Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

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...

Topics: 1) Alma's work/life balance; and 2) Respect in missionary work.   Our discussion begins with Alma's work-life balance, highlighting the importance of rest and the implications of his home dynamics. We draw parallels between Alma's experiences and the pressures faced by LDS families today, particularly those with significant church callings. The episode critiques the unhealthy culture of bu...

Topics: 1) Checking in with yourself; 2) Personal authority; 3) The word of God was liberal; and 4) Women’s exclusion.   Welcome to "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School," where we delve into unconventional thoughts and ideas that often go unspoken. In this episode, we focus on themes such as self-assessment, personal authority, and the liberal nature of God's word, while also addressing wom...

Topics: 1) The influence of political leaders; 2) Divisions among the people and my take on the pride cycle. We explore the influence of political leaders, divisions among the people, and a fresh perspective on the pride cycle. There's a lot of politics in this lesson, and discussing these topics in a church setting can often lead to heated debates. It's crucial to remember that church should be a...

Topics: 1) Population math again; 2) Necessity of church organization; 3) Alma’s struggle as head of the church; 4) Unbelief in the younger generation; and 5) How to treat loved ones who believe differently.   We start by examining the puzzling population math in Mosiah 25 and question the necessity of church organization as depicted in these chapters. Alma's struggles as head of the church and th...

Topics: 1) Alma's baptism; 2) Covenants; 3) Is an organized church necessary?   In this episode of 'Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School', dive into a raw and honest discourse on faith. The episode reflects on Mosiah chapters 18-24 and contemplates the understanding of covenants and the necessity of an organized church. Discover new perspectives on the baptism of Alma, as the episode questio...

Topics: 1) Written on your heart; 2) How Jesus Christ is the Father and the Son. Join us in this episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School", as we delve into the lessons from Mosiah 11-17. Listen as we break down Abinadi's teachings and his conflicts with gluttonous leaders who don't adhere to the teachings they preach. Our conversations grapples with three impediments to change. It c...

Topics: 1) Prophet, Seer or Revelator; 2) Admitting mistakes. In this episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say In Sunday School", we delve deep into exploring the  notion of assigning titles like prophet, seer, or revelator and discuss the concept of admitting one's own mistakes. Starting off the conversation with an analysis of the religious titles and how they register upon us, we ponder on whether...

Topics: 1) Your experiences with God; 2) Don't run faster than you have strength; 3) Watch yourselves.   This episode of 'Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School' dives into more unorthodox thoughts and ideas. The goal of the podcast is to encourage honest discussions about faith and provide a fresh perspective on scripture. Beginning with our experiences with God, the host stresses the signifi...

Topics: 1) Service; 2) Debt to God; 3) Natural man.

Topics: 1) Parental influence; 2) Enos-like spiritual experiences; 3) Connection between righteousness and prosperity.

Topic: Sherem vs. Jacob

Topics: 1) Population math; 2) Pride and wealth; 3) Chastity

Topics: 1) The strait and narrow path; 2) Why ponder?; 3) Problems with Nephi's final mesage.

Topics: 1) God's interventions; 2) The reality of Satan; 3) God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.