A Critique of Sandra Tanner

Shawn advocates for faith in Christ free from religious demands, emphasizing personal spiritual liberty, critiquing traditional church practices, and encouraging open dialogue.
Published: November 7, 2017
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Episode Description:

Jesus's victory assures complete salvation by faith in Him, and any religious elements that impose demands, guilt, or obligations detract from the true spirit of freedom and liberty found in Christ. Avoid religions that bind you both spiritually and doctrinally, and instead, seek a fellowship where Christ's liberating spirit of love and truth flourishes, unfettered by religious rhetoric, practices, or demands.

At CAMPUS, the emphasis is on worshipping God in both spirit and truth, which provides true liberty and freedom in one's faith, unhindered by religious rituals or institutional demands. This approach aligns with New Testament teachings, highlighting that where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is liberty, thereby creating the most authentic and liberated practice of Christianity.

Shawn emphasizes that true faith should be subjective, allowing every individual the liberty to pursue their personal understanding of God, free from religious bondage often imposed by church authorities. He critiques traditional churches for restricting this freedom through legalistic demands, arguing that true accountability should be to Jesus alone, fostering a relationship rooted in liberty and love rather than control.

Shawn emphasizes the need for individuals to experience freedom in Christ by rejecting religious bondage, critiquing the manipulative practices within churches such as enforced tithing and guilt-driven contributions. Through his ministry, Shawn seeks to address these issues from a place of love, aiming to liberate people and encourage open dialogue, even as he encounters opposition and differing views from religious leaders.

In this teaching, Shawn criticizes Sandra Tanner’s approach to exposing the flaws of Mormonism without addressing the spiritual void left behind, comparing it to liberating a country only to abandon its people. He challenges Sandra to reconsider her beliefs and methods, asking whether she has examined the inconsistencies in Christian history with the same rigor she applied to Mormonism, and questions her alignment with Calvinism or other theological views.

Shawn challenges religious leader Sandra to clarify her beliefs to those leaving Mormonism, urging transparency about contentious topics like eternal hell, religious authority, and Reformed theology. He advocates for the promotion of personal faith understanding, the rejection of enforced rituals, and the empowering of individuals to explore diverse religious perspectives freely.

Shawn encourages dialogue among Christians to consider different perspectives and interpretations within the faith, advocating for freedom in Christ and challenging rigid dogma by inviting various guests, including clergy, to discuss their approaches in a weekend conference. He emphasizes the importance of educating former Mormons on diverse Christian viewpoints as they transition, urging responsible leadership and open discussion on the strengths and weaknesses of different beliefs.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of religious liberty for individuals while condemning religious leaders who impose rigid doctrines that restrict this freedom. His approach is subjective, focusing on preventing pastors from using theological interpretations to control or manipulate believers, thereby ensuring that Christians can freely express and explore their faith without coercion.

Accepting and experiencing a relationship with God does not necessitate traditional church attendance, as one can find peace and communion with Christ from home while emphasizing personal spiritual exploration and freedom. Despite challenges and criticisms from others, maintaining faith and love in Christ can provide solace and strength, especially when confronting adversity within religious communities.