Faith without religion.
Origins and Interpretations of LDS Beliefs on Pre-Existence and the Nature of God
In a recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” host Shawn McCraney delved into the topic of fables, specifically addressing the LDS belief in a human pre-existence. This teaching, often supported by certain biblical passages, was scrutinized for its origins and validity. McCraney highlighted that the concept of pre-existence is not unique to Mormonism, tracing its roots back to ancient Greek philosophies and other cultural beliefs, such as the Pythagorean idea of souls being punished in new bodies for past sins.
The discussion also touched on the LDS claim that God the Father has a body of flesh and bone, a belief McCraney argues is contrary to biblical teachings. He emphasized Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth,” to illustrate the spiritual nature of God as opposed to a physical form.
McCraney urged viewers to consider the vastness of the universe and the nature of God as a consuming fire, not confined to a physical body. He challenged the LDS narrative by questioning the interpretation of biblical passages that describe God in anthropomorphic terms, suggesting these are literary devices rather than literal descriptions.
The episode concluded with an invitation for viewers to seek truth and embrace a relationship with Jesus, encouraging them to question and explore beyond the teachings they have been presented with. The discussion sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the Trinity in the following episode.
