Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

Topic: The preexistence.

This episode reflects honestly on Jeremiah 1:5 and the idea of a pre‑earth life.

I explain why I believe we existed in some form before birth, why I reject predestination and certain traditional doctrines (including literal foreordination, the war in heaven, and eternal gender), and why I think choice, not control, shaped our mortal experience.

Short, personal, and questioning, this lesson covers the beginn...

Topics: 1) The atonement; and 2) God’s ways are higher.

The host critiques how traditional teachings on the atonement can create overwhelming guilt and a dependence on cycles of repentance, while affirming something meaningful happened in Gethsemane.

It also explores what it means that "God's ways are higher," suggests practical ways to grow closer to divine thinking through maturity and compassion, and warns how the idea can...

Topics: 1) Isaiah authorship, 2) Comfort from religion; and 3) Comfort from God.

I discuss the claim that the later chapters of Isaiah are literally Isaiah’s writings about the distant future, and contrast that with the scholarly consensus that chapters 40–55 and 56–66 were written by other authors during and after the Babylonian exile. I explain why this discrepancy raises questions about certain Book of Mormon c...

Topics: 1) A voice from the dust; and 2) Removed their heart far from me.

This episode questions why the traditional LDS "voice out of the dust" interpretation conveniently leaves out the "familiar spirit" part of that verse.

The host critiques the idea that the Restoration is the prophesied "marvelous work and wonder," points to church decline and institutional hypocrisy, contrasts church priorities with Jesus’ ministry to t...

Topics: 1) Isaiah and Joseph Smith; 2) Crimson; 3) Mountains; 4) Evil good; and 5) Ensign.

This episode explores unconventional takes on Isaiah chapters 1–12 and how they intersect with Joseph Smith's narratives. The host questions whether Joseph Smith intentionally shaped his origin story to align with Isaiah's prophecies, critiques traditional temple and sin imagery, and examines modern applications of Isaiah in LDS politic...

Topics: 1) The Lord is my shepherd; 2) David pleads for forgiveness; 3) Truth will spring out of the Earth; and 4) Children are an heritage.

Today's discussion include a critique of the shepherd metaphor in Psalm 23, an analysis of David’s plea in Psalm 51 and its lack of empathy, a note on the bold interpretation of Psalm 85 a, and a critique of Psalm 127’s use in pro-natalist ‘quiverfull’ culture.

The host...

Topics: 1) Job is an allegory; 2) Why bad things happen to good people; 3) Supportive friends; and 4) Job gets twice as blessed.

This episode examines Job as an allegory, asks why bad things happen to good people, reflects on the role of supportive friends, and critiques the idea of post-suffering earthly rewards when Job is twice as blessed.

The host questions traditional Church interpretations, offers a deist-leaning view with oc...

Topics: 1) Fasting; 2) Men ruling their home; 3) Mordecai uses Esther; and 4) Esther’s bravery.

It offers honest reflections on purposeful fasting, its spiritual power and safety concerns, and the historical return to Jerusalem and rebuilding efforts.

The host critiques patriarchal expectations—using Queen Vashti and the decree that "every man should rule in his own house"—and argues for collaborative partnerships...

Topics: 1) David and Bathsheba; 2) What happens to David’s family; 3) Solomon’s wisdom; and 4) Solomon’s wives.

Today we have a candid look at the end of David and the rise and fall of Solomon. We discuss David and Bathsheba and how to story often misrepresents the power dynamics between them; the fallout in David’s family; Solomon’s unimpressive wisdom; and the unfair blame that Solomon’s many w...

Topics: 1) David and Goliath; 2) Jonathan; 3) Abigail; and 4) Michal.

The host critiques David's emphasis on Goliath as an "uncircumcised Philistine," explores the deep bond between Jonathan and David, reads Abigail's actions as pragmatic survival rather than idealized virtue, and examines Michal's fractured marriage with David and his dismissive response.

The episode invites thoughtful discussion about morality, power, religion, a...

Topics: 1) The beginning of kings; 2) "To obey is better than sacrifice;" and 3) "The Lord looketh on the heart."

We’re heading into the saga of Saul and David. Samuel’s sons prove unfit, the people demand a king, and God grants their request though He feels rejected. Saul is chosen, wins early victories, but power goes to his head. He disobeys God in the campaign against the Amalekites, keeping spoil for sacrifice, an...

Topics: 1) Ruth and 2) Hannah and Eli.

This is Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School. I share honest thoughts and ideas that differ from usual teachings, aiming to spark discussion with friends, family, or classes. Please enjoy.

Lesson for June 1–7 covering Ruth and 1 Samuel 1–7: reflections on Ruth and Naomi’s story and the limits of blind loyalty, plus Hannah and Eli’s story emphasizing parental respo...

Topics: 1) Deborah; 2) Gideon; and 3) Samson.

This episode explores Judges with a candid, non-traditional take on Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. It questions traditional authority structures, highlights Deborah's leadership as both judge and prophetess, examines Gideon's refusal of kingship and its consequences, and reads Samson's story as a tragic escalation of violence and pressure rather than a simple covenant failure.

Join us for...

Topics: 1) Puzzle pieces; 2) Rahab and the fall of Jericho; and 3) Choose you this day.

This episode examines the book of Joshua, focusing on a critique of the “puzzle piece” scripture analogy, Rahab and the fall of Jericho, and Joshua’s call to “choose you this day.”

We reflect on Rahab’s dignity and lineage, question purity narratives, and urge listeners to choose consistent kindness over insti...

Topic: Moses working for a future he’ll never see.

This episode reflects on Moses spending his life leading the Israelites toward a promised land he would never enter, and how that example inspires choosing a modest present to secure a freer future for our children. Sharing practical priorities—financial saving, health, relationships, and teaching resilience—and explains how those choices create lasting freedom fo...