City of Refuge

Shawn McCraney suggests that the phrase "remission of sins" in the Gospels and Acts refers specifically to freeing the Jewish people from the sins defined by the law, while Paul's use of a different Greek term implies that, for non-Jews, their sins are tolerated due to Christ's grace. He emphasizes that faith is fortified through studying the Bible verse by verse and invites people to join in this pursuit of understanding and strengthening faith, whether through in-person gatherings or online platforms.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of preparing for a future "Christian city of refuge" that stands apart from conventional religious institutions and focuses on genuine biblical teachings, independent of present-day religious politics and manipulations. The gatherings at CAMPUS serve as experimental spaces for practicing freedom in Christ, where individuals of diverse beliefs and lifestyles are encouraged to openly express themselves and interact in an environment free from imposed rules or expectations.

Shawn emphasizes an open, inclusive approach to practicing Christianity, advocating that believers should pursue Christ freely according to their individual convictions, fostering an environment that encourages dialogue, patience, and love amidst differences. This approach promotes growth in spiritual maturity by embracing diverse opinions and practices, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that everyone, regardless of belief or background, is heard and respected, while teaching the Bible honestly and contextually.

Shawn's teaching discusses the biblical view of homosexuality as a sin, emphasizing that all humans fall short and are in need of grace through Christ's redemption. Despite addressing sin according to scripture, he focuses on faith in Jesus, who overcame sin, and advocates for understanding and loving God and others while encouraging open discussion on these topics.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the importance of addressing challenging situations and painful rhetoric with grace and understanding while maintaining faith and trust in God to navigate through them. It encourages learning from science and history to strengthen faith, surrendering to God's guidance as it brings peace and lifts burdens, and stresses the transformative power of being born again through Christ.

Shawn shares a story of a spiritual awakening where he experienced a profound connection to the Holy Ghost, resulting in a life-changing rebirth and commitment to follow Christ, ultimately leading him to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His testimony emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging human imperfection while striving to live out Christ's commandments through acts of righteousness.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the importance of glorifying God daily through actions and attitudes, while contemplating the complex nature of spirituality beyond human understanding, particularly in light of leaving Mormonism. He reflects on the contrast between worldly desires and spiritual enlightenment, encouraging trust in divine guidance and raising questions about personal spiritual growth and eschatological beliefs.

Shawn's teaching includes a discussion on understanding Jesus' true message by examining the gospel accounts and early Christian writings, separated from the apostle Paul's influence, which some argue shifted the focus of Christianity towards doctrines not originally taught by Jesus. He emphasizes the significance of viewing biblical hell references as directed towards Pharisees and adherents of the Old Covenant, suggesting a nuanced approach to traditional interpretations.

The teaching explains that the "hell" referred to by Jesus is not about eternal torment but rather pertains to the destruction of unbelieving Jews and the end of the Mosaic Law in AD 70, with the gathering and casting into the lake of fire symbolizing the rejection of those who did not accept the new covenant. Additionally, the phrase "gnashing of teeth" is interpreted not as suffering in the afterlife but as an expression of mocking or disdain by the wicked towards the righteous, highlighted by its use in various Old Testament verses.

The teaching by Shawn emphasizes a belief system founded on the rejection of certain LDS doctrines, stressing the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ alone, as well as the rejection of the concept of God having been a man or having a wife. Furthermore, it presents the Godhead as comprising only two distinct entities, God the Father as a spirit and Jesus Christ as a person of flesh and bone, highlighting a distinct view of religious texts like the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants while scrutinizing what is perceived as false teachings within the mainstream LDS church.