Sunday Musings: Recent Episodes
Connor Boyack
Author Connor Boyack, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons"), shares provoking questions and thoughtful analysis of scripture on issues ranging from agency and liberty to idolatry, secret combinations, culture, freedom, and more.
Whether gruesome or glorified, Joseph made a wide range of edits to the King James Version. Here are ten worth mentioning.
Is it possible that new scripture has been revealed sharing additional evidence about the people described in the Book of Mormon?
For all the talk of its importance, how are we actually doing in defending religious freedom?
A review of nearly a century of Church manuals highlights how fluid the definition of apostasy has been over time. What does that mean for us today?
The subjective experiences of Latter-day Saint women reveal a deep contrast in how they experience the Church. But could part of the problem stem from a slow stain of feminist opposition to accountability?
When faith-promoting stories of history turn into political pornography, what is the effect on the testimony and knowledge of those consuming this material?
How does this year's focus on America by the Church compare to what happened half a century ago? The answer may surprise you.
Do American Latter-day Saints even understand the religious liberty they're being asked by leaders to fast and pray for? (Not really.)
A new dataset has been compiled aiming to cast light on why some Mormons struggle with their faith. As it turns out, many of them may have been placing their trust in the wrong things.
What if the thing slowing the restored gospel's growth isn't outside forces, but inside ones?
Relentless vigilance is the only price of institutional fidelity, and most of us are failing the test right now…
Leftist Christians attempt to wrest the scriptures to attack wealth, yet Jesus rejects their redistribution schemes in the Parable of Talents. What does this mean for today's wealth creators?
If secularism promised liberation, why has it left so many people more disconnected, uncertain, and spiritually hungry than ever?
Where are the defenders of motherhood among Latter-day Saint women in leadership, when children need them most?
If the newly announced names for Young Women aren't accompanied by substantive reform in what girls are taught, then what good will they do?
Jesus said to do our alms in secret, not to be seen of men. So why does the Church issue press releases, hire influencers, and create social media campaigns around its charitable efforts?
A new analysis of scriptures and talks shares an interesting contrast in how boldly past and present prophets preach repentance.
What if an old Presbyterian hymn contains the formula bearers of the priesthood need to follow to usher in God's kingdom?
When someone is guilty of a serious sin, does their repentance of that action require a process of any kind—or is their sincere repentance effective instantly?
Section 132 purports to authorize not just polygamy, but concubinage. What exactly is that, and how has it worked throughout history?
From promoting controversial political titles to hiring DEI activists, it's worth asking whether Deseret Book is compatible with Church standards and values.
Some members have weaponized words by President Oaks to suggest that any criticism of Church leaders (or their statements) is wrong. Is that right?
Critics call it a fraud, but what if the Book of Abraham's "missing scrolls" hold the key to its divine truth?
Have the sweeping changes of the Nelson era helped the Church thrive, or quietly hollowed out key parts of its culture?
At a recent BYU Devotional, President Oaks warned of an "abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media." But are the sources he suggested immune from these problems?
We roast past generations' spiritual blind spots, yet dodge the beam in our eye. Who's really the modern Pharisee?
Lucifer's war continues today, yet few seem to understand his methods and therefore remain vulnerable to them. Why do more Latter-day Saints not see?
When Church leaders are often blood relatives of other leaders, is that cause for concern or scripturally supported?
LDS scripture only contains a portion of Joseph Smith's alterations to the King James Version of the Bible. What about the rest?
Top leaders of the Church are provided financial support for their full time service. What do the scriptures say about such a practice?
Competing claims disagree on whether Joseph Smith had a seer stone separate from the Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon. What's true?
Prophetic rebukes in times past were seemingly much more bold and direct than what happens today. Why the change, and what might it mean?
A new Church policy opens the door to newer Bible translations but raises yet more questions about how they will be used.
A new Church article says that interracial marriages are fine, but fails to acknowledge that that wasn't always the case. What changed and why?
Did Jesus command us to go along to get along — or is there more to the story we might be missing?
Starting around the 1950s, Church leaders and members began calling their president 'the prophet.' But what caused the shift and what does it mean today?
You couldn't tell from the dishes served at a ward potluck, but Mormons are under obligation to cut down their meat consumption. Or… are they?
Some viewers of Sunday Musings feel uncomfortable with the approach I take. Should my concerns and ideas be kept quiet, or is there room for a more open discussion?
Many people seem to recall a Church policy discouraging informal study groups as they may lead to apostasy. What's the policy today?
Prior to being murdered, the Prophet had several dreams seeming to portray the troubles the Church would face in his absence. What might the interpretations of these dreams mean for us today?
Most Latter-day Saints believe that God stamped His approval on the Church in a way that continues today. What if that we're misunderstanding His meaning?
From pop culture jabs to subtle discrimination, why do so many feel it's okay to target members of the LDS Church?
A new letter sent to local leaders of the Church urges discussion around security of its members while continuing to prohibit what would actually keep them safer.
The process for selecting the next Church president is predictable and follows clear precedent—but is that pattern borne from revelation or created by custom?
Prior to announcing the Proclamation on the Family, President Hinckley highlighted a trend that plagued God's past people—and which plagues us today. How are we faring?
The three-decades-old document seems more potent and prescient than ever before. But when the Proclamation was released, what was the response?
How should we respond in the wake of the assassination of one of this generation's loudest voices of freedom, faith, and family?
References in scripture to the Watchman on the Tower often miss how in a version of the parable revealed to Joseph Smith, the tower isn't built and the enemy infiltrates. What might this mean for us?
While many believe that contention is of the devil and therefore shy away from controversy, the scriptures suggest that there are instances in which we should absolutely contend against others.
Can a prophet be true if he was previously claiming to use divine assistance to ascertain the location of hidden treasure?
A myopic focus on religious freedom runs the risk of giving us tunnel vision, ignoring the crumbling of our rights around us until it's too late.
A quote attributed to Joseph claims that parents sealed in the temple can have spiritual influence to save wayward children. But there's more to the story…
Traditional interpretations of the Book of Mormon reduce these early characters to little more than murmuring opponents of God's will. But what if there's more to the story—an additional layer that is far more relevant to us today?
There's a wound that won't heal at the center of church history and doctrine—but a new discovery might give it an opportunity to heal.
Apostles of Jesus Christ are called as "special witnesses" of his name, but does that mean, or guarantee, that they have personaly seen the Savior? And does it even matter?
Trump's suppression of the Epstein list is a powerful (and enraging) example of the laws of wickedness in operation—something the Book of Mormon highlights in tragic detail.
Why are Latter-day Saints, who are commanded to renounce war and proclaim peace, so often guilty of the exact opposite?
A quietly released document reveals that former Church leaders engaged in a cover up to deny knowledge of a purported revelation received by John Taylor.
Joseph Smith's inspired translation of the Bible revealed words from Enoch in 1830 that have striking similarity to the apocraphyal Book of Enoch discovered later.
While a debate continues about what constitutes doctrine versus policy in the restored Church of Christ, what role does its culture play, both good and bad?
An 1834 change to the Church's official name raises questions about what was happening and why the Saints didn't stick with the original.
Joseph Smith once prophecied that the persecuted Saints would have to flee westward for the Rocky Mountains. Or… did he?
A never-before-released journal sheds light on longstanding influence by Church leaders in Utah politics.
How closely do church leaders line up with the broader membership, and the population at large, when it comes to education and professional expertise? The answers may surprise you… or not.
What was once considered scripture for decades was decanonized without the consent of church members. Whatever happened to the Lectures on Faith?
When it was introduced, the Word of Wisdom was shared as a suggestion and not commandment. So when did it change into a commandment upon which our admittance to the temple is conditioned?
A new group of self-described leftist Mormons have written a manifesto attempting to reconcile their Marxist views and their alleged Mormon faith.
A widely repeated story about apostasy has a questionable source. What are we to make of Thomas Marsh turning on Joseph and the Saints?
Critics have long alleged that the Book of Mormon was a creation of Joseph Smith's mind, but that claim doesn't withstand scrutiny.
Without clear boundaries between which is which, members can become confused about what is from God and what isn't.
Astute readers may need to read between the lines to answer an important question about the circumstances God's people faced in the New World.
What happened in 1978 that led the First Presidency to speak out so strongly in favor of vaccines? And how do their past statements relate to today's vaccines?
While the spread of pornography has risen, mentions about it in general conference have declined.
Modern revelation suggests that the Latter-day Saints are going to bear the brunt of God's apocalyptic fury. If true, why aren't we talking about it?
These individuals hang on my office wall, inspiring me daily to stand up for truth in a world filled with lies.
The temple garment was once thought to be revealed to Joseph and that it should remain in its original form. Why has that changed?
Despite huge steps being taken to bring more transparency, a critical set of documents remains hidden in the First Presidency vault. Why?
A public speech by President Benson led to a private rebuke by the prophet. 30 years later, that speech reached scriptural status.
Is it worth forgiving and forgetting what happened in one of the greatest events of mass psychosis?
The prophet Joseph once prophecied that one day only Latter-day Saint women would be willing to bear children. Or… did he?
Recent survey data shows how reluctant Latter-day Saints are to have social and political issues discussed in church.
Numerous examples exist of church decisions being made out of concern for the institution\'s image. What can we learn from what scripture says about focusing on outward appearance rather than what is right?
Covenant Path? Think Celestial? How about Ponderize? These and more catchphrases ebb and flow with popularity. But how frequently are they used, and why?
We worship a Jesus who is loving and peaceful, and who wants us to be united. How do we reconcile this with what He himself said regarding the divisiveness His gospel would create?
The Church ditched the Boy Scouts of America and introduced a new youth program based on goal-setting and enriching activities. But is it working?
Frequently cited statements that are claimed to have been spoken by Joseph Smith are published in Church manuals, taught by Church leaders, and shared by Church members. But are they all accurate?
There's a wide discrepancy between the number of of people who say they are regular church-goers, and what some new data reveals is actually true.
The Book of Mormon's second most important purpose receives hardly any attention in our lesson manual this week. Any guesses as to why?
Can we actually be "in the world but not of the world"? How do we flee Babylon if we're not physically separating like in ancient times?
Throughout scripture, God called out the righteous from among the wicked before a destruction. Does this set a pattern that will repeat today?
If the second president of the restored Church introduced several false teachings, what does that mean for the Church today?
Why have each of the major doctrinal innovations advanced by the Church's second president been rejected?
The scriptures are clear that God's people repeatedly abandon the faith while deluding themselves into thinking they are righteous. Why do we think we're immune from this trend?
Shortly before being murdered, Joseph Smith spoke twice on the topic of multiple Gods, sharing provocative teachings that angered his fiercest critics. Do these doctrines still stand?
A small group of left-leaning Latter-day Saints are making the case that our faith requires not supporting Trump. Are they wrong?
The scriptures say that casting out evil spirits will be a sign of Christ's believers. Is it happening today, or do we prefer to ignore the topic?
Since Joseph Smith founded The Church of Christ, it has seen a number of breakoffs, including some in modern days as well. Why are there so many different denominations within the Mormon umbrella?
Do Latter-day Saints draw near to the principles of the Constitution while their hearts are far from them?
Amid a loneliness epidemic and a decrease in social connection, could church cultural halls be turned into community centers to repair social fabric and bring people together?
When one's eternal salvation hinges on the unique personality, biases, and leadership style of a local leader, for some this becomes a costly game of leadership roulette. Can the system be improved?
Mormon portrays Captain Moroni as a near-perfect man, but did all of Moroni's military actions have divine sanction?
The notorious Skull and Bones order originated at Yale and exists in only one other location: the University of Utah, where President Nelson graduated. Was he a member, and what implications does this have?
The Angel Moroni is missing from all recent LDS temples being constructed. In this musing, Connor shares the history and trends and explores why the change was made to remove Moroni.
When Jesus called people to preach the gospel, both during His time on Earth and also in more recent revelation, He told missionaries to follow a practice that has since been abandoned. But why?
Was "Honest Abe" the Great Emancipator who preserved the Union, as some church leaders have taught? An honest review of history suggests otherwise.
The Church just extended by five years the amount of time that unmarried Mormons can remain in their Young Single Adult ward. But is this a sign of a greater societal problem we need to grapple with?
Zelenskyy and his crew visited with leaders from the Church, but not the First Presidency. Why might that be?
Under what circumstances is it still okay to use the term "Mormon"? The recent changes have also produced some interesting legal updates that has gone unnoticed… until now.
The Deseret News once claimed that C.S. Lewis was the top-most quoted non-Mormon in general conference. Turns out, they're wrong. So who is it?
Church leaders have said conflicting things about whether we are supposed to live the law of consecration today. What does God expect us to do to live this celestial law?
Mainstream Christians criticize Mormons for having additional scripture beyond the Bible, yet themselves rely on doctrinal creeds that are not in the Bible. What gives?
If the Sabbath was made for man, then what are we supposed to actually do during that day?
In 1941 the top leadership of the LDS Church wrote a letter to FDR's administration expressing opposition to the New Deal and the war buildup… but is this letter real?
Connor shares a few topics he thinks the Saints need to hear more regularly and powerfully over the pulpit during general conference.
Elder Oaks said a decade ago that the Church does not give apologies. Perhaps this policy should be reconsidered?
In a world filled with deceptions, how can disciples of Christ seek and defend the truth? Connor shares three specific tips to identify truth-tellers amongst us.
What if a prophetic quote you have been sharing for years turns out to be falsely attributed? Worse, what if the only source of the quote was an avowed enemy of the Church?
Each year we are presented with a bigger and bigger number of total church membership. But these numbers do not present a complete picture of what's actually happening—and the results should concern us.
Last week at a Stake Conference in Sandpoint, Idaho, two leaders chastised the Saints for not following the prophet regarding COVID-19. What can we learn from this rebuke?
Latter-day Saints rightly champion the innocence of Joseph Smith in multiple trials on trumped up charges, pointing out how he was falsely arrested. But was he innocent of all these charges? And which claims against him are actually believed by Mormons today?
New claims of 2,000-year-old gold plates discovered in the Middle East excited many Mormons because of the similarity with the Book of Mormon record. Could this be validation of what Joseph Smith did, or is this new claim a fraud?
How prepared is the average Latter-day Saint family? Connor shares some data and discusses why church leaders are talking about this issue less in recent years.
As Latter-day Saints we believe in continuing revelation, but what should we make of the dearth of revelatory remarks from God in the past century?
Latter-day Saint men are taught that they are supposed to preside, but is this actually what God intends—and if so, what does it look like if husband and wife are “equal partners”?
The day many have long awaited is finally here, but why specifically did the Community of Christ decide to give up the Kirtland temple and other historical properties?
While it's important to focus on Jesus, what happens if we don't closely investigate and learn from how Satan operates?
How does the fertility rate of Latter-day Saints stack up against their peer religionists, and those with no religion? The data shows a worrisome trend we need to discuss.
Why does the LDS Church disarm its members while in chapels—except for one privileged class of people?
Are trans converts now being listed as their assumed gender on church records? Is the marriage status of gay members now being recognized? What do these changes mean for the policy and doctrines of the church?
A new program from the Church will teach youth basic "life skills"… is this a sign of progress and better support, or an indictment on a failure of parents to teach their kids these things?
Millions of migrants have been streaming across the US southern border. Might this be a fulfillment of what God said would happen?
Growth in church membership has substantially declined in recent decades. Could part of the problem be the unwillingness to boldly stand by our doctrines and thereby attract more curious investigators?
The LDS Church has hired a person to oversee its PR and political activities who has a clear and abundant history of engaging in activism for leftist causes, including climate change, DEI, LGBT, and more. What does this mean for the Church?
Mormons are sometimes criticized for believing that as a heavenly reward they "get their own planet." Is this even true, and where does the idea come from?
What was supposed to be a flood has only been a trickle. Why have so few people read, let alone internalized the messages of, the Book of Mormon?
A popular Christmas song asks a number of questions about what Mary knew. So, what\'s the answer?
Elder Kearon was recently ordained as a new Apostle… but it appears that church leaders skipped an important step.
Agency is the central conflict in the war in heaven, so understanding it is important. And yet, people continue to wrongly call it "free agency." Why?
Why do Christians send their children to Caesar\'s schools then act surprised when they return home as Romans?
The scriptures are full of examples of God calling a new prophet from outside the established religious hierarchy. Could it happen today?
Many people think that microchips or CDBCs, or something like them, are the mark of the beast warned about in Revelation. Is this accurate, or what might be another interpretation?
Do the Church's media outlets advance the cause of Christ's kingdom? Or are they propaganda organs for advancing Caesarian politics and culture?
Several early church leaders believed that Jesus was married — to multiple women — and children as well. Was this speculative opinion or is there any scriptural evidence for these claims?
Latter-day Saints have been commanded to seek and share truth, and beware the many deceptions that false spirits and the adversary are spreading. Why, then, do we fall prey so often to believing things that are not true?
Did you know the Church has a "Sustainability Manager"? So does BYU. What is the Church's involvement in efforts to please "climate change" activists?
Horrendous attacks on Israeli citizens raises the question: how should Israel respond? More importantly, what does God have to say about it?
There have been many critics in the past week of President Nelson's recent conference address and his statement to not take counsel from unbelievers. Does this criticism have any merit?
A recent general conference talk rightly warned of "hero worship" and encouraged us to avoid it. But one group was curiously left off the list…
What do the scriptures say about secession, and under what circumstances would it be okay for one or more states to leave the Union?
The LDS Church accused Tim Ballard (of Operation Underground Railroad) of engaging in "morally unacceptable" behavior. Was this fake news, a rogue PR church official, or is it true?
President Nelson recently celebrated his 99th birthday, and Elder Holland is back on mend to soon return to his duties. Why don\'t we let these men retire to emeritus status?
What lessons can we learn from the 12-year-old boy who stood up to historically ignorant teachers and administrators after they kicked him out of class?
Recent changes at the LDS Church's universities attempt to focus more on principles than nit-picky restrictions, but did they miss the mark?
Connor shares ten important books that Latter-day Saints should read in order to better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.
While it is widely believed that during the "succession crisis" Brigham Young looked and sounded like Joseph Smith, what actually happened?
A new website from the LDS Church shares six "core beliefs" of the faith that some of its members might find peculiarly watered down.
Most people believe that dropping atomic bombs on Japan was necessary or justified. Then why did one church leader teach that it was immoral savagery?
A 1982 First Presidency letter has a pretty strong statement on certain kinds of sex performed by members. Why was this taught, and is it still binding?
Latter-day Saints are Christians who have access to additional revelations beyond the Bible. What are some of the distinctive doctrines that emerged from these revelations?
Is the LDS Church's termination of temple cornerstone ceremonies an isolated issue or part of a larger trend away from symbols and rituals in modern worship?
Modern Mormons think that the church has been restored and will never fall away. But is that accurate? And what do the scriptures actually say about us Latter-day Gentiles?
While there is no recorded revelation on the topic, Latter-day Saints believe in a Heavenly Mother. Where did this belief come from?
Connor reviews how often Family Home Evening was encouraged by church leaders and how this practice has declined in recent years.
How should Christians model Jesus's behavior when it comes to opposing culture trends and personal beliefs or practices that are inconsistent with the gospel? How can we oppose what is wrong while being "civil"?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints updated their statement on political neutrality this week, with several new and curious references. Let's compare and contrast against what was there before.
What false traditions do Christ's followers cling to today? What are the iniquities that keep them in a deep slumber?
The Jews rejected Jesus when he came to them. Will Mormons reject Jesus when he returns?
What doctrine says that Saints should not criticize any leader of the church, even if the criticism is true?
Despite its attempts to mirror the real thing, the British coronation is a corrupt counterfeit of the true process where God wants us to become kings and queens. But did you know there is a second step to this in the temple that few have experienced?
Every year, hundreds of thousands of teenagers engage in pioneer cosplay to recreate a historically inaccurate Trek experience. But is this program and its associated activities spiritually counterproductive?
Published in 1995, the prescient proclamation on the family was ahead of its time. But is the document still relevant today with same-sex marriage legalized and amid societal gender wars?
What does the future of the Church look like if the majority of its youth are going inactive and abandoning the faith? What do we need to do differently to retain more youth and help them remain on the strait and narrow?
A recent General Conference talk taught church members that prophetic counsel is whatever the president of the Church says. But is this actually true?
Middle initials for all General Authorities? Celebrating secular holidays in church? Beardless Bishops? Connor shares his thoughts on these and other cultural traditions in our church.
Mainstream Christians believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, but how do they reconcile a variety of verses that they don't actually adhere to?
A recent poll shows the deep division between members of the LDS Church and those of other faiths. We like them, but they don't like us. The real question is, why?
Jesus said that before his return the world would be filled with wars and rumors of wars. We obviously understand what war is, but few realize what "rumors" Jesus was referring to. Connor shares scriptural and historical examples to bring clarity to this confusion.
For generations, Latter-day Saints in need have been counseled first to help themselves, then to get help from family members, and then the Church. But that has now changed, with bishops being encouraged to point members to government welfare programs. When did this change occur and why?
This week, the SEC fined the LDS Church $5 million for intentionally hiding information about its investments. Why was this hidden to begin with? Connor argues that the scriptures require financial transparency by the Church in order for its members to give "common consent."
Mormons volunteer more than any other social group, but does that mean we're actually doing what we need to be? And just as the government crowded out private charitable groups, are we letting the church crowd out our individual charity work?
21% of Gen Z now identifies as LGBT. To what degree are these kids making choices about their sexuality and gender because of peer influence and social media? And how else does "social contagion" influence our children?
Critics of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ often barf up a long list of supposed "gotchas" in an attempt to overwhelm ignorant and unsuspecting victims who are unfamiliar with church history or scholarship. Do their criticisms of the faith withstand scrutiny? How should Latter-day Saints respond?
There are things that earlier Mormons heard and believed that church members today are simply aware of. What are some examples of this "memory hole" effect and why is it happening?
Latter-day Saints are a "warlike people" despite being commanded to "renounce war and proclaim peace." Even worse, they often fail to abide by modern revelation—one that is essentially ignored by the church—that spells out which wars are actually justified.
Since 1954, churches have been silenced by the IRS, their free speech suppressed as a condition of maintaining their tax-exempt status. What are the results of this policy and should it be overturned?
Dr. Paul Erhlich famously (and wrongly) claimed in 1968 that hundreds of millions of people would die of starvation, and this week was on 60 Minutes spouting the same fearmongering nonsense. Evil is called good, lies are advanced as truth, and "experts" are held up as credible by a corrupt media. But what's the truth, and what do we do about it?
Why is the LDS Church getting cozy with the United Nations? Connor explores some concerning connections.
Why do people think Joseph and Mary were turned away by an innkeeper who couldn't accommodate them? Or that she gave birth in a stable?
Latter-day Saints have been given so much and are commanded to seek for abundance, yet fall into fear-based traps of scarcity that limit their potential. What are the 4 Cs that can help us?
Latter-day Saints are taught to seek learning and explore the mysteries, yet most talks and classes are full of theological mediocrity. Why?
Connor shares the history behind government schools and how their motive was (and isn't?) to educate, but to indoctrinate.
Should we listen to the "experts" when the term is too loosely used and they don't admit when they were wrong? What if we applied the same standard to prophets?
Why are people so quick to investigate Ticketmaster but not Epstein's client list, FTX's money laundering schemes, or Hunter Biden's laptop?
Church leaders often tell us that "principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties…" Connor reviews the Democrat and Republican platforms in search of compatible principles.
If the Latter-day Saints want to be more than "Saints in Name Only" then we have to identify and avoid all the ways we're being deceived with cultural traditions of our fathers, idolatry, and iniquity.
Can members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) also be members of the "church of the devil"?
Connor shares the scriptural pattern of prophets being called from within the church — but not the church hierarchy — to call the people to repentance. Will this pattern repeat itself today, or can we ignore it?
Why is it so hard to "endure sound doctrine," and easy to reject the counsel of those who tell us we're not on the right path? It's in the past and present, and it's a problem in our church. How does it relate to you?
The new "For the Strength of Youth" pamphlet contains several improvements over the previous version. Connor shares many before-and-after examples and ponders what the same approach might look like if applied to adult members as well.
The T-words (thou, thee, thine, thy) used to be familiar and informal, but now are archaic and "reverential"… so why do we still use them? Connor shares some history and thoughts as to why he no longer speaks like Shakespear half a millennia ago.
Musing from Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Connor discusses some of the scriptures that mention the Constitution to review whether Latter-day Saints are required to support it. And if we aren't, what should we be doing to ensure people aren't "in bondage to one another"?
On the anniversary of 9/11, Connor explores why members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have to believe conspiracies exist and what they are supposed to do about it.
People often think that Jesus was a socialist or that God's commandment to help the poor means we should do so through government welfare programs and bailout policies. They're all wrong.
Have you ever actually read the law of tithing? If you do so while referencing the 1828 dictionary (to understand the meaning of words at the time), a far different picture emerges than what is understood by most people in the church today. And it probably means that you're paying more than is required of you.
Connor shares several examples of how the church's actions may be guided by a desire to protect the image of the church, and how that can undermine a focus on doing what is right and letting the consequence follow.
Do the scriptures support Latter-day Saints using mind-altering substances? The answer may surprise you and reveal God's desire to remove the causes of our modern diseases.
Too often we gloss over or altogether ignore a select set of scripture versus that rebuke us for our hypocrisy and apostasy, wrongly thinking that they don't apply to us. In this musing, Connor discusses how Moroni was speaking about and to us in his condemnation of our corruption.
While many in the Church focus on religious freedom, including most recently President Dallin H. Oaks in a recent speech in Rome, it is worth considering if this narrowing of our concern to religious matters excludes other areas where we as a church community should publicly fight for freedom. Joseph Smith, for example, proclaimed a desire to defend the "civil and religious" liberty of all people. Should we?
What has become a second "Independence Day" of sorts has special meaning for members of the LDS Church whose heritage requires them to recognize that the government is full of "damned rascals," as Brigham Young once called them, who fail to secure our rights and often persecute instead of protect us.
Why do Christians turn to Caesar to be the arbiter and enforcement arm of their moral worldview? Connor explores some of the arguments used by proponents of "legislating morality" and discusses why they are problematic.
The Bible's story of Elisha and the hosts of heaven surrounding Syria's army should help followers of the Way realize we're in the majority even though our positions and actions might be in the mortal minority, subject to scorn and derision from peers, neighbors, and family members.
Should we sing patriotic songs in sacrament meeting? Is it appropriate to bear testimony of the "land of the free" and the like, especially for people who do nothing about it? Connor shares why he skipped church today and why the 4th of July worship service has been problematic for him in the past.
Members of the LDS Church were recently told that they "may appropriately choose to participate" in the political process, but is that enough? A few verses shine light on how far we've strayed from how much we're supposed to involve ourselves in.
God has said that we're condemned for our "vanity," and it's the same problem the children of Israel experienced when they told Samuel they wanted a king to be "like all the nations." What does this mean for followers of "the Way"?
We're told that Joseph Smith revealed, taught, and practiced polygamy. But there's significant evidence to conclude that this is not actually true. Connor reviews some of the information.
Early Christians weren't known by that label until later. They were simply followings of "the Way" — disciples of Christ who had told them personally that he was the way to follow. What does that mean for us?
We talk about having the "restored gospel," but we don't really have it — we only have a part of it. So why don't we talk about the "greater portion" that's been held back from us, let alone try and obtain it?
Why did the Prince of Peace say that he didn't come to bring peace, but a sword? What is it about the gospel of Jesus Christ that leads to contention?
Why did a modern prophet say that we, the Latter-day Saints, are "an idolatrous people"? While it's easy to dismiss and deride the early Israelites for their idol-chasing tendencies, what might we learn about their mistakes that apply to our own commitment to God today?
Connor shares some data he compiled revealing how little abortion has been discussed by church leaders in recent years, and discusses why this silence is so problematic.
In a religion that involves ongoing revelation, our beliefs are always subject to change. Some Latter-day Saints might be further along in their access to spiritual insights than us… so what does it look like to enforce membership restrictions on people who believe (and even advocate for) things that might fall outside of the mainstream?
There's a perception that the LDS Church controls politics in Utah. Connor shares several examples of how this has worked in the past, and explains why lobbying the legislature creates problems for Mormons who disagree with the Church's stance.
Most people who pledge allegiance to the flag, and the government "for which it stands," have no clue about its history or the purpose behind its creation. Connor shares that information and why it's problematic for Christians.
Are taxes the price we pay for living in a civil society? Or are they a sinful enslavement of some men over others?
Despite coming from a family of BYU graduates, and marrying into one as well, Connor explains several reasons why he will be encouraging his children to not attend Brigham Young University.
We often talk about wars and events happening elsewhere, but we don't know "the hearts of men in [our] own land." Why do we fall into the trap of fixating on external issues when there are so many internal issues we need to be fixing? Connor elaborates on an oft-ignored scripture to discuss its modern application.
Despite countless decades of counsel from our leaders, why do so few Latter-day Saints follow Joseph's example to lay up in store during years of plenty?
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.