Cwic Media- LDS Podcast / Latter-day Saints

A strong tenet of Postmodernism is a "Lived Experience." In reality, it is a hijacking of knowledge. The arrival of "Deconstruction" and "Lived Experience" have already arrived in mainstream creedal Christianity and are wreaking havoc. This episode shows how this may show up in a Latter-day Saint context and how it can be used perniciously with our testimonies. Also, three different ways (epistemologies) to come to a knowledge of the veracity of the gospel and the Church. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

In an ever-increasing polarization of politics, how will the Church create dialogue? What does it mean to be "civil within the Church? How do we avoid political extremities and keep a dialogue on issues? Just a few thoughts on what I'm hearing. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

"The Law of Liberty" Oddly, the Lord lifts up the banner of the US Constitution exactly when it is failing the early saints. He speaks of the "principle of freedom" within the Constitution and says that is should be given to all of mankind. We also see how agency plays a role in these sections, the "Law of Liberty" from Irenaeus, and the gathering of Israel is temple-centered. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

This is a great discussion with Pastor Derwin, the founder of Transformation Church who also played football under Lavell Edwards from 1989-992. He also played in the NFL for six years. Dr. Derwin Gray's church is a non-denominational, multi-ethnic church on purpose. This is how he designed it. We talk about his journey in life, BYU, and many lessons that apply to Latter-day Saints, a faith he is very familiar with. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

A weekly wrap-up of what we covered this week with additional insights.

BYU Professor Advocating for Critical Race Theory at BYU and Public Schools. A BYU Professor Emeritus advocates for the teaching of Critical Race Theory at BYU and in public schools. He also equates statements from Ibram Kend and Joseph Smith. By dissecting his points in an article he wrote recently, we can break down much of what we see in the advocacy, teaching, and activation found in CRT. This is yet another example of what BYU is facing. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

Lehi's Dream can be an anchor point for context and insight with ideas, groups, worldviews, and ideologies. Here I share a few thoughts asking the audience to make a couple of assumptions with me in order to create a mental diagram for the examples of Critical Race Theory and Racism. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

In an October 2020 address at BYU, President Oaks explained that we need to have "clear thinking" about social issues. This address seems to have set the table for Elder Holland's recent BYU speech. In this episode, I try to use the "clear thinking" principle and apply it to the Church's partnership with the NAACP, Elder Hollan's BYU speech, and the relationship between the Church, and the LGBTQ community. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

A BYU professor, messaging me directly, states that Jesus taught social justice from the left. That his message was to fight off oppression. This is after Elder Holland's speech. The professor also brings up new language and tries to redefine "equity." Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Temple and Light" As the Lord calls for His temple to be built, His language includes many of the themes of the temple including, light, creation, the Tree of Life, Charity, and the Doctrine of Christ. Is the love of God unconditional? How does He "love" us? What does "meek" mean? Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

More response to Elder Holland's speech at BYU with additional insights. The office of Belonging (Orwellian?) at BYU and the "Light of Christ" with a hierarchal structure. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

The Hyperbolic Aftermath of Elder Holland's BYU Speech The response to Elder Holland's BYU speech earlier this week includes many that support Elder Holland and many, louder and hyperbolic reactions that are grounded in a twist of Elder Holland's words, spirit, and intent of his speech. The "muskets" have been used as a distraction. The metaphor has been appropriated as an aggressive attack on the LGBTQ community. Many are rallying around this false narrative. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

Unlike most other universities that have put into place a "Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion" office, the Office of Belonging at BYU seems to want to be different. Time will tell. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

Elder Holland gave a stirring speech to BYU yesterday, August 23, 2021. He was direct in his approach while expressing his love for the institution of Brigham Young University. In this episode, I comment on why I believe he mentioned certain specifics, how BYU must stay true to its mission, and what does the future hold. Elder Holland's remarks included a focus on the Doctrine of the Family and marriage as well. This was a monumental speech deserving of its full delivery. I have linked it below- Elder Holland's Full Speech - https://youtu.be/CUEBJ3NdaCs Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

In this fast-paced episode, we immerse in the scriptures and bring together light, truth, the Doctrine of Christ, and the cost of love. We use Isaiah to inform Section 93 and Section 93 to inform Isaiah. We also bring in Abinadi and John's gospel. In this Section, we arrive at the climatic DBR reference, "the Word." The JST shows us that the "Word" is both the "gospel" of Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ Himself. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Ralph Hancock, BYU Political Philosophy Professor" Ralph discusses the current political environment at BYU and the changes he's seen over the last 34 years. We also discuss hiring practices, BYU's future direction, and the role of the Proclamation on the Family. Professor Hancock guides us through the developing philosophies that bring us to our current left and right politics today. And finally, a discussion on the roles of revelation and reason. How should they work together? Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

Doctrine and Covenants 89, a "Word of Wisdom", is more about spiritual things than physical. The "promise" from the Lord is not a physical one. Not primarily. It is spiritual. Our bodies are the true temples of creation. In this episode we let Paul and Isaiah inform the meaning of the blessings of Section 89 illuminating our understanding of what this revelation is all about.

In a debate on Critical Race Theory held on The Bill Maher Show, Ben Shapiro, and Malcom Nance give their definitions of CRT. We see how those who support CRT choose to debate and the commentary provides insights into how CRT plays out today. Is there objective truth or just lived experience? Is Critical Race Theory taught in our schools? Is the objective of CRT equality of opportunity or forced equity of results? Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

New messaging from the First Presidency on getting vaccinated. Why are members so split on this? What is the political reasoning? Why might it get worse? This episode provides data, reasoning, and opinion on the Covid vaccinations. Global governments and Health Agencies have a specific goal for a specific percentage of those vaccinated. This causes a battle between societal needs and individual liberty. Also, why I got vaccinated. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

Audio could be better. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday is usually called the Triumphal Entry. This hides what is happening. Jesus rides in through the east gate of Jerusalem on a donkey just as King Solomon did at his coronation. This is a Royal Procession to the temple. As a pervasive cultural event, it is also used as a metaphor in scripture for the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods as in "prepare ye the way" and the Second Coming of Christ as just a couple of examples.

The Creation and Garden of Eden Dramas may not be what many think them to be. This presentation provides insight into viewing these narratives as visions and dramas as given to Moses and Abraham. Eve is both righteous and beguiled. "Death" represents judgment, with perhaps more emphasis than physical death. Cherubim represents judgment. Lehi's Dream is the second half of the chiasmus, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they may have joy" finishing the story of the Garden of Eden.

Doctrine and Covenants 88 is a gargantuan revelation. We set the stage with Joseph Smith and Sections 86 & 87 for the reception of "The Olive Leaf". The Section starts out with the title, "Lord of Sabaoth." We cover this and talk about the Deuteronimists in Jerusalem at the time of Lehi. One thing to notice in this section is its framing of hierarchy through the Sun, Moon, Stars, and the Earth. It is very, very, similar to that often talked about chapter 3 in the Book of Abraham. You know, the one with "Kolob." We cover that. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 88

"School of Family Life Canceling Gender" New study from Assistant Director Sarah Coyne recommends that young boys, from pre-school age, be immersed in Princess Culture to reduce their toxic masculinity. The study also vilifies older Disney princess movies for displaying "feminine" traits such as "nurturing." An article placed on the BYU website shows focuses on a young boy holding several princess dolls, wearing flowered pajamas, and reading pink princess books.

When the Book of Mormon speaks of skin color, is it literal or a metaphor? Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians used skin color as a metaphor. Jeremiah and Daniel, contemporaries of Lehi and Nephi, used skin color as a metaphor. Could the Lamanites and the Nephites have had the same skin color while using black and white, dark and fair as a metaphor to distinguish between righteous and wicked, industrious and idle? It looks that way. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

"The Higher and the Lower Priesthoods" Section 84 gives us one of the best examples of The Higher and Lower Laws. Each of the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods is necessary as they represent "Heaven and Earth". We explore the themes of the temple, Zion, the Last Days and bring them into context with the prophets Jeremiah, Daniel and Jesus as well. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 84

A Panel Discussion Several South African Latter-day Saints talk bout race, apartheid and the Restored Church. How is the Church viewed? Is it a "white" Church? What does this mean when there are so many more black members? Why is representation so important? Eavesdrop on a Zoom meeting with Greg and his South African friends discussing these topics. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

In these Sections we get several of the tenets of building Zion. The "Platinum Rule" is outlined, the Doctrine of Christ from Isaiah's Suffering Servant, bearing each others' burdens and caring for the poor. The Lord continually shows us that for Zion there is no force equity nor is there merit without mercy or grace. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Folow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 81-83

In the Come Follow Me LDS episode for Doctrine and Covenants we review Section 77 as Joseph Smith answers (his own questions?) on the Book of Revelation. We cover some of the symbolism with some of his answers and review some numerology with squares and cubes. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 77-80

The recent Cuban protests shine a light on a message that the media often does not want to share- protesting against Marxism. Ibram Kendi, a Critical Race Theorist, used the example of Castro's victory fighting against the "vicious American military" as hope for a new American Revolution as well. What would Kendi's America look like? Senator Mark Rubio speaks in the senate and I use his words to match Critical Race Theory to what is happening in Cuba. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

BYU has already added several courses based on the suggestions from the Committee on Race, Equity and Belonging. Will this be a good thing? The problem is the manner in which they are taught. Critical Pedagogy is likely in these courses and Critical Theory is specifically outlined as the way they will be taught. Webstite- https://www.cwicmedia.com

In an article entitled, "How Critical Race Theory Helps us Follow Jesus," a BYU Professor and a member of the Church, uses scripture and the words of Jesus, and the words of President Hinckley, President Nelson, and President Oaks to build a case that the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is compatible with CRT. Listen with us as we review the article and show its obvious errors while helping members of the Church learn to defend what is quickly coming to your doorstep. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Becoming and Degrees" The level to which we become like Christ will determine the "Glory" we can withstand and enjoy. Agency is directly tied to these kingdoms and that is why the fall of Lucifer is outlined to start the vision. Joseph Smith and Sydney Rigdon speak directly with Jesus Christ and ask, "What do I see?". Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants Section 76

Critical Theory as a whole is a major threat to the Church and to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. In this episode, we focus on the way many of the academics of Postmodern Critical Theory describe their own ideology and activism as a virus. And this is exactly how it has played out. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Victim vs. Victory" Joseph Smith's massive project of "translating" the Bible never ends. We are all to be stewards in the Lord's vineyards. We are to work and not be idle. Joseph Smith is sustained and ordained President of the High Priesthood. Victimhood is the opposite of Victory. The Lord, though a victim, overcame the world in victory. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 71-75

As was predicted, some professors at BYU are already starting to teach the students that President Nelson's words are the same as Ibram Kendi's words and go along with Critical Race Theory. Ibram Kendi is a radical who fights against liberal democracy and capitalism. He wants us to model Marxists such as Angela Davis, and his "antiracism" is nothing more than a pretty word for "radical activist". Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

Blake Smith is a faithful Latter-day Saint with same sex attraction (SSA). In the '70s, he went through electroshock aversion therapy at BYU-I (then Ricks College). This was a common practice throughout the country. He has been happily married to his wife for 17 years. Blake provides informative insights on what it is like to be in the Church, live the law of chastity, and have same sex attraction. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Weak = Lower, Strong = Higher" Joseph Smith is not as educated or eloquent as many of the Elders around him. The Lord chooses Joseph and "weak things" over the sophistication of man. He has us pass through the Lower Law first, then the Higher Law. In this episode of Come Follow Me LDS, The Cwic Interpreter of The Higher and Lower Laws is used in these sections as well as the Royal Procession. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 67-80

This episode pulls from the words of President Nelson, President Oaks, and others in recent speeches on race that are stark contrasts to the tenets of Critical Race Theory. We should distinguish between "forming better race relations" and Critical Race Theory. They are not the same. President Nelson speaks of race within the context of "Gathering Israel" and President Oaks speaks of the sin of racism and the need in these times for "clear thinking" Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

This Come Follow Me LDS episode covers the Higher and the Lower Laws in Sections 64-66. Eve was beguiled with the promise that "death" would not occur. This "death" is judgment. Joseph Smith describes Daniels "stone" as a grindstone. Believers in the Book of Mormon grow the grindstone. Preparing the way (lower law) for the Royal Procession (Second Coming) of Christ. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 64-66

In a historic press conference, the NAACP and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solidified their partnership with new initiatives and words of solidarity and coming to Christ. President Russel M. Nelson, President and CEO of the NAACP, Derrick Johnson, also the president of the UNCF, and Amos C. Brown with some earthshaking comments. This avenue of racial brotherhood is the antithesis to Critical Race Theory. Website - https://www.cwidmedia.com

"Assemblyman Kevin Kiley" A new Ethnic Studies High School curriculum has been approved by the California Board of Education. Its focus is "Critical Race Theory" and creating new radical activists out of California Teenagers. This is not Martin Luther King or Civil Rights, this is about activism and indoctrination. And it's much worse than you think. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Taking the Lord's Name" In this episode we see immediately in verse 1 what the Lord's message will be to the members of the church. He distinguishes between those who really are the "people of the Lord" and those who "call themselves the people of the Lord." Naturally, he explains the difference by talking about faith preceding a sign and then makes reference to the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Taking the Lord's name in vain is when we don't keep our baptismal covenants. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

"A Woke LDS Jesus?" Liberation Theology and new "Christologies" are making their way through Christianity and to the doorstep of the Latter-day Saints. It's happening at the personal, family, and ward levels. How to recognize when Critical Race Theory is being brought up and how Liberation Theology is likely at its root.

Representative Steve Christiansen is the sponsor for HR 901 detailing the restriction of "race essentialism", a part of Critical Race Theory, being taught in Utah public schools. We cover the spread of Critical Race Theory in public schools nationwide, how Resolution 901 fits with the First Amendment and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We also cover the status of other state legislative initiatives against the teaching and training of the tenets of Critical Race Theory. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Body Record" Joseph Smith, W.W. Phelps, and other Elders make their way to Ohio from Independence by way of canoes on the Missouri River. The Lord yet again refers to the Parable of the Talents. W.W. Phelps sees "the Destroyer" in "all his power" on the waters. "Waters" have often been a symbol of chaos and evil in the Old Testament in the Creation story, the flood, and with the Leviathan. Ancient mythology gives a similar symbolism. Our bodies are temples and record our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

As we observe the fruits of Critical Race Theory in several Christian denominations, we become aware of some of what might happen as it begins its entrance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Liberation Theology changes Christ to a victim liberator over oppressors. The three Proclamations appear to be confirmation on doctrine to help guide us as pernicious ideologies and ideas enter society and the church. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Agents Unto Themselves" With the focus moving to Missouri, Joseph Smith and the early Saints now have a place for Zion. The Lord teaches them that they are to "work" and obey to create and build Zion and they will be rewarded accordingly. Sidney Rigdon dedicates Jackson County and Joseph Smith lays the cornerstone for the temple and dedicates the temple grounds. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 58-59

"What is Codependency?" In this intriguing discussion, Nick Galieti and Jennifer Roach discuss their book, Codependent Discipleship. We discuss the interrelationship of codependency with God and with the church, as well as codependency with others. Codependency can be a type of counterfeit charity. Those with codependency "need" others to need them and then much of their purpose becomes to fix others or situations. Guilt, punishment and insecurity can all play a role with codependency. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com

"Stewards, Talents, and Consecration" The Law of Consecration is the higher law designed for Zion and a Promised Land. Getting there is a matter of becoming "one" as a people. The Parable of the Talents can teach us how we should be living the Law of Consecration today and how we can be increasing the "spiritual silver" that the Lord has given us by helping others. Website - https://www.cwicmedia.com Come Follow Me LDS Doctrine and Covenants 51-57

As members of the church, we stand in a unique place in history. The opportunity before us is to "gather Israel". However, with the modern connection between peoples and races, there are ideologies that seek to further divide us. Critical Race Theory is one of these. Critical Race Theory and its fruits of Intersectionality, Anti-Racism, and "Whiteness" have been adopted by many at BYU and formal initiatives have been suggested that could further entrench it throughout the campus. Website- https://www.cwicmedia.com