Standard of Truth Podcast: Season 5, Episode 2 – Can Satan Repent?

Release Date: January 9, 2025

Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, Associate Professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU

I. Introduction and Context

In the second episode of Season 5, titled "Can Satan Repent?", Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat delves into a profound theological question posed by a listener. Joined by his co-host, Dr. Richard Leduc, the episode navigates the intricate doctrines of repentance, salvation, and the nature of Satan within the framework of Latter-Day Saint beliefs.

II. Listener Emails and Feedback

Early in the episode, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc engage with listener communications, adding a personal and interactive dimension to the discussion. Notably, they address emails from various followers, including one from Aaron, which serves as the focal point for the episode's main discourse.

Notable Quote:

[08:58] Dr. Richard Leduc: "We Live in Washington, D.C. so they named their son James Madison and they live in D.C. that is really embracing the full now."

III. Main Discussion: Can Satan Repent?

A. Theological Perspectives

The core of the episode revolves around Aaron's question: "Can Satan repent?" This inquiry opens a debate on the possibility of redemption for fallen angels and the theological boundaries set by Latter-Day Saint teachings.

1. LDS vs. Traditional Christian Views

   • Unique LDS Doctrine: Unlike many Christian denominations, Latter-Day Saints believe that angels are resurrected individuals who once inhabited earthly bodies. This belief diverges significantly from traditional Christian theology, which views angels as purely spiritual beings without a corporeal past.

   • Joseph Smith's Revelations: Drawing from Joseph Smith's revelations, particularly from the Doctrine and Covenants, the hosts emphasize that fallen angels, including Satan, possess complete knowledge and thus lack the capacity for repentance. This stance is rooted in the belief that these beings made a definitive choice against God, rendering them incapable of redemption.

   Notable Quote:

   [20:46] Dr. Richard Leduc: "These are distinctions that are not being made. You are, you're straining at gnats there compared to where it is."

2. Joseph Smith's Teachings on Salvation and Damnation

   • Doctrine and Covenants, Section 76: Dr. Dirkmaat highlights Joseph Smith's portrayal of salvation as expansive, suggesting that almost all of God's children will attain a kingdom of glory, with very few exceptions.

   • Sons of Perdition: This term refers to those who have irrevocably rebelled against God. According to Smith, these beings, including Satan, cannot repent due to their complete and final rejection of divine grace.

   Notable Quote:

   [47:52] Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat: "That's spicy. Sometimes you want to learn by experience. I'm guessing in this one you do not."

B. Philosophical and Theological Analysis

The discussion extends to philosophical arguments surrounding free will, agency, and the nature of divine grace.

• Agency and Knowledge: Drawing parallels with Thomas Aquinas and Augustine, the hosts explore the idea that possessing complete knowledge and agency leads to the irrevocable choice of siding against God for fallen angels.

• Immutability of Pure Spirits: Given their perfected knowledge and nature, fallen angels are depicted as unable to alter their course, solidifying their status as irredeemable.

  Notable Quote:

  [58:00] Dr. Richard Leduc: "We all have to take time to thank the good teachers we have in our lives."

C. Conclusions and Doctrinal Stance

Concluding their analysis, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc affirm the doctrinal position that Satan and his followers cannot repent. They stress the importance of understanding these teachings within the broader context of LDS theology, which emphasizes the eternal nature of choices made in the pre-mortal existence.

Notable Quote:

[63:59] Dr. Richard Leduc: "I feel like Satan's got a better chance at repenting than the Bears making the playoffs."

IV. Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with reflections on the significance of addressing such deep theological questions within the church community. Dr. Dirkmaat encourages listeners to engage with doctrine thoughtfully and to recognize the expansive nature of Latter-Day Saint salvation.

Notable Quote:

[66:14] Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat: "Thank you for listening to the Standard of Truth podcast hosted by historian Dr. Garrett Dirkmot and Dr. Richard Leduc. If you know of anybody that could benefit from the material in this episode, please share it with them. Until next time."

Key Takeaways

• LDS Theology on Angels: Latter-Day Saints view angels as resurrected individuals with agency, differentiating their beliefs from mainstream Christianity.

• Irredeemable Nature of Satan: Based on doctrinal teachings, Satan and his followers (sons of perdition) cannot repent due to their complete rejection of divine grace.

• Expansive Salvation: The LDS perspective on salvation is broad, encompassing most of God's children, with very few exceptions.

• Role of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith's revelations deeply influence LDS doctrines on salvation, repentance, and the nature of divine beings.

Conclusion

"Can Satan Repent?" offers a comprehensive exploration of a complex theological issue, blending doctrinal teachings with philosophical discourse. Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of Latter-Day Saint beliefs, encouraging deep reflection on matters of faith and salvation.