Ontology of God, Part 5

Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of seeking a personal connection with God and rejecting institutional religion, suggesting that believers should rely on the Holy Spirit rather than religious authorities, as illustrated in the movie "Spotlight." He also critiques the use of thought-killing clichés by religious groups, which oversimplifies and distorts individuals' identities, calling for a more nuanced understanding and communication within religious communities.

Subjective Christianity emphasizes personal relationships with God, urging believers to extend mercy over judgment and refrain from speaking ill of one another, as reflected in the teachings of James and Paul. By siding with mercy and acknowledging that ultimate judgment rests with God alone, believers are encouraged to focus on individual conscience and personal accountability in their spiritual journey.

The teaching criticizes the LDS Church's decision to exclude children of same-sex marriages from certain rites, arguing that it prioritizes institutional strength over individual needs and diverges from the teachings of true Christianity that focus on aiding the marginalized. It emphasizes that Christianity should concentrate on salvation through Jesus Christ rather than focusing on condemning sin, advocating for self-reflection and compassion over judgment.

Shawn's teaching critiques both Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity for their differing views on the nature of God, emphasizing the need for Christians to focus on glorifying God through Jesus Christ in all actions and encouraging hospitality towards others. It highlights the theological complexity and differing interpretations of God's ontology within religious communities and proposes a balanced understanding that acknowledges the hierarchy presented in the New Testament while cautioning against tradition-based beliefs that may lead to incomplete perspectives.

Understanding life eternal involves an ongoing, experiential knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, emphasizing a continuous and evolving relationship beyond mere theological or traditional constructs. Shawn argues there is a critical difference between epistemological knowledge (experiential and spiritual understanding) and ontological knowledge (the nature or essence of God), suggesting that true spiritual growth comes from the former rather than rigid adherence to doctrinal definitions.

Shawn discusses the limited use of plural pronouns in the Old Testament to refer to God, cautioning against interpretations by Trinitarians and LDS henotheists that suggest either a multiplicity of divine beings or the pre-existence of Jesus. Instead of shifting between religious traditions and their interpretations, he emphasizes seeking an unencumbered understanding of God through a personal faith in Christ, as offered by his ministry, CAMPUS, which focuses on a verse-by-verse study of Scripture.

Shawn addresses the differences between Mormonism and Christianity, highlighting areas where each may seem closer than perceived but acknowledging significant doctrinal divergences, particularly regarding the role of works versus faith in salvation. He also provides guidance on reconciling faith with critical biblical scholarship, understanding the Bible's view on homosexuality, and worshiping authentically while searching for a church community, reflecting ongoing conversations and questions of faith within religious communities.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes transitioning from organized religion, particularly from Mormonism, towards a direct and personal relationship with Christ by reading and understanding the Bible independently, while addressing doubts, fears, and the challenges involved in confronting entrenched beliefs. The testimonies shared reveal struggles with leaving the church, fears of losing family, and the quest for spiritual truth, underscoring the transformative power of Shawn’s ministry in encouraging individuals to embrace their faith journeys and find peace in personal spirituality.

Shawn's teaching encourages individuals to discern truth through critical examination of religious beliefs, as demonstrated by Reed's appreciation for insights that prevented potential conversion to LDS and Steven's emphasis on using creation teachings to help individuals, including Mormons and Catholics, find a personal relationship with Jesus. Sandra Estrella and Laura express a strong interest in further engaging with Shawn's work, whether through acquiring his new book or understanding church practices affecting children's baptisms, indicating the significance of such discussions in navigating complex religious landscapes.