Heart of the Matter: Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity

Introduction

LIVE FROM THE MECCA OF MORMONISM
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

This is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology., where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity, face to face.

A Call to Service

Join us as we seek to support the Salt Lake Rescue Mission who feeds and clothes the homeless. How can you help? Bring new socks (the ones still wrapped in the bags) and new or “nearly new” winter coats for males or females here to the station between 9am and 3pm M-F and we will take them in bulk over to the mission. So far we have had great success with a number of people even going out and buying new coats for the less fortunate. Praise Him.

Are you going to church? Why not, you big chicken. Come join us at the University of Utah on Sundays. We meet at 10 am in a Milk Gathering and at 2:30 pm in the Meat. Expect the teaching to match accordingly. Want more info? Go to www.c-a-m-p-u-s.com

We’re producing a brand new television program called “the Ex-Files.” It’s hosted by Bishop Earl and will begin to air in February of 2012. It’s a half hour interview show and we need people who were once LDS, and are now Christian, to come on air and share your story. Interested? Go to www.exmormonfiles.tv and sign up. We’ll be in touch.

Reflective Observations

Alright, how about a moment, “From the Word?” There is a trend or practice I witness around the state of Utah that I haven’t seen in other places. It is the praising of men on billboards. Now, maybe this is done all over the nation but I can’t help but believe that here in Utah the practice is merely a reflection of what lies at the core of Mormonism – the praise of the progress of Man. These billboards typically picture an elderly man in a white shirt and tie with their name writ large. Then below their picture it will say something like:

J. Henry Jones
Humanitarian * Businessman * Community Leader

Such praise for Man. The same honor is given and reflected in the tombstones and family plots in LDS cemeteries around the state – but especially in Salt Lake. Giant monolithic monuments with popular Mormon names cut boldly in the face.

HINCKLEY SMITH KIMBALL

Monuments honoring the dead. Billboards flexing with the power of the flesh.

Tonight we come to the end of the Gospel of John chapter 2. At verse 23 – 25 we read:

“Now when Jesus was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”

The word “commit” as in “He did not commit himself” is better translated “believe” in them, as in “But Jesus did not let Himself believe in them.” He did not put trust or reliance in them. He did not put His well being in their hands. He knew their inconstancy and fickleness and in His case, He knew how unsafe He would be if He ever trusted them.

Verse twenty-five expresses this further, speaking of Jesus it says, “and needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.” How did He know what was in all men? He created us. This is how He knew who to call to be His disciples – He knows the intentions, is acquainted with false and true pretentions, and sees the heart of the hypocrite. None can deceive him. By billboard, tombstone, or feigned words.

Conclusion

Where the LDS put up paintings of themselves in their conference centers, billboards of their elite, and monuments over graves that all say, “Praise to Man,” hear the Lord in 1st Samuel 16:7

“The LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD…”

The Cost of Outward Perfection

"Looketh on the heart.” Just what is the cost for this image-making, this pervasive demand for outward perfection, this worship of Man? I recently received this story through email. It was taken from a blog.

My nephew who was a straight A student in high school, scored almost a perfect score on his ACT test, and had aspirations to be a pediatrician someday shot himself in the head within a year of returning home early from a mission to Russia. It all started with the pressure from his dad who was a bishop and at the time of his deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God. a stake president. The kid was always pushed to be the perfect student, perfect Priesthood holder to serve an honorable mission, and where nothing but excellence would be acceptable.

Shortly into his mission he came down with illness and deep depression. He was overprescribed with large doses of anti-depressants which eventually caused permanent damage to his brain. They continued to try and treat him on his mission but he kept getting worse. To come home early was almost unthinkable.

The Unbearable Pressure to Conform

He was finally forced to go home early, but by that time he was severely depressed and felt like a complete failure. He would not go out in public and spent long hours in the dark. When he spoke to others he would be shaking. They tried all kinds of anti-depressants, counseling and eventually shock therapy. Through this all he completely quit going to church and refused to participate in any of its activities. The day he killed himself his psychiatrist told him they had done all they could for him and that he had to start helping himself. They went home and within 5 minutes of being home he went in to his room and shot himself in the head with a large hunting rifle.

The reason I share this story is because of all the pressure and guilt we see put on youth today to live up to the perfect Mormon mold. But what I found ironic was how they handled the funeral. Because his dad was a Stake President they had a General Authority, who did not even know him, come and speak about everything but their son. Others spoke of how he was now doing what he wanted to do the most in his life – serving his mission out in the next life. I guess they forgot that he had quit going to church. Nobody talked about how fun loving he had been when he was younger and how sweet and kind he was before they robbed him of his youth. They just talked about church accomplishments and how they just know he is proselyting and fulfilling his lifetime ambition of a full and honorable mission free of illness. It makes me sick how they put such a spin on things. Nobody acknowledged the fact that the church leads many of its youth into suicide by making these young men feel like failures when they choose a different path or lifestyle. They threaten no financial support for college and marriages if they don't do their duty. Just last week another distant relative killed himself just shy of his 20th birthday. He had chosen to not go on a mission and had to deal with the lack of support from his family.

The Tragedies of Religious Pressure

Before the email ends the writer asks:

How many others have seen the tragedies of suicide in their families due to the religious pressures? Far too many, my friend. And if not in suicide, then in depression, anxiety, and wholesale emotional bondage.

Any man-made system aimed at perfecting Man or creating a utopia – whether it be communism, a maniac trying to create a master race, or Mormons aimed at making men gods, will end in far more human tragedy than success – especially eternal tragedy.

And with that let’s have a word of prayer.

We’re going to take a brief respite from our Book of Mormonion analysis. I need a break. (beat) You know, anyone involved in reaching out to the LDS get confronted with the same accusations over and over again.

The LDS constantly say: “Why do you pick on us, we don’t ever pick on anyone else?” They say, “Jesus would never pick on another religion.” And they say, “Why don’t you just teach what you believe and not slam what we believe?”

In my case they used to say, “You’re just in this for the money,” but that died away.

God's Love and Human Freedom

The facts about my personal finances were revealed. Now, we know God sends His love and goodness on the just and the unjust. The rain and the sun fall on the heads of child molesters, murderers, rapists, thieves, and gossips as much as it falls on even the best of Christians on earth. The True and Living God allows billions of people to embrace and worship false notions about Him; to burn incense to idols, to writhe around with evil spirits, and to do all manner of unconscionable things to others – even in His name.

God allows people living in truth or living a lie to freely thrive, enjoy life, and even prosper whether while in the flesh. I’d like to make two points relative to these observations.

First, if God allows people to believe and behave in these ways, AND continues to bless them, should my attitude be any different toward them? The answer is no. Not at all. And it’s NOT. I personally and completely endorse every person’s right to live, believe, and worship as they wish. I would never condemn someone for choosing Mormonism, Catholicism, or any other “ism” – it is their right and I will always love and befriend all people in spite of what they have chosen to worship.

You got that? I am NOT about treating people badly or hating them because they do not embrace the True and Living God or because they embrace a false religion. If you think this is what I am about OR this ministry, you’ve got it all wrong. So what are we doing here?

Sharing the Truth

This leads us to the second point: Just because I believe people are free to do and believe as they wish, it does NOT mean I will not do all I can to share, discuss, or prove their “ways” or opinions errant – especially when compared to what God says is true. Notice that amidst this fallen world (and all the evil in it) and that while God blesses the just and the unjust with rain and sun, He is also constantly calling and reaching to all to hear His truth, the truth about His Son and His Word. His arm is constantly outstretched.

Notice God Himself doesn’t just throw up His hands, and say, “Oh well, what can I do? The world sucks and people reject me so I’ll just let everyone believe what they want to believe?” Not in the least. Instead, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Instead, we know God has set it up that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Addressing Religious Misconceptions

So we, like God Himself, love those (who are lost) SO much that we take the time to share the truth with them –even when they don’t want it. And while I personally believe all men and women have the right to do, believe, and act in any way they wish (and I believe this because I believe God is this way) I will forever take time to point out error – and here’s the point – listen closely – especially when errant people try and say that what they believe is of God . . . when it’s not.

This is why I go after the Mormons. Having been one forty years, I know what they teach and believe AND came to know what the Bible says. So while I believe every Latter-Day Saint has the freedom and right to embrace a lie, I will continue to do all I can to help them see the light.

Is Mormonism, good old Mormonism, really a threat? To me it is. I realize there are a billion Muslims out there in the world and a billion other non-Christian faiths, and a billion Satanists, and crime and evil, etc. But my family remains LDS. My friends. People who I love and their chains are not one bit less restrictive than the chains of Islam, Hinduism, or the hedonists. And someone’s gotta do it.

Mormonism today has fifty to sixty thousand full-time missionaries out in the world knocking on doors right at this minute. Do you know what those missionaries are telling people? They are telling them they are Christian, that they are the only true Christians, and that Jesus is the head of their church. This is going to sting – but I say it in love – they are telling the world lies. What lies? First and foremost, they introduce

Analysis of Doctrinal Claims

The claims made by certain missionaries about the teachings of the church are presented here. They propose themselves as “representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ,” but this assertion is labeled as false. It is claimed that these missionaries teach the church established by Jesus failed and had to be restored by Joseph Smith, and further that God appeared to Joseph Smith, claiming all other churches corrupt, which are described as lies.

The missionaries allegedly teach that the Bible cannot be trusted due to translation errors, which is also dismissed as a horrible lie. They introduce the Book of Mormon as a superior spiritual guide, another assertion discredited as a lie. Moreover, they claim Joseph Smith was guided by an angel to find golden plates, translated them with divine assistance, and received priesthood from celestial visits, all of which are labeled as lies.

Alleged Doctrines and Beliefs

It's stated that missionaries teach about a necessity for a contemporary prophet and say that Thomas Monson assumes this role, claiming these as untrue. Furthermore, they allegedly assert the necessity of twelve living apostles on earth, which is again dismissed as untrue.

Another doctrinal claim is that all humans, including Jesus, existed as spirit-beings before mortal life — a concept again labeled false. They purportedly emphasize the importance of obedience to laws and ordinances to be saved, specifically through Mormon practices, which they describe falsely.

Additional Controversial Teachings

They stress the adoption of various laws and principles to qualify for living with Heavenly Father, listing several commandments. Each is claimed to be another layer of false teaching. Additionally, it’s suggested that the cross is rendered insignificant, rejecting it as misleading.

Allegations around polygamy as a past practice are stated, asserting that they falsely portray it today as unrelated to Mormonism. Moreover, the Pearl of Great Price is deemed as falsely claimed to be the Word of God and likened to ancient temples wrongly.

Additional Unstated Doctrines

Missionaries allegedly fail to confess that their doctrines have included concepts like the indestructibility of matter, God’s obedience to eternal laws, and God having spouses. It is also stated that doctrines proposed the close relation between Jesus and Satan and the planet Kolob’s proximity to God.

The literature allegedly contains statements on racial theories, Adam's divine role, Jesus’s relationships, and aspects of atonement, which are all marked as deceptive or false within this analysis.

Overview of Mormon Beliefs

forgiven for his sins, and that a person must shed their own blood to be forgiven for some sins because Jesus shed blood is not enough, • that the Jesus apostles kicked the guts out of Judas Iscariot to practice blood atonement, • that all Christians are “shrouded in ignorance,” • that if you don’t believe Joseph Smith was a prophet of God you will be damned, • that there is no salvation available without Mormonism, • that drinking coffee will keep a man out of heaven, • That a person must wear temple garments day and night in order to be obedient to their covenants with God, • that good works are mandatory to salvation, • that paying tithing is fire insurance, • that a person has to know four secret handshakes to get into heaven, • That there is a proper order for prayer, • That there are four secret signs and words needed to get into heaven, • that there are innumerable God’s with a Capital G, • That God was once a Man, • That Man may become a God, • and that a man must have more than one wife to become a God, • or that Joseph Smith said he had more to boast of than any man, having accomplished more than Jesus Christ Himself.

Missionary Perspective

And then ignoring all of this, even blindly acting like it does not exist, these missionaries, all fifty or sixty thousand of them throughout the world, reaffirm perhaps the greatest lie of all, often with tears . . . That Mormonism is Christian. Does it sound Christian to you?

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Listener Interaction

Let’s go to the phone lines: (801) 973-820 (801) 973-TV20 We love LDS callers. First time callers. And callers who are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Take a look.

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(see emails below)

Wrap up: www.C-A-M-P-U-S.com

Highlighting Joseph Smith and Jesus Christ

Last week I read from a short article from a St. George newspaper that promoted a Christmas show highlighting both Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith. An LDS man called and tried to prove on air that Mormons do not revere anything more than Jesus and that was misleading the audience by referring to this little column in the paper. A viewer named Jon C. sent this email to us the other day addressing last week’s program:

Hey Shawn just wanted to comment on one caller in particular named kevin from orem. He made the statement " our church celebrates the birth of our savior and there is nothing in our church that we celebrate more than our savior and his life and his sacrifice " If you get this before your show on tues jan 9th please google " two december births to celebrate: Jesus Christ and joseph smith " deseret news dec 18th written by Kristine Frederickson. Read it on your show and we will see just exactly who "THE CHURCH " celebrates nothing more and it is certainly not Jesus, its all kudos to joseph

Two December births to celebrate: Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith Published: Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 5:00 a.m. MST Years ago a child was born in an obscure village to poor parents residing in a dwelling they did not own but one that was made available to them through the kindness of others. The child grew to be an extraordinary individual and though he died before his 40th birthday, he transformed the society and world in which he lived. Dec. 23 will mark the 207th anniversary of the birth of Joseph Smith Jr., the prophet of the Restoration. Joseph entered the world on a cold Monday morning in Sharon, Vt., shortly before the close of 1805. He spent his life trying to follow the example set by his Savior, trying to accomplish the will of his Savior and gave all glory and honor to Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who atoned for the sins of repentant mankind. Interestingly, Joseph’s circumstances share many parallels with that of the Savior and remind us that Joseph was also a remarkable being. After several business ventures gone bad, Solomon Mack, Joseph’s grandfather, offered Joseph Smith Sr. and family the use of his cabin on Dairy Hill. They gratefully accepted his offer, settled in and there baby Joseph was born. Two days after his birth, the family celebrated Christmas, most likely

Joseph Smith's Life and Legacy

In a simple way, long before the overblown commercialism of today’s world, the day was probably spent reflecting, remembering, and recounting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Mother Lucy, most likely still confined to bed, certainly spent most of the day cuddling her sweet baby in her arms, blissfully unaware of the majestic being she lovingly cradled. As Joseph grew, he suffered more than his share of challenges and troubles. In his youth, he came close to losing his life if not his leg, watched a beloved brother die, and learned the value of hard work, the family bereft of many of the finer material things in life.

With the announcement of his visitation by God the Father and his Son, Joseph fell prey to mockery, taunts, and persecution by others. His marriage was not approved by his in-laws, and his first three children did not live to their first birthday. He was unable to provide a safe and secure living for his family because of intense persecution, and under false charges spent much time in jail. His life was often in danger and, ultimately, a cowardly mob charged up the steps of Carthage Jail, and he and his brother Hyrum did not have the privilege of raising their family and growing old with their beloved companions.

The Eulogy of Joseph Smith

Joseph willingly suffered, and there is no secret as to why he did so. He endured persecution for the cause of Jesus Christ, his devotion to God and Christ of a nature rarely found among millions of others who have lived on earth. Shortly after the martyrdom of the prophet, John Taylor, who survived the attack, and later became the third president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, penned this beautiful and accurate eulogy: "Joseph Smith, the prophet and seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of 20 years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fullness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain.

"He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum….

"Joseph Smith was 38…and henceforward their names will be classed among the martyrs of religion; and the reader in every nation will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and (this book of) Doctrine and Covenants of the church, cost the best blood of the 19th century to bring them forth for the salvation of a ruined world… They lived for glory; they died for glory; and glory is their eternal reward" (see Doctrine and Covenants 135).

Remembering Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith

Jesus Christ, whose birth we commemorate on Dec. 25, is the Savior of the world. Joseph Smith is his prophet, and how fitting that we remember both this time of year. Both lived humbly yet courageously, seeking to do the will of their father. We should remember Joseph Smith on his birthday, Dec. 23, and give worship on Dec. 25 for the author and finisher of faith, Jesus Christ.

On that call last week, I asked the man if he would accept 99% truth and 1% of a lie. He said he wouldn’t. I think this article proves that Mormonism is composed of such percentages.

FROM LORA,

Shawn, This is my second email to you. I have been Mormon since I was 8 years old, and guess why I got baptized? O because I was 8. I feel betrayed by the LDS Church, and you know what I NEVER questioned anything about what I was taught until my husband and I decided to "go to the Temple" that endowment session freaked me out. I was told to return often and study the "symbolic message" well, guess what that is exactly what I did and I found out that Joseph Smith is a fraud.

Discovering True Faith

My soul is happy to finally have found the real Jesus but my family is all LDS and they think I have lost my mind….including my husband who was also brainwashed his entire life….. I just don't know if I should go on "petending" that I'm Mormon just to avoid family conflict or come out as to who I really am and that is a TRUE CHRISTIAN. I bought myself a cross necklace for Christmas that I have been wanting for a long time….but I can't wear it in front of my family 🙁 I feel so happy yet alone at the same time????

Matt in Idaho

Hey Shawn and all, I have a couple of questions for you:

1. I hear Shawn and callers who support him talk about spiritual feelings that accompany their experiences of being "born again", yet Shawn constantly reaffirms that we cannot trust our feelings. How do you know you have been saved? What purpose do those spiritual feelings serve if I cannot trust my feelings?

2. In one of his many discussions on faith and works, Shawn equated works to love. Can you support this biblically? It makes sense to me, but I'd like to see if this is supported by the bible, that: works=love

Craig & Lisa Abbott

labbott2005@yahoo.com

Living Among Different Beliefs

Hello Shawn, Love your show! We are a Christian family that moved to Heber City, Utah, a little over seven years ago from Southern California. We have four kids 23, 19, 13 and 11. In your opinion, is living in this Judgmental Mormon area unhealthy for our children? I get concerned that my kids will never meet a Christian spouse living in our area. My 19-year-old son cannot find any non-Mormon girls to date even in college here! Our 11-year-old daughter pretty much has no friends because we are not Mormon! Our 13-year-old son has tons of friends, some LDS, some not. Doesn't really seem to be an issue with boys! Any suggestions on how to cope and if we should consider relocating to another state or area? Thanks!

Merry Christmas

The Abbott's (Lisa & Craig)

Baptism and Forgiveness

Love your show. I've written you before about baptism. I don't think your argument about the thief on the cross is a compelling one to prove baptism isn't necessary. Baptism is a death, burial, and resurrection, to emulate that of Christ. When the thief was on the cross, God was hanging right next to him in the flesh and could forgive sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. and make good his promise that in that day he would see paradise. The necessity of baptism, for the forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38), didn't come into effect until after Jesus rose from the dead. Baptism removes sin.