Bill Reel joins Jack Naneek for a discussion about seeking validation, the institutional church and where to find peace when no one around you seems able or willing to give it.  Is anger a necessary step towards greater understanding, or, is it a stumbling block?  And just who has the final say at the end… Read More »Mormon Awakenings: Episode 018: Jack and Bill (Go Up a Hill)

Jack Naneek discusses a monk’s enlightenment as he walks through the market.  Our binary world is examined and compared with the less binary views of the East. Maybe the atonement represents a transition between the two? In the end, we realize we might be able to understand life as more than just a series of… Read More »Mormon Awakenings: Episode 017: It Ain’t So Binary

Jack Naneek discusses three visitors to his home ward.  A disappointment from an earlier period of his life is examined.  Paul’s epistle to the Romans is considered, along with its implications regarding the law and general worthiness.  In the end, maybe we are Celestial Kingdom material after all!

Jack Naneek discusses the metaphors of life, and distinguishes them from life itself.  A new commandments is given, and the blessings and penalties of this commandment are discussed.  In the end, we advanced understanding. Maybe. Or maybe we’re just all clueless!

Jack Naneek examines maze running as well as maze jumping. The prodigal son(s) are examined. We learn the paths of our lives are uniquely suited to our needs, which makes what we do not as important as the doing of it! In the end, we learn that there’s something way bigger than the maze, the… Read More »Mormon Awakenings: 014: Rats in a Maze

Jack Naneek discusses the ineffable, the limits of words, and changing ourselves. The story of Alma the Elder is discussed, as well as a special needs child. In the end, we learn God might be more than a bearded man in the sky handing out Christmas gifts.

Jack Naneek explores the limitations we put on ourselves, and how that can lead us to overlook all that is miraculous around us.  Trips to Hong Kong, near car accidents and a review of the story of Ruth are considered.  In the end, we learn that maybe God is closer and more omnipresent (if something… Read More »Mormon Awakenings: 012: Seeing Color in a Black and White World

Jack Naneek tackles life’s purposes in teaching us fact from fiction, faith from fantasy.  He dives deeply into our errors of prejudging others based on appearance or disposition.  The storms of life are considered, and, understood as necessary for showing us that there is a more powerful force guiding us through them.

Jack Naneek discusses the daily grind of dealing with the people around us.  No matter their rank, how others treat you says very little about you and everything about them.  Yet, all interactions, good and bad, are part of the great learning process called life.  In the end, we discover that even Elijah had to… Read More »Mormon Awakenings: 010: Jerky Neighbors and Prying Stake Presidents

Jack Naneek discusses our identity of origin in contrast to the identity we choose. A Prophet and a fatherless convert are compared. Modern Mormonism looks a bit different than maybe we originally thought. In the end, we learn that finding ourselves requires that we lose ourselves first.