Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

Topics: 1) The flood as a baptism for the Earth; 2) The feasibility of the flood and the ark; 3) The flood was mercy?; and 4) Prophets then and now. We discuss the idea of the flood as a baptism for the earth, practical doubts about the ark and a global flood, arguments that the flood was an act of mercy, and a critique of how ancient prophets compare to modern church leaders. The goal is to encou...

Topics: 1) Enoch and the Gulf of Mexico; 2) What Joseph Smith might have been thinking; and 3) Zion. A candid episode exploring Genesis 5 and Moses 6–7 with a fresh look at Enoch, the claim that Zion became the Gulf of Mexico, and how Joseph Smith may have drawn on utopian and transcendental ideas. We reflect on what Zion means, contrasting conformity with expanding belonging, while considering we...

Topics: 1) The Fall was a choice; 2) Adam presiding; 3) Nudity; and 4) Am I My Brother's Keeper?

Topics: 1) Unique Creation doctrine; 2) Male and female; and 3) Adam and Eve's marriage. We discuss Brigham Young's Adam-God doctrine, how the church came to teach that Jesus was Jehovah, sexism in the creation story, and some alternative perspectives on marriage with Adam and Eve.

Topics: 1) The Books of Moses and Abraham; and 2) The preexistence. This episode examines the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham, how Joseph Smith produced these texts, and the historical questions around the so‑called translation of Egyptian papyri. It also explores the doctrine of the pre‑existence, personal doubts about chosenness and favoring among spirit children, and a candid reflection o...

This episode introduces the Old Testament year with a candid, non‑promotional take on scripture and teaching. We look forward to learning from classic stories (David and Goliath, Noah, Ruth, Daniel) and approach learning from ancient texts rather than twisting the text to fit modern theology.

This episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School" gives a candid overview of difficult moments in LDS history: the 1978 revelation extending the priesthood to Black members, failure to share historical teachings about polygamy and race to new converts, and the 1995 Family Proclamation. It calls for informed consent for converts, criticizes lingering racist ideas and weak institutional a...

Topics: 1) Joseph Smith's presidential campaign; 2) Joseph Smith's death; and 3) The succession crisis of the church. We discuss some lesser known aspects of LDS Church history including Joseph Smith's 1844 U.S. presidential campaign, the real circumstances surround his murder in June 1844, and the controversies involved in the leadership of his church after Joseph Smith's death.

Topics: 1) My understanding of polygamy when I was young; 2) Misconceptions about polygamy; 3) The story of polygamy the church tries to sell now; 4) The real story of Joseph Smith’s polygamy; 5) Polygamy after Joseph Smith's death; 6) The legacy of polygamy; and 7) My thoughts about Joseph Smith and polygamy. Links: Year of Polygamy podcast https://www.yearofpolygamy.com/ https://podcasts.apple.c...

Topics: 1) Angel handshakes; 2) Bodies of God and the Holy Ghost; 3) Intelligence in the afterlife; 4) Blessings are NOT predicated; and 5) Beliefs about government. This episode examines Doctrine and Covenants sections 129–134. Topics include identifying angels, the nature of God and the Holy Ghost, eternal intelligence and growth, the claim that blessings are tied to obedience, and beliefs about...

Topics: 1) Nauvoo; 2) Patriarchal blessings; 3) Relief Society; 4) Baptisms for the dead; and 5) Joseph Smith and Masons. We discuss the Nauvoo settlement, patriarchal blessings, the origins and role of the Relief Society, baptisms for the dead, and Joseph Smith's ties to Freemasonry, aiming for honest reflection. Designed to spark conversation with friends, family, or classes, this episode blends...

Topics: 1) Joseph Smith's time in Liberty Jail; and 2) Thoughts on the Liberty Jail texts. We discuss the harsh conditions of Liberty Jail and the legal situation Joseph Smith and others were facing. We look closely at sections 121-123 and see new ways to view the writings. We end by discussing the call to "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power."

Topics: 1) The name of the church; 2) Adam-ondi-Ahman; 3) Tithing; 4) Danites; and 5) The Missouri Mormon War of 1838. We question institutional messaging about the church name, trace Joseph Smith’s evolving fundraising methods culminating in tithing, examine vigilante and militia actions by and against Mormons, and connect these events to escalating violence and tragic outcomes. Short, candid, an...

Topics: 1) Kirtland temple; 2) Priesthood keys; 3) Salem, MA; 4) Kirtland Safety Society; and 5) Thomas B. Marsh. This episode takes a frank look at Doctrine and Covenants sections 109–114, covering the Kirtland Temple dedication and vision, the doctrine of priesthood keys, the failed Salem treasure venture, the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society bank and its fallout, and Thomas B. Marsh.  Ra...

Topics: 1) Zion's camp; and 2) Church administration This episode examines Zion's Camp and early church administration questioning the traditional narrative about Zion's Camp and its outcomes. It also discusses the creation of the Quorum of the Twelve and Seventy, the church's evolving administrative changes, and personal observations about shrinking membership and its consequences.

Topics: 1) Chastening; 2) Being accepted of the Lord; and 3) The timing of section 97. We critique common practices of chastening, argue for unconditional divine acceptance over performance-based love, question the heavy emphasis on sacrifice, and raise concerns about the factual timeline of revelations related to events in Missouri. 

Topic: Decoding. This episode shares candid reflections questioning the clarity and purpose of Joseph Smith's language about truth, knowledge, light, and intelligence. We describe how Section 93 felt cryptic and repetitive, and draw an analogy to online "decoders" and QAnon—arguing the text invites puzzling rather than practical spiritual growth. The episode emphasizes honest, critical thinking ov...

Topics: 1) Education and learning; 2) All things for our good; 3) Vienna Jaques; and 4) The Word of wisdom. This episode offers candid reflections focusing on education and learning, the church's relationship with intellectual inquiry, the limits of the promise that "all things shall work together for our good," and the application of the Word of Wisdom. We also highlight the story of Vienna Jaque...

Topics: 1) Priesthood; 2) South Carolina; and 3) One Mighty and Strong. Welcome to this week's episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School," where we dive into some thought-provoking topics from Doctrine and Covenants sections 84 through 87, exploring new perspectives that challenge traditional narratives. This episode, featuring discussions on Priesthood, South Carolina, and the enigma...

Topics: 1) Changes to the D&C (United Firm and Jesse Gause); 2) I, the Lord, am bound; and 3) Virginia H. Pearce’s story. In this episode, we delve into thought-provoking topics regarding the Doctrine and Covenants. We explore changes to the text over time, including the intriguing story of the United Firm and Jesse Gause. The discussion sheds light on the motivations behind these alterations...

Topics: 1) Coping with church criticism; 2) Church roles evolution; and 3) Afterlife vision. In this thought-provoking episode, we focus on the topics of coping with church criticism, the evolution of church roles, and beliefs about the afterlife. Drawing from the historical critiques faced by the church, the speaker examines how institutional responses have historically fallen short. The discussi...

Topics: 1) Forgiveness; 2) William McLellin; and 3) The Book of Commandments. In this episode, we delve into ideas often left unsaid in Sunday School. We explore the concept of forgiveness as depicted in the Doctrine and Covenants, questioning conventional teachings and emphasizing personal peace over institutional demands. The narrative of William McLellin offers an intriguing story of faith, dis...

Topics: 1) Unfulfilled promises; 2) Ezra Booth; and 3) Chaste thoughts. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the topics of unfulfilled promises, the story of Ezra Booth, and the concept of chaste thoughts. Reflect on the journey of the Colesville Saints, who faced repeated relocations based on unmet promises, and consider the broader implications for those who question institutional gua...

Topics: 1) Correct teachings and Leman Copley; 2) Marriage; and 3) Stewardship. This episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School" explores unconventional ideas and perspectives on Doctrine and Covenants, Sections 49-57. The discussion touches on topics such as correct teachings, the story of Leman Copley and his struggle with Shaker beliefs, and the complexities surrounding marriage and...

Topics: 1) Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father; 2) Stand in Holy Places; and 3) Is the Church welcoming? In this episode, we dive into unconventional thoughts and ideas that challenge traditional narratives within the church community. We begin by exploring the role of Jesus Christ as our Advocate, questioning the necessity of intermediation between us and our Heavenly Parents. Moving on,...