Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

TIWICSISS

These are thoughts that go beyond what we normally discuss in Sunday School. We can be mature enough to tolerate discussing things more deeply and challenging our faith. I hope my thoughts can spark some introspection and help you grow and deepen your faith. Correlates with the Come Follow Me curriculum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  1. 5d ago

    July 27 - August 9: Ezra; Nehemiah; and Esther

    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 instead of male-dominated household rule. The episode also examines how Mordecai uses Esther and how Esther ultimately chooses bravery, risking herself to save her people. Overall, the talk balances personal experience with fasting, concern for health and sincere devotion, and a celebration of Esther’s clever, selfless courage while challenging traditional narratives about power and gender in scripture.

  2. Aug 10

    July 13-26: 2 Kings 16-26 and 2 Chronicles 14-20; 26; 30

    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.

  3. Jul 27

    July 6–12: 2 Kings 2–7

    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.

  4. Jul 24

    June 29 - July 5: 1 Kings 12–13; 17–22

    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.

  5. Jul 17

    June 22-28: 2 Samuel 11–12; 1 Kings 3, 6–9, 11

    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.

  6. Jul 3

    June 15-21: 1 Samuel 17-18; 24-26; 2 Samuel 5-7

    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.

  7. Jul 3

    June 8-14: 1 Samuel 8-10; 13; 15-16

    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.

  8. Jun 14

    June 1-7: Ruth, 1 Samuel 1-7

    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.

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These are thoughts that go beyond what we normally discuss in Sunday School. We can be mature enough to tolerate discussing things more deeply and challenging our faith. I hope my thoughts can spark some introspection and help you grow and deepen your faith. Correlates with the Come Follow Me curriculum of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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