Top 20 Questions

Main Topic: Challenging Beliefs and Seeking Truth

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Show 45 – Top 20 Questions – November 9th, 2009

And I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion..

“I was a Born-Again Mormon.”

We are in back order getting hard copies back out in the stores, but we are offering the book in downloadable PDF form. Go to www.hotm.tv, and you can have the book in your hands within minutes.

Importance of Engaging with the Bible

People often wonder: Once I’ve received the Lord as my personal Savior and King, then what do I do? The very best advice, the number one priority?

READ THE BIBLE
STUDY

Why? The Bible is God’s LIVING WORD; it gets inside you and begins to renew your mind and strip the grave clothes off the body of your old selves. It re-educates you to His ways while erasing the things of Men.

If you live in the Salt Lake or Logan areas, join us every Sunday as we investigate and study God’s written word in a group setting. Go to www.calvarycampus.com for more information like times and directions.

A Call to Question and Act

We know you are out there. Don’t try and hide. You’re out there not believing in Mormonism and the whole story of golden plates, mummified texts, and convenient revelation – but there you sit: Mormon by name and membership, disinterested cynic in your heart. Come to the Lord… and abandon ship. Give God your will and life… and give the Mormon religious institution a letter that says: I want out. Go to www.utlm.org for more information on how to get it done.?

Well, that time is rolling around again: The Big KTMW TV 20 Christmas Open House. When: Friday night, December 4th from 5-9 pm. Refreshments, music, and all the hosts from your favorite TV twenty programs will be right here to meet and greet with you, the best viewers on earth. It’s become an annual tradition, so come join us, Friday night, December 4th, from 5-9 pm for our Annual Christmas Open House.

Critical Examination of Religious Claims

Last week on the program, we received a call from an LDS man named Walker. Walker presented us with something that sounded rather scholarly: the premise was how did I feel about the “fact” that recent scholarship – like that found in the NET Bible commentary – supported Joseph Smith’s claims regarding the make-up of God, and more specifically, the “council of God’s” which scholars, according to Walker, are starting to discover as present in biblical texts.

I found him respectful and engaging, and took his information believing he was a searching Latter-day Saint. Well, Walker was a bit more. Let’s me address his premise and then give you some perspective on Walker and people like him.

We contacted the Dallas Theological Seminary, where most of the commentary for the NET Bible was derived (and from where my Christian mentor Carl Westerland received his advanced degree). After informing them of “Walker’s” on air premise and forwarding them an article he wrote and sent me in an email, I was assured that our self-appointed LDS “ahem” scholar (who only borrows from the scholarship and/or suppositions of others), is pursuing a laughable and illogical trail in the presuppositions he was making about the three or four Bible passages he believed supported Joseph Smith’s teachings on God.

But – and this is important – there are some really important lessons to take from guys like Walker, who somehow has come to believe himself some sort of a doctrinal intellectual for Mormonism – which is kind of an oxymoron, isn’t it?

Anyway, the first lesson is, guys like Walker will take a sentence or two that appeals to what they want to believe and then they walk around and use it as though it nails the case shut on proving Mormonism true. I mean they will literally see support in anything so as to avoid the facts that they are embracing a mountain of fiction. They’re like a guy who, against his wife’s advice, invests all of his life’s savings in what he is told is a gorgeous 100 acre cattle ranch in Colorado only to find there is no 100 acres, no cattle, and no ranch, but that he has instead actually purchased a bag of dirt, a hamburger from a Colorado McDonalds, and some ranch dressing. But the real tragedy is that instead of owning up to being a fool, he justifies HIS own stupidity by defending the dirt, the hamburger, and dressing as something of value.

The second lesson…

Navigating Deceptive Agendas

A lesson we can learn from the Walkers of this world is that they play a deceptive game. Walker was not just a man with a question, but a man with an agenda – which was later pointed out to me. I tried to treat him with respect, but he didn’t do the same. He came to the program to bolster his own ego, his own “ministry, so to speak, which he carries on on the internet. I had a similar experience with a man named Van Hale years ago. Some slithering guy named Don called and asked if I would come on Van Hales program and talk about our show. I was blindsided by an alternative intent. This is typical of self-appointed LDS apologists. Every single one I have ever met has a slithering, deceptive-like approach.

So, we learn the final lesson by asking ourselves: “Why do these armchair apologists, do what they do?” Let me make a guess. Old Walker has a blog. He fancies himself a man of intellect. He associates online with other self-appointed LDS bloggers who actually make videos of themselves and throw this junk out there to spin and trip people up. I mean, you have to watch these guys. Their ego and need for validation is profound. After Walker called in on the show, with his preset esoteric question and “case” he then went and reported the conversation verbatim on his blog. Then, get this, he had his wife watch the program and quoted her as saying that I appeared to get “nervous” by his confronting me on air with his intellectual acumen.

Self-Appointed Defenders

And this brings me to a final point about these guys who have appointed themselves as worthy defenders of Mormonism, who make videos of themselves and post them on YouTube, and have built entire websites around the altar of their person – they feel slighted. Frustrated. Overlooked. Angry that they have not been discovered by the world for their supreme intelligence – especially when they turn on the television set and see a buffoon like me making claims they just know, in their heart of hearts, that they can refute if they only had a chance. Because they are so smart. Because they are so adept.

And then, when the lights are low, and they snuggle up to their poor better halves, and they ask: “Honey, did you think I was able to show that jerk Shawn a thing or two,” and their little wives softly reply, “you made him nervous, you stud muffin you,” they roll over, in one of those rare moments of their lives, and feel accomplished, appreciated, and superior.” Walker stated on his blog that he was certain he would not be allowed on the air again. Another strategy to bolster his frail ego. Let’s see if he calls. And with that, let’s have a prayer.

This is our 192nd program which has spanned over more than three and a half years. I went back and sort of tallied the most asked questions our ministry receives from people. In order to catch you up on the facts and intentions of Alathea Ministries, let me quickly hit on the top twenty questions, accusation, or statements we get most – in a few short minutes.

Responses to Common Questions

20. “How do I share with my LDS family, friends, spouse, neighbors?” There are a number of ways, all depending on the person and circumstances but I believe the BEST way is to exhibit JESUS in your love for them, and to work on whether they have been born-again or not – all religious affiliation aside. There are times to contend for the faith, there are times to throw down. But with family and friends – love and serve as Jesus commands.

21. “How has your family handled your leaving the church?” My wife and two youngest daughters are saved Christians through and through. My oldest daughter Mallory is searching but is out of Mormonism completely. It took time, but the LORD is faithful if we are willing to do things His way – and to wait on Him.

22. “How do you make your money? What do you do for a living?” After funding the ministry myself for at least four years I presently am repaid by Alathea Ministries as writing, hosting, teaching and managing the ministry has become more than a full-time proposition. Prior to this, I worked different jobs to keep the ministry and our family afloat, and prior to becoming a Christian I worked as a registered

Addressing Non-Official Defenders

Investment officer in a few brokerage firms and other financial institutions.

17. “Why don’t you get some real scholars from the LDS church on your program? Scared?”

We have always welcomed any official representative of the LDS church to be on the program – ANY. None have come forward. But we have plenty of non-official capacity members who, in their own estimation, believe they have what it takes to be a guest to defend Mormonism.

The trouble with these types is:

1. They can say anything they want, in their non-official capacity, and nobody can take them to task. Much of what they say is prefaced with, “Well, I believe, I believe.” But even if they did use only Church issued statements, they would use them selectively and spin. Someone “Official” needs to be taken to task, not one of these frustrated people who their own church won’t endorse.

2. Their purpose is to defend Mormonism at all costs – truth is irrelevant – winning is the goal. Have you EVER listened or watched these guys on the internet? Aweful. Banal. Mundane. There’s this one guy who headlines his videos with questions like: “Did Joseph Smith have multiple wives?” And after these long, testimonial diatribes, will say something like, “No, I don’t believe Joseph Smith took on many wives…” UN believable.

3. Many of them are more interested in polemics – arguments, debate. Not truth. Believe it or not, I am not. I am interested in truth. Talking about truth. And Jesus is the Truth.

Perspectives on Religious Identity

16. “Shawn McCraney is neither a true evangelical nor is he a Mormon.”

True. Keep your titles. I am a follower of the King, Jesus. Some people need to “categorize in order to feel comfortable.” I don’t ever want anyone to feel comfortable with me. That’s what the Mormons work so hard at achieving with each other. I am a seeker, a wanderer, an iconoclast, BUT, this being said… I am a whole-hearted believer and follower of Yeshua – who is my God and King. I am a servant to the most High God. In my flesh, a jackass. In my spirit, regenerated by my King.

15. “What’s up with the title, Born-again Mormon?”

We believe people can be born-again while they are LDS and this opens up a method that we believe is viable – even superior in many respects to other methods of reaching the LDS. This is the goal of this part of our ministry – to help people who are LDS trust in Jesus enough to experience rebirth – and to then let the LORD work in their lives and direct them on what to do next.

Engaging with Constructive Criticism

14. “Someday, Shawn, you will come back to the Church. I just know it.”

If that were ever to happen, Mormonism would have to renounce everything that is contrary to the Bible. Which will in all probability be a cold day in hell. I would therefore NEVER “come back to the church.”

13. “Why don’t you spend your time doing something constructive instead of bringing down another faith?”

You have to tear a faulty building down before it can be rebuilt. When the foundation is faulty, the whole thing needs to go. The most constructive thing I can do in this aspect of our ministry is to help expose the lies, tear em down, and pray the seeking LDS will see the light of Jesus through the holes in the walls.

12. “Why is your perspective better than all the millions of LDS believers?”

Why is your perspective better than the billions of Christians who agree with me? Are we going to play, “My Dad can beat up your Dad, here?” How about looking at all the facts, weighing them out, and making decisions based on reasonable faith?

11. “How do you explain so many different Christian denominations that all fight with each other?”

Liberty in Christ? A God who LOVES diversity? Freedom of thought and practice amidst agreement on the core issues? How do I explain all the different races and cultures? Don’t these create difference too? But is one color superior to the others? SOME people might say yes. Why did God create people so vastly unique? Why are some liberal,

Diverse Expressions of Faith

conservative, artistic, mathematic, literary, logical, emotional, musical, literal?

Doesn’t this say something about Him? The logic behind this stupid statement is like asking, “How could you think independent and free-standing restaurants serve good food when there are corporate restaurant chains out there like McDonald’s and Olive Garden?

Uniformity does not equate to quality, goodness, or superiority. Life is messy, diverse, challenging and open. Answer this question and you will reveal your personal purview of God: Since Jesus came and fulfilled EVERYTHING and paid for all, does your God demand exact rules and lifestyles and beliefs on every matter OR does He enjoy the freedom His children have in expressing their love and faith in Him through lives of diversity, song, worship, prayer, and personal discipleship?

In the end, does your God want you to eat every spiritual meal at McDonald's, or from a variety of divergent café’s, eateries, and venues – which are all committed to supplying the core essentials to a balanced diet.

Critique of LDS Expectations

10. (some form or combination of) “You couldn’t handle being LDS!” “You were a sinner,” “What did you do wrong?”

You are right, I couldn’t handle being LDS. But I have a question for everyone out there who is LDS – can you? Can you handle being LDS? If you say yes, you are either a liar and/or you are in a pathological state of denial. And a religion that creates liars or denial is not good. Think about it.

“Do you pay ten percent on ALL you earn?” “Have you ever, ever broken what you call the Sabbath day?” (You do every week, by the way) “Do you give ALL your time, talents, and material wealth to building up the Mormon church?” Truly? Really? “Are you honest in ALL of your dealings with your fellow man?” (if you say yes, you are lying right now and failing the question) The list goes on and on and on.

Did you know that every time you make your sacramental covenant renewals you are frankly lying to God. Why? You covenant, you PROMISE, every week, that you will keep His commandments but you are FULLY AWARE that you will break them. This is deceptive. Deception with God. You know you will fail – in advance – and yet you covenant – promise – that you will not.

The whole thing is a religious façade of which you are part. And then there are the temple attender’s – with all the unattainable “covenants” you make – are all liars too – because you do NOT keep them – ever!

(Beat)

You see, I understand. I’m not picking on you. I’m trying to help you see that you are involved in a giant self-deception. Look in the mirror the next time you want to accuse me of not being able to live up to the LDS expectations. If you stare long enough, and look deep enough, you ought to find the accusation as nothing more than a reflection of yourself.

Analyzing Mormon Claims

9. “If Mormonism is not true, how do you explain the BOM?”

As a plagiarized compilation taken from an assortment of provable original sources in an attempt to make people embrace a counterfeit book of scripture. Watch our program on the Book of Mormon in our video archives. The hyperbole surrounding the BOM bantered about by Holland and others is nothing but a curtain to hide an old man playing the role of wizard.

8. “I’m a Christian and a Mormon too. What do you think of that?”

I think individuals from all faiths can be acceptable to God by virtue of their faith in Jesus alone. I think there are even extreme cases where people who call themselves Buddhist, Islamic, and Hindu are, in fact, Christian, and who find themselves the recipients of God’s grace. At the same time, I think that Mormon doctrine and LDS praxis works OPPOSITE of true biblical Christianity and for the most part leads people away from the cross rather than to it. Additionally, I would strongly suggest that anyone who claims to be a true believing Christian will, at some point, abandon the Mormon ship because it is so dead to sound biblical truth.

7. “I never hear our leaders pick on other religions. Why do you?”

Mormonism is founded on the premise of “picking on other religions.” After all, its founder said God told him that no church was right, that all of their creeds were an abomination in His sight, and that all the professors of the Christian faith (meaning pastors) were corrupt.”

Teaching on Criticisms of Mormonism

an attack. Then LDS missionaries go door to door TODAY and share the same story, telling people their religion is not true. Then Mormonism teaches that it is the ONLY true Church on earth and a person MUST embrace it – at some point in time – or they will not get to live with God when they die. The leaders DON’T NEED to attack other religions today, the members, missionaries, history and doctrine itself is a living attack on the whole.

6. “How could you pick on a church that does so much good?”

The premise is faulty from the start, and being the sixth most frequently asked question it is grossly misunderstood by many, many people – LDS and not. How can a church that supposedly “does so much good,” but leads people away from doctrinal truths of Jesus, truly be thought of as doing good at all? It can’t. In the truest sense, Mormonism does no good. If this life is all there is, and there is nothing hereafter, then I could agree with the statement that Mormonism does “good.” But because there is an afterlife, and success and peace and joy in that afterlife is predicated on biblical truths which Mormonism refutes, Mormonism is truly not doing any good at all.

Comparison to Other Historical Contexts

In fact, their light is a form of darkness. This premise is akin to a card-carrying member of the Nazi party claiming that Hitler did so much good – so why pick on him? He saved the German Republic from financial ruin. He obliterated obscenities from theater. He supported German family life. He provided jobs. He hated drunkenness. But it was his “final solution” that made him so absolutely reprehensible – not the social ills he cured that made him so good. The same is so with Mormonism. The bad lies in their final solution.

5. “We’re you ever LDS?”

Yes. Forty years.

4. (Then there is always . . .) “a question or comment regarding my appearance.” But we’ve beat that one to deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God..

NUMBER 3!

Addressing Accusations of Dishonesty

3. “You tell lies, lies, lies!” Alright, let’s just talk about this for a minute. When I present history or doctrine, I speak the truth as I discover it. Very, very rarely does anyone contact us and tell me, “What you said about LDS doctrine, history, etc. is untrue.” Rarely. But then there are my perspectives on things. I typically differentiate between historical and doctrinal fact and my perspective on how they play out. In this area, you can disagree, but because I see things differently does not mean I am a liar.

Then finally, there is my humor, my spinning, and my attempts at getting under peoples skin with comments about culture. These are just my attempts at entertainment, at prodding, at getting people fired up. I NEVER, EVER purposefully say anything – EVER – that is untrue. But when it comes to the interpretation of culture, I can understand how I can, in your opinion, be misunderstood.

All this being said, it’s really important for you to examine what you think I am lying about. Ask yourself if because you don’t like my person or humor if you are using this as an excuse to call everything I say a lie. This is where the LDS go wrong. Because I had long hair, I couldn’t have been telling the truth about Joseph and Fanny Alger. Because I call Monson out on the carpet, there is no way my facts about the BOM could be true. Mormonism has caused you to think this way. Additionally, they have made it so that you CAN’T listen to the facts because they challenge your very existences. It’s too flugging scary and painful. And so you get angry over my attempts at entertainment because my facts are terrifying to your person, your ego, your lives.

2. “How could you say we’re not Christian?”

Mormonism is NOT Christian, and will NEVER be Christian as their doctrines are in opposition to all of true Christianity. Just ask a knowledgeable Christian. Let me tell you something, good, loving, faithful Christians look for every opportunity to embrace people who claim Jesus as their King. So ask yourselves, my LDS friends, why has historical Christianity fully rejected Mormonism? Mormonism tells you its because they are jealous. Not so. It’s because every Bible scholar to every Bible reader knows that Mormonism presents a false, pseudo, counterfeit gospel.

(beat)

And finally, for the number one question, comment, or accusation

(drum roll)

“Why do you pick on another religion? Jesus never did that!”

The more I read the New Testament,

Jesus' Teachings on False and Errant Teachings

The more I see how MUCH time Jesus actually spent ripping on the false and errant teachings of men and religion.

Open up the book and read it. See what He said to the religious rulers of His day. Hear the names He called them. Listen to how He corrected their false teachings and arrogant attitudes.

Jesus and Other Religions

Jesus never picked on another religion? That is all God has done since the Fall! Wake up. Grow up. Stop your fearing and start your hearing.

It will make all the difference to your life here on earth – and once you depart.

And with that…

Contact Information and Participation Instructions

Let’s open up the phone lines:

(801) 973-8820
(801) 973-TV20

First time callers, please. LDS callers are preferred. And please, turn your televisions down once the operators have cleared you to be on air.

While we wait, let watch our appeal from Alathea Ministries Partners Program.

EMAILS

CONCLUSION