Welcome to Powerful Possibilities—a website and monthly email newsletter that will feature insights and short studies from individuals seeking to expand their view of LDS theology and culture.
I want this to be a place of light. I don't care if you are a baptized member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not associated with the LDS Church at all. I don't care if you're active, less active, or have stepped away from the church—but still value some of the principles. I know there are a lot of people who have left, but still hope for more from the LDS Church—more inclusivity, more transparency, and the like.
I do, too.
I hope there's a place for everyone here. That's the hope. Again, the light is what we're aiming for here.
One of my new favorite books is Restoration: God's Call to the 21st-Century World by Patrick Q. Mason. In it, he teaches that the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is ongoing—it didn't just start and end with Joseph Smith. He states: "We have to listen to God's voice and discern what that voice is telling us today. It is not enough to know what God intended for his children only in previous generations, as recorded in the scriptures—though as our "standard works" they are indispensable and timeless guides. We have to know what God wants for us right now. The ongoing Restoration means that every generation, and every person, must rediscover the gospel of Jesus Christ for themselves" (pp. 33-34).
I interpret that as we individually must listen and discern for ourselves what God is revealing to us. Growing up, I thought that anything church leaders said—from local leaders to worldwide leaders—was doctrine. As I've progressed and learned to think more critically, I am in the process of learning that my relationship with my Heavenly Parents is far more personal than I realized before.
While some realizations and insights about the gospel have come to me purely through personal revelation, most of the time I learn through reading and hearing what others have discovered. Then, with the help of the Spirit and personal pondering, I decide how these insights will influence my own views, if at all.
As Sheri Dew, author and former counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency (1997-2002), asks in her book Worth the Wrestle, "Are you willing to engage in the wrestle? In an ongoing spiritual wrestle? If we want to grow spiritually, the Lord expects us to ask questions and seek answers."
I hope this will offer you a safe space to expand your view of the gospel of Jesus Christ, wherever that leads you. Feel free to ask questions, share insights, contribute articles, and share the articles that resonate with you with others.
Again—this is a safe space. Please be conscious of not bashing LDS beliefs or theology. We want to expand, not diminish.
If you are interested in contributing an article or other piece to Powerful Possibilities, send in a topic proposal here. At this time, you can direct any questions to me, Allie, through Instagram.
Welcome to the community. We're so glad you're here!
Allie Barnes
Founder, Powerful Possibilities
