Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

January 26 - February 8: Genesis 5; Moses 6-7

Topics: 1) Enoch and the Gulf of Mexico; 2) What Joseph Smith might have been thinking; and 3) Zion.
A candid episode exploring Genesis 5 and Moses 6–7 with a fresh look at Enoch, the claim that Zion became the Gulf of Mexico, and how Joseph Smith may have drawn on utopian and transcendental ideas.
We reflect on what Zion means, contrasting conformity with expanding belonging, while considering wealth disparity and family dynamics. We share growing skepticism about building a literal Zion while holding out hope for a community founded on love and inclusion.

January 19-25: Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5

Topics: 1) The Fall was a choice; 2) Adam presiding; 3) Nudity; and 4) Am I My Brother's Keeper?

January 12-18: Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; and Abraham 4-5

Topics: 1) Unique Creation doctrine; 2) Male and female; and 3) Adam and Eve's marriage.
We discuss Brigham Young's Adam-God doctrine, how the church came to teach that Jesus was Jehovah, sexism in the creation story, and some alternative perspectives on marriage with Adam and Eve.

January 5-11: Moses 1 and Abraham 3

Topics: 1) The Books of Moses and Abraham; and 2) The preexistence.
This episode examines the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham, how Joseph Smith produced these texts, and the historical questions around the so‑called translation of Egyptian papyri.
It also explores the doctrine of the pre‑existence, personal doubts about chosenness and favoring among spirit children, and a candid reflection on agency and random suffering in mortal life.

December 29 - January 4: Introduction to the Old Testament

This episode introduces the Old Testament year with a candid, non‑promotional take on scripture and teaching. We look forward to learning from classic stories (David and Goliath, Noah, Ruth, Daniel) and approach learning from ancient texts rather than twisting the text to fit modern theology.

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.