Another Joseph Smith?

Shawn highlights the reaction to Thomas Monson's death, noting the absence of Jesus in the biographer's account of Monson's afterlife experiences and critiquing the LDS Church's portrayal of his life as one of unceasing service. He contrasts this with his own view that Monson, like all people, meets God through Christ, discovering profound love and realizing the hollow nature of worldly pride and accomplishments compared to the spiritual strength of humble, faithful souls.

In Shawn's teaching, a man born blind, healed by Jesus on the Sabbath, bravely defends Jesus as a prophet against religious leaders who accuse Him of being a sinner because He violated their Sabbath laws. The healed man asserts that despite the religious leaders' insistence on labeling Jesus negatively, the undeniable fact remains that he can now see, illustrating the boldness and independence Jesus instills in His followers.

This teaching discusses the theme of empowerment through faith, exemplified by the story of a man healed by Jesus who boldly challenges the religious authorities, illustrating the transformative power of divine intervention against human-imposed orthodoxy. It also touches on the personal journey of the teacher, who acknowledges similarities with Joseph Smith but emphasizes a commitment to a biblically grounded approach without creating a new denomination or faith offshoot.

Shawn differentiates himself from Joseph Smith by emphasizing his commitment to scripture without adding extra-biblical teachings, rejecting claims of prophetic authority, and opposing the establishment of exclusive religious structures. He advocates for an inclusive interpretation of Christianity that centers on the Bible, personal faith, and spiritual maturity, rejecting ideas such as polygamy, premortal existence, and hierarchical religious authority.

Shawn emphasizes a belief in the spiritual realm over the physical, asserting that the spiritual Kingdom is present within the hearts of believers, rather than expecting a material Kingdom on earth. He teaches the importance of communion as a memorial rather than a renewal of covenants and stresses relying on the Bible alone, rejecting the creation of new religious mandates.