Shawn McCraney, host of 'Heart of the Matter,' delves into the theological differences between Mormonism and Biblical Christianity, emphasizing that in John 10:30, Jesus proclaims "I and my Father are one" as a literal oneness, contrary to the LDS interpretation of being one in purpose. He critiques the LDS assertions around the names and titles of God, clarifying that Yehovah, referred to in Deuteronomy 6:4, represents the singular and only God, challenging Mormon claims that separate the Father and Jesus as distinct divine entities.
In his teaching, Shawn underscores the importance of monotheism among Jews, Christians, and Muslims, distinguishing them from polytheism, and emphasizes the biblical perspective that worldly wealth and material gains are not prioritized in Christianity. He highlights the contrast between earthly riches and heavenly rewards, referencing Jesus' teachings about a rich man's challenges in entering Heaven and the necessity of valuing godliness and contentment above worldly possessions.
Mormonism contrasts with traditional Christianity by equating spiritual and temporal matters, suggesting that economic prosperity and material wealth are indicators of spiritual favor. This perspective is rooted in the teachings of Joseph Smith, who emphasized that all endeavors, whether spiritual or material, are seen as holy, shaping a culture where material success is intertwined with spiritual identity and pride.
Mormonism, as emphasized in the Book of Mormon, often associates economic success with favor in the eyes of God, leading members and the church to actively pursue wealth and influence. The LDS Church operates vast for-profit enterprises globally, estimated to have a total value of around 40 billion dollars and an annual income of approximately eight billion, while portraying financial and worldly success as admirable among its active members.
Shawn discusses the financial strategies of the Mormon Church, where the Prophet, as the sole asset owner, initiates temple constructions that drive revenue through increased tithing and volunteerism, emphasizing the church's focus on financial growth rather than extensive charitable contributions. This approach raises questions about the church's priorities, as illustrated by the construction of extravagant facilities like shopping malls, contrasting with its relatively low humanitarian aid compared to other denominations.
In Catholicism, it is part of the faith to ask Mary to intercede through prayer, akin to asking a friend for prayers, although praying directly to Mary is not doctrinal. The naming evolution of Joseph Smith's church raised questions about his prophetic claims, eventually leading to the official name, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
- Live from the Mecca of Mormonism
- Show 29: The Mormon Way – Money
- From the Word
- Monotheism in Christianity and Lawful Reactions
- Wealth in Christianity
- Understanding Wealth in Faith
- The Mormon Way and Economic Revelations
- The Relationship Between Wealth and Mormonism
- Mormon Church Finances and Responsibilities
- Catholic Doctrine and Prayer
- Questions About Church Naming
Live from the Mecca of Mormonism
Show 29: The Mormon Way – Money
Date: July 17th, 2012
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. And I’m Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion., your host. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this ministry. May He be with you (and us) tonight.
Hey, there are a LOT of great Bible teaching churches out there. If you haven’t found one you are welcome to join us Sundays, 10am or 2:30pm up at the University of Utah. Go to www.C-A-M-P-U-S.com for directions, etc. AM 820 the Truth is a great Christian radio station here in Utah. Listen to them. AM 820 – the truth.
Speaking of AM 820 the Truth, they have partnered with us in a fantastic giveaway tonight. A pair of free tickets to the Michael Smith concert this coming ________________ to the first ___________ callers into the show tonight! 801 Okay – LISTEN UP!
This coming September 1st we will be holding our ANNUAL burning Heart Summer Open Water Baptism. This year we will have a dunk tank, bounce-house for the kids, lots of food and products. We are inviting all the Churches in the state to attend and join us for a non-denominational communion passed out by the pastors of the state PLUS we are going to have some great guests wandering about. Music, food, fun, products, worship, communion, all culminating in an open water baptism. Be there. Saturday, September 1st Murray Amphitheater from 3 to 9.
Tomorrow night I will be a guest on Lou Dobbs program on Fox Financial News (which is channel 129) here in Salt Lake City. Time is 7PM Eastern, which is 5PM Utah. Should be interesting. Check it out! That’s . . . Tomorrow Night – Wednesday, October 18th 5pm (if you're in Utah) on Fox Financial News channel 129. Pray for me.
Full Screen Graphic for Burning Heart 2012!
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“Tell your Pastor to join us!”
My good old truckin’ buddy passed this one on to me. On Sunday (July 18th) the Salt Lake Tribune ran a full-page advertisement in the Calendar section of their newspaper for a company that calls itself, “Cruise with the News” (which is really a horrible name in my opinion). But anyway . . . what was “Cruise with the News” promoting?
The headline reads: “Cruise with the News to the Possible lands of the Book of Mormon!” To the “possible” lands of the Book of Mormon? That’s like a used car dealership advertising that the cars in their lot were possibly driven by Michael Jackson! I mean if this is how we see the world, I want to invite everyone to buy our books because God Himself might have possibly signed the one you buy. 😉
Unreal.
From the Word
We left off last week in John 10 where Jesus spoke about the Gentile nation being other sheep which are not of the fold of the House of Israel. Tonight we come to another verse important to the Mormon/Christian debate. It’s found in the same chapter (verse 30). Here Jesus says to the Jews:
John 10:30 “I and my father are one.”
Now the LDS, who believe that Jesus and the Father are one in Spirit and in purpose, would add this line to John 10:30. In other words, they would read John 10:30 as Jesus saying this: “I and my Father are one . . . in purpose.”
But this is NOT what Jesus said. In Deuteronomy, we read what is called the Great Shama which says:
Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”
In the Hebrew, this would read: “shamaYisra'el Yhvh 'elohiym 'echad Yhvh” Transliterated . . . ? “Hear Israel, GOD (whose holy name is YHWH) our God is one GOD (whose holy name is YHWH).”
The LDS try and suggest that elohim is the literal name of God the Father (when it is really only a title for any and all gods) and they also say that Jesus' real name is Jehovah. But Deuteronomy proves that Yehovah is the One God’s name . . . one and only one.
Not in purpose. Not in Spirit. One. And when it came to Jesus, He (God) condescended below all things and took on a body of flesh for us. Prior to this He was not called the Son and the Father was not called the Father but both we merely known
Monotheism in Christianity and Lawful Reactions
As Jehovah. Jews are NOT polytheistic. Neither are Muslims or Christians. Only pagans. Then listen – when Jesus said “I and my father are one” – what was the Jews reaction to these words?
The Jewish Response to Jesus’ Claim
Verse 31
“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.” Was this a lawful reaction for these religious men to take – to stone someone? If so, what was the charge they laid at Jesus' feet? It’s found in Leviticus 24:16, which says:
“And he that blasphemeth the name of YHWH, he shall surely be put to deathSeparation from God—now overcome. Physical death remains, but it no longer separates us from life with God., and all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name of YHWH, shall be put to death.”
When the Jews heard Jesus literally call Himself God, stating that He and the father are one, they believed they had every right to pick up stones to kill Him – for blasphemy.
Hear O latter-Day Saints, the Lord our God is one God. Not two, three, or an eternal number of them. Just one. And with that let’s have a word of prayer.
Wealth in Christianity
One of the distinct features of biblical Christianity (which the Bible makes PERFECTLY clear) is money, wealth, and the things of this world are not held in very high esteem with money typically not the reward for following Jesus. Unlike the Children of Israel, who under the law were truly subject to elements of what some today call “prosperity teachings” (meaning if you live obediently blessings followed but disobedience produces a curse) Christians know that the rewards for following Christ is “glories in heaven,” and that faith in Him (while here on earth generally amounts to persecution, suffering, difficulty, rejection, and the opposite of worldly wealth.
Jesus modeled the Christian walk and lifestyle for us in that when He came to earth He was born in a manger, was “a man of sorrows acquainted with grief,” and as the Son of Man, had no place to “rest His head” . . . before they hung Him on a cross to die. John tells us in 1st John 2;16 (which is one of my favorite passages in the Mormon/Christian debate) that “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Biblical Views on Wealth
When a rich man walked from the Lord’s invitation to give up on the things of this world, Jesus said (in Matthew 19:23) “. . . a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future..”
Paul writes in 1st Timothy 6:6-11
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
In explaining the Parable of the Sower, Jesus said in Matthew 13:22:
“He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”
The Greeks took a word from the Chaldee for “money and worldly wealth – “mammonas,” and in Matthew 6:24 Jesus made it clear that: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and ”mammonos.”
He also said in Luke 6:24 “But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.” Being rich or wealthy is (in and of itself) not sinful, so long as the presence of wealth does not engulf the person and consume their heavenly priorities. Interestingly, scripture lends some insight how to handle abundance in its description of our
Understanding Wealth in Faith
Lord. Listen to 2nd Corinthians 8:9, which says: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye “through his poverty” might be rich.” Here, Paul is telling us that Christ who was rich in heavenly glory, made himself “poor” on our behalf (by becoming man and taking on our sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace.) that we “through His poverty” might become rich (in glory too). Is this not the model for those who follow the King and are blessed with abundance, that we too, make ourselves poor so that through our poverty others may become rich in glory? Paul counsels believers who have been blessed with money and wealth, saying:
1st Timothy 6:17 “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”
So there is a thumbnail sketch of what the Bible says about riches and wealth. We all know when we meet up with people and institutions blessed with abundance but have not become high-minded as a result, but instead humbly use their abundance to serve the King. And we all know when we are face to face with people and institutions that “trust in uncertain riches” or with pride make them their focus and aim.
The Mormon Way and Economic Revelations
Last week we aired a program we titled: “The Mormon Way – politics.” Tonight we want to present to you with the second and final segment of The Mormon Way . . . but to this time talk about Mormon money. I am going to borrow heavily from an article published in Bloomberg Business Week Magazine, which came out last week and I thank many of you for taking the time to forward it on to me. Throughout the course of our ministry people will ask what is the impetus, the driving force behind people remaining in a faith that is plagued with so much mystery and incredible claims?
After being LDS forty years, and making a concerted study of it for twenty five, it is my opinion that when everything is said and done, the core driving force of being an active, faithful Latter-day Saint is . . . Pride. “The pride of life,” which comes by way of being part of the only true Church, of having accepted the true Gospel, of living ascetic lives, and of appearing clean cut and wholesome before the world. “The pride of accomplishment,” which includes having large well-behaved families, successful careers, elevated titles, and respected social status. And ultimately “the pride of a self-focused hereafter,” which includes being married for eternity, having your family with you forever, and then the coup de grau of pride, becoming a god – the reward for accomplishing so much while on this earth.
Pride and Materialism in Mormonism
So where the Bible clearly states that ALL that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life is not of the Father but of this world, Mormonism is literally built upon these very things. Where does this attitude come from? The founder, as eighty-eight of Joseph Smith’s 112 ‘revelations” dealt with economic matters. With MONEY. D. Michael Quinn, another LDS historian says: “The Mormon Church is very different than any other church. … Traditional Christianity and Judaism make a clear distinction between what is spiritual and what is temporal, while Mormon theology specifically denies that there is such a distinction. In the Mormon worldview, it’s as spiritual to give alms to the poor, as the old phrase goes in the Biblical sense, as it is to make a million dollars.”
In and of itself, this attitude ought to let any Christian out there know that there is a gigantic difference between the faithful LDS worldview and that of a faith-filled Christian. Founder Joseph Smith had God say in one of his revelations to the early church: “Verily I say unto you, that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal.” Quinn interprets this revelation as saying: “Whether it’s investing in a merchandising store, or tannery, or a lumber mill, or a hotel, or a bank—all of which occurred under Joseph Smith’s leadership—according to that 1830 revelation, it’s all spiritual.” From this seed of holy materialism springs the ethos, ethic, focus, and priority of Mormonism thriving today.
See, to be active in Mormonism AND wealthy is a direct indication that you are blessed, one of the elect, and in harmony with the will of
The Relationship Between Wealth and Mormonism
God. This idea is strongly emphasized in their Book of Mormon. Conversely, to be failing in economic success is often considered an indicator that a Latter-day Saint is out of favor with God, experiencing trials necessary for their growth, or worst of all, that the individual or family is “unworthy.” As a result, both members of the LDS Church and the church itself strive ardently to obtain money and wealth.
Now, let me make something really clear here – and I make this from my own observations of being LDS. Wealth and worldly success is not, in and of itself, honored in Mormonism. These things are ONLY recognized as admirable in members – especially in members who are extremely active and participative. But let me tell you, if you want to be hailed as all that in this life, treated with extra respect, and given more “leeway” shall we say than the common Mormon member – be active and be rich! The youth idolize such figures, feeding their egos with gazes of grandeur when they enter a room. To get a good picture of what these types of Mormon families “look like” and how they appear to the outside world, just watch any Twilight movie (written by LDS author Stephanie Meyer) and observe how the Cullen family is portrayed. Cohesive, caring, wealthy, powerful, handsome, living in the most luxurious homes, but just slightly above the masses of humanity. Walk into any LDS ward and you’re sure to find it home to a Cullen family of their own. It’s difficult, however, to put too much blame on LDS people for holding successful families in their wards and stakes in such high esteem. In most cases, they are merely mimicking the attitudes the church itself has toward the faithful AND rich.
The Economic Influence of the Mormon Church
This was the focus of the Bloomberg article – the money side of Mormonism – and it is astounding. Let me try and break it down for you. The Mormon Church has a for-profit side in the businesses it owns and a non-profit side.
The for-profit enterprises are vast, generating billions of dollars of revenue for the worldly empire. Because of time I am not going to list them here, but know they include businesses that deal with publications, radio and television stations, digital media companies, and a large insurance company. For-profit businesses also include ranches, hunting reserves, citrus groves, and timber operations. These operate all over the United States but are also located in Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Canada, Britain, and Australia. I mean the Australia operation alone in 1997 was estimated at being worth 61 million dollars and was generating 276 million in annual sales. Then there are the for-profit real estate holdings – commercial and residential buildings, malls, sewage infrastructure, and water treatment plants. In Hawaii alone, the Mormon church owns 7000 acres.
In the non-profit (meaning they do not pay taxes on the revenues) they own the Polynesian Cultural Center located on 42 acres of prime North Shore property on Oahu. In 2010 this center had net assets of 70 million and collected 23 million in ticket sales AND 36 million in donations.
In 1960, the Mormon church stopped reporting any of its finances. Today the Church is estimated to have a total value of about 40 billion dollars with annual income to be about eight billion a year.
The Structure of Church Leadership and Wealth
Like a large inner-city drug ring, the claim that the church is run by a lay clergy is only true when it comes to the local level leaders – because those at the top earn – and earn well. Don’t believe me, go online to www.zabasearch.com, type in Utah for the State and then Boyd K. Packer in the name box. A picture will pop up of the Apostle's home. Packer has worked for the Church all his life – how on earth did the good ol’ boy obtain that palace? I’ll tell you how. At the top of the pyramid is where the money is – always has been – from Joseph Smith to Thomas Monson today.
Why? Because that is what the whole deal is about – the things of THIS world. I would suggest that part of what makes the Mormon Money Machine so successful (besides the spirit of its dark author driving it) is directly related to their unique doctrines. You see, when you can get a people to believe that they must not only believe in a man to be pleasing to God AND that their salvation is based on the principle that hard work for the institution makes God happy, you’ve
Mormon Church Finances and Responsibilities
Got a formula for having the ability to really tap into some sweat equity – as well as financial contributions. Let me explain how it works. The Mormon Prophet – who is the sole owner of all assets in the Mormon church during his tenure as president – determines that a temple needs to be built in a certain area. The location is announced. The people gasp with delight – because the prophet has led the church to even greater growth. While the new temple is being built, the local wards and stakes that will benefit (have access) to the new temple will begin to campaign. Part of the campaign is to get the community to know about the new construction, which helps with missionary work, and part of it is aimed at getting member “temple ready.”
What does temple ready mean? It means the Mormon leaders of the area make a concerted effort to get men and women who have never been through the temple to go through. And what is required to go through the temple? Among other things, paying tithing – which to the LDS means 10% of your annual income. Because Mormonism puts up much less elaborate temples today (which means greatly reduced construction costs) temple building has proven to be a great income motivator for the religion. Then once inside, new temple attendees covenant there to give ALL they and will have to building up the Mormon church – and the revenue stream continued to expand.
Volunteerism and Church-Owned Businesses
But temple building is only one ploy the leaders use to increase revenues. They also place a heavy burden of volunteerism upon the backs of their members, intimating that the more dedicated these poor people are, the more the Lord is pleased with them, and the better chance they will have to . . . be with their families forever and to become Gods. Shari Dew, CEO of Deseret Book, expressed in the Bloomberg article of what it is like to have to report to the Prophet and Apostles of the Church on the profitability of the book publishing company she oversees, saying: “There’s, like, nothing worse on the planet than to go back to your owner and say, ‘Uh, we didn’t do what we told you we’d do,’ especially because one of the interesting things we deal with is that the owner is also an ecclesiastical leader whom we revere.” She continues, saying “That’s the toughest thing about an organization that’s owned by the church, because you don’t want to disappoint them, and you don’t want them to have to worry about what you’re doing, because they have better things to think about.”
Financial Contributions and Humanitarian Aid
What better things, sister Dew, does the Mormon prophet and/or apostles have to worry about, than the bottom-line? Certainly it isn’t receiving prophecy from God as there haven’t been any in . . . in I dunno how long – thirty plus years? Certainly it isn’t focusing on distributing their vast wealth out to the needy world? According to an official Welfare Services fact sheet the Mormon church gave 1.3 billion in humanitarian aid in over 178 countries between 1985 and 2010. Listen! Less than 1/3rd of these contributions were in the form of cash. So we’re looking at about 400 million. But let’s forget that fact and just say that the Mormon church gave 1.3 billion dollars out to the world between 1985 and 2010. This works out to be about .07 percent of its annual income. Just to give you a comparative, the United Methodists gives about 29% of its annual revenues out annually. Point O.7 % verses 29? Mormonism, Christian . . . or a business?
In March of this year, the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator of the Mormon church, Thomas S. Monson stood with the twelve henchmen . . . I mean apostles . . . in their new 5.3 BILLION dollar mall. The LDS say these men are prophets just like Moses and Apostles just like Peter, James and John. Do you know what Thomas “to the rescue” Monson said before cutting the ribbon to open the place? He cheered: “One, two, three – let’s go shopping!” Like unto Moses . . . like Peter James and John. Like hell.
Let’s open up the phone lines:
(801) 973-8820 (801) 973-tv20
First time callers please. LDS callers if possible. And turn down your television sets!
Our ability to remain on the air and do what we do is directly related to you. I promise, no shopping malls, no mansions. If lead of the Lord please consider the following prayerfully.
Run Partner’s Spot here Emails
Scott writes:
Many Catholics probably do pray to Mary.
Catholic Doctrine and Prayer
But praying to Mary is NOT part of Catholic doctrine. Asking Mary (or a friend) to pray for us IS part of the Catholic religion. Many Catholics don't even know Catholic doctrine, they're like Mormons in that way.
Questions About Church Naming
Steve C writes:
IF JOSEPH SMITH WAS A TRUE PROPHET OF GOD AND KNEW THAT THE NAME OF "JESUS CHRIST” HAD TO BE IN THE NAME OF GOD'S TRUE RESTORED CHURCH, WHY DID HE ORIGINALLY CALL HIS CHURCH THE "CHURCH OF CHRIST"–OMITTING THE NAME "JESUS?" AND IF HE REALIZED THAT HE HAD MADE A MISTAKE, WHY DID HE CHANGE THE NAME TO THE "CHURCH OF GOD"–OMITTING THE NAME "JESUS CHRIST?" AND IF HE REALIZED THAT THAT TOO WAS WRONG, WHY DID HE CHANGE THE NAME TO THE "CHURCH OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS"–AGAIN OMITTING THE NAME JESUS CHRIST?" ONLY ON THE FOURTH GO AROUND DID HE FINALLY GET IT CORRECT. WHY–IF HE WAS A TRUE PROPHET OF GOD?
Upcoming Events
Conclusion:
Hey remember, tomorrow night, 5 pm Lou Dobbs channel 129 on Fox Business Network!
Also – mark your calendars and tell your pastors – Burning Heart Saturday, September 1st, Murray Park Amphitheater, 3-9 pm.
Food / Fun / Stuff for kids / Products for sale / Music / general Communion and wrapping it all up with our annual open water baptisms.
Go to www.hotm.tv for more information.
See you next week, HERE . . . on HOTM.
