Perhaps a Wrong Approach

Shawn McCraney addresses the failure of September 2015 prophetic predictions, notably the blood moons, and encourages embracing the Preterist view of scripture which suggests these prophecies referred to historical events rather than future apocalyptic scenarios. This perspective promotes a focus on spiritual growth and love for God and humanity without fear of imminent destruction, advocating for living a Christian life grounded in biblical teachings about the world’s continuity and individual spiritual experiences upon death.

Many people have dedicated their efforts to liberating individuals from Mormonism, successfully helping many to leave or avoid its traps, but the greater challenge lies in guiding these individuals towards a nurturing, truthful, and spiritual life beyond organized religion. The key for apologists is to promote a relational and subjective form of Christianity that emphasizes personal connection and spiritual exploration, thereby ensuring that those who leave Mormonism are not merely transitioning into another restrictive belief system.

To truly know God and His teachings, individuals should rely on the Spirit and avoid allowing organized religion to mediate their relationship with Him. Embrace the freedom to think critically and independently in your Christian walk, recognizing the potential pitfalls of denominations and the traditions of men, while focusing on a personal, subjective relationship with Christ as encouraged by the New Testament.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of scriptural wisdom and critical thinking in understanding religious teachings, warning against the blind acceptance of doctrines within institutionalized religions like Mormonism. He encourages an independent mindset washed by the Word, allowing individuals to discern and choose what is genuinely good.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes fighting against the "spirit of bondage" found in religious institutions, advocating for a personal relationship with Jesus Christ beyond any organized religious control. He encourages individuals to seek truth and freedom in their connection with Christ, challenging the manipulation and control prevalent in both Mormonism and other Christian denominations.

Shawn emphasizes the importance of introspection among Christians, urging them to address internal contradictions and inconsistencies instead of pointing out the faults in other faith communities, like the LDS. He proposes that true understanding and conversion come through a personal search for truth or through God's revelation, suggesting that Christians should focus on teaching truth humbly and correcting their own faults rather than engaging in confrontational evangelism.

Reading Scripture by the Spirit involves interpreting passages in harmony with the broader biblical context and fostering love, which reflects the fruit of the Spirit. Shawn reflects on the disillusionment experienced by former LDS members due to perceived deceptions within Mormonism, questioning its foundational doctrines and advocating for a return to its original intents while understanding their historical context.

Shawn discusses the historical context and questions surrounding the emergence of new religious movements, suggesting that such developments are part of a broader divine plan, even if their origins and purposes are unclear to us. He proposes that rather than condemning figures like Joseph Smith or the growth of religions like Mormonism, we should focus on seeking spiritual truth and allowing God to guide open hearts.

To critically evaluate religious teachings, begin by examining Joseph Smith's early contributions for potential alignment with biblical Christianity, acknowledging where he strayed as non-biblical. Keep testing beliefs and remain open to different interpretations, recognizing that biases influence how Smith and even Calvin are perceived by different religious followers.