Faith without religion.
Faith, Priesthood, and Genuine Guidance in Modern Worship
Live from Salt Lake City, Utah, Heart of the Matter ESPRESSO! is a show dedicated to worshiping God in Spirit and Truth. Hosted by Shawn McCraney, the show has evolved from its earlier days of engaging in heated debates to focusing on teaching biblical concepts. This shift has transformed the show into a more concise and integrated format, akin to a shot of espresso.
In a recent episode, Shawn discussed the concept of a universal priesthood among believers, emphasizing that by faith, we are all priests. This idea was highlighted by a viewer, Curtis, who pointed out the New Testament’s depiction of believers as a holy priesthood. Shawn acknowledged the importance of this perspective, which he had previously overlooked.
The episode also delved into the topic of indoctrination, particularly in raising children. Shawn argued that while the biblical proverb “Train up a child in the way he should go” is often used to justify religious indoctrination, it may not be as applicable today. Instead, he advocated for teaching children through love, principles, and open discussion, allowing them to explore and question their faith.
Additionally, the show explored Noam Chomsky’s ideas on the manipulation of democracy by powerful entities and drew parallels to institutional religion. Shawn critiqued the trend of churches becoming all-encompassing entities driven by greed, likening it to the deregulation seen in financial institutions.
Throughout the episode, Shawn emphasized the importance of love and the role of the Spirit in conversion, urging a move away from indoctrination and towards genuine, loving guidance. As the show continues to evolve, it remains committed to exploring these complex issues with depth and sincerity.