The Friend, Controversy, and the Narrow Gate

The internet, as we know, is a relentless engine of both connection and contention. It seems a recent post from *The Friend* magazine's Instagram page—regarding the potential for female bishops—has ignited precisely the latter. The comments, predictably, were a maelstrom. But this isn’t merely about a social media squabble; it’s a symptom of a deeper struggle within the body of believers: how do we faithfully transmit the gospel to a generation accustomed to instant answers and often, a penchant for seeking validation from the world?

We, as Latter-day Saints, are tasked with holding fast to the iron rod, as spoken of in 1 Nephi 15:24. This rod, representing the love of God and the doctrine of Christ, is a vital defense against the seductive whispers of the world. Yet, simplifying doctrine to appease the sensibilities of those outside the fold can weaken the rod itself.

The episode touches upon a larger, ongoing effort to dismantle criticisms leveled against the Book of Mormon, demonstrating, as Brother Jeffries has so eloquently shown, the internal consistency and divine authorship of the sacred text. It’s a battle fought not merely with academic arguments, but with unwavering testimony.

Austin Bonner’s work with Brother Sunbeam deserves particular note. The creation of a children’s show designed to impart gospel truths—with episodes like the recent pro-life installment—is a powerful example of intentional discipleship. It's a testament to the possibility of engaging young minds with challenging topics, presented in a manner accessible to even the youngest among us. As the scripture reminds us in Isaiah 2:2, “And all thy sons shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy children.” This effort to introduce foundational principles, even complex ones, early on reflects a profound understanding of the Restoration.

The laughter elicited by Brother Sunbeam’s moments of, let’s call it, “unscripted authenticity,” serves as a crucial reminder. Humility and vulnerability are not hindrances to testimony; they are essential components. It is through recognizing our own imperfections that we can more fully appreciate the grace of our Lord and Savior.

The path of discipleship is often narrow, requiring us to navigate uncomfortable truths and resist the pressures of a world that frequently misunderstands and misrepresents our beliefs. The willingness to confront these challenges head-on, with both intellectual rigor and unwavering faith, is what separates the lukewarm from the faithful. As President Kimball taught, “It is easy to be nice; it is hard to be faithful.”

Let us not shy away from the harder questions, the uncomfortable truths, or the seemingly controversial discussions. Let us instead embrace them as opportunities to deepen our understanding and strengthen our resolve. The Lord’s call is not to comfort, but to courage; not to compromise, but to contend.