Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 53 - The Tragedy of the Book of Mormon

This week, we look at the sources, the history, and the tragedy of the Book of Mormon, which will be the subject of our Come Follow Me study in 2020.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-53-the-tragedy-of-the-book-of-mormon


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 52 - The Fall of Babylon

This week, our Come Follow Me Curriculum covers the remaining chapters in the book of Revelation.  We discuss some of the symbolism about dragons, women, and beasts.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-052


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Presentation (Ep 51) - Come and See

This week, we invite you to attend the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as we join together to worship Jesus.

(Episode 52, on the remainder of the book of Revelation, will be available next Sunday on Soundcloud and Youtube).

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 50 - The King is at the Door

This week's Come Follow Me reading is Revelation 1-11.  We look at a famous passage about the Lord standing at the door and knocking, and also analyze the book with seven seals.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-50-the-king-is-at-the-door


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 49 - God is Love, but not that kind of love

Our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to 1-3 John and Jude.  We discuss the importance of confession, of an unction, and how God is love.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-049

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 48 - What it takes to be chosen

This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to 1 and 2 Peter.  We discuss why God gives trials, why many are called but few are chosen, and what is meant by the gospel being preached to the dead.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-48-what-it-takes-to-be-chosen


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 47 - The verse that changed the world

This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to the book of James.  We discuss pure religion, faith without works being dead, and the verse that changed the world.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-47-the-verse-that-changed-the-world


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 046 - Adding Substance to Hope

This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum finishes Hebrews.  We discuss priesthood and faith, exploring what is meant by the substance of things hoped for.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-046-adding-substance-to-hope


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 45 - A High Priest after the Order of Melchizedek

This week, our Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Hebrews 1-6.  We look at what a High Priest is, and why Jesus was the ultimate example of Priesthood.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-45-a-high-priest-after-the-order-of-melchizedek


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 44 - The Most Controversial of Paul's Teachings

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.  We look at the spirit of "fear," the roots of evils and perilous times, and the most controversial of Paul's teachings.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-44-the-most-controversial-of-pauls-teachings


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 43 - αποστασία

This week, Come Follow Me brings us to 1 and 2 Thessalonians.  We look at several proverbs of Paul, and discuss the falling away prophesied by the apostle.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-43


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 042 - Perspective, Phobia, and Beauty

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Philippians and Colossians.  We look at Paul's perspective while in bondage, how to work with fear, and what true beauty is.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-042-prespective-phobia-and-beauty

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 41 - Why the Bible Tells Wives to Submit to their Husbands

This week in Come Follow Me, we wrap up Ephesians.  We discuss coming to a unity of the faith, why Paul told wives to submit to their husbands, and the armor of God.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-41-why-the-bible-tells-wives-to-submit-to-their-husbands

Youtube:

A Unity of the Faith

Unity is a major theme in Paul's epistles to the Ephesians... from describing how Christ abolishes the enmity between Jews and Gentiles, to this passage in chapter 4:

"There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men... And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:4-8,11-14)

The idea of a single Christian faith was the goal of Catholic church...  The very term comes from Greek καθολικός (katholikos), meaning "universal."

 Unfortunately, at the time when the church gathered its leaders from all around the Mediterranean in Nicaea in AD 325, the apostles were gone... the highest authorities that remained were local bishops of various congregations, lacking not only the office that Jesus designated to lead his church, but also the authority that extended to all places to which they traveled... general authority.

As time progressed, the leadership of these men led to schisms and protests over centuries rather than the "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" that the apostle Paul taught.

Today, there are thousands of churches that profess belief in Jesus Christ.  There are numerous modes of baptism.  Various Christian faiths still debate over the most fundamental requirements of salvation.  While some claim that the thousands of versions of faith, and of Christ himself, are all facets of a single church, if this were the case, it would be the greatest manifestation of the "house divided against itself" that was described by Jesus. 

Claiming that Christianity is united in a single church is like finding a shattered mirror at a store that has been partly pieced together with scotch tape and labeled "definitely not broken." Even those with the best of intentions have found themselves "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" clutching only shattered pieces of the whole that Christ established with his apostles and prophets.

Is there a solution to unify Christianity?  What would it take to achieve actual ecumenicism?

The apostle Paul explains how the Lord intended to accomplish this feat:

"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers... till we all come in the unity of the faith..."

Some people might misunderstand the passage to mean that he gave to some people apostles, and to other people prophets, and to others evangelists, and others pastors and teachers... and so long as you have one of these, you're good.  This is incorrect.

The word "some" is in the accusative case... meaning it is the direct object.  In other words, it could be translated "he gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be evangelists..."  He made available men with these offices, to accomplish that Paul described after.

As important as this understanding is... perhaps the most important understanding is the pronoun he... the one doing the giving... The he is the Lord himself... and as always... he is the solution.

THE LORD calls apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists.  His Kingdom is not one of confusion, it is one of order.  He spent great length prescribing the construction of Noah's ark, of the Tabernacle of Moses, of the Ark of the Covenant, and of Nephite and Jaredite vessels.  He detailed precise directions for the children of Israel in the wilderness, and for Joshua's men to march around Jericho, and for Brigham Young to lead the pioneers in the west.  He patiently repeated his messages to Jonah regarding Nineveh, to Jerusalem regarding Babylon, and to Joseph Smith regarding the retrieval of the plates.  He deliberately and carefully divided even his labors in forging the world on which we now stand.  To suggest that any old schmo could just say "yeah, I'm going to be a pastor now," is contrary to the way he has directed his work for thousands of years.

Fortunately, there are apostles and prophets, called by the Lord, that preside over his church today.  Heeding their counsel will, as Paul suggested, lead to the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ.  Following their teachings will aid all in coming to a unity of faith, a knowledge of the Son of God, and offer protection from those who would, by cunning craftiness, lie in wait to deceive.

What was inaccessible to the ancient bishops who assembled in Nicaea in AD 325, is now available to you freely.  Do not neglect the privilege of your access to the apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists that he has called to help you find the one true Lord, the one true faith, and the one true baptism that will lead you on His strait and narrow covenant path.

Ward Preacher Podcast ep 40 - What is the point of freewill if there is predestination?

This week the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Ephesians.  We look at predestination, the fullness of times, and becoming a fellowcitizen with the saints.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-40-what-is-the-point-of-freewill-if-there-is-predestination


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 39 - Our bodies were made for our spirits, not the other way around

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Galatians.  If we are supposed to receive truth from the Spirit, then why have prophets?  How can the law come because of transgression... wouldn't there have to be a law first?  How should our spirit and body interact?  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-39-our-bodies-were-made-for-our-spirits-not-the-other-way-around

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 38 - What exactly is a false apostle?

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to 2 Corinthians 8-13.  We focus on what it means to be a cheerful giver, and on Paul's warnings about false apostles.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-038

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 37 - God Wants You Back

The Come Follow Me curriculum for this week brings us to 2 Corinthians 1-7.  We discuss forgiving others, feeling godly sorrow, and being reconciled to God.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-37-god-wants-you-back

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 36 - Life After Death

This week in the Come Follow Me Curriculum, we finish off 1 Corinthians, looking at the gift of prophesy, the reality of resurrection, work for the dead, and degrees of glory.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-36-life-after-death

Youtube:

Satire: Let's talk about Children in the LDS Church

<Satire>

By Dr. Julie Hanks

Previously, I posted about women in the LDS church on Facebook.  I opened by reminding everyone that my views are often misrepresented as men vs. women.  I then thoroughly refuted that by contrasting how we look at men vs. how we look at women.  Fortunately, most of my followers were able to ignore the thick envy that guided my post... so I decided to make a followup post about children in the LDS church along the same lines.

First off, (in case you were wondering) I'm still going to avoid referring to the church by its official name, while reminding you to be sensitive to the language you use... because, President Nelson was only a heart surgeon; I'm the therapist!

Second, I notice that there are few children represented in General Conference talks.  In fact, it is incredibly rare to see anyone younger than 30 speak.  Is it because of our subconscious hatred of children?  You might not think so, but yes, it definitely is.

I also have noticed how few children are in decision making councils in the church.  Sure, leaders say they love children, but unless you let some one make all policy decisions for you, do you actually love them?

Along the same lines, I want to encourage church leaders to do more of what I want... because that's the sign of a church led by God.

As a church, we can do more!  We can do better!  Because while members of the church try to follow Christ and his Apostles today, together, we can inspire them to follow social media influencers instead. (Remember to like and share this post!)

</Satire>

Satire: Missionaries From Secretive Church Slip Up - Admit Joseph Smith saw God, leave copy of the Book of Mormon

<Satire>

Earlier this afternoon, a pair of missionaries representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints knocked on the door of Provo skeptic Ben Robert Ottley.  Knowing that these missionaries were likely keeping secrets about their enigmatic faith, Ben invited the Elders into his living room.

"I was totally shocked!" reported Ben.  "I always heard that Mormons keep secrets about their church, even from their members... you know... just giving people the easy-to-digest bits and covering up their really bold claims... but these dudes must have missed that memo!"

Apparently, Elder Smith openly claimed that Joseph Smith was a literal prophet who saw God and even translated a book of ancient scripture called The Book of Mormon.  The missionaries did not seem to care that Ben's roommates were in the back, and could have easily overheard these audacious claims.

"Not only did they totally share the boldest teachings of their religion," continued Ben.  "But they also left me a copy of their book... you know... the Book of Mormon.  And get this... they asked me to read it!"

Elder Jones explained that he should not just take the word of the missionaries that their message about prophets of Christ was true, but that he should pray for himself, promising that God would help him to know the truth.

"I thought they were supposed to keep all that stuff secret!" laughed Ben.  "Well, joke's on them... I'm going to read through that book this week!  Bet they'll be sorry then!"

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 35 - Let's covet some nice gifts!

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to 1 Cor 8-13.  We focus on the various roles and gifts people have, and that we should covet the best spiritual gifts.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-35-lets-covet-some-nice-gifts


Youtube:

Satire: Heartwarming - Lonely man who turned against his church finds genuine connection with porn video

<Satire>

Evan was about twenty years old when he decided to turn his back on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He said that it was really hard to leave an organization that invested heavily in his growth and development including fun activities including delicious meals, camping excursions, spiritual instruction, and leaders that volunteered their own time and resources to help him.

"I was really lonely after I told them that I refused to be brainwashed into their cult," explains Evan.  "I've gone through a lot of depression, and sometimes, it seemed like I couldn't drink enough to dull the pain..."

That's when a miracle happened for Evan.  He found a new porn video on his computer!

"Yeah, it's totally different than the ones I was watching last week!" exclaims Evan.  "I feel a real connection to the star, even though I don't know her real name, or anything about her life, and there's no chance of actually meeting her, let alone having a conversation with her."

Evan explained that, unlike the stars of the other videos, he is actually in love... and with so much anger, aggression, and apathy on social media, it's nice to see genuine affection for a change!

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 34 - Paul said what about marriage?!

This week the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to 1 Corinthians 1-7.  Paul teaches some important truths about contention, about the divine nature of our bodies... and then gives some surprising counsel about marriage.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-34-paul-said-what-about-marriage


Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 33 - Joint-Heirs with Christ

This week, Come Follow Me wraps up the book of Romans.  Paul talks about elections and foreknowledge, leading to the question "is free will real?"  Also, what is meant by being Joint-Heirs with Christ.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-33-joint-heirs-with-christ

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 32 - Is grace truly a "free gift?"

The Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Romans 1-6.  We dive into Paul's counsel about human nature, being servants of sin or righteousness, and what is meant by grace being a "free gift."  Study with me!

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-32-is-grace-truly-a-free-gift

Youtube:

An Appeal to the Highest Authority

The Apostle Paul knew exactly what would happen if he gave in to the request of Festus, to be tried in Jerusalem.  The chief priests had asked Festus to bring Paul from Caesarea so that they could kill him.  He had been locked away for two years with no conviction because of the corruption of local leaders, but in spite of the peril he faced, he still had one recourse:

Every Roman citizen could, when a local governor or authority seemed unjust, appeal their case to the highest authority in the Roman government... to Caesar himself.

Standing before Festus, Paul used his last maneuver:

"Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.  For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them.  I appeal unto Caesar." (Acts 25:10-11)

As corrupt as the local governors were, they still had to honor this fundamental Roman right.  There was only one possible reply that Festus could give, and he gave it:

"Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go."

Of course, the logistics of having one high authority hear every case make this a difficult right to honor.  Caesar might not have had any time for any other matters of state had he needed to immediately honor every appeal.  The obvious solution is to have the accused wait until such time that Caesar could hear there case... time which Paul used to communicate with the church and preach Jesus as he was able.

Similar systems of appeal have been employed by other organizations and governments.  A notable example is the Supreme Court of the United States.  Each year, thousands of applications are made for Writ of Certiorari, which allows the case to be heard before the Supreme Court.  Only small number of these applications are granted.  Between the years 2014-2017, the year with the highest percentage of granted applications was 2015, with only 4.2% of applications submitted being granted. (https://supremecourtpress.com/chance_of_success.html)

The logistics of hearing numerous cases may be daunting, but compounding the difficulty, the final judgment may not be just.  In the United States, cases such as Dred Scott v Sanford, which ruled against an escaped slave, demonstrate the potential for bad decisions by the Supreme Court.

Though we do not know the result of Paul's case from the New Testament, there are traditions that suggest Paul was beheaded by Nero.  Whether or not this is true, most sources seem to agree that Paul never left Rome.

While a system of appeals may be able to mitigate problems with unfair treatment, and encourage justice, the costs of such a system are significant, and it is clear that a system run by corruptible people can be corrupted.

Perhaps this is the reason that human beings have been given one last recourse... an appeal to the Highest Authority.

This is not just an application for Writ of Certiorari.  It is not a queue into which a person enters and waits for years to be heard.  It does not require a lengthy journey or a complex scheduling algorithm.  It does not even require a specific type of case; the appeal can be used for any reason.

Does this appeal seem too good to be true?  It should.

Right now, at this very minute, whether you are bearing a difficult burden or just need a little comfort... whether you have endured awful abuse, or you're just not getting along with someone... whether you need answers to serious questions about life, love, and purpose, or you have misplaced your keys... You can appeal immediately to the Highest Authority!

The name of this appeal is prayer.

While, on the surface, this may seem to be a simple thing, consider how ludicrous it would be to file a Writ of Certiorari because of an argument about what to have for dinner.  You might not want to stand before a King or Emperor asking for help remembering where you put your phone down, or to do well on an exam.  You probably don't expect Oprah and Dr. Phil to personally come and help you sort out your relationship issues.

Yet the Eternal God who knows all and forged the plan that put billions and billions of people into mortality sends all his prophets and apostles to remind you to come to him with all of these things because he is eager to hear and help you!

The volume of requests cannot exceed his capacity to hear and answer... the triviality of your worries will not exclude you from approaching his throne... he will not weary of hearing genuine the genuine pleas of his beloved children... and in spite of how insignificant we are in comparison to him, he invites you to call him Father.

Only a fool would neglect such a ridiculously generous gift.  Don't be a fool... however long it has been since you have appealed to the Highest Authority, do it again.  Call upon God in prayer.  Even if you have made mistakes... even if they have been serious mistakes... all you need is a sincere heart and faith that he can hear and answer.  Mercy and love abounds among all those who kneel before him and call upon his name.

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 31 - When not to turn the other cheek

This week in the Come Follow Me curriculum, we wrap up the book of Acts.  Paul doesn't turn the other cheek, but defends himself, and witnesses of Jesus in all circumstances.  Study with me!

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-31-when-not-to-turn-the-other-cheek

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 30 - You are more than your circumstances

This week's Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Acts 16-21.  Paul triumphs over circumstance by not letting prison get him down, and finding teaching opportunities everywhere.  Study with me!

SoundCloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-30-you-are-more-than-your-circumstances

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 29 - The Purpose Of A Chosen People

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Acts 10-15.  We focus on the revelations that brought the preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, and why there was a chosen people to begin with.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-29-the-purpose-of-a-chosen-people

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 028 - A Dramatic Turnaround

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum takes us through the ministry of Stephen and the conversion of Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-028-a-dramatic-turnaround

Youtube:

Applying Gamaliel's Test

The ministry of the apostles begins in the Come Follow Me curriculum this week (Acts 1-5), and the apostles open their work with power and authority.

After being threatened and arrested by the Sanhedrin for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, Peter and John immediately went and preached more of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Naturally, the council was was infuriated by their blatant disregard, and had them thrown in prison.  An angel of God came and freed them, but instead of going into hiding, the apostles followed the direction of the angel and went to the temple and again preached the words of life.

The council again arrested the apostles, and the high priest addressed them:

"Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them." (Acts 5:28-33)

The council esteemed themselves highly, and were incensed with the brazenness of the apostles.  I imagine they were livid when they realized that killing Jesus had not stopped his disciples as they had hoped.

In spite of the voices on the council that sought to kill the apostles of Jesus, a calm and wise voice was found from a Pharisee named Gamaliel:

"Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." (Acts 5:34-39)

Gamaliel's test was to let the apostles go, and if, as other movements, it were a fad, it would pass in time.  If, on the other hand, it were of God, then they should not place themselves in opposition to it.  The council agreed that this was a wise approach, and released the apostles, even though they could not resist beating them and threatening them further before their release.

About 2000 years later, it is safe to say that enough time has passed to analyze the results of Gamaliel's test, and draw a conclusion.

On the one hand, the apostles of Jesus were all killed or banished, and the few congregations that had started in various parts of Asia and Europe were relegated to running themselves blindly.  Corruption and confusion led uninspired men to make doctrinal decisions, and even when persecution had ended, the authority to act in the name of God had been lost, and some of the scriptures had been altered or disappeared.  Secularists tend to look at Christianity as a trendy movement, in which a teacher was posthumously elevated into a deity by some of his zealous followers, and that the enlightenment has brought mankind away from the cult of Christ.  They might argue that Christianity has failed Gamaliel's test.

On the other hand, those who clung to the teachings of Christ in spite of apostasy found motivation and inspiration.  What scriptures were kept drove passionate reformation efforts, and encouraged men to reawaken faith.  Men gave their lives so that others could read the teachings of Christ in their own tongues, and understand in their own languages, just as on the day of Pentecost.  Though authority was lost, Christian morality provided critical frameworks for morality and law in western civilization.  Even today, there are people all over the world who believe that Jesus Christ is the living Son of God.  It is difficult to deny that something more than the proverbs of a teacher have endured these 2000 years.

As much as skeptics deride the idea that Jesus is the actual Son of God, or that his message has contemporary value, perhaps the most convincing evidence that Christianity has passed Gamaliel's test can be found in the experience of a young boy in New England in 1820.  A tradition of faith in Christ had crossed oceans and become established in new continents.  An English Bible, a book for which men had sacrificed their lives to produce, was available even to an impoverished farm boy.  In spite of all the apostasy, the persecution, the deceptions, and the losses experienced by those ancient disciples of Christ, this boy came across a passage in James 1:5 -

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Just as on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God himself touched the heart.  That boy would later describe the experience as follows:

"Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know..." (Joseph Smith - History 1:12)

The boy retired to a grove of trees near his home, and offered a prayer.  Centuries after his apostles had proclaimed that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, he again appeared with his Father.

Of course, the boy was Joseph Smith, who through his prophetic mantel, would help to restore that exact church that Jesus himself had founded anciently.  Ultimately, it is safe to say that the faith of Christ has not waned and faded as Theudas or Judas of Galilee...  It is alive and well today.  Instead of coming to nought, it has endured, and as Gamaliel suggested as a sign of divine providence... it could not be overthrown.

The prophet Joseph would later explain the correct conclusion to draw when applying Gamaliel's test:

"...no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every county and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done." (History of the Church 4:540)

Jesus is not gone.  He lives.  And he is coming to save us all.

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 027 - The Apostles of Christ

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum brings us to Acts 1-5.  The vacancy in the 12 is filled, a miraculous witness on the day of Pentecost, Peter's unapologetic witness of Christ, and the consequences of keeping back part from God are the emphasis in our podcast.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-027-the-apostles-of-christ

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 026 - A Quiet Victory

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum focuses on the end of the Gospels, specifically the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Though there is no other event in history that affects more people than this... it took time before even his closest followers understood that Jesus beat death.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-026-a-quiet-victory

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 025 - Ultimate Sacrifice

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum takes us through Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19.  We take a look at the trial and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-025-ultimate-sacrifice

Youtube:

Satire: Study shows that adult and youth sacrament meeting talks contain the same amount of doctrine

<Satire>

Sacrament meetings in a variety of wards feature unpaid speakers from the membership of the church.  Frequently, assignments include teenage youth and adults.

Careful analysis by the Weekly Standard shows that typically, youth talks are about five minutes long, whereas adult talks last between ten and fifteen minutes on average.

What surprised our analysts was that, frequently, the same amount of doctrine was taught in the youth talk as in the adult talk.

The following breakdown shows the details:

Youth talk -

• Introduction - 30 sec
• Doctrinal material - 4 min
• Testimony/conclusion - 30 sec

Adult talk -

• Introduction - 30 sec
• Extended introduction about how a couple met - 2 min
• Anecdote about spouse's personality - 2 min
• Log of events involving member of the bishopric extending speaking invitation - 2 min
• Analysis of feelings about having to speak publicly - 1 min 30 sec
• Doctrinal material - 4 min
• Testimony/conclusion - 2 min

Of course, the Weekly Standard acknowledges that these are average values, and statistical outliers exist.  Additionally, groups that significantly impact the averages, such as High Council talks (that are almost entirely doctrine-free), were not considered in the calculation.

The analysts concluded, based on this data, that adults in the church might benefit from being instructed by youth on "how to just get to the point already."

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 024 - Jesus is your victim

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18.  In this reading, Jesus institutes the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and is betrayed by Judas Iscariot.  We also discuss how our sins and misdeeds caused Jesus to suffer.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-024-jesus-is-your-victim

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 023 - Clarity about Love, Unity, and the Spirit of God

This week, the Come Follow Me material brings us to John 13-17.  We focus on the topics of Love through service, Unity in the Godhead and the church, and The Holy Ghost.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-023-clarity-about-love-unity-and-the-spirit-of-god

Youtube:

Jesus: You are my friend, but only if you do what I tell you

"Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." (John 15:14)

If we look at this verse from the Come Follow Me reading this week, and examine it by itself, it might make us think we are looking at the promises of a disingenuous person.  In fact, I remember when my daughter was younger, she had a "conditional" friend, who would only want to be with her if my daughter agreed to do what she wanted.  I remember talking to my heartbroken child, explaining that this other little girl was not being a good friend... she was being manipulative.

Of course, when our Master Jesus Christ (a man who loves less conditionally than any other) says it, we have to think deeper about what is meant.  What is a "friend"?  Why is this conditional?  There are several different perspectives about our relationship with Christ that can help us obtain a better understanding of what Jesus was saying.

First, consider the Milgram experiment.  This experiment was a psychological test in which the subject was told to administer shocks to a "learner" by an authority figure.  The participant was progressively instructed to press a button giving worse and worse electric shocks, ultimately resulting in the apparent death of the learner.  In truth, no actual electric shocks were given... they were only simulated.  Reactions of the person receiving the shocks were acted.

In spite of this, subjects were recorded as displaying signs of stress, and questioning the authority figure.  Additionally, a large percentage of participants continued pressing the "shock" buttons after being assured by the authority figure, in spite of their discomfort.

Though there have been various interpretations of the experiment, there is an important comparison that can be drawn between this scenario and our relationship with Jesus Christ.  In fact, it was the weight of our sins and misdeeds that caused him to tremble because of pain, to bleed from every pore, and to plea with our Father for some other way. (D&C 19:18)

Metaphorically speaking, Jesus is being shocked, tormented, and tortured, and we are pushing the button to make it happen.

In this context, when Jesus says "ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you," it could be taken as "I want to be your friend, but I really want you to stop pushing the button."

In other words, the condition he places on friendship is that we treat him as an actual friend... that we realize the pain that our bad choices have directly caused him to endure... and that we use every means in our power to avoid tormenting him.  In this context, the very idea that he still seeks friendship with us, knowing we are responsible for his suffering, is notable.

Second, consider the context that Jesus provides in the surrounding verses.  "This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.  Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.  Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.  Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you."

Specifically, he is talking to his apostles, who considered themselves his servants, and the path of discipleship that they began as servants has an end in a closer relationship.  In other words, if they continue on the path they started, (the "covenant path" as President Nelson has called it), the destination at the end is not something that looks like eternal servitude... but something that looks more like friendship.

Even before the end, because of his love for his apostles, he sacrificed himself so that they would escape.  John records these events shortly after the heart-wrenching betrayal of Judas Iscariot:

"Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye?  And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none." (John 18:7-9)

Ultimately, this relationship extends to each of us who continue on the covenant path.  If we continue on it... if we do as he commanded... then the sacrifice he made when he laid down his life applies to us.  In spite of our guilt, a miraculous and cleansing forgiveness can be ours, if we do our very best to follow him.  In other words... we can be his friends, for whom he laid down his life, if we do what he has commanded us.

Finally, a context of humility can help us understand the passage.  Jesus told a parable describing this point:

"When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;  And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.  But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.  For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." (Luke 14:8-11, emphasis added)

Many well-intentioned people, having experienced the sweetness of Christ's forgiveness, have called Jesus their friend.  Of course, I don't know the full details of how Jesus feels about any other people... certainly not enough to give any sort of reprimand... but I do know something about my own relationship with Jesus. 

I would never presume to call him my friend.

He is my Master.  He is my King.  But he is so far above me, and I have done enough idiotic things in my life that, between the two of us, I would never dare be the one to claim we are friends.  My place is in the lowest room.

I do intend to live my life a bit better, every day striving to walk the covenant path, every day holding closer to the iron rod, and every day trying to do whatsoever he commands me, that perhaps one day he will call me "friend."

While it may good to be wary of most people who place strict conditions on friendship... there is no one like Jesus.

I pray each of us will increase our humility before him, will seek to better understand him and his teachings, and will stop "pressing the button" that Christ my say to us "Ye are my friends."

Satire: Man who can't remember anything President Nelson said in Conference thinks the prophet is ignoring him

<Satire>

Frank, a 45-year-old shelf replenishing engineer that lives in West Valley and balances his time putting on eyeliner and attacking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently complained about how church President Russel M. Nelson seemed to be ignoring the needs of people in the state.

"We keep asking for the same things," explained Frank in exasperation. "We just want to have gay temple weddings, we want the church to fund gender transitions, and we want to be loved even if we identify as Pokemon on social media... But it's like he doesn't even hear what we're saying. How self-righteous does a person have to be to not even listen?!"

When asked about whether he listened to the prophet, Frank became defensive.

"I don't see what remembering what President Nelson said in General Conference has to do with anything," exclaimed Frank. "It's probably the same stuff like always... Honestly, I don't listen to what he's saying. It's easier when I don't hear it."

When reminded about the prophet's invitations to repent and come to Christ, Frank flipped us off, screamed profanities, and cried until his black eyeliner streaked down his large face.

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 022 - The End is Near

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum takes us to Matthew 24-25, Mark 12-13, and Luke 21.  We study the signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and a few parables that help us understand the importance of being prepared.

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-022-the-end-is-near

Youtube:

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 021 - Jesus Curses a Tree

This week the Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 21-23, Mark 11, Luke 19-20, and John 12.  We focus on the Matthew chapters, discussing Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the time that Jesus curses a fig tree, failed attempts to trap Jesus, and hypocrisy.  Come study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-021-jesus-curses-a-tree

Youtube:

Satire: New list of Constitutional rights that are not written in the Constitution

<Satire>

Now that being written in the Constitution is no longer a standard for determining whether something is a constitutional right, Scholars are finding a plethora of new rights guaranteed by the most fundamental law in the United States.

Democrat presidential candidate Bernie Sanders opened the proverbial floodgates by tweeting "Abortion is a constitutional right" on May 15th 2019.  Of course, his opponents argued that there was nothing in the Constitution that provides even the right for medical procedures to be done, let alone the controversial practice of poisoning an unborn child, hacking them into bits, selling the parts of their body, and praising the people who said it was a good idea.

In response, Senator Sanders snapped "It's also my constitutional right to have you shut up and mind your own business!"

Since then, the following constitutional rights have been "discovered" by abortion proponents:

• The right to have Starbucks employees spell names correctly on cups
• The right to a hot towel and a massage at work
• The right to assault people who wear red hats
• The right to use the bathroom in stores without purchasing anything
• The right to use that coupon that expired yesterday
• The right to a country with no crimes or weapons
• The right to shoot drivers going the speed limit in the left lane on the freeway
• The right to a decent Superman movie
• The right to have multiple beautiful women dressed as comic book heroines date you even if you're balding, overweight, and live in your parents' basement
• The right to get married to animals
• The right to go to heaven without keeping the commandments of God or giving any regard to his prophets
• The right to send people who judge you to hell
• The right as a sports fan to override any referee call
• The right to eat nothing but deep-fried sticks of butter without negatively affecting your health
• The right to enjoy a speedy and comfortable passage through airport security

"We're just getting started enumerating all the stuff the Constitution is going to make you do for us!" laughed a Sanders supporter as he reviewed the list.  "Having never read it, I never considered it might be helpful!  Using the Constitution to own the cons is the best idea ever!"

</Satire>

Satire: This judgmental guy from the Book of Mormon proves unkind orthodox members are wrong!

<Satire>

Dear Weekly Standard,

I have been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all of my life, and so I know first-hand about the unkindness that comes from some of the more orthodox members of the church.  Like the Pharisees in the scriptures, they are all hypocrites when it comes to living their religion... focusing only on the law, and not on the mercy and love that should be present in our communities.

Just last week, I came across a passage in the Book of Mormon that really resonated with me, because it talked about how damaging this type of person is.  Of course, I've read parts of Mosiah before... mostly the verses in chapter 18 about mourning with those that morn and comforting those that stand in need of comfort... but I accidentally read a few pages earlier in the chapter and came across one of these orthodox religious types.  I think this provides a good lesson on how to handle this sort of situation.  I started in Mosiah 12.

So first off... just like some of these DezNat types, this guy comes in (in disguise of course because he's a coward) and starts nitpicking about the behavior of other people... you know "...this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage..."  Like, dude, why don't you look at your own life before you start harping on others!

Then he incites violence against people.  He singles out one progressive leader that he hates, and says that his life will be "...valued even as a garment in a hot furnace." Obviously, this is a dog whistle to rile up the alt-right against people who don't live up to their standards.

So then, this guy is approached by the government leaders.  They respond in a really rational, calm, and down-to-earth way... because, like, if it were me, I would've wanted to punch him in the face like the nazi he was.  They went straight to the kind parts of the scriptures... listen:

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation..."

So calm, so peaceful, right?

And then he goes straight for this self-righteous "if ye keep the commandments, ye shall be saved... have ye done all this?  I say unto you nay, ye have not.  And have ye taught this people that they should do all these things?  I say unto you nay, ye have not."  I mean, the brazen unkindness and judgmental preachiness just gets under my skin.

So I guess in the end he gets what he deserves and gets burned alive.  That's almost poetic isn't it?  Because he was saying that was going to happen to the guy he was attacking, right?

So yeah, even in the Book of Mormon that these right-wingers in the church use all the time... this guy... what was his name?  Yeah... Abinadi... 

He can serve as a lesson to them about what happens when you don't use kindness.  Checkmate judgmental Mormons!

Sincerely,
Evan B. Haram

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 020 - You've got a good deal!

This week's Come Follow Me curriculum covers Matthew 19-20, Mark 10, and Luke 18.  We emphasize camels going through the eye of a needle, the parable of the laborers, and the teachings of Jesus about marriage.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-020-youve-got-a-good-deal

Youtube:

Satire: Point Counter-Point on how to treat people who disagree with us

<Satire>

Point: We should be tolerant of people who disagree with us (Perspective presented by Bishop Moss, an ecclesiastical leader and progressive social media activist)

Not everyone has the same preferences, opinions, or orientations... And that's OK.

I was talking to a guy who uses an anonymous account on twitter, which is understandable because of his unpopular stance... You see, he is a practicing homosexual.

Certainly, this type of activity goes against everything that my faith, that the prophets, that the apostles, that the scriptures, and that Jesus himself taught regarding marriage.  In spite of this, I feel compelled to speak up in defense of this individual.  His feelings are important, and he is a real person, in spite of the way he hides behind a clever alternative nickname and smiling picture on social media.

Jesus said to love our neighbors, so doesn't this count?

What's important is that we embrace the things that make us different than us, because we are all children of God, and we can all try harder to be like him.

Even those who don't share my faith should feel loved and welcomed for who they are, for as long as they seek to associate with me.  And even if they reject every teaching of my church, I can't imagine not forgiving them or wishing them anything but happiness.


Counter-Point: We should relentlessly attack people who disagree with us (Another perspective presented by Bishop Moss, the same guy who gave the point)

Not everyone has the same preferences, opinions, or orientations... And that's NOT OK.

I was talking to a guy who uses an anonymous account on twitter, which is inexcusable because of his unpopular stance... You see, he thinks that it's OK to be modest.

Certainly this type of activity is in line with everything that my faith, that the prophets, that the apostles, that the scriptures, and that Jesus himself taught regarding how we should present ourselves.  In spite of this, I feel compelled to speak up and mercilessly and repeatedly berate and condemn this individual.  His feelings don't matter, because he's not even a real person; he's using a dumb fake name stupid Lego figure picture on social media.

Jesus said to love our neighbors, but he's not very neighborly, so he doesn't count.

What's important is that we ridicule anyone who has views that are different than progressives, because even though we are all children of God, some of us are more like him than others.

Even those who share my faith should be exposed and humiliated for who they are, for as long as they seek to promote principles that I like to ignore.  And even if they apologize for defending legitimate teachings of my church, I can't imagine forgiving them or wishing them anything but hellfire.

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 19 - The Compassion of the Christ

This week's Come Follow Me curriculum covers Luke 12-17 and John 11.  We discuss the Prodigal Son, the rich man and Lazarus, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead.

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-019-compassion-of-the-christ

Youtube:

Satire: Former member of the church explains how, now that she is free from the church, she spends all her time dedicated to it

<Satire>

Weekly Standard: This week we welcome RealLucySmith, who is a former member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but spends a great deal of her time still involved with the Church.  We look forward to better understanding her perspectives.  Lucy, thank you for joining us.

RealLucySmith: Thanks for having me.

Weekly Standard: You spend a lot of time engaging with people about the church on social media, can you tell us a bit about what you stand for?

RealLucySmith: Sure, I stand for anything that opposes Mormons.

Weekly Standard: Well, we know you are are not a part of the church you left, but maybe you could explain what it is that you support...

RealLucySmith: That is what I support.  When someone says they believe that Joseph is a prophet, I shout plural marriage.  When someone says they were uplifted by President Nelson, I scream about how he is an old white male.

Weekly Standard: But even if that's true, I mean, don't you have something you want for society?  Do you have a cause you are trying to persuade people to join?

RealLucySmith: Yes, that's what I'm saying.  I want society to be free of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Weekly Standard: But how would you respond to the people who are bettered and benefited by the church and its teachings?

RealLucySmith: Now that I've left the church, I'm free to spend every waking minute discussing the church with every stranger on the internet.  I never had that kind of freedom to study the church when I was a member... it never benefited me...  I like to think of myself hypothetically as a cranky woman standing near the toy section of Wal-Mart around Christmas time shrieking "there ain't no Santee Claus!!"

Weekly Standard: While I'm impressed by your ability to sound like Gilbert Gottfried, don't you think that is kind of... insensitive to the children during the holidays?

RealLucySmith: That's what the parents say to me... "Even if you were right, you're attacking a tradition that brings happiness and improves behavior."

Weekly Standard: Hang on, that ties in with my previous question... how would you respond to these imaginary parents in your analogy? 

RealLucySmith: I don't, I focus on the kids and shout that their parents lie about everything, and that they are probably adopted.

Weekly Standard: Wait, what? I thought this was hypothetical.  Is this something you actually do?

RealLucySmith: Well, no...

Weekly Standard: OK, good, because that's...

RealLucySmith: Harassment? Yeah, that's what the manager told me before escorting me out of the building...  That's why I don't do it anymore.

Weekly Standard: I was going to say crazy...

RealLucySmith: What's crazy is that some people still think that Jesus is the one leading the Church of Jesus Christ...

Weekly Standard: And you believe it's just Russell M. Nelson, the man who presides?

RealLucySmith: Hahaha no... That's like believing we landed on the moon!

Weekly Standard: Wait, you don't believe that we landed on the moon?

RealLucySmith: I don't believe anything!  Doubt is the only protection against them... Well, doubt and this...

Weekly Standard: What are you putting...? Is that...?  Are you wearing a foil hat?

RealLucySmith: The church is just the tip of the iceberg...  It's a cult that consumes people!

Weekly Standard: But you said that you don't believe anything...

RealLucySmith: That's why you shouldn't believe anything... It's how they get you...  What do you think happened to Santa Claus?  Another victim of the Mormons...  That's why I was arguing at Wal-Mart, and why I argue with people on the internet!

WeeklyStandard: Well... thankfully we're out of time... We appreciate RealLucySmith joining us, and I think we have all gained a little perspective on former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spending so much time and effort engaged with the church after they have left.  In the opinion of this reporter... even if everything that they believe about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were true, it would still not help us understand their bizarre compulsions and behaviors.  Thanks everyone, and have a great day!

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 18 - The truth shall set you sheeple free!

This week in the Come Follow Me curriculum, we look at John 7-10.  These chapters help us understand the source of Christ's doctrine, how we can know it, why Jesus lets misinformation circulate, and the famous story of the woman taken in adultery.  We also emphasize how the truth can make us free, and why being a sheep should not be insulting.  Study with me!

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-18-the-truth-shall-set-you-sheeple-free

Youtube:

Satire: A discussion about the religious standards of modesty and how they affect society

<Satire>

Weekly Standard: Today's Skype discussion includes guests John, a father of five children, Debbie the drunk, a... drunk..., and Grande Miguel, an expert on eating sticks of butter and making fun of deeply held religious beliefs.

Our topic today will be on religious standards of modesty, and how they affect society.

Let's start with John... John, you've been a vocal advocate of modesty standards, what can you tell us about how this has affected your family?

John:  Certainly... Even young children can learn the importance of respecting their bodies by dressing appropriately.  In my family, we avoid problematic shifts in modesty expectations by being consistent the whole time.

Weekly Standard: So that includes covering the entire body?

John: I mean, we don't wear masks and bonnets... but we don't have trouble finding nice clothes that have reasonable necklines and sleeves for our girls, or neat, clean, appropriately-styled shirts and pants for our boys.

Debbie the drunk: You just want to sexualize your daughters (hiccup)... you like looking at her shorn poulders... I mean porn shoulders... (hiccup)

Weekly Standard: Debbie, it's 9 AM... are you already... intoxicated?

Debbie the drunk: I... I just... I just threw up a little bit in my mouth... (hiccup)  And then I swallowed it... so it's OK...

Weekly Standard: OK Grande Miguel... do you have some insight on how modesty standards affect society?

Grande Miguel: Of course, I'm a little weirded out by John insisting that his daughter need to cover her shoulders at a very young age.  Obviously a girl that age hasn't developed yet, and should not be forced into fashion standards that are based on the sexual impulses of people around her.  I also think it's odd that John is so worried about shoulders in general.  They don't need to be covered.

Weekly Standard: John, what would you say in response?

John: Like I said, consistency is a good thing.  My wife and I live by the same standards, and we teach our children to be respectful of themselves and others, and part of that is dressing appropriately.  I guess I'm also a little creeped out by Grande Miguel being so interested in seeing my daughter's shoulders.

Debbie the drunk: Ha!  I knew it!  You just (hiccup).

Weekly Standard: Just what Debbie the drunk?

Debbie the drunk: Who are you?  Hey... I've gotta get another... (hiccup)

Weekly Standard: It appears that Debbie the drunk has wandered away from her camera.

Grande Miguel: I'm not the one trying to cover her shoulders!  John is!  John is the one who has to make everyone cover their shoulders!

John: Grande Miguel... am I the one who made you cover your shoulders?  You're wearing a very very large shirt...

Weekly Standard: While that's a compelling point John we don't want to...

Grande Miguel: You can't cover my shoulders John!  I don't have a problem with... just let me get this...

Weekly Standard: No Grande Miguel!  Please keep your shirt on!

John: That does not look healthy...

Weekly Standard: We at the Weekly Standard would like to apologize to all those who saw that before we ended the Skype call... I'm being told that the CDC was notified, and is en route to Grande Miguel's location.  In spite of the circumstances at the end of the show, we do want to thank our guests for bringing their perspectives to this issue.

</Satire>

Satire: If you truly love someone... an open letter to a woman who claims to follow Jesus

<Satire>

Dear Controlling "Christian" Woman,

We need to talk about how to treat other people... especially people who you claim to love... because it's not the way Jesus would treat them...

Can you not tell how destructive it is when you push your standards and morals on others?  We've seen how you force people to attend your worship service even though they don't want to; and if that's not enough you force them to wear "Sunday best" clothing while forcing them to stay quiet during the sacrament that they might not even understand or believe!  Unacceptable!

We all see the look of judgment and frustration on your face when you see a girl take something at the store... but what if she's starving?  And who are you to tell that girl that the outfit she wants to wear is "inappropriate" because it's "revealing"?  Why is it your business!?!

I thought members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believed in agency, but you obviously have no problems stripping it away from others so that you can maintain your absolute authority.  And not only that, but while ruling with an iron fist over others with your oppressive requirements, you have the gall to tell these people that you love them!

If you truly love someone else, you can't control them.  You have to let them make their own choices.  Sometimes you might not agree with those choices, but you have to let them be themselves.

Jesus didn't force people to do what he wanted... he just loved people!  He taught that we shouldn't judge!

And I know that you think you've got good excuses for all these examples... the boys you force to church are your own children ages 4 and 6, and that you can "love" your children and still demand good behavior...  Or that the girl who's taking things is your 3-year-old who doesn't know any better, and that the outfit she wanted to wear wasn't the inappropriate thing, it was that she was taking off her clothes in the middle of Wal-Mart to try it on that was "too revealing."

Let me tell you something though... just because they're too young to make independent choices about everything or understand the consequences of their decisions doesn't give you the right to push your morals on them!  They have the right to do whatever they want!  And if you truly loved them, you would let them be themselves!

I realize this may be hard to hear... but I'm publicly shaming and manipulating you in this letter to try and control your behavior because I care about you and love you!

So please change everything about your life that doesn't conform to our progressive vision.

Love,
Jessie
President of the Orem Oracion Association

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 17 - What makes humans valuable

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum takes us to Matthew 18 and Luke 10... Jesus expounds on the two great commandments, tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, and teaches forgiveness.  This teaching helps us understand what makes humans valuable.

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-017-what-makes-humans-valuable

Youtube:

Is it OK to question the admonition to question everything?

In the past decade, a large number of lessons in church that encourage individuals to follow the prophet have been swiftly accompanied by the caveat but it's OK to question.

That is not to say questioning is bad... it's not.  Certainly, the practice of questioning... of challenging assumptions... has an important place.  Questioning methods has led to better and faster production in industry.  Questioning ideas has led to better understanding in science and technology.  Even in the context of the church, the first vision came in answer to a question.

Questioning also provides protection.  If a person claiming to have a terrific investment opportunity asks for some money, it would be wise to ask questions before draining your life savings.  If a politician seeking your vote makes promises, it would be wise to inquire whether they are able (let alone likely) to fulfill these promises.

For some people, questioning is so important that they admonish people to question everything!

On the surface, this may seem like a reasonable idea.  After all... what ideas are people not allowed to question?  Simply suggesting a subject that is off limits to inquiry is likely to stir curiosity... which is very convenient for opponents of modern prophets who encourage faith in Christ and obedience to the commandments of God.

But is it OK to question the admonition to question everything?

Perhaps there are some things that do not require intense skepticism at every single point...  For example...

• What if expired sushi from the gas station doesn't make me sick?
• How do I know that heroin would be addictive to me?
• Is murder actually wrong if I can get away with it?
• What if, in spite of past experience, McDonald's serves edible food today?
• Perhaps a faith that has encouraged me to improve my behavior, give service to others, extend forgiveness, and bring me closer to God, and have happiness for all of my life is secretly trying to control me or ruin me...

Life in modern society depends on a degree of trust.  We trust that restaurants we patronize will bring us good food.  We trust that as we drive on the highways, the majority of people will try to follow basic traffic signals.  We trust that the new movie we've been excited about will entertain us.

No one can truly live huddled in a corner, fearing that everything is likely to be a lie, and though there can be bad experiences with food, cars, and cinemas, even a questionable instance should not drive us away from driving to dinner and a movie ever again.

It is good to be cautious when someone wants us to disregard the accumulation of our spiritual experiences on account of an instance that might seem confusing.  We need not rush to doubt and skepticism.  While it is OK to question, it is OK to question the admonition to question everything.

President Uchtdorf put it best: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." ("Come Join with Us" - October 2013)

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 16 - The Fall and Rise of Jesus Christ

This week, the Come Follow Me curriculum covers the story of Easter.  We discuss this from the perspective of the Apostles, to whom the death of the Messiah was the worst case scenario.

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-ep-016-the-fall-and-rise-of-jesus-christ


Youtube:

Satire: Perspectives on Hateful People

<Satire>

Point: Hateful people make life difficult (Perspective presented by 32-year-old Hal, a self-proclaimed advocate of homosexual rights)

Hateful people are everywhere.  Of course, in public places, you kind of have to expect it.  On Twitter, there are lots of alt-right accounts that say hateful things like "marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God," or "God invites us to repent and be better."  This kind of talk is really just code for "we're homophobic" and "we don't accept you."

What really hurts is when the hate can reach you in places you thought were safe, like your home.  Family and so-called friends pretend to accept you, but they're always demanding that you conform to their way of thinking...  Even my mom was like "can you please be respectful of President Oaks?  Calling him a nazi homophobe every two sentences is unkind."  Of course, she says it because she hates me.

Even going to church, where they say that "everyone is welcome," I was asked by the gestapo church leaders to stop saying the F-word because it's offensive, even though they say words I find offensive like "standards" and "modesty."

People can be so hateful!

                            ************************

Counterpoint:  Hateful people make life difficult (Perspective presented by 13-year-old Jake, a self-proclaimed gaming expert)

Hateful people are everywhere.  Of course, in public places, you kind of have to expect it.  On Twitter, there are lots of stupid accounts that say hateful things like "education is important," or "kids are disrespectful."  This kind of talk is really just code for "we hate fun things" and "we don't accept kids."

What really hurts is when the hate can reach you in places you thought were safe, like your home.  Family and so-called friends pretend to accept you, but they're always demanding that you conform to their way of thinking...  Even my mom was like "can you please be respectful of your teacher?  Calling him a snobby killjoy every two sentences is unkind."  Of course, she says it because she hates me.

Even going to church, where they say that "everyone is welcome," I was asked by the gestapo church leaders to stop saying the F-word because it's offensive, even though they say words I find offensive like "reverence" and "obedience."

People can be so hateful!

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 15 - The Big Changes from General Conference

Come Follow Me curriculum continues on the subject of the previous week, so this week's podcast is a little shorter, and discusses some thoughts regarding General Conference.

Soundcloud:

https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-15-the-big-changes-from-general-conference

Youtube:

Satire: "Conservative Mormons are white nationalists" accuses white leftist who wants to nationalize education, healthcare, and income distribution

<Satire>

"Those conservative Mormons are nothing but white nationalists!" screeched Devin Frank as he adjusted his new Che Guevara t-shirt.  "They are all white, and they're led by old white men!  Plus, their Book of Mormon is obviously just American nationalism!"

Devin, a 26-year-old white graduate of Brigham Young University, articulated his concerns about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with our reporting team yesterday.

"It makes me sick to think that I was ever associated with an institution that is filled with white nationalists, particularly in today's political climate!" exclaimed Devin before guzzling a full mug of coffee.  "What we really need in America is socialism!"

Devin went on to explain how the top 1% of income earners had far too much power, and how many leaders in the church were a part of this 1%, and injected their religious standards into public policy.

"And a guy like me only makes $33,000 a year, I don't have a chance against the top 1%," continued Devin.

When confronted with the fact that this puts him in the top 1% of income earners worldwide, Devin clarified his position:

"Well, obviously I'm just talking about in our nation... not the whole world...  Plus, that's where the real policy makers can make the most difference!"

Devin continued (unironically) to explain how nationalized health care, nationalized education, and nationalized income distribution, governed by white politicians, was not white nationalism. 

"Real white nationalism is anyone I disagree with!" said Devin.  "Especially Mormons!"

Our reporting team was asked to leave Devin's mother's basement when following up with the fact that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an international church with more members outside the United States than inside.

</Satire>

Ward Preacher Podcast Ep 14 - The Signs that Count

This week, the Come Follow Me Curriculum brings us to Matthew 16-17, Mark 8-9, and Luke 9.

We emphasize the Matthew passages, discussing sign-seekers, Peter and the rock upon which Christ will build his church, and the Mount of Transfiguration.

Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/user-961318159/ward-preacher-podcast-ep-14-the-signs-that-count


Youtube:

Jesus Opposes Equality

Equality

For many, this is the most important ideal to which a society can ascend.  Even before the Constitution was written, the Declaration of Independence boldly asserted that the fact that all men are created equal is self-evident.

Since then, many people have fought, and even died, so that all people, regardless of race, gender, station, or faith, would enjoy equal protection under the law in the United States.

Of course, the idea of equality is not new.  Even in Biblical times, it was accepted that God was "no respecter of persons." (Acts 10:34)  When it came to the atonement money collected by Moses, the standard was half a shekel whether rich or poor. (Exodus 30:15)

These facts make it easy for some to believe that equality is always a good thing.  It is not.

The book of proverbs spends a great deal of time highlighting the inequality of the wise and the foolish.  Consider this passage that explains the inequality between the slothful and the industrious: "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." (Proverbs 10:4)

The inequality between God's treatment of Israel and Egypt is a critical theme in the Exodus.  Ten devastating plagues came upon the Egyptians, but they were not had in the land of Goshen where the Hebrews dwelt.  The city of Jericho was leveled to support the invading forces of Israel.

Even among the house of Israel, not all were equal.  The priests had the authority to bear the Ark of the Covenant, and when Uzza put forth his hand to steady it, God killed him. (1 Chronicles 13:7-10)  Korah pointed to equality as a justification for protesting the rule of Moses over Israel in the wilderness, but God opened the earth up and swallowed him and his followers. (Numbers 16)

Of course, some people who, like Korah, are overzealous in their love of equality, would suggest that the Old Testament does not count, and that Christians should get a better understanding of how to live from Christ himself.

What these individuals fail to understand is that Jesus seems to oppose equality.

Consider the explanation Jesus gave for why he taught in parables:

"He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath." (Matthew 13:11-12)

In his parables, he emphasized inequality.  Consider the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30), the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46), the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).  In his parable of the sower, Jesus compared different kinds of people to different kinds of ground... and even the good ground produced various amounts of fruit. (Matthew 13:3-9)

While he had power to do miracles wherever he went, access to his power was restricted by faith. (Matthew 13:57-58)  To a Canaanite woman who plead for his help, Jesus declared "It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs." (Matthew 15:26)

Even the most zealous proponents of equality in all things will note the differences in how he evaluated the rich and the poor.  Consider the statement "Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24)  The parable of the rich man and Lazarus echoes the same sentiment. (Luke 16:20-31)

For someone who is lauded by some as the champion of equality, Jesus certainly seemed to oppose it.

How can a person reconcile the inherent goodness that can be perceived by correcting the injustices in society, with the source of all goodness seeming to perpetuate inequality?

A large part of the issue comes from the ambiguity in the term equality.

There is a huge difference between equality of outcome and equality of opportunity.  A favorite example that has been used by multiple sources, including Ben Shapiro, is seen in the salaries of professional athletes.  I do not have the abilities of a Lebron James, so even if I put in the same amount of practice, I should not expect the same outcome in terms of income for my basketball performance.

A similar distinction can be seen in conversations about gender equality.  There is absolutely a sense in which men and women are equal.  The Family: A Proclamation to the World clearly states

"By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." (The Family: A Proclamation to the World, emphasis added)  

The sense in which men and women are equal partners obviously does not mean they have the same primary roles... since primary roles were described just above the affirmation of equality.  In this sense, equality has more to do with accountability for the well being of their children.  No mother should withhold from her children because "it's their father's job to do that," anymore than a father should neglect his obligations because "their mom isn't doing enough."  Both parents must ensure that their children are raised in love and righteousness, and that their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs are met.  This sort of equality may mean that a wife needs to help her husband emotionally so that he can be productive, or that a man might need to reinforce his wife's guidance in the home.

This sort of equality does not try and deny gender roles.  It is perfectly appropriate if female models make more money than male models, or if male athletes make more money than female athletes... because in a large number of important qualities, men and women are different, and it is prudent for men and women to play to their strengths.

Another sort of equality that seems to confuse some people is equality of access to God.  While it is true that Jesus loves every person, and that each of us is a beloved son or daughter of God, he speaks to us in different ways, and gives us different strengths and weaknesses.

Even in the New Testament, Paul compared the different types of individuals to various parts of the body:

"For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:14-31)

Rather than conflating legitimate inequality with injustice, people have an obligation to do the best they can with what they have been given.  The man given five talents should work hard to gain five more.  The man given two talents should work hard to gain two talents more.  The man given one talent should not bury it or envy those that have more... he should work to do the best he can with what he has received.

This is not to say that true injustice should be accepted.  Cases of criminal behavior... theft, fraud, murder, etc, should be criminal for all individuals.  People with greater affluence should be held to the same standards of conduct as those who have none.  It is wrong to falsely accuse a poor man who is unable to defend himself or to falsely accuse a wealthy man who many be more likely to settle financially.  This is the sort of equality that is self-evident... and that is the kind of equality that persuaded great men to declare independence from European monarchs in past centuries.

This is not the same as the equality touted by some contemporary zealots.  The quest to make people "equal" in the French Revolution robbed many of life and liberty.  The same can be said for socialist movements in Russia, China, and Venezuela.  Societies should extend equal protection under the law, because this equality is compatible with freedom, but societies cannot force equal outcomes for individuals without robbing people of their freedom.

Ultimately, Jesus did not even preach equality.  He preached humility.  A humble man is less concerned with the success or position of others... a humble man is grateful for what he has, and does his best to do what is right and help those around him.  A humble man lays up treasure in heaven, regardless of how many around him revel in treasures on earth:

"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." (Matthew 23:11-12)