Standard of Truth Podcast: Season 5, Episode 13 – Calvinism vs The Standard of Truth

Hosts: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat & Dr. Richard Leduc
Release Date: March 27, 2025

Introduction

In Season 5, Episode 13 of the Standard of Truth podcast, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc delve into a critical examination of Calvinist theology in contrast with teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS). The episode titled "Calvinism vs The Standard of Truth" tackles theological differences, addresses listener emails, and engages in spirited discussions surrounding doctrines of salvation and divine justice.

Light-hearted Banter and Listener Engagement (00:00 – 06:00)

The episode begins with the hosts engaging in friendly banter about their participation in a March Madness bracket challenge. Dr. Dirkmaat humorously laments his failed bracket picks, while Dr. Leduc shares his excitement about the podcast's archaeological endeavors related to LDS history. This segment establishes a relaxed and personable atmosphere, making listeners feel welcomed and engaged.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Dirkmaat (01:16): "I don't know, but if 46 years are a pretty good track record, I...My bracket is shattered and I got everyone wrong and it's all garbage."

Listener Emails: Building Faith and Overcoming Doubts (06:00 – 18:49)

The hosts transition to addressing listener emails, showcasing the podcast's impact on its audience.

1. Sarah's Email (07:30 – 09:57):
   Sarah expresses her astonishment and challenges arising from her newfound 'fame' due to being mentioned on the podcast. The hosts humorously respond, highlighting the supportive community fostered by the podcast.

2. Mark's Testimonial (10:35 – 15:06):
   Mark shares his journey from battling anti-Mormon sentiments to rediscovering his testimony through the podcast. Dr. Dirkmaat offers heartfelt appreciation, emphasizing the podcast’s role in strengthening faith amidst external challenges.

Notable Quote:
Mark (12:06): "After several episodes I became more interested since I love history and studying the original sources. Your podcast does a good job of going over the sources and explaining situations in their appropriate historical context."

3. Sandy's Encouragement (15:06 – 18:49):
   Sandy discusses her struggles as a widow seeking deeper understanding of the Doctrine and Covenants. She praises the podcast for its ability to bring spirit and humor into her daily commutes, underscoring the transformative power of thoughtful discourse on faith.

Notable Quote:
Sandy (17:30): "When I listen to the Standard of Truth podcast, I feel the spirit every time. That draws me back for more and more."

Main Topic: Calvinism vs LDS Theology (18:49 – 63:05)

The core of the episode focuses on contrasting Calvinist theology with LDS teachings, sparked by plays from Calvinist clips and Dr. Dirkmaat’s impassioned responses.

Analysis of Pastor John MacArthur’s Calvinist Clips (20:22 – 63:05)

Dr. Leduc introduces clips by Pastor John MacArthur, a prominent Calvinist theologian, raising questions about divine justice and the nature of salvation. The hosts critically analyze MacArthur's positions, arguing against the Calvinist interpretation of God's sovereignty and the inevitability of damnation.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Calvinist Doctrine on Salvation and Damnation:

   • Immutable Nature of God: Calvinists assert that God's nature is unchangeable, and His will dictates the salvation or damnation of souls.
   • Predestination: The belief that God has predestined certain individuals for salvation, irrespective of their actions.

2. LDS Perspective on Universal Salvation:

   • Atonement of Jesus Christ: Emphasizes the all-encompassing atonement, providing a path for universal salvation.
   • Agency and Eternal Progression: Humans possess agency to choose salvation, and through eternal progression, all eligible souls can attain exaltation.

3. Critique of Calvinist Responses:

   • Insufficient Address of Suffering: Dr. Dirkmaat argues that Calvinist explanations fail to adequately address the vast and innocent suffering in the world.
   • Logical Inconsistencies: The hosts highlight perceived contradictions within Calvinist theology, such as the selective interpretation of scripture and the rigid application of divine sovereignty.

Notable Quotes:

Dr. Dirkmaat (25:53):
"The question comes up a lot. If God is a God of love and mercy and compassion, and he knows people are going to go to hell, why does he continue to create them?"

Dr. Leduc (47:36):
"You're assigning God and are so easily dismissing everyone that has ever existed between 80% to 95% of the world's population that you aren't for one second pondering or thinking the person who's asking the question is struggling through this."

Dr. Dirkmaat (62:45):
"You have to follow that. Brigham Young goes on... 'The Lord has bestowed for the express purpose of preparing the portion of this people all that will receive the first principles pertaining to the law of the celestial kingdom.'"

Brigham Young’s Universalist Teachings (63:05 – 86:34)

The discussion deepens as Dr. Dirkmaat contrasts Calvinist views with Brigham Young’s universalist doctrine. He highlights Young’s belief in universal salvation, where almost all souls, regardless of their earthly faith or actions, will attain a place in the celestial kingdom.

Highlights:

• Universal Redemption:
  Brigham Young preached that the atonement of Jesus Christ is so powerful that it can save everyone, except a minimal number of "sons of perdition."

• Contrast with Calvinism:
  While Calvinism predicates on predestination and limited atonement, LDS theology emphasizes inclusivity and the potential for all to be redeemed.

• Impact of LDS Teachings:
  The hosts argue that LDS teachings provide a more compassionate and just framework for understanding salvation, addressing the eternal suffering posited by Calvinist theology.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Dirkmaat (74:30):
"So in this sense, what he's teaching is the type of belief that you have is even in and of itself a work, because I have a belief. It has to be the right kind of belief."

Dr. Dirkmaat (86:34):
"Brigham Young goes on... 'All of the inhabitants of the earth will be saved in kingdoms somewhere. So, why you have to give the intellectual honesty and the courage of their convictions.'"

Conclusion: Embracing LDS Doctrine Over Calvinist Theology (86:34 – End)

In wrapping up the episode, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc reaffirm the strength and inclusivity of LDS doctrines in contrast to Calvinist theology. They emphasize the LDS belief in a loving and just God who desires the salvation of all souls, offering a more hopeful and comprehensible understanding of divine justice and eternal progression.

Final Thoughts:

• Importance of Understanding LDS Teachings:
  The hosts encourage listeners to deeply engage with LDS scriptures and teachings to fully grasp the church’s perspective on salvation and divine love.

• Encouragement to Seek Truth:
  They urge listeners to continue seeking truth through original sources and to rely on faith and spiritual guidance to navigate theological doubts.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Dirkmaat (86:40):
"I know we've been very long and you stopped listening sometime around when we were talking about the picks for the March Madness. If you are struggling in your faith before you take a step outside of it, before you say, nope, this must not be true, look at the answers that the restored gospel provides that simply do not exist in Christianity."

Key Takeaways

• Calvinism vs. LDS Theology:
  The episode critically examines Calvinist doctrines of predestination and limited atonement, juxtaposing them with LDS beliefs in universal salvation and eternal progression.

• LDS Emphasis on Universal Redemption:
  Highlighting Brigham Young’s teachings, the hosts advocate for a more inclusive and merciful view of salvation, countering the Calvinist assertion of inevitable damnation for the majority.

• Listener Impact:
  Through addressing listener emails, the hosts demonstrate the podcast’s role in strengthening faith and offering support to those grappling with theological doubts.

• Call to Deepen Understanding:
  Encouraging listeners to engage with original LDS teachings and scriptures, the hosts emphasize the importance of informed faith over superficial or misinterpreted beliefs.

Final Quote for Reflection

Dr. Dirkmaat (63:05):
"I believe in the God that's been revealed through prophets and apostles. So I know we've been very long, but... We preach when we inquire who will be saved, the answer is all will be saved, as Jesus said."

This episode serves as a profound exploration of theological contrasts, inviting listeners to critically assess Calvinist teachings and embrace the LDS perspective on divine justice and universal salvation.