Milagre 
A Conversation Between Two Worlds of Theology In this episode of the Standard of Truth podcast, two Latter-day Saint historians—Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat and Dr. Richard LeDuc—examine clips from Pastor John MacArthur, one of the most influential Calvinist preachers of modern times. The conversation becomes a window into two dramatically different theological universes: the Calvinist world … Read more
Tour Dates: History, Missionaries, and Prophecy Ongoing Focus on the Doctrine and Covenants The podcast continues its deep exploration of the Doctrine and Covenants, emphasizing that each revelation is inseparably connected to real historical events in Joseph Smith’s life. Understanding a revelation’s background—its setting, circumstances, and the challenges surrounding it—is essential for grasping the early … Read more
March Email Madness A Season Immersed in the Doctrine and Covenants As the podcast continues its deep dive into the Doctrine and Covenants, the hosts explain that most recent episodes have centered on early revelations received by Joseph Smith. These revelations—given in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and beyond—form the backbone of Latter-day Saint scriptural history. … Read more
Historical Study and the Use of Primary Latter-day Saint Sources This episode begins by exploring what it means to study early Latter-day Saint history responsibly. The hosts emphasize that understanding Joseph Smith and the Restoration requires direct, careful engagement with original historical documents. These include journals written at the time events occurred, dictated manuscripts, letters, … Read more
Understanding the Purpose of the Podcast Season 5, Episode 10 explores how early Latter-day Saint history is reconstructed through primary sources and careful historical method. The podcast emphasizes that genuinely understanding Joseph Smith and the Restoration requires direct engagement with journals, dictated manuscripts, document collections, and independent accounts. Rather than relying on modern speculation or … Read more
Stillbirths, Miscarriages, and the Question of When Life Begins Early Christian Reflections on the Moment of Ensoulment From the earliest centuries of Christianity, theologians wrestled with the question of when the soul enters the body, yet the answers they offered varied widely. Those who embraced creation ex nihilo often concluded that the soul must originate … Read more
The Case of Almon Babbitt A Rising Leader with a Troubled Pattern Almon Babbitt entered early Latter-day Saint history as a capable missionary and influential convert from the New York–Ohio period. His preaching brought many into the Church, particularly throughout Canada, and he marched with Zion’s Camp in 1834. Joseph Smith later called him as … Read more
The Doctrine and Covenants and the Question of Its Sections The Doctrine and Covenants did not always appear in the form we know today. The current Latter-day Saint edition contains 138 sections and two Official Declarations, but early editions differed as new revelations were received, written, organized, and prepared for publication. Understanding this development helps … Read more
Can Satan Repent? – Early Christian Theology and Latter-day Saint Revelation The question of whether Satan can repent has shaped theological discussions for centuries and continues to be explored in Latter-day Saint thought. Early Christianity and modern revelation approach the subject differently yet arrive at a unified conclusion about the nature of Lucifer’s choice and … Read more
Joseph Smith Raising the Dead– Nauvoo Malaria Outbreak & Miraculous Healings, 1839) The Nauvoo Sickness Crisis of 1839 When the Saints arrived at the swampy lowlands of Commerce, Illinois—soon to be renamed Nauvoo—they were met not with stability but disease. The stagnant Mississippi backwaters bred thick clouds of mosquitoes, and by July 1839, malaria and … Read more