Pre-existence

The LDS Doctrine of Pre-Existence Through a Biblical Lens

In a recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” host Shawn McCraney delved into the topic of pre-existence, a concept embraced by the LDS Church but challenged by biblical teachings. McCraney shared his personal journey from being a devout member of the LDS Church to discovering a transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, which led him to question and ultimately leave the church. He emphasized the importance of distinguishing between truth and fables, urging believers to rely on the Word of God rather than man-made doctrines.

McCraney addressed the controversy surrounding his refusal to reveal his secret temple name on air, explaining that doing so would alienate the very audience he seeks to engage—those questioning their faith within the LDS Church. He clarified that his departure from Mormonism was not due to personal grievances but stemmed from a deeper understanding of its doctrines and their divergence from the biblical gospel.

The episode also explored the origins of the pre-existence doctrine, tracing it back to Greek philosophy and highlighting its inconsistency with biblical teachings. McCraney dissected several scriptural passages often cited by the LDS Church to support this belief, providing context and interpretation to refute the notion of a pre-mortal life.

Ultimately, McCraney’s message centered on the necessity of grounding one’s faith in the truths of the Bible, warning against the allure of comforting myths that deviate from the core tenets of Christianity. Through his own experience, he illustrated the liberating power of embracing a relationship with God through Jesus, free from the constraints of religious fables.