Standard of Truth Podcast - S5E29: "Bad Sources and the Quorum of the Twelve Part 1"

Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
Guest: Dr. Richard Leduc

Episode Overview

In Season 5, Episode 29 of the Standard of Truth podcast, host Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat teams up once again with his colleague Dr. Richard Leduc to delve into the complexities of church history, specifically addressing the challenges posed by unreliable sources concerning the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This episode, titled "Bad Sources and the Quorum of the Twelve Part 1," aims to equip Latter-Day Saints with the knowledge to discern credible historical information, thereby strengthening their faith and understanding of church doctrines.

Christie's Corner: Doctrine and Covenants Section 76

The episode begins with the segment Christie's Corner, where Dr. Dirkmaat focuses on Doctrine and Covenants Section 76, a pivotal revelation concerning the afterlife and salvation. He highlights the radical nature of this section, emphasizing that it declares the absence of an eternal hell and introduces the concept of multiple degrees of heaven.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (06:17): "The radical nature of the vision in Doctrine and Covenants Section 76 is that it's declaring that there is no eternal hell."

Dr. Dirkmaat references Brigham Young's interpretation of this doctrine, where Young expresses comfort in the notion of universal salvation, asserting that "all of the inhabitants of the earth will be saved in kingdoms somewhere," aligning with Jesus Christ's teachings about the vastness of the celestial realms.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (07:32): "The atonement doesn't just pertain to those who take advantage of it in this life... even the most wicked, after they've suffered for their sins, will eventually go to at least the telestial kingdom."

He contrasts these teachings with prevalent Protestant beliefs that often exclude the possibility of salvation for those who die without faith in Jesus, thereby reinforcing the LDS perspective on universal redemption.

Listener Mailbag: Addressing Historical Inaccuracies

The core of the episode revolves around Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc addressing listener-submitted emails that raise concerns and misconceptions about church history and doctrines.

1. Email from David: Doctrine and Covenants 66:10

Dr. Richard Leduc (18:04): "Do you think that Garrett's extensive knowledge of Joseph Smith Revelations and Doctrine Covenants Section 66, verse 10 are subliminal sources for Bill the Adulterer?"

David's email questions the authenticity of Doctrine and Covenants Section 66:10, suggesting it refers to William McClellan, whom he labels "Bill the Adulterer." The hosts scrutinize this claim, pointing out the lack of credible historical sources supporting such an assertion.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (19:31): "William McClellan is one of those people who go to Sidney Rigdon's house and Joseph Smith's house and steal items from their houses."

They debunk the notion by referencing documented accounts from the Joseph Smith Papers, clarifying that McClellan's actions were indeed detrimental but not as the email suggests.

2. Email from Coach Mark: Abraham Lincoln and "Dixie"

Coach Mark's email explores the historical accuracy of the claim that Abraham Lincoln requested the Confederate anthem "Dixie" be played after General Lee's surrender, a narrative popularized in songs like Johnny Horton's "Johnny Reb."

Coach Mark (23:18): "Did Lincoln honestly request Dixie be played after Lee's surrender, or is this just a case of Horton history revisionism?"

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc analyze contemporary newspaper accounts, revealing that while Lincoln did request "Dixie" be played, it was not out of respect for the Confederates but rather a response to Union workers celebrating the war's end. They also discuss the origins of "Dixie" in minstrel shows, highlighting its complex and problematic history.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (30:09): "Lincoln is making a point of it, that it is a prize of war. It's ours now and we're gonna play it."

3. Email from Jill: Family Concerns Over Apostasy

Jill shares a heartfelt concern about her daughter adopting anti-Mormon arguments against the church's history, citing fabricated claims about Doctrine and Covenants Sections 84 and 76.

Jill (34:38): "The early saints rejected the doctrine of Christ or the fullness of the gospel that Joseph originally restored... Can you restore something that hasn't been lost to the church as a whole?"

Dr. Dirkmaat responds with empathy, acknowledging the difficulty of addressing family apostasy and the painful impact of misinformation. He emphasizes the importance of relying on validated historical sources and cautions against engaging with ahistorical narratives that lack scholarly support.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (35:20): "The problem is that what I will read as part of this email is filled with absolutely ahistorical arguments... they are arguments that are so poorly sourced, that even non-LDS historians do not accept them as accurate."

Handling Apostasy and Bad Sources

Throughout the episode, the hosts stress the importance of critical evaluation of sources. They advocate for:

• Verifying Historical Facts: Encouraging listeners to consult primary sources, such as the Joseph Smith Papers, to confirm historical claims.

• Addressing Misconceptions Respectfully: Advising on how to engage with family members or peers who may hold misinformed views without causing further alienation.

• Recognizing the Impact of Misinformation: Understanding how false historical narratives can erode faith and community ties.

Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (41:54): "People are hoping that there's some kind of magic bullet that I can give that will stop this road to apostasy or refute it or will change someone's mind. And my experience is that that doesn't really work."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (06:17): "The radical nature of the vision in Doctrine and Covenants Section 76 is that it's declaring that there is no eternal hell."

• Dr. Richard Leduc (18:04): "Do you think that Garrett's extensive knowledge of Joseph Smith Revelations and Doctrine Covenants Section 66, verse 10 are subliminal sources for Bill the Adulterer?"

• Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (19:31): "William McClellan is one of those people who go to Sidney Rigdon's house and Joseph Smith's house and steal items from their houses."

• Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (30:09): "Lincoln is making a point of it, that it is a prize of war. It's ours now and we're gonna play it."

Conclusion and Insights

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc adeptly navigate the murky waters of church history, confronting misinformation and unreliable sources head-on. They provide listeners with valuable strategies for evaluating historical claims and maintaining faith amidst challenges to doctrinal truths. By addressing real concerns from their audience with empathy and academic rigor, the hosts exemplify the podcast's mission to deepen understanding and bolster faith among Latter-Day Saints.

Listeners are encouraged to remain vigilant against historical inaccuracies and to seek out credible sources to support their beliefs. The episode underscores the importance of historical literacy in fostering a resilient and informed faith community.

For further exploration of the topics discussed, listeners can refer to the Joseph Smith Papers at josephsmithpapers.org and revisit previous episodes of the Standard of Truth podcast.