Making A Covenant with Death

Faith can exist independently of organized religion and should be a personal journey governed by the Spirit, emphasized through living without religious constraints and prioritizing agape love. This teaching encourages critical thinking about why individuals often feel compelled to criticize institutions like the Mormon Church after leaving them, comparing it to the natural response of speaking out against controlling environments.

Shawn criticizes the LDS Church for emotionally and psychologically manipulating its members using totalistic control methods, emphasizing adherence to strict guidelines and rituals while promoting a singular truth narrative centered around the prophet and foundational beliefs. He draws parallels between Mormonism and other controlling institutions, arguing that the church's practices are deeply intrusive and retain influence over those who leave, likening its doctrine and temple practices to dark arts and esoteric traditions.

To become temple worthy in Mormonism, participants are pressured to agree to undisclosed oaths and covenants within temple ceremonies, involving a portrayal of Satan warning that failure to uphold these promises results in his power over them. While adherence to these covenants can yield worldly rewards and benefits, Shawn criticizes the system as a material fixation that detracts from developing a genuine relationship with God, warning of the fruit's dual nature in providing both good and evil outcomes, ultimately advocating for following the path symbolized by the Tree of Life which aligns solely with God's will.

Transitioning from the LDS Church often leads individuals to replace previous devotions with new pursuits, sometimes indulging in activities once deemed sinful by their former beliefs. The key to guiding ex-members lies not in what makes them leave, but rather in offering them a meaningful spiritual alternative to the faith they abandoned, much like the Amish practice of "rumspringa," where adolescents explore the world before choosing their path.

Mormon teachings can create a strict lifestyle, leading some members to struggle with personal crises when they encounter religious doubt, and while leaving the Church may result in some destructive behaviors, members are encouraged to remain faithful rather than abandon their community altogether. A live call-in show invites open dialogue on these issues and a Christian Peace Initiative conference will further explore faith topics with a series of talks and panel discussions.

The teaching by Shawn emphasizes the importance of interpreting the Bible with contextual views supported by sound evidence, challenging religious traditions without bias, and advocating for a personal, liberating approach to faith that encourages freedom, divergent thoughts, and love. Emphasizing faith over religious constraints, this approach seeks to reduce false religious authority and promotes a more personal and liberating relationship with God, offering resources freely with the exception of optional online courses.