Ontology of God, Part 2

Worshiping God with sincere spirit and truth is essential, but growth and adaptation are crucial when evaluating extra-biblical doctrines, as historical advances like the heliocentric model show that traditional ideas are not always the best. In transitioning from traditional beliefs to embracing evidence-based changes, we recognize Christianity's need for grounded evolution, akin to updating astronomical views from geocentric to heliocentric understandings for alignment with truth.

Religious leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin rejected heliocentric ideas proposed by Copernicus and Galileo, labeling them as heretical because they contradicted traditional interpretations of scripture. This resistance to new interpretations highlights the broader issue of religious dogma hindering the acceptance of alternative views on theological subjects such as eschatology, ontology, and the rigidity of Sola Scriptura, advocating for an openness to diverse perspectives while maintaining unity in Christian fellowship.

According to Shawn, the essence of Christianity is distilled into two fundamental principles: faith in Jesus Christ and love for one another, with numerous scriptural references, such as Philemon 1:4 and 1 John 3:23, emphasizing these core tenets. While many Christian denominations focus on various theological doctrines, Shawn argues that genuine Christian living is primarily about embodying faith and expressing love, as repeatedly highlighted throughout the New Testament.

Shawn's teaching discusses the translation discrepancies in the Bible, emphasizing that they are minor and do not significantly alter the meaning of passages. He examines Joseph Smith's evolving theological views, particularly his early view of a modalistic identity between Jesus and the Father, transitioning to a more nuanced binitarian perspective, where the Father and the Son are identified as personages, with the Holy Spirit being the shared mind, all together constituting a unified godhead.

Shawn challenges traditional views by arguing that both the LDS and Trinitarian perspectives on the Holy Spirit risk bordering on polytheism, emphasizing that true monotheism understands God as manifesting Himself in flesh as Jesus and in spirit within individuals. He questions the Trinitarian concept of the Holy Spirit as a separate being with independent consciousness, suggesting it constrains God's nature by making it a proprietary belief system while highlighting the LDS view of God as tangible beings of flesh and bone.

Shawn's teaching highlights the journey of self-discovery through questioning religious beliefs and the importance of seeking personal truth and understanding, particularly around one's relationship with Christ, despite institutional influences like those found in Mormonism. This narrative underscores the transformative power of asking the right questions, being open-minded, and the personal challenges faced when familial and religious dynamics clash with individual spiritual exploration.

Shawn's teachings emphasize the importance of finding truth in spirituality, encouraging individuals to seek a Christ-centered path while questioning misleading religious doctrines. This guidance fosters a community of like-minded individuals who support each other's faith journeys and strive for genuine understanding and faith-building.

Shawn challenges the claims surrounding Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Abraham, urging critical examination of LDS history and the integrity of its foundational texts. He emphasizes the importance of educating others, particularly youth, about the complexities and controversies in Mormonism, drawing inspiration from figures like Sandra Tanner and Jerald Tanner for their courageous research and open discourse.

Sundar Singh, initially a Sikh, embraced Christianity despite facing rejection and became a sadhu to spread the Gospel in a way resonant with Indian culture, living a life of simplicity and devotion while sharing the message of love, peace, and rebirth through Jesus. Discontent with Western Christianity's materialism and critical of its view of Eastern spirituality, Sundar valued personal spiritual practice over formal religious structures and sought to emulate Christ by living with humility, serving others, and responding to opposition with kindness.

Sadhu Sundar Singh emphasized the importance of embracing a universal perspective in Christianity, advocating for an inclusive approach toward non-Christian religions and rejecting the idea of eternal punishment, proposing instead that all souls will eventually return to God. He stressed the significance of a personal relationship with Christ, suggesting that knowing Jesus profoundly transforms one's life and asserting that God’s presence becomes evident through love and spiritual fulfillment.

Shawn teaches that while people may be surrounded by the benefits of Christianity, their hearts remain untouched due to materialism and intellectualism, emphasizing the importance of internalizing faith rather than being swayed by external appearances and honors. Furthermore, he draws analogies to demonstrate that suffering, much like a newborn's first breath or the transformation of seawater to rain, serves a purpose in spiritual growth and prayer, purifying and elevating the soul for greater blessings.