Sunday Musings

Can an intelligent person be a faithful person? Connor shares several reasons why he continues to believe in the gospel, despite arguments against it being true.

Does our religion allow us to seek a religious exemption from vaccine mandates? How about fighting in the military? Connor explores why our faith should lead us to focus on a bigger issue if we really care about religious freedom.

With the Russia and Ukraine controversy unfolding, what should Latter-day Saints believe and advocate? Is it okay to support war, either directly or indirectly? Connor reviews a modern revelation (God's law on war) that few people even pay attention to, let alone heed.

BYU bans beards, BYU-Idaho prohibits shorts, and some suggest that obedience to these Pharasaical policies helps show our obedience to God. But if the Lord looketh on the heart, why do we so heavily fixate on the superficial as a measure of our devotion to God?

It's widely known that Mormons don't drink alcohol or coffee or tea, but is this actually a commandment? Or have members of the LDS Church become like Pharisees in how they approach this principle of health?

Is civil disobedience ever justified by God? When is it okay to defy the government? Connor discusses these questions in light of Romans 13, the 12th Article of Faith ,and D&C 134, which are commonly cited by those who claim we should submit to the state.

Are the leaders of the Church always inspired? What is "prophetic counsel" that we are supposed to follow? And how can we determine what is from God and what is merely good advice to consider? Connor shares some historical examples to suggest the importance of not assuming that everything leaders say is inherently from God.

Despite claiming to care about religious freedom, why is the Church not speaking out against its threats today? Connor discusses the difference between institutional and individual obligations to support freedom, and why those who claim to worship God need to do something about it.

Many members of the LDS Church misunderstand what the War in Heaven was all about. They think that Satan wanted to "force us to be righteous," but no scripture supports this viewpoint. Connor discusses how Lucifer wanted to persuade people to commit sin while thinking they could avoid the consequences of their actions — a tactic that continues today.