Shawn McCraney shares his journey from being a devout member of the LDS Church to experiencing a spiritual rebirth through faith in Christ, emphasizing that his Born-Again Mormon identity reflects a genuine transformation of heart without requiring an abandonment of his cultural and religious affiliations. He argues that salvation is a matter of personal faith in Jesus, not religious labels, and encourages believers to focus on the inner transformation and liberty that Jesus provides, while acknowledging that transitioning from one faith to another is a personal and varied process.
Shawn critiques modern Mormon teachings for focusing more on emotionalism, rules, and behavior rather than on biblical analysis, Jesus, faith, and grace. He finds contrast in a nearby church led by a pastor who emphasizes true worship and understanding of God through teaching the Word of God.
Shawn emphasizes that a profound and authentic relationship with Jesus is essential, contrasting rote religious practices with genuine spiritual engagement, and he underscores the importance of the Bible as an inerrant guide to faith. After leaving the LDS Church, Shawn began a ministry with "Heart of the Matter" to advocate for spiritual rebirth and encourage Latter-day Saints to fully embrace Biblical teachings, resulting in substantial outreach and engagement.
Shawn emphasizes the importance of expressing personal beliefs positively rather than criticizing other religions, suggesting that a person can be saved when they are truly born-again, regardless of religious background. He shares insights into his personal journey, including his background in art and fashion design, and his preference for individuality and the color black, inspired by Thoreau's philosophy of staying true to oneself.
HEART OF THE MATTER “Review”
Welcome to Heart of the Matter
Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion., your host. Live call-in show (give number in a while) Heart@TV20.tv Idaho Viewers www.bornagainmormon.com Rebroadcast Announcement
LIVE AUDIENCE! Here at the KTMW TV20 studios beginning next week – 7:15 PM Sharp! Room for limited audience so get here early if you’re interested. First come first served. Time for Q and A and televised testimonies.
PRAYER
Personal Journey
For the benefit of those watching the show for the first time, and for the benefit of those Latter-day Saints and Christians who continue to attack me and my methods, allow a brief introduction into who I’ve been, who I am, and why I do what I do on this show. Was raised LDS Born in the covenant Active but rebellious as a teen All served missions. All sealed in LDS temples. After attending BYU, married. Moved back to Southern California Elders quorum president Seminary teacher Young Men’s High priest – Stake High Council Bishopric Mission and Temple prep classes
Whole time, not right with God in my heart. Why? Knew I was a sinner in my heart. Great conflict – no peace. Incapable of making myself “right with God” no matter how hard I tried. 1997 – end of my rope. Daughters from gymnastics practice in a nearby town. (TELL STORY)
Continued to be LDS. Now, as recently as three days ago I had someone tell me that the title Born-Again Mormon is not right, not biblical, and quite possibly of the devil! My response: I WAS A BORN-AGAIN MORMON. Jesus DID change my heart. He gave me new life! I became a new man in Him. And here’s the kicker – I still attended the LDS church! I was a born-again Mormon. So Hear This, all you pinched-faced, hand-wringing, Christian worry warts, you’re straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel because the title is real, viable, and in the end, a glory to God!
Born-Again Mormon Ministries Beliefs
Our ministry – Born-again Mormon Ministries – do not believe in the “you must change your religion” battle. Let me give you some reasons why.
First, for Mormons culture, business, politics, and religion are almost inseparable, and to demand that people change their religion is often too much for them to bear.
Second, if you are Christian, you know that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Changing religions is NOT a prerequisite nor a guarantee of salvation.
Third, Jesus' primary concern organizationally was establishing the Kingdom of GodGod’s spiritual reign—fulfilled and present, not political or future. and NOT a newfound religion.
Fourth, the term Christian can even be very misleading – not all who call themselves Christians are in Christ and not all in Christ can officially be considered Christian.
Fifth, and as I’ve stated many times before, there are a number of gaps between what a religion or group teaches and what a people believe. (Story of being a member and listening to the doubts of members).
Sixth, some LDS beliefs are in harmony with the Word of God and some are not.
Seven, coming out of a religion is a different process for people. Some immediately walk away – usually those who have been hurt by others or are looking for a reason to get out. Others take time. The exact point of transfer from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light is not known as it is individually relative.
Eight, and this is really the important part – people need to be set free by Jesus so they will continue to abide in His liberty and not the licentiousness of Man.
And where did my being a Born-Again Mormon lead? To my becoming a CHRISTIAN!
Over time, and very slowly, my eyes were opened. I began to gently notice things as a regenerated member of the Church. Talked a lot about Man and men – praising them and speaking of them. Little heart felt sentiments for Jesus. (with the exception of references to “The Savior”, “my elder Brother”)
Examination of Modern Religious Teachings
Few teaching on Him that were more than referential. Lot’s of modern day prophet teachings (esp. primary) Lot’s of emotionalism, very little exegetical bible learning. (Teaching the Old Testament was nothing of the sort. It was Mormonism through the Old Testament) Visited Primary heard lot’s of theology songs aimed at conditioning the children’s minds: “Follow the Prophet” “I want to see the Temple” “Book of Mormon Stories” “Families Can Be Together Forever” “Saturday is a special day” “Pioneer Children Sang as they Walked” “I am a Child of God” When I visited the young men’s, lots of lessons on behavior. Lot’s of talks/lessons on “rules and must do’s.” Dress codes, Word of Wisdom, sexual abstinence BUT little about the source of strength to overcome the world, even Jesus and God and Faith and Grace! When I examined Sacrament Meeting, I heard the same stuff!
The Absence of Core Christian Messages
Where was the JESUS messages?
Where was salvation? Grace? Hope? Trust? Biblical analysis?
The Jesus I was reading about in the Bible was NOT the Jesus of Mormonism.
- Portrait of authority rather than God incarnate.
- Clean shaven, white shirt and tie Savior.
- A sinMissing the mark of faith and love—no punishment, just lost growth or peace. janitor rather than a life-guide and God.
Discovering the Difference
Then I started to investigate other churches, attending them to see what they were about.
Fortunately, I attended a church close to my home where the Pastor was a Godly man, who taught the Word of God, and who really led the sheep to know and worship God.
In time, and by comparison, I discovered that . . .
- there is a big difference between singing hymns and
A Journey of Faith and Transformation
Worshipping God. A person could spend an entire life studying the Bible and never run out of interesting and applicable information that relates to Him. There is a huge difference between saying the prayer and really praying.
After four years of placing my life in the hands of God, I left the LDS church via excommunication. I requested it, and frankly deserved it. I knew that by taking this step, I was jeopardizing my marriage, my relationship to my daughters, my extended family, and a half a lifetime of friends in order to truly follow Jesus. But there was no way I could – in the face of what God had done for me inside and out – continue to remain LDS.
By stating all of this I am saying different things to two different audiences. To the nagging Christian complainers, I am stating that in time, the Lord leads everyone who is His from religion and into a relationship. And to Latter-day Saints who continue to claim that the Church is Christian, it’s not.
The Origins of Heart of the Matter
Part II – How and Why Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology.?
Soon after leaving the Church, I was led to write a book. STORY OF WRITING BOOK MICHELLE ON THE AIR PURPOSE OF THE BOOK, WEBSITE, and SHOW. To introduce Latter-day Saints (and others) to the need for spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ. To push the LDS Church to embrace the Bible as God’s inerrant and infallible Word.
Impact Since Heart of the Matter Aired
What has been the result since we first aired Heart of the Matter?
WEBSITE: www.bornagainmormon.com
STATISTICS: 500 per month, 192,000 in June of this year. Book sales quadrupled. Dozens and dozens of emails sometimes by the hour.
PHONES: (801) 973-TV20, 973-8820
Addressing Common Questions
To the most asked questions: Why do you pick on the Mormons?
Exploring Belief Systems
Why don’t you just say what you believe instead of what you don’t believe? It’s not right to pick on other religions. (Culture of Political correctness) (Jesus not PC)
Salvation in Different Faiths
Do you honestly believe a person can be saved as a Mormon? (I was. If they are born-again, absolutely.)
Personal Reflection
Why do you look like you look?
A bit of history. Art kid Fashion Design at BYU Writer Thoreau “Trust no enterprise that requires . . .” Be me. Like black
PHONES (801) 973-TV20 973-8820
