Faith without religion.
Faith, Family, and Fulfillment Theology with Shawn McCraney
Kimberly recently called Shawn McCraney for another engaging and thought-provoking conversation, continuing her journey of seeking clarity and understanding about her faith, theology, and scripture. The discussion was deeply personal, practical, and uplifting, reflecting Kimberly’s sincere pursuit of truth and Shawn’s passion for teaching and guiding seekers.
Kimberly began by expressing her admiration for Shawn’s relationship with his daughter Delaney, mentioning how inspiring it is to witness their bond. She humorously shared a family anecdote, highlighting how her husband jokingly suggested adopting a daughter instead of getting a dog, referencing the deep devotion Delaney showed in her seven-hour interview with Shawn. Kimberly, lacking a close relationship with her own father, found comfort in Shawn’s guidance, expressing gratitude for his role as a father-like figure in her spiritual journey.
Kimberly shared her deep dive into the book of Revelation, describing her slow and intentional study, which has helped her gain new perspectives. She raised questions about key passages, including Hebrews 1:1-2 and Revelation 1:7, which challenge traditional interpretations. Shawn explained the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context of Revelation, particularly emphasizing phrases like “those who pierced Him” and “every eye will see Him” as references to people of that specific time period. Kimberly reflected on how these explanations resonated with her, further solidifying her understanding of fulfillment theology.
The conversation also touched on the role of prophets, especially in light of passages like Hebrews 1:1-2, which state that God speaks through His Son in these last days. Kimberly questioned how this aligns with mentions of prophets in the New Testament. Shawn explained that prophets played a transitional role during the overlap of the Old and New Covenants, guiding the early church. He added that modern claims of prophecy often align more with teaching and pointing people to Christ rather than foretelling the future.
As they discussed Kimberly’s ongoing study of scripture, she shared her excitement about learning the original meanings of Greek words, such as the distinction between different uses of “for” in Acts 2:38. Shawn praised her diligence, noting how these insights clarified complex doctrinal misunderstandings and emphasized the transformative power of diving deep into scripture.
Kimberly opened up about comforting a loved one struggling with the concept of eternal hell. This person had expressed distress over the idea of a God who would condemn their family and friends for not believing in the same way. Kimberly shared how she used her understanding of fulfillment theology to present an alternative view of God’s mercy and love, which brought peace to her loved one’s heart. Shawn was deeply moved by Kimberly’s ability to provide comfort and clarity, affirming the power of the great news of Christ’s victory over fear and condemnation.
The conversation turned to the recent revelations about Micah Wilder, whose testimony had previously been an inspiration to Kimberly. She expressed her heartbreak and concerns over how this might be used by others to reinforce fears about leaving Mormonism. Shawn explained the spiritual dynamics involved, emphasizing the covenantal implications of leaving Mormonism and the potential struggles that can follow without a strong foundation in Christ. He encouraged Kimberly to remain focused on the truth of God’s love and grace, highlighting how true faith breaks spiritual oppression.
Shawn commended Kimberly for her ability to minister to others through her love and understanding of scripture. He recognized her unique role in bringing comfort and clarity to those navigating difficult faith transitions and affirmed her as an example of God’s work outside institutional religion. Kimberly’s compassionate approach and willingness to address hard questions demonstrated her deepening faith and her commitment to sharing the hope she has found in Christ.
As they concluded their call, Shawn expressed admiration for Kimberly’s journey and ministry. He encouraged her to continue seeking truth and sharing love, assuring her that her insights and questions were making a difference. Their conversation was a testament to the power of open dialogue about faith, offering encouragement to others on similar paths and reminding them of the simplicity and sufficiency of Christ.