Ontology of God, Part 3

Shawn McCraney critiques religious practices, particularly highlighting a case in upstate New York where church members physically abused two teens under the guise of confessing sins and criticizes the LDS culture for promoting blind obedience to leadership, countering the claim that Mormon teachings encourage independent thinking. He emphasizes the frequent demand for submission within religious hierarchies and underscores the danger of individuals claiming to speak and act for God in enforcing such compliance.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the rigid adherence expected within the LDS Church, discouraging independent thought when it conflicts with leadership directives, as illustrated by quotes from key figures like Brigham Young and Boyd Packer. This stance is reinforced by teachings that followers should prioritize the directives of living prophets over past scripture or prophets, underscoring the infallibility of current Church leaders.

The teaching emphasizes the approach of "Subjective Christianity," where believers individually interpret Biblical teachings through a personal relationship with God and focus on love, as defined by 1 Corinthians 13. This approach refrains from making doctrinal demands, instead trusting that God, through the Holy Spirit, will guide individuals towards faith unity, as described in Hebrews 8:8-13.

Shawn explains the theological evolution in Joseph Smith's understanding of the Godhead, noting how Smith transitioned from describing the Father and the Son as two personages to presenting the Godhead as "three separate bodies" by 1841, which aligns with "social trinitarianism" that views them as one in purpose but distinct in substance. He also highlights the concept of an everlasting covenant made between these personages, as outlined by Smith, attributing different roles to each: God, the Creator; God, the Redeemer; and a third entity yet unspecified in the provided text.

Joseph Smith's evolving theological views moved from endorsing traditional Trinitarian and Sabellianist concepts to a distinct notion of the Godhead as three separate, coequal beings, influenced by his exposure to Reformed Theology, particularly Covenant Theology, during the 19th century. Over time, Smith diverged from mainstream Christian views, ultimately repudiating the doctrine of the Trinity and embracing the idea of three separate gods within the Godhead, illustrating a significant departure from established Christian creeds.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the understanding of Jesus Christ's purpose as unifying and bringing humanity to God through His sacrifice, aligning with the view that God's Word and Spirit work together for redemption and sanctification. He contrasts this with Joseph Smith's pluralistic interpretation of deity, where Smith introduced a belief in a multiplicity of gods, moving away from traditional Christian monotheism and suggesting a hierarchy of deities that extends indefinitely.

The core teaching presented here emphasizes that while many entities are regarded as gods or lords, Biblical doctrine asserts that there is only one true God, who is God the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ. These distinctions are underscored to clarify that despite the existence of many so-called gods and lords in cultural and religious contexts, Christians are to give their ultimate allegiance to the singular God and Lord as described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 8:5-6.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes the critical importance of individuals actively seeking truth in their faith by engaging in open-minded research and debate, while still maintaining strong, non-relativistic beliefs. He believes that effectively challenging and discussing religious beliefs requires both knowledge and empathy, as such topics are deeply personal and often met with resistance.

In Shawn's teaching, he emphasizes the importance of understanding God's will and aligning our actions with His purpose for our lives. He encourages believers to seek guidance through prayer and scripture, fostering a deeper relationship with God.