Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

Topics: 1) The scattering of Israel; 2) Josiah; and 3) Lessons from Micaiah.
 
The episode covers the scattering of the northern and southern kingdoms, critiques how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints frames the gathering of Israel, reconsiders King Josiah’s motives and legacy, and questions the lesson manual’s portrayal of the prophet Micaiah and the real costs of blunt integrity.

Topics: 1) The mantle of prophet; 2) Elisha’s miracles; 3) The bears; and 4) Naaman.
We question the continuity narrative around prophetic “mantles,” argue that Elisha’s miracles mirror Elijah more than Christ, wrestle with the disturbing story of the bears, and draw leadership and expectation lessons from Naaman’s cure.
Short and candid — a critical look at these scripture passages.

Topics: 1) Strong man fallacy; 2) Elijah and the widow of Zarepheth; 3) Priests of Baal; and 4) Jezebel.
Today's lesson explores power, the spirit, cult dynamics, and misogynistic labels.
Please enjoy and feel free to share with family and friends.

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 wives sometimes receive.

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, and how scripture has been used or interpreted to justify actions.

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, and is confronted by Samuel.
The episode also mentions the 2009 TV show Kings as a modern retelling of Saul and David, and offers personal reflections and political parallels as part of the discussion.

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 responsibility and the failures of church leadership.

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 honest reflections intended to spark discussion at home, with friends, or in class. Please enjoy.

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 institutional cruelty—inviting honest discussion and personal reflection.

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 for the next generation.
The episode also critiques the idea of crafting a posthumous legacy, using LDS pioneer stories as a case study, and argues for using time and resources to expand real freedom and rights for all rather than seeking immortality through monuments. The focus is on being kind and generous now and building a better world for those who follow.