Keepers of the FAT

Shawn McCraney critiques LDS practices, challenges traditional Trinitarian views, emphasizes genuine spiritual pursuit over external judgments, and advocates for theological dialogue.
Published: February 27, 2018
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Episode Description:

Shawn McCraney discusses various spiritual and religious matters, emphasizing a recent interview with Sam Young, founder of "Protectingldschildren.org," who campaigns against certain LDS practices involving children. Additionally, Shawn delves into his personal struggle with traditional Trinitarian views, acknowledging his belief in one God manifesting as the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, while also expressing gratitude for the dialogue and resources shared by others to support his theological journey.

Shawn teaches that while his interpretations of Christianity might deviate from traditional views, he urges individuals to genuinely seek God, test all teachings, and hold on to what is good, acknowledging his own potential biases and anomalies within historical theological discussion. He emphasizes the importance of understanding differing theological perspectives, such as the Trinity, suggesting that mainstream explanations may not always resonate and that there is value in dialogue and exploration between differing faith traditions.

Challenging traditional interpretations of the Trinity can result in backlash, as exemplified by Shawn's experiences and his comparison of such beliefs to man-made constructs that hinder seeking God and Jesus authentically. Moreover, Shawn addresses judgment based on physical appearance and weight within Christian communities, questioning whether these attributes affect one's faith and relationship with God, and emphasizing that such perceptions could be a distraction from genuine spiritual pursuit.

Religious teachings warning against gluttony should not be confused with judging individuals based on their weight, as genetic predispositions and different lifestyles contribute to body size, which is separate from one's spiritual standing or relationship with God. Emphasizing a shift from focusing on external appearances to internal virtues, this teaching highlights that righteous living under Christ prioritizes what emanates from one's heart rather than adherence to outdated legalistic standards.

Shawn discusses the struggle with societal and religious judgment over his body image and weight, expressing how he initially altered his lifestyle and appearance to gain acceptance, which led to unhealthy behaviors and pride. Ultimately, he realized that true growth comes from embracing his authentic self and focusing on his spiritual relationship, rather than conforming to external pressures for validation or acceptance.

Shawn critiques Christians who use worldly standards and scientific measures to judge others, arguing that these judgments do not align with the eternal perspective Christians should embrace. He challenges the use of the Bible as a tool for judgment rather than a historical account of salvation, highlighting hypocrisy within the faith.