Co-Founder of The Great News Network
Shawn McCraney is a religious philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of The Great News Network (TGNN). Known for his fearless exploration of faith, Shawn’s journey has inspired thousands to rethink their relationship with God, free from institutional constraints and fear-based doctrines.
Shawn’s Path to The Great News
Early Journey
Born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Shawn was deeply rooted in the Mormon faith. He served as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and advanced within the church’s ranks. However, his growing disillusionment with the rigidity and control of organized religion set him on a transformative path.
In 1997, Shawn experienced a profound spiritual awakening that reshaped his understanding of faith and salvation. This experience marked the beginning of his departure from institutional religion and his search for authentic spiritual truth.
Breaking New Ground
Shawn’s mission to challenge traditional doctrines and explore faith authentically began to take shape in the early 2000s. Some key milestones include:
- 2006: Launching Heart of the Matter (HOTM), a live call-in show that deconstructs institutional religion and explores the condition of the heart in faith.
- 2013: Teaching scripture in-depth through what was then called C.A.M.P.U.S. Church, later becoming Verse by Verse Teachings.
- Authoring Books: Shawn has written numerous books, including Born-Again Mormon and Revelations on Revelation, which challenge conventional religious perspectives and present fresh insights into scripture.
The Great News
Through decades of rigorous (and publicly available) study, teaching, and personal exploration, Shawn unearthed the transformative principles behind The Great News. These include:
- Subjective Christianity: Emphasizing personal, evolving relationships with God.
- Fulfilled Eschatology: Understanding that biblical prophecies, including Christ’s return, have been fulfilled.
- Reconciled Soteriology: Recognizing that salvation from sin is complete and universal through Christ’s finished work.
Shawn’s teachings challenge fear-based religion and institutional control, inviting individuals to embrace freedom, love, and truth in their spiritual journeys.
Founding The Great News Network
In 2023, Shawn founded The Great News Network as a platform to share these liberating principles with the world. TGNN brings together seven unique channels, each contributing to the mission of helping individuals experience faith in a new and transformative way.
Explore Shawn’s Ongoing Work:
Shawn continues to lead and co-lead TGNN and many of channels, producing content that inspires seekers and believers alike. Whether through live shows, verse-by-verse teachings, or collaborative initiatives, Shawn’s mission remains clear: to equip individuals with tools to embrace and grow through a grounded, direct and unencumbered relationship with God and prioritize love over fear.
Quick Facts About Shawn
- Notable Works: Author of Born-Again Mormon and Revelations on Revelation.
- Media Contributions: Host of Heart of the Matter (HOTM) since 2006.
- Founder of TGNN Channels: Including CULT and Yeshuans.
- Artistic Pursuits: A visual artist known for his unique acrylic intaglio pieces.
Learn More about TGNN’s History
Shawn’s journey is deeply intertwined with the evolution of TGNN. To understand the bigger picture of the network’s origins and growth: