Podcast Summary: Standard of Truth
Episode: S5E17 Easter Special – D&C 19
Release Date: April 20, 2025
Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
Guest: Dr. Richard Leduc
Introduction
In the Easter Special episode of Standard of Truth, hosted by Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, Dr. Richard Leduc joins to delve into Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Section 19. This episode, recorded as part two of Section 19, addresses profound themes surrounding the suffering of Jesus Christ and the beauty of His atonement. Intended to deepen the faith and historical understanding of Latter-Day Saints, the discussion intertwines scriptural analysis with theological insights.
Overview of D&C Section 19, Part 2
Dr. Dirkmaat opens the episode by acknowledging the unconventional release of the podcast on a Sunday, attributing it to the urgent nature of the revelation discussed in this special episode. He emphasizes that this section emphasizes the suffering Jesus endured and its implications for believers today.
"If this podcast in any way can help bring someone closer to Jesus, well, then praise God."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [00:01]
Dr. Leduc echoes this sentiment, highlighting their mission to review each section of the Doctrine and Covenants to strengthen faith and understanding.
"They approach the Doctrine and Covenants with faith, expertise and humor."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [01:25]
Dissecting the Unique Section Heading
The discussion begins with an analysis of the unique section heading of D&C 19. Unlike other sections, the heading itself appears to be part of the revelation, indicating a direct commandment from God to Martin Harris.
"A commandment of God and not of man to you, Martin, Given by Him who is eternal."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [03:54]
This revelation underscores the personal nature of the commandments given to early Church members and sets the stage for the intense theological exploration that follows.
Early Church Beliefs on Hell and Judgment
Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc explore the 19th-century Protestant views on hell, emphasizing its eternal and punitive nature. They contrast these with the emerging LDS revelations, which introduce nuanced views on suffering and eternal punishment.
"For behold, I, God, am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for endless is my name."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [07:34]
The conversation highlights how Martin Harris, grappling with the loss of the 116 manuscript pages in 1828, likely internalized these severe doctrines of judgment and eternal suffering.
The Nature of Repentance and Divine Suffering
A significant portion of the episode centers on God's commandment to repent to avoid suffering similar to what Jesus endured. The hosts interpret this as a compassionate plea rather than a vengeful decree.
"It's more expressed than other scriptures... to impress upon you that if you don't repent, you are going to suffer."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [15:45]
They discuss the dual aspects of suffering: the physical agony Jesus experienced and the spiritual anguish meant to inspire repentance among believers.
Scriptural Analysis: Sweat Like Drops of Blood
The hosts tackle the controversial scripture in Luke 22:44, where Jesus is described as sweating drops of blood during His agony. They address debates surrounding the authenticity of this verse, noting its absence in some early manuscripts but presence in others and its affirmation by early Christian fathers like Justin Martyr.
"I, God, have suffered these things for all that they might not suffer if they would repent."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [16:30]
Dr. Dirkmaat argues against claims that the verse was a later addition, citing early Christian writings that reference Jesus sweating blood, thereby supporting its authenticity.
Comparative Theology: Early Christian Fathers vs. LDS Revelation
Dr. Leduc introduces early Christian thinkers like Justin Martyr and Irenaeus, who debated the nature of Christ's suffering, paralleling LDS teachings in D&C 19. This comparison underscores the longstanding theological discussions about Jesus' divinity and humanity.
"Justin Martyr... says that his sweat fell down like drops of blood while he was praying."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [55:24]
This section illustrates how LDS revelations align with, yet expand upon, early Christian doctrinal debates.
The Compassionate Nature of God’s Commands
The podcast emphasizes that God's demand for repentance is rooted in His desire to prevent suffering, portraying Him as a loving Father rather than a punitive deity.
"It's a God who loves you so much that actually what he wants most is for you to avoid suffering."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [33:12]
This compassionate portrayal is juxtaposed against the harsher Protestant images of hell, offering a more nuanced understanding of divine judgment in LDS theology.
Synthesis of Suffering and Atonement
Dr. Dirkmaat ties together the themes of suffering, atonement, and repentance, asserting that Jesus' profound agony in Gethsemane and on the cross serves as both a sacrifice and a beacon urging humanity to seek repentance.
"Your Savior went through suffering... so that we don't have to suffer."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [60:19]
He underscores that while earthly suffering is inevitable, eternal suffering can be avoided through repentance, a central tenet of LDS faith.
Conclusion and Final Reflections
In wrapping up, Dr. Dirkmaat reiterates the episode's core message: God's revelations, particularly in D&C 19, deepen the understanding of Jesus' atonement and His desire for humanity's salvation. He encourages listeners to embrace repentance not out of fear but out of love and a desire to avoid unnecessary suffering.
"I hope you all take time to reconnect with the Lord... Everyone can change. And I believe it because the Lord taught it. And he taught it through the prophet Joseph."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [73:45]
Dr. Leduc concurs, emphasizing the transformative power of these revelations and the hope they offer to believers.
"Thank you for listening to Search these Commandments... at standardwordoftruth.com."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [78:10]
Key Takeaways
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Unique Revelation Design: D&C Section 19 stands out for its direct commandment from God, emphasizing personal accountability and divine concern for individual salvation.
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Compassion Over Punishment: The doctrine presented portrays God as desiring repentance to prevent suffering, contrasting with more punitive religious interpretations.
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Historical Theological Alignment: LDS teachings in this section resonate with early Christian theological debates, particularly regarding Christ's suffering and divinity.
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Repentance as Hope: The central message encourages repentance as a means to avoid eternal suffering, rooted in profound divine love and sacrifice.
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Theological Depth of Suffering: Understanding Jesus' agonizing experiences provides a deeper appreciation for the atonement and the lengths to which God will go to save humanity.
Notable Quotes
-
"If you end up not liking it, you can blame Richard..."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [00:01] -
"They approach the Doctrine and Covenants with faith, expertise and humor."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [01:25] -
"A commandment of God and not of man to you, Martin, Given by Him who is eternal."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [03:54] -
"For behold, I, God, am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for endless is my name."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [07:34] -
"I, God, have suffered these things for all that they might not suffer if they would repent."
— Dr. Richard Leduc [16:30] -
"It's a God who loves you so much that actually what he wants most is for you to avoid suffering."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [33:12] -
"Your Savior went through suffering... so that we don't have to suffer."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [60:19] -
"I hope you all take time to reconnect with the Lord... Everyone can change. And I believe it because the Lord taught it. And he taught it through the prophet Joseph."
— Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [73:45]
Conclusion
This Easter Special episode of Standard of Truth offers a profound exploration of D&C Section 19, highlighting the compassionate nature of God’s commandments and the deep suffering Jesus endured for humanity’s salvation. Through scriptural analysis, historical theological context, and heartfelt reflections, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc provide listeners with a richer understanding of their faith's foundational teachings on atonement and repentance.