Things I Wish I Could Say in Sunday School

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.

May 25-31: Judges 2-4, 6-8, 13-16

Topics: 1) Deborah; 2) Gideon; and 3) Samson. This episode explores Judges with a candid, non-traditional take on Deborah, Gideon, and Samson. It questions traditional authority structures, highlights Deborah's leadership as both judge and prophetess, examines Gideon's refusal of kingship and its consequences, and reads Samson's story as a tragic escalation of violence and pressure rather than a simple covenant failure. Join us for honest reflections intended to spark discussion at home, with friends, or in class. Please enjoy.

May 18–24: Joshua 1–8; 23–24

Topics: 1) Puzzle pieces; 2) Rahab and the fall of Jericho; and 3) Choose you this day. This episode examines the book of Joshua, focusing on a critique of the “puzzle piece” scripture analogy, Rahab and the fall of Jericho, and Joshua’s call to “choose you this day.” We reflect on Rahab’s dignity and lineage, question purity narratives, and urge listeners to choose consistent kindness over institutional cruelty—inviting honest discussion and personal reflection.

May 11–17: Deuteronomy 6–8, 15, 18, 29–30, 34.

Topic: Moses working for a future he’ll never see. This episode reflects on Moses spending his life leading the Israelites toward a promised land he would never enter, and how that example inspires choosing a modest present to secure a freer future for our children. Sharing practical priorities—financial saving, health, relationships, and teaching resilience—and explains how those choices create lasting freedom for the next generation. The episode also critiques the idea of crafting a posthumous legacy, using LDS pioneer stories as a case study, and argues for using time and resources to expand real freedom and rights for all rather than seeking immortality through monuments. The focus is on being kind and generous now and building a better world for those who follow.

May 4-10: Numbers 11-14, 20-24, 27.

Topics: 1) Manna and Quail; 2) Moses was the most meek; 3) The Brazen serpent; and 4) Balaam.   Includes a personal, humorous story about manna, reflections on gratitude and leadership, and an invitation to spark honest discussions with friends and family.