Sola Scriptura, Part 2

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of examining all Christian truth-claims through a biblical context, rejecting any traditions or practices that diverge from this approach, and maintains that his teachings are in line with Bible-believing Christianity. Despite facing criticism and being associated with Mormonism, McCraney clarifies his rejection of Mormon doctrines, affirming core Christian beliefs such as monotheism, the divinity of Jesus, the authority of the Bible, salvation by grace through faith, and the importance of love among believers, while encouraging constructive dialogue over doctrinal disagreements.

Shawn emphasizes a Spirit-led approach to Christianity, advocating that the Holy Spirit is primary and preferential, while scripture is secondary and referential, and that the traditions of men are merely deferential. This teaching challenges traditional structures, urging believers to seek genuine faith through Christ and the Spirit, free from human intermediaries and institutional constraints.

The essence of Christian faith should prioritize the Holy Spirit, who is primary and preferential, over the Bible, which is secondary and referential, and emphasize the importance of preaching and teaching rather than writing. The early apostolic church was primarily founded on the spoken word and the work of the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated by Jesus' commission to preach and through historical examples where oral tradition and spiritual guidance were more effective than written texts.

The teaching emphasizes that the Holy Spirit, rather than solely relying on scripture, should be the guiding force for Christians in achieving unity, harmony, and love, as evidenced by the early church after Pentecost. It critiques the doctrine of Sola Scriptura for creating division, leading to the formation of numerous Protestant sects, and calls for a return to living by the Spirit, which produces the true fruit of Christianity.

Shawn emphasizes that the essence of Christianity is rooted in love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, rather than strict adherence to written scripture or Sola Scriptura, especially given the historically low literacy rates that would have excluded many from understanding biblical texts. He questions the Protestant emphasis on scripture alone, arguing this perspective places undue power in the hands of the educated, while true Christian faith should be accessible to all, including the uneducated and humble, through love and preaching.

Faith Christian Church, linked to various abusive practices such as financial coercion and public shaming, has drawn significant concern from former members and their families, with many experiencing severe psychological distress. Despite reports and calls for investigation, the University of Arizona maintains limitations due to state laws but highlights its commitment to ensure student groups provide positive experiences, while the church leaders remain unresponsive to allegations.

Faith Christian Church focuses on engaging college students with the gospel, encouraging some to leave their careers and families to serve the church, where it employs a "deputized support" method for funding its campus ministers. While some members, like Rachel Mullis and Lawrence Alfred, describe being drawn in through intense friendliness and later experiencing diminishing personal freedom and financial struggles, former minister Nick Puente recounts living minimally on solicited donations, highlighting the controversial and allegedly cult-like practices within the organization led by ex-convict John Hall.

Shawn taught that involvement in a religious community does not necessarily require formal seminary education, as demonstrated by Steve Hall's leadership in Faith Christian Church despite not attending seminary, which aligns with broader evangelical views that practical experience can be sufficient for pastoral roles. However, Hall's methods under criticism, particularly the alleged promotion of corporal punishment starting in infancy, have led to controversy and departures from the church, highlighting significant divergence within Evangelical practices and beliefs.

The teaching highlights issues within Faith Christian Church, where children were subjected to corporal punishment for normal behaviors, and leaders exercised stringent control over members' personal finances, requiring at least a 10% tithing and expelling those who failed to comply. The church's financial influence expanded significantly, with assets growing from $200,000 to over $5 million, while former members describe a culture of surveillance and pressure that discouraged dissent and led to exclusion for those who did not conform to church directives.

The teaching highlights issues within a church organization where female members were oppressed and accused of embodying a "Jezebel spirit," reflecting entrenched sexism and control over women's roles and voices. Additionally, the church environment led to alienation from families, suppression of personal agency, and discouraged seeking outside help, with church leaders maintaining strict control over personal relationships and life choices.

Faith Christian's practices have been criticized for exerting excessive control over members' lives, discouraging independent decision-making, and pressuring members to cut ties with non-church friends, violating biblical principles. Former members have found solace and community through social media platforms that allow them to share their experiences and relieve feelings of isolation, despite church leaders condemning these actions.