LDS-Eccletheoculture

Shawn McCraney discusses the influence of cultural pressures and the manipulative methods used by organizations to control members, particularly within religious contexts. He highlights personal experiences where his nonconformity led to conflict, inspiring a deeper investigation into the differences between God and the organizations claiming to represent Him, referencing Dr. Robert J. Lifton's study on brainwashing and thought reform to illustrate the manipulative techniques employed by these groups.

Shawn's teaching outlines the methods of control and manipulation used by totalist groups or cults, such as enforcing an "us vs. them" mentality, manipulating emotions to enforce group norms, demanding strict purity, and utilizing confession as a means of control. Such groups create a sacred aura around their doctrines, discourage questioning, use loaded language as a tool for conformity, and prioritize doctrine over individual experiences, effectively reducing the complexity of human morality to simplistic dichotomies.

Shawn critiques authoritarian religious structures that prioritize doctrinal adherence over individual experiences, often marginalizing or demonizing those outside the group while manipulating members with fear of condemnation or bad fortune. He envisions a Christian community that values diversity, acceptance, and unconditional love, where individuals are free to worship and express their faith without rigid expectations or judgments, creating an environment where Jesus himself would be welcomed.

The teachings by Shawn distinguish three components within organizations like the LDS Church or a bowling chain: the "Ecclesiastic," representing the physical and organizational aspects, the "Theology," outlining doctrines open to personal and institutional interpretation, and the resultant "Culture," shaped by these elements alongside member interactions. The culture reflects the interplay between organizational governance, doctrinal guidelines, and individual practices, creating a unique sub-culture akin to variations seen in different bowling alley chains.

Christian religions, including those striving to be Christian, share cultural similarities such as a general disapproval of immodesty, drunkenness, and sexual sin, alongside a need for effective missionary programs, youth ministries, and competent scripture study leadership. However, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a unique cultural identity that blurs the line between doctrine and cultural norms, emphasizing strict adherence to lifestyle standards, which often influences members' choices in education, family size, and other personal decisions, underscoring a strong allegiance to church leadership and cultural expectations.

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, there exists a prescribed way to approach every aspect of life, from words and behavior to attire, guided by leaders, doctrine, and cultural norms. Members must choose whether to adhere to these guidelines or face potential consequences for their decisions.