Mormonism and Five Point Calvinism, Part 7

Shawn McCraney discusses the importance of being open to change and questioning established beliefs in religious and institutional settings, emphasizing that progress is impossible without the willingness to reevaluate and possibly alter one's mindset in light of new truths. He argues that Christianity, like many institutions, tends to resist change, leading to the complacency of its leaders and followers, and encourages seekers of truth to prioritize genuine exploration over settling for complacency and unchanging traditions.

Jesus and his disciples encountered resistance from the Samaritans due to their determination to head to Jerusalem, prompting James and John to suggest calling down fire from heaven in retaliation, akin to the actions of Elijah; however, Jesus rebuked them, emphasizing that his mission was to save lives, not destroy them. This incident highlights the contrast between the disciples' desire for retribution and Jesus' teachings of compassion and humility, further exemplified by his earlier lesson on greatness being awarded to those who serve with humility, rather than seeking personal glory or power.

Jesus teaches humility, inclusivity, and compassion by emphasizing that the greatest in the Kingdom of God is like a child, advocating for acceptance of those who do good in His name, and highlighting His mission to save, not destroy, lives. In contrast, Five Point Calvinism, summarized by the TULIP acronym, presents concepts such as total depravity and perseverance of the saints, suggesting that salvation is secured by God's grace and not dependent on human actions, which is differently interpreted in Mormonism as God granting every person the tools to choose Him.

Calvinism posits that individuals are inherently spiritually dead and incapable of choosing God on their own, whereas Mormonism suggests that all people are born as children of God with heavenly parentage, differing fundamentally in their views of human nature and agency. Furthermore, Calvinism asserts that God elects some to salvation independent of their actions, a notion criticized as contradictory to a loving God, while Mormonism emphasizes the role of free will and personal agency in achieving salvation, presenting a more inclusive approach to salvation.

Shawn teaches that God's will is always accomplished in a loving and redemptive manner, while simultaneously respecting human free will through His foreknowledge, which allows individuals to act freely like autonomous entities across human existence. This perspective suggests a balance between the belief systems of LDS, which emphasizes individual accountability, and Calvinism, which highlights controlled salvation, asserting that the Holy Spirit facilitates the salvation of all, not just the elect, culminating in universal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord.

Jesus is central to salvation, requiring acceptance of Him as Lord through the Holy Spirit, and while not everyone will be saved, God's intention is for all to reach repentance. The contrast between Calvinism and Mormonism highlights that while Calvinists believe God's elect cannot lose salvation, both systems ultimately result in believers striving to prove their status, which ironically contrasts with the freedom God intends.