Faith without religion.
Embracing Agape Love as the True Goal of Faith
In this week’s episode of Heart of the Matter, host Shawn McCraney delves into the concept of love as the ultimate goal of the Christian faith, contrasting it with the teachings of the LDS Church regarding salvation and exaltation. The discussion begins with a prayer and a recap of last week’s exploration of the LDS path to salvation, which involves a complex hierarchy of beliefs and practices, including faith in Jesus, acceptance of Joseph Smith as a prophet, and adherence to specific covenants and ordinances.
McCraney emphasizes that the essence of Christianity is rooted in two commandments: faith and love, with love being the ultimate objective. He cites Jesus’ words to a scribe, highlighting that eternal life is found in loving God and one’s neighbor, rather than in religious rituals or covenants. This leads to the assertion that agape love, a selfless and unconditional love, is the true goal for every Christian.
To illustrate this principle, McCraney employs a sports analogy, likening the journey of faith to a high school football game. He describes the world as a campus where various activities exist, but the true goal is to score a touchdown, symbolizing the achievement of agape love. He critiques the LDS approach, suggesting that it creates an alternative path that distracts individuals from pursuing the love that God desires.
The analogy continues as McCraney explains the importance of moving from the sidelines of religious participation to actively engaging in the game of faith. He stresses that merely attending church or being part of a religious community is not enough; true growth and love come from being actively involved in the Christian walk, facing challenges, and following God’s guidance.
Throughout the broadcast, McCraney underscores that faith in Jesus is essential for achieving the goal of love. He encourages listeners to embrace God’s commands, which may be difficult but ultimately lead to progress toward the end zone of agape love. The episode concludes with a reminder that salvation is a two-sided coin, encompassing both faith and the active pursuit of love, as outlined in the teachings of the New Testament.
Listeners are invited to engage further by commenting or calling in to discuss these themes in the next episode.
