Introduction This episode begins with a listener’s question about whether animals have an afterlife and eventually transitions into a doctrinal exploration of hero worship, prophetic authority, apostasy, and the Lord’s revealed system for preventing spiritual deception. Although these subjects seem unrelated at first glance, both center on foundational Latter-day Saint teachings about the nature of … Read more
Moroni Part 1 In order to understand the earliest visits of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith, it is essential to place those events within the real conditions of Joseph’s youth. The world in which he lived was shaped by poverty, economic instability, and constant physical labor. These pressures influenced his spiritual development and played … Read more
Standard of Truth Podcast – “Mailbag: Seer Stones, Witnesses, and Translation” Introduction The episode discusses questions from listeners, including a doctrinal/historical question: Did Joseph Smith use a seer stone as well as the Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon? This question has become increasingly common, and in recent years, some members of … Read more
Witnesses of the Gold Plates Introduction From the spring of 1829 through the turbulent years of early missionary preaching, the history of the Restoration produced a wider circle of Book of Mormon witnesses than the formally recognized Three and Eight. These lesser-known accounts—some involving angels, others involving brief glimpses of the plates, and still others … Read more
Statements from the Three Witnesses: (Primarily Martin Harris) Introduction In this episode, the discussion returns to the essential question of the Book of Mormon witnesses—what they said, when they said it, and how their testimonies developed across their lives. As always, the podcast approaches early Church history through original historical sources, highlighting the lived experience … Read more
Part 1 The Doctrine and Covenants 18 outlines the significant role of apostles within the early Latter-day Saint movement, emphasizing the calling of the Three Witnesses as foundational leaders. Under the presidency of Thomas Marsh, the Quorum of the Twelve faced various challenges, notably during the Missouri crisis, which tested their commitment and responsibilities. Key … Read more
Introduction: The Question of Speaking in Tongues in Early Latter-day Saint History This episode responds to a listener’s inquiry about the practice of speaking in tongues in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The listener encountered another podcast that claimed early Saints—including Joseph Smith and Brigham Young—spoke in tongues in a manner … Read more
Kirtland Temple Introduction: The Context of the Hosanna Shout This bonus episode revisits the historical origins of the Hosanna Shout, a subject featured earlier in Season 3. The topic is especially meaningful now that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has obtained stewardship over the Kirtland Temple and associated historic sites. With this … Read more
Introduction This episode explores the origins, development, and doctrinal meaning of the Hosanna Shout in Latter-day Saint tradition. The discussion traces the ancient scriptural foundations of the word “Hosanna,” follows its early use among the Latter-day Saints, and examines how the ceremonial Hosanna Shout became part of temple dedications and significant events in the Restoration. … Read more
Early Latter-day Saint Patriotism The early Saints, including Joseph Smith, viewed themselves as strongly patriotic Americans. Joseph Smith’s ancestors fought in the American Revolution, and early members saw their faith as tied to the founding principles of the United States. They believed that the Restoration was made possible by the freedoms guaranteed in the nation’s … Read more