Let me share a quick missionary experience in regard to boldness. The missionaries in my ward were teaching a young man (19 yrs) who was in the military. He was a devout 7th Day Adventist. The elders told me he seemed to ask very sincere and deep questions about our church, but also appeared hostile at times. They were confused by their meetings with him. I asked if I could come along and they were more than happy to have me there seeing as I’m military too and we could bond over something in common. As the meeting went on, he said something along the lines of “I’m not trying to offend you with my questions I just want to get an answer that compels me.” His biggest issue was with Joseph Smith actually *seeing* God. And read multiple scriptures saying no man can see God at any time. We had him read Exodus 33:11. He explained this as Moses meeting God with a sheet between them. I told him “now we’re both military, and we both can appreciate a direct response, right? So I’m going to give you one. The way you read this verse is the same way someone would read their interpretation into it because they already have their mind made up on what is possible. I’m telling you right now, this verse says Moses spoke to God face to face as a man speaks to his friend, and I’ve never spoken to a friend with a sheet hiding my face.” He paused for a long time and considered that. Finally he smiled and said “I think you’re right. I’m gonna pray about this, but I think you’re right.”

Protestant here: pretty much every non-LDS person I know would rather the LDS folks be straightforward and bold. Yet protestant circles also have a fear of offending people, and worry that boldness will hurt their witness. The same goes for both: directness will likely help your witness more than it will hurt it.

I'm a leader in my Young Mens program and this is exactly what I've been trying to bring to the program. Once I was in I worked with the other leaders to create some principles and we laid it out for the young men. "We are going to challenge you. This is going to be hard. You may not like everything, but you'll have to learn how to cope, because we aren't going to coddle you." Since then we've seen amazing improvement in the Young Men in our ward. They are stepping up and fulfilling their callings so much more than before. It's been awesome.

This is why I miss the priesthood session. I knew that in the priesthood session I would be challenged, and I would be spoken to more directly. Those talks are the ones I constantly would go back to growing up and during my mission, which molded me and inspired me to repent.

Jacob: I’m an exmormon and I enjoy your videos. Why? Because it is so refreshing to hear someone inside the church speak out loud about the beliefs that I used to hold, rather than the milk toast sanitized version it has become in mainstream circles. Rather than acknowledge and embrace the peculiar aspects that make Mormonism unique (and compelling), the mainstream church seems to be going down the opposite path, as if embarrassed by the beliefs that set them apart from the rest of the world. When I tell active members about the version of Mormonism I was taught and self-studied as a kid, teen, and missionary, they often gaslight me and tell me that I was somehow the problem for seeing “truth” through that aggressive lens, as if my leaders hadn’t been teaching me this version of the BOLD version of the gospel all along? It sounds strange I’m sure coming from an ex member, but I feel so much validation hearing your videos! I think the way to a vibrant community that actually want to be at church is by embracing once again the BOLD parts of Mormonism. Give people something they can sink their teeth into.

As a Catholic(nevermo) living in the Mormon Corridor I came across your channel and do appreciate your willingness to engage with other faith traditions without diminishing your own. I like the fact your content isn't exclusively LDS related and has broader applications to Christian faith communities. Anyway thought I'd chime in with those words.

I grew up in a totally dysfunctional home. My parents divorced when I was in high school. There was so much turmoil in my home, that attending Church was my only safe haven. There were lessons that were difficult to implement when i went home. But the gospel kept pulling me back. Thank you for being real and speaking truth. I worry about some leaders bending the knee to popular ideology thinking this will bring others to the church. I dont like the feeling of being so polarized within the Church. I love Jesus Christ and pray for His return Soon.

As a youth, I strongly disliked Dallin H Oaks’ bold and direct style of speaking at General Conference. By the time I hit my late 20’s, I found it challenging to sit through anything that wasn’t bold and direct. Let ‘er rip, tater chip! Lay it on me and let me work out in prayer anything that may have “offended” me. I’m gettin’ old and don’t have time for the fluff pieces! 🤣

I remember on my mission in Romania, worrying so much about how to start a conversation to get people to listen. People constantly asked about why we were teaching about Christ in a Christian nation, or wondered if we got a financial bonus for baptizing people. Partly because of that, some missionaries were hesitant to bring up baptism early. However, I had a companion who had converted from a more "evangelical" church and had a letter from a friend sharing some second-hand stories about being bold as a missionary. So one morning, we decided to go out and just invite people to be baptized as our conversation opener. Instead of being offended, people either went on their way (as usual), or stopped and asked: "What do you mean? I'm already baptized." No one was offended, in fact, they seemed much more relaxed because we were being open about what action we wanted them to take. When you are bold (and respectful) people engage with your ideas. When you're not, people just wonder why you're there at all. People *want* to know what you expect of them. I don't think I fully internalized that on my mission, but it was a powerful lesson. We did meet someone that day who would later be baptized, which was not a daily (or even monthly) occurrence for us. In true "mysterious ways" fashion, however, I think that was one of the few conversations that did not begin with an invitation to baptism. I was regularly reminded on my mission that it wasn't things I did that converted people. People were either seeking the Spirit and willing to act on it, or they weren't. God will reach out to those people who are earnestly seeking him whatever we do, but *we* lose something when we practice cowardice instead of courage.

A faithful but somewhat confused long time member here...I remember President Kimball's very bold approach to all things moral. There were very little gray areas. His book Miracle of Forgiveness was enough to make even the stongest among us review his own life. It stated in no uncertain terms the sins of the day including, homosexuality and premarital intimacy and the need to repent. He never sugar coated anything. Lately, it seems that approach has changed. We welcome all into our midst regardless of lifestyle. I understand loving people but you never give the impression that a sin is acceptable. The act of homosexuality is in direct opposition to the Lord's Plan. Transgenderism is is a complete viilation of God's law. Yet, we seem to be embracing these things a little at a time.

The issue I see with this whole Kwaku situation is that Ward Radio blasted out accusations about Saints Unscripted without first talking to or getting any facts from Saints Unscripted about why the decision was made. A producer from SU (Rachel Grant) commented on their video and gave a lot more insight into the whole situation, and while I have generally liked Kwaku, I can honestly sympathize with the decision SU made. It sounds like they considered several options before landing on the decision to simply remove thumbnails. Additionally this was a decision SU made years ago at this point, so why Ward Radio is finally bringing it up in 2024 is beyond me. I understand if Kwaku wants closure, but this seems more like retribution or revenge, which I can't see being endorsed by any scripture or church leader. In the comments on their video, WR said they have tried to reach out to SU, but the producer from SU replied and said she never received any calls or messages from Ward Radio. So it makes me wonder just how diligently did WR try to make contact, and exactly with whom? How many people did they try to reach out to? Was it just via text, DM, email, a phone call, or did they try to go talk to someone in person? For what seems like such a big issue to WR, it appears like the minimal amount of effort went into trying to have a goodfaith conversion from someone or multiple individuals from SU. Even if we give WR the benefit of the doubt and assume they made every effort to reach out to SU, this whole thing should never have been turned into internet drama. It should have been handled like adults offline. That's on Ward Radio for not doing so, and it's unfortunate to see channels like this one just blindly jumping on the bandwagon without even having all the facts from both sides. Was there even an attempt made to reach out to SU before this video was created? It's highly doubtful. There's already enough hate and division online. Do we really need to perpetuate more of it, especially against people and channels that are on the same side, even if they choose to share their content in a different manner than you prefer?

One way the church has become boring is the lack of mysticism from the modern secularists. Kwaku brings that stuff in his conversations alot and spices up the conversations. Like I choose to believe that the garment is a cool ancient and sacred relic that grants the wearer favor and specific protections because it's embued with God's power. Let's not forget the sick AF Jewish LORE surrounding it. A lot of people are just like, it's a piece of clothing that's symbolic, I guess. Outsiders call it "magic underwear" I'm fine with that. Sounds cooler than what modernists in the church have turned it into. I wish everyone would be worthy to receive their own magic underwear to ward off evil demon gods. To moderns who love their boring lives that sounds crazy, but when I think about it, saying it like that makes it sound awesome!

Whatever happened to be IN the world and not OF the world

You’ve summed up one of the primary reasons I find church attendance difficult. When I graduated into the adult classes I assumed I would be coming to grips with the deeper doctrines and more complicated history of the church. Instead I found the spiritual meat to be spiritual snacks at best, with the majority of the remaining no different from my earlier classes just dressed up in more verbiage, summed up in two words - “be nice.” And heaven forbid anyone try to correct a class member when they utter false doctrine. Instead the room would just go silent until the poor teacher found a way to gracefully move on. Overall, a disappointing experience that just feels like a waste of time. I know the gospel is true, but niceness culture is doing it no favors.

I wish more of the speeches weren’t scripted. I wish some of the sermons were preached with power and conviction, like you’d see at a Protestant church. We have the truth of the restored gospel we should be exclaiming it and not so monotone. It should fill us with the spirit. Maybe I just view it differently as a convert.

"Go on offense"... The reason this channel and others have appealed to me is that they model going on offense well. I don't always agree, especially with Kwaku, but I love that we all seek truth. Thank you!

That was the PERFECT example of why I only watched the Belle Freeman CFM for a few months then I was out. It was all out wanting everyone to feel good and felt like they were just preaching the Religion of Nice. Am I the only one that loves feeling like garbage? I don't understand this. If someone is just trying to get me to feel good in my sins and with my awfulness, then I DON'T GROW. I like the stretching and the wrestling when you are changing. But with that, you feel like crap. I want to feel like crap a lot because then I'm growing and changing.

I ❤ this church and will never leave it because of the temple ordinances. I have been in YW leadership for years and I am weary of our efforts to entertain the youth into staying with the church. I’m tired of watching missionaries go out and be subject to incredibly strict rules in the name of safety only to return feeling that it was a waste of time. My own young adult children will spend money to see Dr Peterson but won’t go to the free stadium appearance of the prophet. Relief Society and Elders Quorum classes are good places to nap but terrible places to talk about scripture and doctrine that is exciting or challenging. This is so sad when our true doctrine is amazing and empowering and raises hard questions that force us to wrestle with God. I’ve found myself skipping Sunday School to curl up at home with the cozy 😂Book of Isaiah. Thank you for getting this message out. We need to be challenged or what good are we to the Lord?

We are no longer a peculiar people, we’ve even got rid of the name “Mormon”, yes we are boring and milk toast.

We need more Latter-day Saints like you. I’m tired of “mediocre Mormons”, but, worse are those who are Mormons in name only. We need to stand and defend our faith

This guy NAILS it. So many of our members today are simply…..afraid. Afraid to stand up in public and say “This is wrong.” Gay ‘marriage’ is wrong. Homosexual behavior is wrong. Trying to (laughably) change one’s gender is wrong. Adultery is wrong. Sexual activity of any kind outside of a male/female marriage is wrong. Sustained selfishness is wrong. Abortion is wrong. Pornography is wrong. Do such LDS members think that when Jesus was here that he merely handed out milk and cookies and said “Good job!” to everyone?

Love your channel and ward radio because you guys talk about the tough topics and are real! We as members should not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ!

Love the content you present here. During Covid when Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler came out with their podcast, another podcast called Talking Scripture came out. I was listening to them both, but quickly grew weary of Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler’s teaching style. Still greatly enjoy Talking Scripture tho. Your program, and Ward Radio have become my two new favorites in the last few months, and I appreciate you bringing to light Emily Belle Freeman’s skirting of the important parts of the gospel and being more woke than she should be.

Church Leadership isn't interested in listening to it's members. It thinks it has all the answers. The lack of friction between members and leadership has made church boring and shallow. Criticism is required to create ideas and growth. If not we all say "YES", agree and church becomes more boring.

Well said. Ward Radio (and back in the day MM) have been VERY helpful to my return to the Church.

It is not about winning. It is about speaking truth and letting the Holy Ghost enter into the heart of those who hear the truth. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. We are to stand out and be an example of truth and righteousness. I for one have a son who struggles with his faith because of the milk toast that is being presented at church. We need to be bolder and speak gospel truth boldly.

well done... I was called to teach a youth SS class some time ago. As part of getting to know the co-teacher and class members we discussed various ways to study and do CFM at home and on their own. My co-teacher praised this certain video channel I had never heard of, so i checked it out. It is the one you spoke of that features EBF and boy was I very disappointed. It was full of... well 'nothing'. And that is the one my co-teacher loved. I suppose because it was 'easy' and didn't 'offend' anyone. But in the process of 'not-offending' anyone it also removed all the substance of the gospel.

People are so afraid to be criticized and hated these days that they water down all their beliefs to be so diluted you can't taste it anymore.

Sacrifice? Yes it's all about the sacrifice! Brings to mind the following quote from Joseph Smith: “Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation” ( Lectures on Faith, 6:7)

As I see it, the main complaint against Saints Unscripted is that Kwaku is less visible now on the channel. They have distanced themselves from him. Not from anything he has said on the show, but because of implications based on what he has said other places. And stepping away from him is because of 'niceness culture', and 'not wanting to offend'. But in your opinion, not because of the bombastic and bizarre/unfounded hills he has chosen to plant his flag. Is that correct? And yet, it would seem that you want to have Saints Unscripted step away from people like Ostler for the same reasons - because he has in other places chosen to plant his flag on bizarre/unfounded hills. I'm all for consistency, so I agree they should step away from both, but to pretend that Saints Unscripted isn't perusing this same 'bold vision of sharing truth' and is instead just pandering to 'niceness' is missing the mark imo. Their "Faith and Belief" series is probably the best researched and faith promoting videos on KZfaq, and they usually cover and support the most 'controversial' topics of the Church and it's History. Now I agree that in many ways Kwaku has more hate then he deserves, but also when he decides to 'be real' by attributing racism and 'just asking questions' and making 'jokes' about those whom he feels wronged by (in the same way modern 'journalists' 'just ask questions', or late night 'comedians' just make 'jokes' about topics in order to persuade without substance rather than just to be funny) - anyway, when Kwaku calls those who have wronged him racists, and makes bizarre and incorrect claims like at the Midnight Mormon and MFR debate that MFR was morally bad for being a lawyer for a guilty man, I can see why people would want to distance themselves from him. Because he is an Alex Jones like figure - way over the top, kinda out there opinions, a provocateur, someone who should be able to speak but has a habit of straight up saying garbage. While I think Alex Jones and Kwaku are both people who should be able to speak freely, I'm also of the opinion that I would never want to professionally associate with either, and I'm fine if others also want some professional distance.

I agree with this so much! 4 years ago, my daughter came out as trans. This experience caused me to dive into the lives of trans people and many of the young people that has detransistioned say the same thing - “I wish less people had went along with me and would have told me that what I sought, I couldn’t achieve.” These people, many of them girls, though their difficult choices all have touted the wording in the proclamation of the family. They have come to this on their own through sad experience. It makes me think that there is a lost opportunity here for us not to be shouting this statement loudly and proudly. We would have people flocking to our congregation because we are speaking the hard truth. We KNOW the truth, all we have to do is speak it!

You have touched on a very real challenge in the church…getting more boring and predictable every year…it’s been difficult to be active…it’s more faith building to miss meetings and stay home and study. This is a valuable podcast!!!

Yet another great video Jacob, thank you for always articulating these things and being willing to so openly discuss them. I feel this video literally summarises not only exactly how I feel, but exactly the conversations and debates I get into. I believe true followers of Christ should boldly and openly defend and testify of doctrine.. ESPECIALLY when it is controversial. If I have learned anything from the scriptures, prophets and even the life of the Saviour Himself, its that the more righteous we are the more we should expect backlash and having to swim upstream. God bless

Thank you for putting so well how important it is for us to be different than we have been. Proclaimation on the family is not easy to engage with as a divorced man paying Alimony and Child Support, but it is exactly what is needed for me and so many others. Provide for my kids, support my ex as required, not because she still wants me, but because its my duty. Men sacrifice for family, and women are required too also, not just for the children, but for their man. I didn't need comfortable lessons where people were talking about how the other people, LGBT+, were ruining the world, I needed lessons that challenged me in my leadership of my family, my engagement with my wife and marriage.

I needed to hear your words today! I’ve started to lean away from the church largely because of the watering down and platitudes going on.

I was the kind, gentle, person and got slammed anyway. I'm now on the offense team, just trying to balance my words so they are not too offensive. It's a tough line. I'm a boomer, we really did not have this issue lol

Thanks Jacob. Politically conservative but I love Kwaku. Keep up the great work. Totally agree, be loving but always speak truth.

I'm truly stunned. I'm a recent convert to the LDS church. I watched a lot of Saints Unscripted during my investigator phase. I don't always agree with Kwaku, but he was instrumental in my conversion to the LDS faith. I loved his unapologetic passion for the LDS faith and Christ. If he's been cancelled from Saints Unscripted, I doubt I'll watch the channel going forward. Not because the channel is bad, but because I refuse to support any cancel culture.

There is a difference between "nice" and "kind". We should make sure to point out the difference.

Saints Unscripted is killing it with the Faith and Beliefs videos by David Snell. Their other episodes (with the occasional exception) fit your description pretty well.

So well stated. I’ve had conversations with siblings about this. Fact is, if I were not a member of this church, I’m not sure I’d have an interest today, especially if I were coming from a mainline Christian denomination. The church seems to be following that model, which is not a good model to follow. Their membership numbers have been devastated in recent decades, driven by a fear of losing members, rather than a love for God and His word. How much of our diminished growth might be the result of that similar fear, of our weakened resolve?

Thank you keep up the good work. When I was Bishop, I saw this softness creeping in when I could no longer call people to repentance and was told the miracle forgiveness is no longer a church sanctioned book. I knew something was going wrong.

We need to continue on the straight and narrow path by immersing ourselves in the doctrines of the gospel through deeply spiritual and intelligent scripture study, praying with all the energy of heart to be filled with the love of God, following closely the teachings of the prophet and attending all of our meetings including the temple. I’m an over 40 year English convert and frankly I’ve never seen such disparity among our church members. If only we would use our time to study, ponder and pray rather than gabbing and chatting endlessly and straining after gnats.

There are many of us that feel the exact same way … thanks for putting this together!

I love everything you stand for and how you're using your voice in the public square. Keep on doing what you're doing. I have definitely been guilty of passive membership and channels like you have inspired me to want to be firm in my faith and speak my voice and share my testimony.

This is exactly why talks such as the Character of Christ by Elder Bednar and the 4th Missionary by Lawrence Corbridge are so popular among missionaries. They’re rough, painful, but inspiring calls to repent and be better. We need more content like that

This is hands down your most important and interesting commentary yet! The world, particularly young men, are searching for a challenge. They want to be great, but they dont know how to do it! The Church needs to be bold and hold men - and women - to a higher standard!

THANK YOU, my brother. If ever there was a time to stand firm and not shrink, it is NOW. #CelestialBoldness

This makes me think of a debate I had with church members a few years back. They were of the opinion there is only one concept of what the LDS church is about and all members pretty much are one variety. My position is that members are of many different camps each with their own approach to "truth" about the gospel, church organization, scriptures, etc. We can see some of these differences among church members whenever apologists do debates, appear on podcasts, write books, etc. There is a whole continuum between liberal and conservative LDS church members. Many apologists do not do well when faced with criticism. I find the people of Kwaku's camp are one example.

Jacob, this is one of your best videos yet! Thank you for being bold and having the courage to say these important things!!👍👍

Emily's Proclamation broadcast was my final straw with their channel, though I had become a very sparse watcher previously. I long for the preachers of the past who were bold with their words. Milk toast will float us right out of God's kingdom.

Yes, and yes! As a convert, I've been disappointed by the lack of zeal I see when I read church history. The TRUTH was to go forth boldly, not a watered down, we just wanna fit in gospel.

This mindset is not new. I was relentlessly bullied while in school in the 1970s, and the powers that be said we had to be merciful to the bullies because of various challenges they faced in life. Unbelievable.

Again, I don’t think Saints Unscripted distanced themselves from Kwaku for his contentious behavior. I don’t think the controversy they’re referring to is constrained to the reactions people have to him. I think it’s more to do with his distancing himself from LDS theology publicly. I used to admire Kwaku, for his boldness in facing off and debating contenders of our faith. But now he seems to be preaching a theology that I don’t recognize as truth nor within the realm of the restored gospel, and I would say he’s adapting more and more to the trends of the world. I still love Kwaku, but I’m more concerned for him and his credibility.

Sadly, in many ways, the culture of the church has changed mirroring the culture of the world. By that I mean mission calls used to come over the pulpit. Now we have missionaries that need to talk to their families every week our entire culture revolves around safe spaces, rather than boldness.

We were not born to blend in. We are supposed to be a peculiar people. God’s true Church and covenant people are supposed to be shaking the world. I’m grateful to have lived through times of powerful gospel teachers like Bruce R McConkie, Ezra Taft Benson, Gordon B Hinckley, Legrand Richards and Neal A Maxwell. Not to mention Elder Holland. I’m grateful to be from Yorkshire where people speak their minds and cut through the bull. God has made me bold and I have had many wonderful experiences as I have spoken out. We need to remember that we will have to stand before the Savior and Joseph Smith and tell them what we did to defend them.

I don’t think Saints Unscripted wanted to distance themselves from Kwaku for his increasingly contentious behavior. I think it was more to do with his increasingly deviating theology (from LDS theology). I think Saints Unscripted’s credibility is of the utmost importance because they are the biggest provider of media that confronts challenges to our faith and theology.

Your channel and others are inspiring to me! We don’t need to be the feel good church. We are talking about our salvation! Stand up!

“The devil knows that if the elders of Israel should ever wake up, they could step forth and help preserve freedom and extend the gospel. Therefore the devil has concentrated, and to a large extent successfully, in neutralizing much of the priesthood. He has reduced them to Sleeping Giants.” ― Ezra Taft Benson

This was so good! I often wonder if any of our church leaders listen to things like this. I am sure our ancestors are rolling over in their graves knowing some of the things that are taking place.

I’d like to print out everything you said & give it as a talk in church! SO GOOD!

Saints Unscripted was my Lifeline to understanding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints as an Investigator. I wasn't being taught by any Missionaries, Kwaku essentially through KZfaq was One of my Missionaries. By the Time I'd been slapped upways, and sideways by the Spirit to get Baptized I knew alot more then they teach in those 6 Lessons, but my Wife needed to have them so....There is that...Thats Two People Kwaku through his Efforts was indirectly Influencing to get baptized. We Love You Kwaku.

Thank You! 🙏 I’m not good with words but you said it all! Took the words right out of my mouth.

I need to find time to contribute my voice to this movement. So much of what you said resonates. We need more voices boldly proclaiming the gospel

I wish the church would bring back the scouting program and general priesthood session both of which I feel where very instrumental in a young man’s growth and development! The scouting program because it taught young men values and life lessons while being around young men of the same age, the priesthood session because it was time that the young man got to spend with his father learning from the prophet on how to be honorable men. It may have been a good idea at first and I understand some of the reasonings for not doing them anymore and it’s just my opinion I think we need them back!

Great video. I agree with you. I think we need a departure from the ‘milk-toast’ outward attitudes so prevalent in our LDS culture. I’ve never enjoyed it, or felt that I fit into that mold perfectly. I love the Lord, His Word, His Gospel and His church-I just wish it was more the norm to be less worried about appearances and/or the approval of other members. Not to mention the patting-on-the-back that IS too common LDS culturally. I enjoy your channel and Ward Radio (since they were MM), and Cwic media. Stick of Joseph is really good, too, and often features very deep content. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful, thought provoking faith.

“This people is addicted to--and it is a fault--to be always searching after doctrine, and never improving upon what they have; they want something new, something that they never heard….Ye Elders of Israel, ye men of God, how much do you know about the Kingdom of God? And yet ye are always wanting to know something more, when you ought to improve upon what you have.” (Millennial Star, Volume XIII, No. 17, September 1, 1851, Quotations from President Brigham Young’s Sermon, at the Bowery, Sunday, December 29, 1850)

Also, Jordan Peterson is becoming Orthodox. Let’s goooo!

Amen. Amen. Amen. So grateful you have taken the time to put into words my experience and frustration. I’m saddened by the lack of directness, vision and challenge inside our classes, quorums and wards and stakes. Platitudes and “niceness” abound.

Love this kind of content. Makes me want to help our young men out, but I honestly don't know where to start or what to do

Love Kwaku and your work too.... To be one does not mean to share one opinion on everything, but to welcome differences while keeping the great goal in mind, caring above all about truth, undertanding that there is not that one truth in all things... but rather in those things that matters most... and along the way its spices up the process to allow differences into our dicussions.,. or else its nothing but onesided boringness.. Thanks for the great work..

"The greatest want of the world is the want of men-men who will not be bought or sold; men who in their inmost souls are true and honest; men who do not fear to call sin by its right name; men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole; men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall" (Ellen White)

Right on the mark, Jacob. Yeah. Kwaku has ideas, on occasion, that drive me nuts. But he has terrific insights as well. And me saying so absolutely isn't milquetoast suburban niceness. ;)

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have felt this way for some time and grateful you shared this today! I love your fire for the restored gospel! You are brilliant and exactly what we need to hear! Thanks for making this real!!!!!!!

I loved that on his first general conference, President Nelson told the men to “rise up, o men of God!”

This message has been practically boiling inside me. Growing up in a mixed, semi-converted family, I always resented how so many men in the church seemed weaker and less capable than my smoker/drinker family members. I felt such dissonance in reading about warriors trained from childhood in the Book of Mormon and comparing that to learning stupid dances at EFY. I know this church is true and the gospel is true, but we have allowed much of the strength and boldness of the gospel to slip through our fingers.

Another home run! You’re really in touch w those of us who are real and awake!

Do you know if we're going woke? I want to love everyone but not accept their behavior.

Jared Halverson recently gave a talk at BYU that he reposted to his channel with improved audio. It is called something like Harmony in Pursuit of Orthodoxy. He talks about finding the balance between preaching correct doctrine and being agreeable with others. I find it a much more helpful and nuanced approach.

Jordan Peterson is becoming more popular than our prophet, why?

I got tired of hearing testimonials about how someones paycheck was wrong, and when it got fixed, tjey were reminded of Gods love for us, if we are obedient and faithful to his word during trying times. 😂 I love LDS, but i cant do the surfacey artificial b.s anymore. This transfers into biblical interpretations also. I cant do it. I love the family, but i can't do it anymore! A-Man 100% Your Speaking Truth!

It’s always the radical side of every issue that are loud. We whisper apologies while the ex-Mormons shout their hatred. Our General Young Women’s President is ashamed of the Proclamation. The political parties that strive to protect families or babies are shamed into silence while the voices that oppose those principles loudly proclaim their disgust of conservative values and call us fascists. It is indeed the time where wrong is seen as right and right is seen as wrong. This was a great podcast!

Can’t imagine talking about blow jobs and “dangling dice” while joking and laughing on a public podcast had anything to do with it…. 😉 Yes I agree with what you’re saying about us being straight up and not diluting our messaging down so as not to offend anyone. But there is a line of conduct and standards we should still be living to be an example of the believers. As an example, I can’t imagine the church would keep up a leaders video content on the church’s website if he was found joking and laughing about blow jobs on a podcast with a bunch of other guys using terms like “gay AF” and references to movies like Tropic Thunder that normalize crude sexual talk. C’mon Jacob. You don’t have to be a buttoned up prude, but actions speak louder than words.

I don't always agree with kwaku but he is insightful and it's nice to have an alternative opinion. I also. like to rock the boat a little as well and view myself at times as kind of the black sheep in my ward. Ward radio I like even when I don't agree with them. And as a member I am sick of the sugar coating luke it down garbage many in the church want so we don't offend someone. I prefer Brigham Youngs approach the reason the gospel is preached is so you can prepare to be saved or prepared to be damned. I am apologizing for nothing Brigham was a prophet. Was he also a man of his time yes. He was imperfect but he was still a prophet same with Joseph Smith and as far as I'm concerned the world can go to hell as J golden said that's where they are going anyway of they don't quit there damn foolishness. Jacob is right I saw this on my mission. I noticed when a couple of times we went to other churches that I always heard how Jesus loved us and saves us, and accepts us. But not once did I ever hear condemnation for sin and warning of impending justice for the unrepentant. Not once about accountability and justice. And unfortunately we in the church have fallen into the same trap. I have often told my family and even some of my church leaders. If I were to give the talk in sacrament meaning I felt really needs to be said. I would offend half the ward. It would be a no sugar coating blunt give it to em straight talk and i would even throw myself on the chopping block for my failures but It would be the cold hard truth.

We need a lot more content like Ward Radio in the church

Wow! I just got through sharing this with family and leaders. I pray that I can repent and apply the important concepts you shared and backed up in this video. I've been sick of tip toeing, instead I am going to stand boldly and lovingly as the Savior did.

Love your channel. Helped me to re affirm my testimony and faith. 👍🏾💯🕊️

Amen! Thank you! We have so much to be excited about but everyone is afraid to talk about it. It’s said over and over that we are preparing for the second coming! But when was the last time you actually had a discussion about that at church?

Being 100% honest, I miss bold and spontaneous Saints Unscripted rather than the dull "Come Follow Me" vibes I now get from many channels now.

I very much see a lot of young men, like yourself & Kwaku & the guys on Ward Radio, helping bring back the kind of robust depth of truth to gospel discussions that we all need more of. There will definitely be those who don't have the stomach for all of it. I pray for those souls. I'm sad how many people seem to be afraid of the truths that tend to harshly challenge our worldly tendencies. But anyone who spends very much time talking to the Lord and honing their spiritual ears knows God doesn't want us to stay unchallenged.

This was the first time I've heard your KZfaq program. I liked what was presented and how you presented your message. I'm old enough to remember when our lessons were a lot more meat than milk. We were expected to search out in the scriptures the prophecies that surround the Second Coming Of Our Lord and Savior. We very seldom hear anything about what is still to be fulfilled. I am thankful for the Come Follow Me program because it encourages us to really study the scriptures. In doing so, we are actually able to recognize the prophecies that we are witnessing in today's world. They are not fun, they're not easy, and they are very much meat. Only if we are willing to listen to the promptings of the spirit and dig deeper into the scriptures, finding the full understanding. If all we do is to just read the lesson, we shut the door on the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ. My our prayers in righteousness be fulfilled.

No religion that does not require sacrifice does not have the power to save.

AMEN!!!!! I live in the White Mountains of AZ. Our stake did a week camp out for the young men. One of the activities was to wake the boys up in the middle of the night. Give them 5 minutes to get ready for a hike two miles into the forest. Once they were led to a prearranged place from camp, the leaders divided them into groups of 10 with a couple of priest being in charge of each group. The priest were told it was their job to make sure everyone made it back safely. The leaders took their flashlights away and left them in the dark, in the forest, to make their way back to camp on their own. Sometime after the boys were left in the dark a floodlight was turned on at the camp giving the boys a light to look to. You can imagine all the metaphors that represented . When all the boys had safely made it back the leaders had prepared the most amazing breakfast and served the boys. Every young man came back to our community happy and excited and with the knowledge that they can do hard/scary things. But more importantly, while they were doing many hard/scary things during the entire camp out, they were gaining a testimony of who they are and their relationship to God. Another important part of this story is, the mothers of our community were grateful that their boys were being taught how to become men.

When we seek to understand the Lord’s restored Gospel (and that takes effort and continuity regarding study and prayer ) and seek the Holy Ghost before doing and saying we will have no need to fear while we live and defend the Doctrine of the Restored Gospel…thank you for highlighting this subject of nicey nicey Jacob.. I hope Belle Freeman is tuning in ..she is a big hearted Sister doing a great service to many BUT as was observed in that clip, really not leading our youngsters in the right direction..

Christ the "Prince of Peace" was constantly surrounded by contention. I recently reviewed Matthew and Mark and counted over 40 instances when Christ was confronted with contention. Never did Christ back away from His doctrine in order to alleviate contention. President Nelson's Peacemaker talk should never be studied without President Eyring's companion talk, "Finding Personal Peace", from the same conference. Peace only comes through the commandments, thus if we are to be truly Christlike peacemakers we must advance His doctrine as boldly and unflinchingly as He did. Current attempts to water down the doctrine under the cover of being a peacemaker only serve to advance the cause of the enemy of peace.

In his novel, The Last of the Just, Andre Schwarz-Bart said that Jesus taught "an impossible love." Jesus was no milk-toast preacher. Elder Holland is correct. The Gospel is hard.

This was well said. I'm tired of so many people feeling the need to defend that we are Christians, or that we believe in the same Jesus, or that we aren't crazy for believing the Book of Mormon. Christ said it to Moroni well, "Fools mock, but they shall mourn." Is our belief in temple covenants and salvation through Jesus correct? If yes, then why is the burden on me to prove that we have the truth. I will boldy declare the truth I know. If you challenge me, I'll tell you to research it for yourself. Your salvation is on your hands. My duty is to proclaim. Most people aren't interested in our answers anyway. If someone is truly interested in my answers because they wrestled with the same questions I did. Then I'll share individually so that we can be edified and uplifted together. But I have no interest in casting my hard fought pearls before swine.

Thank you. The problem is, your message came a little late. This needed to come out 8 years ago, or maybe even sooner and by our authorities.

The REAL question is, when on earth are the brethren going to do something to fix this. How long must we wait for our leaders to lead?

Youre such a beacon of light in our community man. Thanks for all you do, youve brought me closer to Christ.