Sunday Musings

References in scripture to the Watchman on the Tower often miss how in a version of the parable revealed to Joseph Smith, the tower isn't built and the enemy infiltrates. What might this mean for us?

While many believe that contention is of the devil and therefore shy away from controversy, the scriptures suggest that there are instances in which we should absolutely contend against others.

Can a prophet be true if he was previously claiming to use divine assistance to ascertain the location of hidden treasure?

A myopic focus on religious freedom runs the risk of giving us tunnel vision, ignoring the crumbling of our rights around us until it's too late.

A quote attributed to Joseph claims that parents sealed in the temple can have spiritual influence to save wayward children. But there's more to the story…

Traditional interpretations of the Book of Mormon reduce these early characters to little more than murmuring opponents of God's will. But what if there's more to the story—an additional layer that is far more relevant to us today?

There's a wound that won't heal at the center of church history and doctrine—but a new discovery might give it an opportunity to heal.

Apostles of Jesus Christ are called as "special witnesses" of his name, but does that mean, or guarantee, that they have personaly seen the Savior? And does it even matter?

Trump's suppression of the Epstein list is a powerful (and enraging) example of the laws of wickedness in operation—something the Book of Mormon highlights in tragic detail.

What would it take for Latter-day Saints to colonize a new planet?

Why are Latter-day Saints, who are commanded to renounce war and proclaim peace, so often guilty of the exact opposite?

A quietly released document reveals that former Church leaders engaged in a cover up to deny knowledge of a purported revelation received by John Taylor.

Joseph Smith's inspired translation of the Bible revealed words from Enoch in 1830 that have striking similarity to the apocraphyal Book of Enoch discovered later.

While a debate continues about what constitutes doctrine versus policy in the restored Church of Christ, what role does its culture play, both good and bad?

An 1834 change to the Church's official name raises questions about what was happening and why the Saints didn't stick with the original.

Joseph Smith once prophecied that the persecuted Saints would have to flee westward for the Rocky Mountains. Or… did he?

A never-before-released journal sheds light on longstanding influence by Church leaders in Utah politics.

How closely do church leaders line up with the broader membership, and the population at large, when it comes to education and professional expertise? The answers may surprise you… or not.

What was once considered scripture for decades was decanonized without the consent of church members. Whatever happened to the Lectures on Faith?

When it was introduced, the Word of Wisdom was shared as a suggestion and not commandment. So when did it change into a commandment upon which our admittance to the temple is conditioned?

A new group of self-described leftist Mormons have written a manifesto attempting to reconcile their Marxist views and their alleged Mormon faith.

A widely repeated story about apostasy has a questionable source. What are we to make of Thomas Marsh turning on Joseph and the Saints?

Critics have long alleged that the Book of Mormon was a creation of Joseph Smith's mind, but that claim doesn't withstand scrutiny.

Without clear boundaries between which is which, members can become confused about what is from God and what isn't.

Astute readers may need to read between the lines to answer an important question about the circumstances God's people faced in the New World.

What happened in 1978 that led the First Presidency to speak out so strongly in favor of vaccines? And how do their past statements relate to today's vaccines?

While the spread of pornography has risen, mentions about it in general conference have declined.

Modern revelation suggests that the Latter-day Saints are going to bear the brunt of God's apocalyptic fury. If true, why aren't we talking about it?

These individuals hang on my office wall, inspiring me daily to stand up for truth in a world filled with lies.

The temple garment was once thought to be revealed to Joseph and that it should remain in its original form. Why has that changed?

Despite huge steps being taken to bring more transparency, a critical set of documents remains hidden in the First Presidency vault. Why?

A public speech by President Benson led to a private rebuke by the prophet. 30 years later, that speech reached scriptural status.

Is it worth forgiving and forgetting what happened in one of the greatest events of mass psychosis?

The prophet Joseph once prophecied that one day only Latter-day Saint women would be willing to bear children. Or… did he?

Recent survey data shows how reluctant Latter-day Saints are to have social and political issues discussed in church.

Numerous examples exist of church decisions being made out of concern for the institution\'s image. What can we learn from what scripture says about focusing on outward appearance rather than what is right?

Covenant Path? Think Celestial? How about Ponderize? These and more catchphrases ebb and flow with popularity. But how frequently are they used, and why?

We worship a Jesus who is loving and peaceful, and who wants us to be united. How do we reconcile this with what He himself said regarding the divisiveness His gospel would create?

The Church ditched the Boy Scouts of America and introduced a new youth program based on goal-setting and enriching activities. But is it working?

Frequently cited statements that are claimed to have been spoken by Joseph Smith are published in Church manuals, taught by Church leaders, and shared by Church members. But are they all accurate?

There's a wide discrepancy between the number of of people who say they are regular church-goers, and what some new data reveals is actually true.

The Book of Mormon's second most important purpose receives hardly any attention in our lesson manual this week. Any guesses as to why?

Can we actually be "in the world but not of the world"? How do we flee Babylon if we're not physically separating like in ancient times?

Throughout scripture, God called out the righteous from among the wicked before a destruction. Does this set a pattern that will repeat today?

If the second president of the restored Church introduced several false teachings, what does that mean for the Church today?

Why have each of the major doctrinal innovations advanced by the Church's second president been rejected?

The scriptures are clear that God's people repeatedly abandon the faith while deluding themselves into thinking they are righteous. Why do we think we're immune from this trend?

Shortly before being murdered, Joseph Smith spoke twice on the topic of multiple Gods, sharing provocative teachings that angered his fiercest critics. Do these doctrines still stand?

A small group of left-leaning Latter-day Saints are making the case that our faith requires not supporting Trump. Are they wrong?

The scriptures say that casting out evil spirits will be a sign of Christ's believers. Is it happening today, or do we prefer to ignore the topic?