Standard of Truth Podcast Summary
Episode: S5E30 Bad Sources and the Quorum of the Twelve Part 2
Release Date: July 17, 2025

Introduction

In Episode S5E30 of the "Standard of Truth" podcast, hosts Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc delve deeper into the contentious issues surrounding the historical integrity of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the practice of polygamy within the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). This episode continues the discussion from the previous installment, addressing claims made against key church figures and doctrines.

Banter and the Dander Meter

The episode opens with the hosts engaging in light-hearted banter about their ongoing debates and the implementation of a humorous Dander Meter to quantify their frustration levels.

• Dr. Richard Leduc (00:45): "We have implemented the Garrett Dander Meter. The last episode it was at 11."
• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat (01:10): "It's out of 10. So you're saying I was completely unhinged and throwing furniture around the room."

This playful exchange sets the tone for their candid and spirited discussion.

Christy's Corner: Doctrine and Revisions

Christy's Corner serves as a recurring segment where the hosts provide insights into doctrinal topics, aimed at helping listeners enhance their understanding and presentation of church teachings.

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat (02:23): "The entire point of Christie's Corner is if you want to look smart in Sunday school."

In this episode, the discussion centers around Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) Section 80, a revelation given to Stephen Burnett addressing apostasy and policing church integrity.

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat (04:16): "Section 80 is a revelation to Stephen Burnett. And the revelation tells him to go and preach the gospel wherever he should."

They explore Burnett's eventual apostasy in 1838, critiquing his claims against church leadership and his misrepresentation of witness testimonies regarding the Book of Mormon plates.

Listener Mailbag: Support from Overseas

The hosts interact with listener emails, sharing heartfelt messages that highlight the podcast's impact.

• Email from Cynthia, Djibouti, Africa (14:24): Cynthia expresses gratitude for the podcast's role in strengthening her faith amidst personal challenges, particularly her husband's opposition to the church.

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat (24:44): "Cynthia, what a beautiful email. I am very sorry to hear about the situation."

This emotional segment underscores the podcast's mission to support Latter-Day Saints facing difficulties in their faith journey.

Main Discussion: Debunking False Claims in LDS History

The core of the episode focuses on debunking misleading and unfounded claims about the LDS Church's history, particularly those related to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the early practice of polygamy.

Analysis of Stephen Burnett's Letter

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc examine a letter purportedly from Stephen Burnett, which alleges misconduct and apostasy within church leadership.

• Dr. Dirkmaat (05:53): "He writes, this is again April of 1838. My heart is sickened within me... Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are notorious liars."

The hosts scrutinize Burnett's credibility, highlighting inconsistencies and lack of verifiable sources supporting his accusations.

Refuting Allegations of Brigham Young's Adulterous Practices

The discussion turns to Brigham Young's alleged adulterous behavior, as claimed in historical criticisms.

• Dr. Dirkmaat (35:30): "It's in multiple journals. This further... he's making that claim... clearly can't be very old at the time that this took place."

They methodically dismantle these allegations by referencing authentic journals and historical records that affirm Brigham Young's integrity and adherence to church doctrines.

Addressing Claims about Cochraneites and Polygamy

The hosts tackle the erroneous connection between the Cochranites—a separate religious group—and the practice of polygamy within the LDS Church.

• Dr. Dirkmaat (41:07): "They'Re making, they say here, like, oh, it was based off the Cochraneites in Massachusetts, except everywhere you're talking about that they're going on their missions is actually Maine, not Massachusetts."

By clarifying geographical inaccuracies and separated historical contexts, they refute the unfounded link between the two groups.

Examination of Changing Church Name and Priesthood Authority

A significant portion of the debate addresses the claim that the LDS Church lost its Melchizedek priesthood and that the name change from Church of Christ to Church of the Latter-day Saints signifies a doctrinal fall.

• Dr. Dirkmaat (48:49): "Why is this person saying Brigham Young never had any authority because of some weird explanation of the church falling after the Isaac Morley meeting in 1831 flies in the face of actual documents."

Through meticulous examination of church records, including the Joseph Smith Papers, the hosts demonstrate that authoritative actions, such as priesthood ordinations and doctrinal changes, were consistently managed by Joseph Smith and subsequent leaders without indication of apostasy or doctrinal deviation.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc reaffirm the importance of relying on credible historical sources and personal revelation to discern truth amidst false narratives.

• Dr. Dirkmaat (73:12): "Thank you so much for listening. I promise we'll never talk about plural marriage even tangentially ever again."

They emphasize that while debates over historical accuracy can be contentious, maintaining faith and utilizing the Holy Spirit are paramount in navigating challenges to LDS beliefs.

Key Takeaways

• Credibility of Sources: Many anti-LDS claims lack verifiable, contemporary sources and often stem from biased individuals or groups.

• Historical Integrity of Church Leaders: Authentic historical records uphold the integrity and divine calling of leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

• Doctrine and Covenants: Recent additions to the D&C are scrutinized and defended as authentic revelations, countering claims of later fabrications.

• Support for Members: Listener emails highlight the podcast's role in strengthening faith among members facing personal and doctrinal challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat (05:53):
  "Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are notorious liars."

• Dr. Richard Leduc (35:30):
  "I feel like you could go to lighthouse ministries and get that information."

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat (73:12):
  "Thank you so much for listening. I promise we'll never talk about plural marriage even tangentially ever again."

This episode serves as a robust defense of LDS history and leadership against unfounded and historically inaccurate claims, providing listeners with well-researched arguments and affirming their faith through knowledge and spiritual conviction.