Pre-existence

Shawn McCraney, on his show "Heart of the Matter," discusses the complexities and challenges of addressing sensitive topics related to the LDS Church, particularly emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect for beliefs while engaging with disillusioned members. He highlights his personal journey, addressing misconceptions about his departure from Mormonism and acknowledging how such narratives often serve as coping mechanisms for those who remain within the faith.

Shawn emphasizes that he left Mormonism because its doctrines contradicted the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ, and he found a genuine relationship with God through Jesus that opened his eyes and renewed his life. He criticizes the reliance on fables and myths within Mormonism, arguing that understanding and accepting biblical truths are essential for a meaningful connection with God.

Fables can rapidly grow within a community of believers, often becoming more appealing than the Word of God, which is typically dismissed as foolishness by worldly standards; however, a comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures is essential to debunk these myths and man-made doctrines. This is particularly relevant in the context of Mormon beliefs about pre-existence, which are based on selectively interpreted passages and present a challenge for ex-Mormons to relinquish, as seen in cultural narratives and teachings like the play "Saturday's Warrior" and music by the Osmonds.

Shawn teaches that human beings are unique with a tri-partite nature consisting of body, soul, and spirit, distinguishing them from animals and enabling a connection with God through the spirit He breathed into them. Additionally, he challenges the LDS interpretation of certain biblical passages, emphasizing that becoming children of God is achieved through faith and spiritual rebirth in Christ, not pre-existence.

The teaching by Shawn argues against the belief in pre-existence, highlighting that this concept is mythological and not supported by scripture, emphasizing that only Jesus existed with God before His earthly life. The discussion critiques the LDS teachings and uses biblical references to assert that as human beings, we are created from the earth and animated by God's breath, whereas Jesus is distinct, having come from heaven to bear witness to God's nature.