While I value learning and don’t typically have a problem with mixing academics with religion (because truth is truth), but in topics and societal issues that are clearly nuanced and very complicated, it’s dishonest to just proclaim a political OPINION as a truth coming from scriptural doctrine itself (possibly even philosophies of man mingled with scripture). With this happening in multiple episodes, I also have gotten the feeling that Jared doesn’t necessarily aim to follow all the doctrines as they are, but to shape them in his mind, or to find justification to have them match his own opinions. Whether he means to or not, or does so subconsciously, I do not know. However, this is how it is presented. He even at times has taken on a tone of “this is when to follow the prophet, or this is what the scriptures say (based on such current political opinion).” I’d like to hear more commentary from ordained leaders, not commentary on why they may be wrong or possibly misguided in some way.
Don’t mistake this as me claiming this is an anti-LDS podcast, because I don’t believe that is the intent. Rather it can be an accidental intent because Jared takes on authority and inserts opinion or political idealogy. Have caution and remember this is a normal member preaching via an unchecked avenue. Some comments say he is admittedly an agnostic or an inactive member-I’d love if Jared cleared this up or clarified because I don’t have access to lesson 22 or 23 where someone said he admitted such.
I don’t mind open mindedness towards the scriptures and pandering their meaning including a deep meaning, but not one person’s belief of such meaning being proclaimed as absolute truth as if in authority to state such. This is proof of the need for authority and organization in God’s church people. Without it we can be swayed any which way by ones ideologies and opinions in their studies.
Take the good from this podcast, learn what you can to be better and a better disciple of Jesus Christ, take what’s said in the podcast with a grain of salt, then follow the prophet and the Holy Ghost.
