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Transformed Through Christ and the LDS Gospel: Kyle Merkley’s Journey Through Gender Dysphoria, Marriage, and Faith Kyle Merkley’s story is one of the more remarkable modern Latter-day Saint testimonies about gender, marriage, agency, and the power of Jesus Christ. His story is different from Joshua Johanson’s because Kyle’s central struggle was not same-sex attraction. Kyle describes experiencing severe gender dysphoria, beginning when he was only around ten or eleven years old. He… Read more

Transformed by Christ: How the Church’s Teachings Guided Joshua Johanson Toward Marriage and Family Joshua Johanson’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when someone decides that Jesus Christ and the teachings of His Church will guide his life more than labels, impulses, or expectations from the world. Joshua has spoken openly about experiencing same-sex attraction. He said that before meeting Alyssa, he had never been attracted to women. Then,… Read more

James E. Faust’s address Self-Esteem: A Great Human Need is a masterful example of how gospel doctrine can be applied to real and often deeply personal human struggles. Though delivered decades ago, the talk feels remarkably modern because it addresses questions that never fade with time: how we see ourselves, where our worth truly comes from, and how we can live with confidence without falling into pride. From a Latter-day Saint perspective,… Read more

To our Latter-day Saint readers: As we explore the case that America was founded as a Christian nation, we welcome the clear and faithful perspective your community brings. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the founding of this country was guided by God, and that conviction fits naturally with a serious look at our nation’s Christian roots. As you consider the historical, legal, and cultural evidence below, reflect… Read more

When the undersea volcano Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai erupted on January 15, 2022, it sent shockwaves throughout the Pacific. (While this happened in 2022, we felt it a wonderful story worth revisiting). The explosion generated a tsunami that devastated the Kingdom of Tonga, destroying homes, flooding villages, and covering the islands in thick volcanic ash. In the midst of chaos and destruction, five young missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day… Read more

Before Narnia there was a friendship that changed everything. Read how J.R.R. Tolkien helped lead C.S. Lewis to Christ one ordinary walk at a time. C. S. Lewis’s conversion story is not just about two brilliant writers—it’s about how God uses faithful friendship to bring light where there was once doubt. Before Lewis ever became the beloved author of Mere Christianity and The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a staunch atheist who… Read more

When tragedy strikes it often reveals both the darkness of the world and the light of the human spirit. Last Sunday that light came from a 14 year old young man named Jasper, a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ, whose quick thinking and courage saved his younger brothers during a horrific church shooting in Michigan. What was meant to be a Sabbath of worship and renewal became a scene… Read more

Celebrating 2025 John Whitmer Historical Association Award Winners The 2025 John Whitmer Historical Association (JWHA) conference has honed in on some remarkable contributions to the field of Mormon history. These scholars have significantly impacted our understanding of various aspects of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), shedding light on topics that resonate deeply within our community and beyond. Each award recipient has crafted narratives that enrich our LDS heritage,… Read more

Understanding General Authority Preferences: A Latter-day Saint Perspective As we approach General Conference, we are again reminded of the importance of listening to our leaders. This gathering is a time for church members to reaffirm their commitment to the covenant path, emphasize the significance of the One True Church, and reflect on the Book of Mormon. However, amidst these truths, there are peculiar preferences and teachings from General Authorities (GAs) that frequently… Read more

Standing with Victims and Families in Grand Blanc, Michigan As Latter-day Saints, we covenant to mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort. In the wake of the September 28, 2025 attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, many lives were forever changed. Below are ways to offer direct, practical help through verified fundraisers, along with brief summaries to… Read more