honors faith while engaging with historical complexities. This episode serves as a valuable resource for Latter-Day Saints seeking to deepen their understanding of their church's miraculous foundations.