Mormonism and Five Point Calvinism, Part 3

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of Christian love, highlighting its various manifestations based on biblical models, with a primary focus on love for God and subsequently for one another, especially among believers. He also promotes enriching one's spiritual journey through verse-by-verse Bible study and engaging with music that sets scripture to song, showcasing the work of his daughter Mallory in creating these musical compositions.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of expressing comprehensive Christian love by treating neighbors, believers, and even enemies with kindness and truth, as taught by Jesus. Despite facing rejection from a local TV station, he remains grateful for community support and uses the experience for personal and spiritual reflection, highlighting the necessity of unwavering commitment to outreach and truth.

Shawn realized, after a period of deep personal and spiritual struggle, that staying off local television was ultimately a blessing, as it led to greater freedom and opportunities for his ministry, including the creation of an independent studio and the pursuit of a local television channel that allows uncensored expression of Christian teachings. Despite initial disappointment and feelings of rejection, Shawn embraced a renewed perspective that emphasized resilience, clarity, and a commitment to seeking and sharing truth without compromise.

Alathea Ministries is transitioning from its previous religious affiliations and is set to focus on a biblically-rooted path that challenges non-biblical traditions in modern evangelicalism, while becoming a multifaceted community for those weary of traditional religious constructs. In this new era, Shawn emphasizes the crucial role of doctrine and theology in shaping personal and collective identities, as they significantly impact how individuals view themselves and their faith in the context of being part of the Christian community.

The teachings contrast Calvinism and Mormonism by highlighting Calvinism's doctrine of "Total Depravity," which suggests every aspect of human nature is tainted and unable to perform true virtuous acts without divine regeneration, against Mormonism's belief that individuals are inherently Children of God from birth. The story of two women, Debbie and Lucinda, illustrates how one's upbringing and personal beliefs can shape their worldview and self-perception, reflecting their foundational religious philosophies.

Human beings are inherently inclined away from spiritual matters due to their fallen state, and only through God's persistent influence can they seek to know or please Him; this perspective aligns with Calvinism's concept of Total Depravity, suggesting that true spiritual pursuit is initiated by God's call rather than human effort. Joseph Smith's assertion that people are born as children of God introduces a contrasting view that may promote self-reliance and moral behavior but could also inhibit the pursuit of divine grace, while the Calvinist view urges reliance on God's constant call, which is available to all, to cultivate true spiritual connection.

Shawn's teaching critiques the belief that disabilities or limitations, whether racial, physical, or intellectual, are penalties for a lack of faithfulness in a fictional pre-mortal existence, as suggested by Harold B. Lee. Instead, Shawn encourages reflection on contemporary LDS teachings and the potential for future reevaluation of doctrines that may later seem outdated or misguided.