Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

Topics: 1) "By their works ..."; 2) Charity; and 3) Baptizing little children. The topics of discussion include the concepts of intent versus impact, redefining charity, and understanding the baptism of little children. We challenge the traditional binary view of good and evil actions, emphasizing the importance of the impact of our words and deeds over mere intent. We also explore the notion of c...

Topics: 1) The Book of Moroni is an addendum; and 2) Church meetings. This episode dives into the Book of Moroni, exploring its unique role as an addendum to the Book of Mormon. The conversation challenges conventional narratives by suggesting that Joseph Smith used the Book of Moroni to include crucial topics he couldn't easily fit elsewhere. Discussing ordinations, priesthood authority, and Moro...

Topics: 1) Faith and trials; 2) Weakness and strength; and 3) Hope. In this episode, we delve into topics that often remain unspoken in traditional Sunday school settings. Our focus is on faith, trials, weakness, strength, and hope as explored in Ether chapter 12. We kick off with an analysis of Ether 12:6, a scripture mastery verse, which states that faith is things hoped for and not seen—prompti...

Topics: 1) Morality in leaders; and 2) Secret combinations. In this episode, the focus is on discussing the impact of leaders' morality. The host shares his honest feelings about the moral implications of the elected leaders and encourages important discussions on personal and societal values. Furthermore, the topic of secret combinations is discussed, specifically highlighting issues within the C...

In this episode, we explore the theme of responsibility through the lens of Ether chapters 1-5 from the Book of Mormon. Delving into the story of Jared and his brother, we examine the dynamics of spiritual responsibility and the implications of delegating our own spiritual tasks to others. We begin by discussing the story of God confounding the language at the Tower of Babel, and how Jared relied...

Topics: 1) Imagining God; 2) Learning from others’ imperfection. In this episode, we delve into the themes of "Imagining God" and "Learning from others' imperfection." We explore the concept of imagining God, acknowledging that our perceptions are shaped by personal experiences and cultural contexts. This discussion encourages open-mindedness and curiosity about differing views of God, helping us...

Topics: 1) How involved is God in people's lives? 2) Prosper in the land. In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the complexities of divine involvement in our lives, inspired by the lessons from Mormon chapters 1-6. The discussion centers on the controversial idea of God controlling events, such as punishing or blessing groups collectively, and how this narrative aligns with individual e...

Topics: 1) The name of the church; 2) What do ye desire? We explore the significance of the church's name, tracing its historical evolution and examining whether it truly matters to God or Christ. Through a candid analysis, we consider the branding and identity implications of the name changes within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially under different leaderships. Additiona...

Topics: 1) The House of Israel; and 2) Tithing.   In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into topics that often go unspoken in Sunday school discussions: the House of Israel and tithing. The episode challenges traditional views, questioning the notion of a 'chosen people' and the implications of such doctrines on modern faith and inclusivity. We examine the idea of special privileges for cert...

Topic: Pondering. In this episode, we delve into the concept of pondering. We explore why Christ urged people to ponder His words and how this practice can lead to deeper understanding and meaningful discussions. The episode examines the transformative power of pondering, emphasizing its role in helping us wrestle with ideas, expand our perspectives, and construct personal narratives. By questioni...

Topic: The higher law. We delve into Christ's teachings, emphasizing the importance of evolving our behavior and intentions. Christ calls us to not only act righteously but to genuinely care for and love others. This episode challenges the traditional messages often heard in church, advocating for spiritual growth that transcends mere obedience to rules. We discuss the necessity of love as the gui...

Topic: Forgiveness from God. The manual emphasizes that Jesus Christ is eager to forgive, but I question the idea that God or Christ need to forgive us. This leads us to explore our relationship with God, the nature of sin, and the true essence of forgiveness. Contrary to common beliefs, forgiveness is more about the victim letting go and moving forward, rather than a divine memory wipe or erasure...

Topics: 1) Being prepared is freeing; and 2) Division within the church. We explore the story of Lachoneus and the Gadianton robbers, drawing parallels to modern events and emphasizing the freedom that comes from being prepared both physically and mentally. The episode also addresses the growing divisions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discussing issues such as wealth disp...

Topic: Prophets. Welcome to "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School," where we explore thoughts and ideas that deviate from the usual faith-promoting narratives. This week, we discuss the story of Samuel the Lamanite and its implications on the perception of prophets within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We examine the contrast between Samuel's outsider status and the church'...

Topics: 1) Prophets and external versus internal authority; and 2) Patriarchy. In this episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School," we delve into the complexities of authority. Our discussion covers the intriguing story of Nephi solving a murder mystery and extends to broader themes of prophets, internal versus external authority, and the role of patriarchy in religious teachings. We e...

Topics: 1) Pride cycle; and 2) Foundation in Christ. Welcome to "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School." The Book of Mormon's Pride Cycle is explored in depth, revealing how religious leaders may use the concept of pride to control their followers. We discuss the subjective nature of pride and its potential for manipulation. We also reflect on the importance of a foundation in Christ, drawing...

Topics: 1) Being offended; and 2) Hardening and softening our hearts. Welcome to "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School." In this episode, we delve into the lesson for August 19-25, covering Alma chapters 53-63. Our main focus is on the topics of being offended and the dynamics of hardening and softening hearts. We explore how Helaman's plea for aid was met with silence, leading to Moroni's c...

Topics: 1) More population math; and 2) Captain Moroni’s character. Welcome to this week's episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School." In this lesson for August 12-18, we delve into Alma 43-52 with a fresh perspective. We start by examining some intriguing population math discrepancies between the Nephites and Lamanites. These numbers raise questions about historical accuracy and narr...

Topics: 1) Sexual sin; and 2) Spiritual learning.   This episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School" delves into two main topics: sexual sin and spiritual learning. We explore Alma's message to his son Corianton, questioning traditional interpretations of sexual sin and its severity. The episode argues against the idea that consensual sexual acts outside the church's law of chastity ar...

Topics: 1) Context of Alma's family; 2) Importance of scripture; 3) Small and simple things; and 4) Shiblon, neglected middle child. This week's episode delves into Alma's messages to his sons, Helaman and Shiblon, offering a unique perspective on Alma's role as a father and spiritual leader. The discussion begins with an overview of Alma's family dynamics, suggesting that Alma's dedication to his...

Topics: 1) Faith like a seed; 2) Church rejects; and 3) Don't procrastinate self-improvement. This week's lesson, covering Alma chapters 32 through 35, delves into the powerful analogy of faith as a seed, the experience of being rejected by the church, and the importance of not procrastinating self-improvement. Alma chapter 32 introduces the famous seed analogy. Faith involves belief in things we...

Topics: 1) Korihor's arguments; 2) Korihor sees an angel; 3) Vilifying dissenters; and 4) Rameumptom. We delve into Korihor's arguments against the existence of God and how he questions the integrity of Alma. Was Korihor right in his accusations about Alma profiting from his church position? We also discuss Korihor's controversial encounter with an angel and the implications of labeling dissenters...

Topics: 1) Fanaticism; 2) Death and conversion; 3) Hardened hearts. Welcome to "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School." This week's lesson delves into the themes of fanaticism, death and conversion, and hardened hearts. We explore the extreme actions of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who made a group covenant to forsake violence, and the intense actions of their adversaries. This episode questions th...

Topics: 1) Missionary time away from normal life; 2) Taking a break for geography; and 3) Abish. In this episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School," we delve into the Sons of Mosiah and their 14-year mission among the Lamanites, examining the emotional toll and community impact of such extended absences. We also take a critical look at the unusual inclusion of a geography lesson in Al...

Topics: 1) Melchizedek Priesthood; 2) When bad things happen.   Our discussion begins with an in-depth look at the Melchizedek Priesthood as described in Alma 13. I share my critical views on the concept of priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, questioning its exclusivity and the power dynamics it creates. We then move on to the difficult topic of why bad things happen to...