Faith without religion.
Faith Beyond Institutional Boundaries
Live from Salt Lake City, Utah, Shawn McCraney hosts “Heart of the Matter,” a show where Jesus comes first and everything else is open to discussion. Reflecting on the past and the mercy that has carried us through, Shawn shares highlights from a recent gathering, including three water baptisms, reminiscent of past events like “Heart in the Park.”
Shawn delves into the evolution of institutions, drawing parallels between corporate survival and the changes within religious organizations. He recounts his experience as a lifeguard, witnessing the shift from a free-spirited environment to a bureaucratic system, and relates this to the transformation within organized Christianity. He critiques the rise of bureaucracy in faith communities, emphasizing the loss of genuine passion and unity.
Quoting C.S. Lewis, Shawn warns against the dangers of administrative control overshadowing spiritual gatherings. He argues that the essence of Christianity should remain free from the constraints of institutionalization, advocating for a return to the roots of faith where love and unity prevail.
Shawn also touches on the topic of subjective Christianity, referencing passages from Titus to highlight the importance of preaching and avoiding divisive doctrines. He challenges the traditional understanding of heresy, suggesting that true heretics are those who create divisions rather than those who hold differing views.
In the context of Mormonism, Shawn outlines his approach to discussing Joseph Smith’s teachings, aiming to provide a balanced perspective that acknowledges both the reasonable and untenable aspects of Mormon doctrine. He begins with the topic of God, exploring the historical context of Trinitarianism, Modalism, and Unitarianism during Smith’s time.
Shawn concludes by questioning the official LDS narrative of Joseph Smith’s first vision, suggesting that the Book of Mormon’s portrayal of God reflects Smith’s evolving understanding rather than a consistent revelation. He invites viewers to continue exploring these topics in future discussions.
