Latter-day Ramblings

Buckle up, today I'll be discussing 10 questions Christians may have for atheists!

Today I'll be discussing a Deseret News article about the declining faith of Gen Z which seeks to blame their parents. Strap in, it's a real doozy.

Oh boy. Today I discuss Brad Wilcox's recent youth fireside: strap in for a wild ride.

Today I analyze a letter I wrote to myself three years ago, about my doubts and anxieties relating to Mormonism.

Ah, it's that time of year again. Seminary students all over the world are being forced to take a 'learning assessment'. Join me as I react and rant about the most recent one on the D&C!

Today I'll ramble about my experience learning about secular ethics and ethical consumption. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction (Warning: Spoilers for The Good Place Season 3) 9:02 - The Problem of Evil, suffering of innocent beings; The Brothers Karamazov 19:28 - Philosophical context: Utilitarianism and Deontology 25:30 - Veganism; ethics and environmentalism 45:52 - Giving to charity; Effective Altruism 56:05 - Fast fashion; Final ramblings on Capitalism You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I discuss how to deal with family after leaving the church. It's not easy, so let's talk about it.

Today I'll discuss gender roles and gender inequality in the LDS church.

Today I'll discuss two clips from Brad Wilcox's recent youth fireside. Sources: Atheism vs Belief in God (youtu.be/jCxqDL7GSZA) Personal Spirituality vs Organized Religion (youtu.be/E9mO1yOUfL8) You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll analyze Ronald E. Poelman's censored General Conference talk of 1984! Here's a video comparing the original and revised version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yq7-juu6uQ

Today I'll discuss the church's teachings on chastity and the sexual shame resulting from them. You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll be reading a few old diary entries I wrote when I was Mormon. I'll discuss some early signs of disaffection with the church as well as phases of scrupulosity I experienced from ages 12-15.

Today I'll discuss three reasons why Mormons claim that their church is the "only true and living church," and debunk them one by one. Sources: The Only True and Living Church | Dallin H. Oaks Why I Left the Mormon Church | Tom Johnson You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll be going over some of the misconceptions Mormons have about why people leave the church. Sources: The Four Reasons Why People Leave the Church | Jeremy Goff The Real Reason People Leave the Church | Jeremy Goff Don't Leave Mormonism for Any of These Five Reasons | Greg Trimble List of LDS Commandments | Recovering Agency Correction at 13:41 - "I mean, the INTERNET is obviously not just a cesspool (...)" You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll discuss modesty and why it's problematic. You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I get a little personal. I'll talk about my faith crisis, what it's like being PIMO, and what I believe now. You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll be analyzing Bo Burnham's brilliant song "From God's Perspective"! I'll discuss religion, morality, love, and much more! You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Let's get philosophical! Why is good good? Because God commands it or because it just is? You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I discuss general conference! There's a lot to unpack here. Join me as I cover the seven most controversial talks! 0:00 - Intro 2:39 - Joy D Jones (indoctrination) 7:49 - Renlund (unfairness) 10:47 - Rasband (miracles) 13:17 - Nelson (faith and doubt) 25:11 - Andersen (abortion) 31:18 - Oaks (constitution) 37:28 - Bednar (principles) You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

This week I'll be reading the Mormon Primer, a great and well-researched introduction to the most controversial issues in Mormonism. The document covers four different perspectives on these issues: mainstream, critical, apologetic, and reconciled. You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com Mormon Primer PDF

Today I'll talk about how doubt is portrayed and stigmatized in the church. Sources: When Doubts and Questions Arise by Adam Kotter Come Join With Us - Dieter F. Uchtdorf You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I discuss tithing; its history, its purpose, and where the money goes. Sources: Washington Post article Ensign Peak stock investments General Authority living allowance LDS Church official statement You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

In this episode, I conclude my two-part series on Joseph's polygamy. Today I focus on the question "Was polygamy of God?". I'll discuss the revelation itself, teachings of later prophets, and my own opinion. Sources: josephsmithspolygamy.org Polygamy Quotes | MormonThink Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo | Gospel Topics Essays You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll discuss Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy. In this first part, I'll cover the basic historical facts you need to know. Sources: MormonThink - Polygamy Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo | Gospel Topics Essay josephsmithspolygamy.org You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll go over the problematic history of racism within the LDS church and my thoughts on it. Sources: Race and the Priesthood | Gospel Topics Essay Quotes of Racial Teachings | MormonThink You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll discuss how the church teaches conditional love and the effect it has on us. You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

Today I'll share a personal story and discuss the concepts of certainty and uncertainty from a religious perspective. You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com

In this first episode, I'll be discussing my thoughts on prophets and their fallibility. What does it mean to be a prophet? You can reach me at: latterdayramblings@gmail.com