Familiar Spirits

Shawn McCraney discusses how Mormons can feel love and peace despite the belief that Mormonism is flawed, emphasizing God's grace and blessings for all humans regardless of their religious paths, such as atheists enjoying good health or individuals living in a dispensation of grace since Christ's sacrifice. He associates these experiences with "Familiar Spirits," suggesting that the peace felt may not necessarily validate the correctness of a belief system but rather God's continuous call to humanity, showcasing His love through natural blessings and spiritual experiences.

God consistently reaches out to all individuals through their experiences, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, in an effort to guide them towards Him while respecting the principles of free will and personal choice. While God’s blessings extend to both the just and unjust, only following His will aligns with His intentions, as the belief that everything is equally acceptable contradicts biblical teachings, emphasizing that ultimate truth and salvation can only be found through Jesus.

To discern if a faith truly aligns with God's intentions, evaluate whether it maintains the simplicity of Christ, examine the fruits it produces and what they glorify, and ensure its beliefs are consistent with biblical teachings. False religious teachings, regardless of their appearance of peace and enlightenment, can corrupt minds, as seen in various faiths like Mormonism, which can detract from the biblical message.

Discernment is crucial, as 1 John 4:1 advises testing every spirit against the Word of God to detect false prophets, regardless of claims that might bring happiness or healing, which can be manifestations of dark forces. Investigate the origins of teachings and religions, as seen with Mormonism's connections to occult practices and Joseph Smith's use of seer stones and astrological influences, to ensure alignment with Biblical doctrine.

Shawn teaches that discernment is crucial in spiritual matters, warning against deceptive spirits that can lead believers astray from the true gospel of Christ, as emphasized in scriptures such as Galatians and Corinthians. He highlights biblical admonitions found in Leviticus and Deuteronomy against engaging with familiar spirits and magical practices, drawing parallels with the pervasive influence of spiritual darkness as depicted in historical accounts such as the Ephesian sorceries referred to in Acts.

The teaching by Shawn discusses the use of "Ephesian letters," magical symbols and words believed to perform incantations and charms in ancient practices, predominantly in Ephesus, which practitioners used for expelling spirits or securing personal safety. Those involved in such "curious arts" ultimately burned their books containing these incantations publicly, signifying their repentance and acceptance of Christianity by renouncing their magical practices.

Shawn's teaching discusses the historical context and condemnation of practices such as necromancy, divination, and magic in biblical texts, highlighting their strict prohibition under religious law due to their associations with false prophecy and deception. Furthermore, it explores Joseph Smith's involvement in occult practices and Freemasonry, which significantly influenced the founding and rituals of Mormonism, evidenced by parallels between Masonic ceremonies and LDS Endowment rites.

Joseph Smith's transition from early occult practices to the foundation of Mormonism involved his use of a seer stone, which he claimed helped him find the golden plates and produce the Book of Mormon, as documented by historians and former BYU professor D. Michael Quinn. Furthermore, similarities between ancient occult rituals and the LDS Temple ceremonies highlight shared characteristics such as initiatic worthiness, symbolic garments, strict purity, and the purpose of helping individuals attain godhood, indicating a deeper philosophical and structural connection than with Freemasonry.

Shawn's teaching highlights the significant influence of Masonic lore and rituals on Mormonism, particularly seen in elements like the Book of Mormon's narrative structure and the LDS temple ceremonies. Joseph Smith's engagement with Freemasonry, especially after joining the Nauvoo Lodge, led to the incorporation of Masonic symbols and practices in the development of Mormon temple rites, showing clear parallels between the two traditions.

Joseph Smith incorporated significant aspects of Masonic rituals and symbols into early Mormon religious practices, such as the Endowment ceremony and the Female Relief Society, reflecting a strong interconnection between Masonry and Mormonism. This integration of Masonic influence was further compounded by elements of occultism, which appears to disregard biblical prohibitions against occult practices as stated in Deuteronomy 18:9-12.

Palmer, a seasoned LDS seminary teacher and director, alongside D. Michael Quinn, a respected historian and former BYU professor, provide detailed insights into Mormon traditions, with Quinn offering a comprehensive analysis in "Early Mormonism and the Magic World View." Jerald and Sandra Tanner, former Mormons known for meticulous critiques, present "Mormonism, Magic and Masonry," highlighting connections between Mormonism, magic, and masonry.