Faith without religion.
Roots of Faith and Institutional Power Dynamics
In a recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” Shawn McCraney delves into the complexities of faith and religious institutions, focusing on a discussion with guests Jay Ball and Brian Zang. Both men, while committed to certain tenets of Joseph Smith’s Mormonism, express discontent with the current institutional practices. Shawn emphasizes the importance of understanding and love over argument, suggesting that faith and love are the true unifiers.
The episode also explores the translation nuances in Acts 16:4, highlighting the shift from the Greek “dokeo,” meaning “to think,” to the Latin “dogma,” which implies a more rigid doctrine. This shift underscores the difference between personal belief and institutional mandates.
Shawn further discusses the parallels between organized religion and the principles outlined by Noam Chomsky in “Requiem for the American Dream,” which critiques the concentration of power in government and media. He argues that similar dynamics are at play in religious institutions, where power is often concentrated in the hands of a few.
The episode concludes with a thought-provoking analogy for teaching children about choices, using the terms “Rats,” “Tsars,” and “Stars” to illustrate different paths in life. Shawn encourages listeners to reflect on their personal faith journeys and the role of institutional religion in their lives, advocating for a focus on faith and love as the core of Christian commandments.
