Standard of Truth Podcast Summary: Season 5, Episode 5 – "Great Rebukes from Church History: Almon Babbitt"

Release Date: January 30, 2025
Hosts: Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard Leduc

Introduction

In Season 5, Episode 5 of the Standard of Truth podcast, hosted by Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat, associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU, alongside his colleague Dr. Richard Leduc, delves into the fascinating and tumultuous history of Almon Babbitt, a lesser-known yet pivotal figure in early Latter-Day Saint (LDS) Church history. This episode, titled "Great Rebukes from Church History: Almon Babbitt," explores the nature of divine rebukes within the Doctrine and Covenants and examines Babbitt's complex relationship with Prophet Joseph Smith.

Rebukes in Church History

The episode begins with the hosts discussing the intriguing concept of rebukes within the LDS Church, particularly as documented in the Doctrine and Covenants. Dr. Leduc notes, "I did do a quick search of great rebukes... by my initial count, I had over 22 individual rebukings" (02:34). These rebukes serve as historical testimonies of divine displeasure aimed at guiding and correcting church members.

Dr. Dirkmaat humorously reflects on the abundance of rebukes, stating, "members of the church provided the Lord many, many, many opportunities to rebuke" (02:16), highlighting the theological belief that rebukes are both plentiful and enduring within church history.

Listener Emails and Interactions

Interspersed with their historical analysis, the hosts engage with listener emails, blending personal anecdotes with scholarly discussion. One notable interaction involves a listener named Gene, who humorously inquires about a Diet Coke offer, leading to light-hearted banter between Drs. Dirkmaat and Leduc (06:43). Another email from Amanda raises a pertinent question about whether Joseph Smith was the most rebuked individual in the Doctrine and Covenants, prompting the hosts to transition into their main discussion on Almon Babbitt (12:00).

Focus on Almon Babbitt

Almon Babbitt emerges as the central figure of this episode. Described as "one of the great enigmas of early church history," Babbitt's repeated cycles of disfellowshipment and restoration to leadership roles make him a compelling subject. Dr. Dirkmaat provides a detailed chronological account:

• Early Devotion: Babbitt was among the first members baptized during the church's expansion in New York and Ohio. His missionary endeavors and leadership qualities earned him a place in the First Quorum of the Seventy in 1835.

• Disfellowshipment and Restoration: His tumultuous career is marked by successive disfellowshipings and restorations, showcasing his persistent yet flawed dedication to church leadership (20:16).

• Conflict at Kirtland: In 1840, Babbitt's actions in Kirtland sparked significant conflict. He encouraged members to stay in Ohio instead of migrating to Nauvoo, challenging Joseph Smith’s directives.

Dr. Leduc adds depth by elucidating Babbitt's leadership style, comparing him to a "powerful speaker or leader" whose attempts at repentance often resulted in further disfellowshipment (20:16). This cycle underscores the complexities of leadership and obedience within the early church framework.

Joseph Smith's Response and Church Discipline

A substantial portion of the episode examines Prophet Joseph Smith’s responses to Babbitt’s dissent. Dr. Dirkmaat references Joseph’s letter to Oliver Granger, wherein Joseph expresses dismay over Babbitt’s "strange conduct" aimed at undermining church leadership and sowing discord among the brethren (19:20). Key excerpts from Joseph’s letter include:

“It is all important that the most perfect harmony, kind feeling, good understanding and confidence should exist in the hearts of all the brethren... If there are any uncharitable feelings, any lack of confidence, then pride and arrogancy and envy will soon be manifested, and confusion must inevitably prevail...” (19:27).

These statements highlight the emphasis on unity and the dangers of internal strife within the church community.

Further analysis covers Doctrine and Covenants Section 124, a significant revelation received in January 1841, which contains a stern rebuke of Babbitt’s actions:

“He setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people...” (56:25).

This metaphor draws directly from the biblical account of the golden calf in Exodus, symbolizing false idols and misdirected worship.

Despite these rebukes, Joseph Smith's actions towards Babbitt reveal a pattern of forgiveness and restoration. After disciplinary actions and reconciliations, Babbitt was reinstated as the stake president of Kirtland, illustrating the complex interplay between correction and restoration in church leadership practices (53:00).

Insights and Conclusions

Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc extract several key lessons from the Babbitt saga:

1. The Nature of Rebukes: Rebukes are not merely punitive but serve as corrective measures intended to maintain church unity and doctrinal purity.

2. Personal vs. Institutional Authority: Babbitt's challenges to Joseph Smith’s leadership underscore the tension between individual beliefs and institutional authority within the church.

3. Continuing Revelation: The episode underscores the belief in continuing revelation, where modern prophets may issue directives that occasionally conflict with prior interpretations or personal convictions of members.

4. Modern Parallels: The hosts draw parallels between historical rebukes and contemporary church dynamics, cautioning against personal biases undermining prophetic guidance. Dr. Dirkmaat advises, “If you ever find yourself saying, I believe the church is true, but President Nelson or whoever the prophet is is wrong about X, it's time to do some introspection...” (62:12).

5. The Golden Calf Metaphor: Utilizing the golden calf metaphor, the hosts emphasize the importance of aligning personal convictions with divine directives, warning against elevating individual opinions above prophetic counsel.

Concluding Remarks

The episode wraps up with a blend of humor and reflection, as Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc engage in light-hearted conversation while reinforcing the critical lessons derived from Almon Babbitt’s story. They emphasize the importance of steadfast faith and obedience to prophetic leadership, urging listeners to avoid the pitfalls of personal agendas that can lead to divisions within the church.

Dr. Leduc summarizes:

“It's the mark of discipleship to follow even when it doesn't make sense... It's actually the mark of discipleship...” (63:11).

Dr. Dirkmaat concurs, urging members to prioritize collective harmony over individual dissent, thereby ensuring the church's strength and unity.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat on Babbitt’s fluctuating status:
  “[...] his entire career in the church is one constant disfellowship and then restoration to a stake presidency.” — 20:57

• Joseph Smith on maintaining unity:
  “...true charity, love one towards another, should characterize all their proceedings.” — 19:27

• Doctrine and Covenants Section 124 on Babbitt’s misdirection:
  “He setteth up a golden calf for the worship of my people.” — 56:25

• Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat on contemporary church criticism:
  “If you ever find yourself saying, I believe the church is true, but President Nelson or whoever the prophet is is wrong about X, it's time to do some introspection.” — 62:12

Final Thoughts

Season 5, Episode 5 of the Standard of Truth podcast offers an insightful exploration into the dynamics of divine rebukes within the LDS Church, using Almon Babbitt’s example to illustrate broader themes of leadership, obedience, and unity. Through meticulous historical analysis and engaging dialogue, Dr. Dirkmaat and Dr. Leduc provide listeners with both educational content and reflective prompts to deepen their understanding of church history and their personal faith journeys.

For those interested in the interplay between church authority and individual agency, and the enduring lessons from early church conflicts, this episode serves as a compelling listen.

Thank you for reading this summary of the Standard of Truth podcast's latest episode. To explore more episodes and deepen your understanding of LDS Church history, consider subscribing and listening directly on your preferred podcast platform.