A Final Word to My Readers
To all who have read, shared, or stumbled across this blog over the past eighteen years: thank you. This post marks the final entry on Latter-day Commentary, and I want to explain—honestly, humbly, and clearly—why the site is now empty and why it will soon disappear from the Internet Archive as well. If you are familiar with The Dissent of the Governed, you will understand.
Why I Took the Blog Down
When I began this blog in 2007, it was with the hope of exploring gospel doctrine, LDS church history, and personal faith. I never imagined it would stretch across more than 700 posts or reach hundreds of thousands of readers around the world with over a million views. But over time, the very platform that helped me grow spiritually also became the stage upon which I publicly expressed disagreement with some doctrinal and historical teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I no longer believe that was appropriate.
The Line Between Private Belief and Public Dissent
Through deep prayer and the quiet counsel of trusted friends, I have come to understand a life-altering truth: It’s okay to have questions. It’s okay to think deeply, to struggle, to search. But it is not okay to publicly oppose the doctrine or governance of the Church and still expect to enjoy the blessings of full fellowship within it.
This realization came gradually. But a recent and very personal exchange—with someone whose words I greatly appreciate—helped me see clearly that I met the Church’s own definition of apostasy. Not because I believed differently in my heart, but because I acted on those beliefs in ways that were public, sustained, and oppositional. As Stephen L. Carter once summarized in The Dissent of the Governed, institutions (like governments or churches) tolerate dissent—until it becomes effective. I now accept that my blog had crossed that line.
Respecting the Church’s Right to Govern
And so, I have taken it down. Not under duress, but voluntarily. Not in anger, but with peace and a feeling of completion. The Lord told me in prayer that it had served its purpose. I have learned from it. Others have too. But I cannot in good conscience leave content online that openly questions the leaders of the Church and undermines the Church’s right to define its doctrine and history.
I have formally requested the removal of my archived material from the Internet Archive, which may take a while. This decision is part of my sincere effort to demonstrate to the First Presidency that I honor the terms of Church membership and governance. Like Michelle Stone, who I believe removed her podcast as an act of submission and repentance, I am making this gesture publicly—not because the Church asked me to, but because the Lord did.
The Role of My Blog in My Apostasy
I also want to acknowledge the kindness and long-suffering of my local bishops and stake presidents. Over the years, they have reached out with compassion, welcomed me warmly, and allowed me to participate as much as possible, even after my resignation in 2014. They counseled with me, listened patiently to me, tried to teach me, prayed with me, and offered priesthood blessings. I thank them deeply. I regret that decision to resign. It was not necessary. In my intellectual pursuit to better understand church history and doctrine, I was blind, looking beyond the mark of how apostasy is defined.
Learning by Sad Experience
Most of all, I thank my wife, Carol. She has never wavered. She has continued to love me, pray with me, worship with me, study with me, and hope on my behalf. This journey has hurt her more than anyone else. My decision to resign was a mistake—one I made in frustration and pride. I have learned, and I am still learning, by sad experience. But I now act to be one with her, as the Lord and my local church leaders have invited.
Carol’s Faithfulness and My Desire to Return
Some will wonder if I still believe what I once wrote. The answer is: much of it, yes. But I will never again express such views publicly—not on a public blog like this one, not in LDS Church meetings (they never were), not on Church-owned property, and not where they could be interpreted as opposition. There is room for someone like me in the Church, but only if I submit to the house rules. I do so willingly, and with gratitude.
Petitioning the First Presidency
I have formally petitioned the First Presidency for rebaptism and the restoration of my blessings (a lengthy process). If they permit it, it will be the fulfillment of my deepest hope—to participate again in full fellowship, to serve, to worship, and to walk in covenant beside my wife.
To Those I May Have Influenced
While this may seem like a private matter, I share it here because I have always lived my spiritual life publicly on this blog. This final post is simply the closing of that chapter. If you are someone I influenced in ways that led you away from the Church, I ask your forgiveness. That was never my intention.
I Still Believe, But I Will No Longer Post Publicly
I love the Lord. I trust Him. And I trust Him to guide me home. That journey requires that I present myself to him beside my wife, with our hearts knit together in love.
Closing Thoughts: A Covenant-Keeping Heart
I remain true to my covenants, all of them. I honor them, and I recognize their sacred significance.