On Being Christian, Part 2

Shawn McCraney discusses the complexities of individuals transitioning out of the Mormon faith, emphasizing the importance of understanding the reasons behind such departures rather than just the act itself. He argues that each individual's worldview is shaped by upbringing and circumstances, and changing these ingrained perspectives is particularly challenging for those who have been committed to the teachings of Mormonism.

Matthew 13 illustrates the use of parables, revealing how Jesus used them to convey the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven selectively to those ready to understand, while also fulfilling prophecy about people's spiritual blindness. The teaching emphasizes praying for those who are spiritually blind, sharing the message of the gospel through varied methods according to individual needs, and rejecting the concept introduced by Joseph Smith that humans can become God, as biblical monotheism teaches that there is only one immutable God.

The teaching critiques the LDS Church's non-traditional view of God, contrasting it with traditional Christian belief by emphasizing that God is eternal, unchanging, and unique, unlike Mormonism's view of God once being a man. Shawn challenges the LDS Church's portrayal of its beliefs, asserting its fundamental teachings about God’s progression from manhood to deity despite apparent public ambiguity or denial by church leaders like Gordon B. Hinckley.

The teachings discussed underscore the LDS belief in the eternal progression of Gods, suggesting humans have the potential to become gods through exaltation, while emphasizing that the Bible conveys Christians can become joint heirs with Christ not as deities but as Sons and Daughters of God. The concept is contrasted with mainstream Christian beliefs where suffering with Jesus results in spiritual growth and inheritance alongside Christ without attaining godhood, aligning with the core Christian doctrine of love and fulfillment of the law through love as taught by Jesus.

Shawn teaches that true Christian faith is characterized not by adherence to Mosaic Law or religious systems, but by love, as exemplified in marriage through mutual respect despite spiritual differences. He also emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant in one's faith journey, suggesting that while salvation provides assurance, individuals must actively pursue righteousness to guard against their inherent fallen nature.

Martin Luther, who struggled with scrupulosity—a condition marked by a compulsive need for certainty—reportedly developed the doctrine of Sola Fide or "faith alone" as a way to find peace regarding salvation without the need for good works, which later contributed to the belief in eternal security or "once saved, always saved." However, Shawn questions this belief by emphasizing the importance of remaining vigilant in one's faith to avoid potential spiritual lapses, referencing Biblical passages that suggest salvation might require ongoing diligence and moral conduct.

Shawn discusses the challenges he encounters when trying to engage with LDS members, emphasizing how individual interpretations allow members to rationalize beliefs such as polygamy, leading to the religion's success by allowing it to be subjective. He also addresses the challenge posed by atheists like Ian, highlighting the tendency of organized religions to become dogmatic, but he argues that true faith in Christ transcends these limitations and provides a deeper, more meaningful understanding beyond religious institutions.

Shawn emphasizes that while religious institutions like Mormonism and Christianity can appear irrational, the teachings of Christ himself are not. He criticizes figures like Matt Dillahunty, who deny God's evidence, and suggests instead exploring thinkers such as Bart Ehrman or Sam Harris.

The church has been actively monitoring certain members' online activities, and some have faced disciplinary actions for supporting views contrary to church teachings, such as same-sex marriage and the ordination of women. These actions have resulted in revoked temple privileges and prompted some members to resign, highlighting tensions between individual beliefs and church doctrine enforcement.