Standard of Truth Podcast Summary: Season 5, Episode 23 – "Faith Crisis"

Release Date: May 29, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc
Episode Title: Faith Crisis

Introduction

In Season 5, Episode 23 of the Standard of Truth podcast, titled "Faith Crisis," Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and co-host Dr. Richard Leduc delve deep into the intricacies of faith struggles within the Latter-Day Saints community. The episode intertwines historical analysis, listener interactions, and personal reflections to provide a comprehensive exploration of the challenges believers face in maintaining and strengthening their faith.

Main Discussion: Historical Context of Faith Crises

The episode opens with Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc humorously addressing the lack of sponsorship, setting an informal and engaging tone. However, they quickly transition into the core topic: understanding historical events that have tested the faith of Latter-Day Saints.

Missionary Challenges and the Shaker Encounter

Around the [minutes: 21:00], Dr. Leduc recounts Doctrine and Covenants Section 54, which relates to the mission to the Shakers—a sect known for their celibate lifestyle. The Shakers' rejection of Mormon missionaries, primarily due to the missionaries being married men, highlights a significant early challenge faced by the church.

Dr. Richard Leduc [06:20]: "Once you understand that context, these are people who have given their all for the church and they have not been rewarded in any positive way."

This segment underscores the perseverance required by early believers who faced both physical displacement and theological opposition.

Doctrine and Covenants Analysis

Dr. Dirkmaat provides an in-depth analysis of Doctrine and Covenants Sections 49 and 54. Section 49 details the unsuccessful missionary efforts among the Shakers, leading to the eventual migration of the Colesville Saints to Ohio. Section 54 commands patience amidst tribulation, promising divine rewards and rest for believers.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [13:02]: "Once you understand the context, that these are people who have given their all for the church and they have not been rewarded in any positive way... the Lord tells them to be patient in their tribulation."

This exploration emphasizes the historical perseverance of church members and the theological assurance provided to them during times of hardship.

Christie's Corner

At approximately [minute: 05:04], the hosts introduce the segment "Christie's Corner," a dedicated space for discussing specific doctrines or scriptural passages. In this episode, they focus on Doctrine and Covenants Section 54, relating its teachings to personal faith journeys and tribulations.

Dr. Richard Leduc [12:57]: "The suffering that you go through in this life is temporary, and the Lord has promised that he will make it up to us in the next life."

This segment serves as an anchor, reminding listeners of the enduring nature of faith amidst trials.

Listener Emails: Engaging with the Faith Community

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing listener emails, providing real-world context to the discussed topics and fostering a sense of community support.

Email from Elizabeth and Bennett

At [minute: 14:33], Elizabeth and her husband Bennett share their experiences with faith crises, specifically addressing issues surrounding race and priesthood bans within the church. Elizabeth appreciates the hosts' efforts and expresses hope for future discussions on these sensitive topics.

Elizabeth [16:54]: "I have many burning questions. I considered tricking my husband into having a third baby by not using birth control for the opportunity to ask some questions while I'm in labor."

Dr. Dirkmaat responds thoughtfully, acknowledging the complexity of race issues in 19th-century church history and directing listeners to available resources for deeper understanding.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [16:54]: "Race is an incredibly complex issue in the 19th century. There's not a politician or religious leader that exists from the mid-19th century that does not have statements or feelings that would be considered odious to people today."

Email from Rosie the Riveter

Rosie shares her struggles with disenchanted feelings towards the church and her journey back to faith through the podcast.

Rosie [24:03]: "I was turned to it by listening to the Fall Hymn podcast. Do your bicker?"

The hosts engage with humor and empathy, discussing the elusive quest for the "lost 116 pages" of Joseph Smith's translation and expressing gratitude for Rosie's resilience.

Dr. Richard Leduc [39:20]: "It's a mystery of Mormonism, right? That we ever get what was in the last 116 stolen pages."

Email from Heidi Lutten Gay

Heidi recounts her family's departure from the church and their gradual return, highlighting the emotional toll and the role of the Holy Spirit in reconciling faith.

Heidi [36:21]: "After extensive research... my foundation is in Christ. When the whirlwinds and shafts come, they may have gut punched me and knocked the wind out of me, but the foundation was there, and your podcast has helped shore that up."

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc respond with encouragement, emphasizing the importance of personal faith journeys and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [40:01]: "What you spend time with will slowly start to change you... what you want to believe."

Email from Greg

Greg poses a profound question about the efficacy of sharing information to alter someone's faith crisis.

Greg [52:08]: "Do you think it's actually possible to share information that changes the arc of someone's faith crises?"

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc engage deeply with Greg's query, discussing the nuances of faith, belief, and the role of the Holy Spirit in personal transformations.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat [53:43]: "You've hit it on the head... God bless."

Emotional and Personal Reflections

Throughout the episode, both hosts share personal anecdotes and emotional responses to the challenges of addressing faith crises. They candidly discuss feelings of failure, the emotional burden of guiding others, and the unwavering hope that underpins their mission.

Dr. Richard Leduc [53:43]: "You can testify of the truth, you can defend the truth, but there's no point in engaging in conflict."

These reflections provide a heartfelt connection to listeners, illustrating that faith crises are not just theoretical discussions but lived experiences.

Humor and Light-Hearted Banter

Balancing the heavy themes, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc infuse humor throughout the episode. From playful discussions about lawnmowers and childhood memories of the Muppet Show to mock advertisements for fictional products like "Standard of Truth washing machines," their camaraderie offers listeners moments of levity amidst serious discourse.

Dr. Richard Leduc [35:50]: "I can't help but picture the two old Muppet Muppets heckling."

This light-hearted approach makes the complex topics more accessible and underscores the hosts' personable nature.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up around [minute: 53:43], Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc reiterate their dedication to supporting listeners through their faith journeys. They emphasize the importance of enduring hope, the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and the collective effort to uphold and strengthen faith within the LDS community.

Dr. Richard Leduc [56:14]: "And so I just think I'm gonna have to... leave."

The hosts encourage listeners to share the podcast with others who might benefit, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [05:04] Dr. Dirkmaat: "There's nothing I can say that will follow up how great that music is."

• [12:57] Dr. Leduc: "Once you understand that context, these are people who have given their all for the church and they have not been rewarded in any positive way."

• [16:54] Dr. Dirkmaat: "Race is an incredibly complex issue in the 19th century. There's not a politician or religious leader that exists from the mid-19th century that does not have statements or feelings that would be considered odious to people today."

• [24:14] Dr. Dirkmaat: "And as we get into it, it becomes pretty clear pretty quickly that they actually don't really know very much about that topic at all."

• [36:21] Heidi: "After extensive research... my foundation is in Christ. When the whirlwinds and shafts come, they may have gut punched me and knocked the wind out of me, but the foundation was there, and your podcast has helped shore that up."

• [52:08] Greg: "Do you think it's actually possible to share information that changes the arc of someone's faith crises?"

• [53:43] Dr. Dirkmaat: "You've hit it on the head... God bless."

Final Thoughts

"Faith Crisis" serves as a poignant exploration of the struggles and triumphs inherent in maintaining faith within the Latter-Day Saints community. Through historical analysis, heartfelt listener interactions, and genuine reflections, Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc provide listeners with both intellectual and emotional guidance. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring quest for understanding, resilience in the face of adversity, and the unyielding hope that defines the journey of faith.

If you missed this episode or wish to revisit its insights, consider subscribing to the Standard of Truth podcast to stay updated on future discussions and analyses.