Cultivation A

In his teaching, Shawn McCraney emphasizes the importance of discussing the concept of being "born-again" when engaging in dialogues with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), highlighting this as an effective approach for meaningful interactions, and he mentions the availability of various resources and programs like "Heart of the Matter" and "the Ex-Files" for those interested in exploring Christianity or sharing their journeys from LDS to Christianity. Additionally, Shawn informs about supporting local missions, availability of Christian resources including his book, and community gatherings that delve into Christianity, which are accessible through websites and local stations, thereby encouraging participation in both spiritual dialogues and charitable endeavors.

A genuine spiritual rebirth, according to Jesus' teaching to Nicodemus, is essential for entering the kingdom of God, implying that human efforts or religious affiliations, like those found in Mormonism or any other religious system, cannot replace the necessity of being "born again" which is instantaneous and transformative rather than a gradual process. This rebirth transcends the initial physical birth that all humans experience, as it involves a profound realization of one's sinful nature in contrast to God's holiness, leading to sincere repentance and acceptance of God's spirit and direction.

Oliver Cowdery, a relative of Joseph Smith and a practitioner of folk magic, played a crucial role in the rapid completion of the Book of Mormon by serving as Smith's scribe and purportedly having visions of the golden plates. Cowdery's prior connection to the Smith family and possible familiarity with thematic content similar to that of the Book of Mormon, through exposure to texts like View of the Hebrews, suggests potential collusion in the book's creation.

Shawn's teaching critically examines the process behind the creation of the Book of Mormon, suggesting that Joseph Smith, assisted by Oliver Cowdery, composed the book piece by piece, refining its themes over several years without the alleged miraculous instruments, such as the Urim and Thummim. He further argues that Joseph Smith's claims about the translation process were misleading and aimed at reshaping his narrative to avoid associations with folk-magic, much like other charismatic leaders who create distance from their origins to maintain control over their followers.

Shawn criticizes Mormonism, comparing Joseph Smith's original teachings to those of Warren Jeffs, highlighting that modern Mormonism has become more polished but remains rooted in the same principles. He thanks supporters of the ministry for their contributions and calls for continued vigilance as Mormon influence grows, urging engagement through donations, prayers, and active participation to counter what he perceives as its misleading impact.