Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

December 8-21: Articles of Faith, Official Declarations 1 and 2, and the Family Proclamation

This episode of "Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School" gives a candid overview of difficult moments in LDS history: the 1978 revelation extending the priesthood to Black members, failure to share historical teachings about polygamy and race to new converts, and the 1995 Family Proclamation.
It calls for informed consent for converts, criticizes lingering racist ideas and weak institutional accountability, and challenges the Family Proclamation's origins and gender prescriptions.

November 24 - December 7: D&C 135-138

Topics: 1) Joseph Smith's presidential campaign; 2) Joseph Smith's death; and 3) The succession crisis of the church.
We discuss some lesser known aspects of LDS Church history including Joseph Smith's 1844 U.S. presidential campaign, the real circumstances surround his murder in June 1844, and the controversies involved in the leadership of his church after Joseph Smith's death.

November 2025 Polygamy

Topics: 1) My understanding of polygamy when I was young; 2) Misconceptions about polygamy; 3) The story of polygamy the church tries to sell now; 4) The real story of Joseph Smith’s polygamy; 5) Polygamy after Joseph Smith's death; 6) The legacy of polygamy; and 7) My thoughts about Joseph Smith and polygamy.
Links:
Year of Polygamy podcast
https://www.yearofpolygamy.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/year-of-polygamy-podcast/id961407356
"Defending Joseph Marrying Young Girls is Rape Apologetics"
https://exponentii.org/blog/defending-joseph-marrying-teenagers-is-rape-apologetics/

November 10-23: D&C 129-134

Topics: 1) Angel handshakes; 2) Bodies of God and the Holy Ghost; 3) Intelligence in the afterlife; 4) Blessings are NOT predicated; and 5) Beliefs about government.
This episode examines Doctrine and Covenants sections 129–134. Topics include identifying angels, the nature of God and the Holy Ghost, eternal intelligence and growth, the claim that blessings are tied to obedience, and beliefs about government. We question traditional interpretations, discuss how doctrines can be used to enforce authority, and challenge the idea of transactional blessings. This lesson  aims to spark honest discussion.

October 27 - November 9: D&C 124-128

Topics: 1) Nauvoo; 2) Patriarchal blessings; 3) Relief Society; 4) Baptisms for the dead; and 5) Joseph Smith and Masons.
We discuss the Nauvoo settlement, patriarchal blessings, the origins and role of the Relief Society, baptisms for the dead, and Joseph Smith's ties to Freemasonry, aiming for honest reflection.
Designed to spark conversation with friends, family, or classes, this episode blends personal experience, historical context, and critical questions about church practices and leadership.

October 20-26: D&C 121-123

Topics: 1) Joseph Smith's time in Liberty Jail; and 2) Thoughts on the Liberty Jail texts.
We discuss the harsh conditions of Liberty Jail and the legal situation Joseph Smith and others were facing. We look closely at sections 121-123 and see new ways to view the writings. We end by discussing the call to "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power."

October 13-19: D&C 115-120

Topics: 1) The name of the church; 2) Adam-ondi-Ahman; 3) Tithing; 4) Danites; and 5) The Missouri Mormon War of 1838.
We question institutional messaging about the church name, trace Joseph Smith’s evolving fundraising methods culminating in tithing, examine vigilante and militia actions by and against Mormons, and connect these events to escalating violence and tragic outcomes.
Short, candid, and discussion-sparking—meant to provoke thought and conversation with friends, family, or classes.

September 29 - October 12: D&C 109-114

Topics: 1) Kirtland temple; 2) Priesthood keys; 3) Salem, MA; 4) Kirtland Safety Society; and 5) Thomas B. Marsh.
This episode takes a frank look at Doctrine and Covenants sections 109–114, covering the Kirtland Temple dedication and vision, the doctrine of priesthood keys, the failed Salem treasure venture, the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society bank and its fallout, and Thomas B. Marsh. 
Rather than a faith-promoting spin, the episode aims for honesty and discussion — questioning priesthood keys as a motivator and control mechanism, pointing out failed prophecies and financial missteps, and arguing Marsh’s split was driven by violence and institutional abuse more than a minor “cream” dispute.

September 15-28: D&C 102-108

Topics: 1) Zion's camp; and 2) Church administration
This episode examines Zion's Camp and early church administration questioning the traditional narrative about Zion's Camp and its outcomes.
It also discusses the creation of the Quorum of the Twelve and Seventy, the church's evolving administrative changes, and personal observations about shrinking membership and its consequences.

September 1-14: D&C 94-101

Topics: 1) Chastening; 2) Being accepted of the Lord; and 3) The timing of section 97.
We critique common practices of chastening, argue for unconditional divine acceptance over performance-based love, question the heavy emphasis on sacrifice, and raise concerns about the factual timeline of revelations related to events in Missouri.