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Heart of the Matter, hosted by Shawn McCraney, is a ministry dedicated to examining and discussing historical Mormonism, Evangelical Christianity, and biblical doctrines through various media, including a live call-in show, video teachings, books, music, and films, with the primary aim of bringing people into a relationship with Jesus Christ. The ministry challenges traditional religious views, while offering hundreds of hours of in-depth content available online, focusing on teaching, reaching, and serving people in the name of Christ.

In his teaching, Shawn critiques the practice of religious institutions imposing membership and materialistic demands on individuals seeking a direct relationship with Jesus, cautioning former Latter-day Saints against entering another manipulative religious system. He advocates for a model of Christianity that is non-authoritarian, relational, and individualistic, emphasizing spiritual understanding over material focus, as he believes the latter leads to the same issues as those present in LDS and other organized religions.

Shawn critiques a church for prioritizing institutional demands and placing interpretive authority in the hands of pastors, warning that such practices may lead worshippers away from a direct relationship with God, who desires worship in spirit and truth without intermediaries. He highlights the disillusionment some experience when transitioning from one rigid religious institution to another and emphasizes relying solely on faith in Jesus, advocating for unity, love, and personal spiritual growth as taught in 2 Thessalonians.

Paul anticipated Christ's return within the lifetime of his followers, and Joseph Smith Jr. emerged in a divided religious landscape, influenced by predecessors like Alexander Campbell who sought to restore original Christianity by rejecting denominationalism, promoting a gospel without paid clergy, and establishing God's kingdom in America. The Restorationists, including early Mormons, shared beliefs about rejecting Calvinism, restoring church practices like missionary work and tithing, and harmonizing science with religion, reflecting a broader 19th-century movement seeking a pure Christian faith free from historical creeds.

The Restorationist movement in early 19th century America emerged as a response to perceived failings in both Catholicism and the Protestant Reformation, prompting figures like Alexander Campbell and Sidney Rigdon to advocate for a return to "biblical Christianity" amidst division and uncertainty caused by Sola Scriptura among Protestant factions. This movement, which included notable early Mormons and connections to Joseph Smith, aimed to address the fragmented state of Christianity by 'restoring' lost truths, yet it is critiqued for merely adding another layer to institutional religion instead of resolving its issues.

Shawn emphasizes understanding the complexity of God through the lens of a modalistic perspective, addressing doubts about the Trinity by symbolizing God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as different manifestations of one essence. He encourages those transitioning away from Mormon beliefs to focus on a personal relationship with Jesus rather than institutional teachings, highlighting the sacrifices and spiritual gains made by embracing a direct walk with Christ.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes understanding the relationship between God the Father, Jesus, and the Spirit in non-traditional terms, suggesting that the complexity of their union transcends human comprehension, while affirming belief in one God and Jesus as God. Additionally, Shawn advocates for interpreting the New Testament as a guide for truth and daily living, rather than strict rules for church meetings, emphasizing love and acceptance of those who truly love Jesus while maintaining clarity on essential Christian truths.