Dear LDS Presidents Nelson and Oaks

Shawn McCraney invites individuals to call in on Thursdays for discussions, offering his perspective as a former LDS Church member while critically examining its leadership and the benefits attributed to its adherence, acknowledging the LDS Church's strong organization and societal contributions. He addresses LDS leaders, acknowledging the achievements of Presidents Nelson and Oaks, while asserting that Mormonism excels in religious operations and inspires exceptional societal contributions, despite his personal disagreements with its claims.

Shawn describes a profound transformation in his life that occurred in 1997 when he realized the importance of embracing an authentic, honest, and spiritually-driven life, deviating from religious rituals and traditions that he felt were not addressed by religious leaders like Presidents Nelson and Oaks. He emphasizes the significance of relying on the works of the Son of God rather than personal will or adherence to laws, highlighting the simplicity and authenticity of true faith that had been missing from his experience within the church.

The teaching by Shawn emphasizes the idea that humans cannot attain righteousness on their own and that it is only through faith in the completed work of God's Son, Yeshua, that one can be right with God, without relying on human intermediaries or religious authorities. He criticizes religious leaders for promoting dependence on human-proclaimed paths to God and asserts that true spiritual freedom and understanding come from a direct relationship with the divine, unmixed with human-imposed doctrines.

Shawn critiques religious leaders for promoting alternate pathways that keep followers in spiritual darkness, emphasizing that true connection to God is achieved not through outward religious observances but through the teachings and crucifixion of His Son. He argues that worldly qualifications and adherence to traditional laws are meaningless if leaders fail to preach the core message of Christ, likening them to the Pharisees criticized by Jesus for their hypocrisy and failure to practice what they preach.

Shawn criticizes religious leaders, particularly of a specific church, for their hypocrisy and self-exaltation, highlighting their failure to uphold the same moral and ethical standards they demand from their followers, as well as questioning their practices that impose unnecessary burdens on their members. He calls for humility and acknowledgement of their own sins, encouraging them to genuinely follow the teachings of Yeshua, emphasizing that true greatness lies in servitude and humility rather than in positions of power and honor.