Heart of the Matter 2.0 Broadcast

Live from Salt Lake City, Utah
THIS IS HEART OF THE MATTERTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology. 2.0
Where we do all we can to worship God in spirit and truth

And I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion.

Show 52 NOT A CULT LEADER
October 23rd 2018

Let’s begin with a prayer.

Ministry Outreach and Upcoming Event

Okay – take a gander at this ministry outreach to the LDS – which we fully support –

Talking to Mormons Clip here:

Check them out and share it with everyone you know.

Last week I mentioned that in 2019 I am hoping to host an event where we gather spokes people for Calvinism, Arminianism, Mormonism, Catholicism, Orthodoxy and anyone else in the Christian arena to step forward and give it their Sundays Best in explaining the superiority of their respective appeal to following Jesus. I need you guys to write emails and send messages to the people who can represent these faith stances and get them to show up and be taped. My contention is that at the end of the day, by using the Bible, all of their representations will be proven fails – in one way or another – in comparison to what we will share.

Not because we authored something new – because God did – and that they all represent a twisted version of it – to some degree or another. Those versions help people to some degree or another – but they are in the end complete FAILS relative to what God has already done. I honestly wonder if we will get any takers because I think that they are afraid of being exposed.

Addressing the Accusation of Cult Leadership

I’m not afraid. We possess a reasonable, biblically supported stance that was authored by God and they ALL represent in some fashion or another the product of MEN. If we DON’t get the representative experts, I will represent them and their respective faiths myself, as if I was the expert and then compare and contrast their man-made view with the plan of God. Understand, I respect their right to believe as they do – and I will respect them as human beings and even as Christians – that is not the point of this. The point is to PROVE the failure of their views and approaches to the faith by what the Word of God says.

Okay

Next week – our Big Announcement – one we have been waiting and working on for years – tell your friends and our enemies and tune in.

So, I was recently on social media and ran into a woman (I don’t personally know) who immediately was very accusatory and condemnatory toward my person. Someone had recommended that someone else consider my insights into the Bible and this woman jumped in (out of nowhere) and said that I was a heretic. I confronted her, asking why she would say this publicly without coming to me first and letting me explain myself but she just got more and more acerbic, to the point of her saying that I should “crawl back under the rock from where I came from,” and then mocking me for not having “a television show to lose anymore.

But in the end she repeated claimed that “I am a cult leader.” Before we make next weeks announcement for the ministry, I want to address this statement – that I am a cult leader and/or that what we present to people is cultish. It’s truly unfounded and unfair and the worse thing about it is once it is unleashed upon someone who is in ministry it’s really hard for them to overcome it.

Expert Insights on Cult Leadership

Because of what we are going to reveal next week on the one year anniversary of HOTM 2.0, and because of what we know what some people will do with the information once it’s out, I think it’s really important to clearly address how untrue the title of cult leader is to my person and the message we present to the world.

There are several cult leader experts in the world and I am going to appeal to their knowledge and research to first establish what cult leaders are like, and what the cults they lead are like, and then defend myself against this charge. The following are gleaned from Psychology Today, Joe Navarro, August 2012, and represent most of the descriptions presented by experts on the subject.

I will openly admit to anything here that can be applied to me and while I read the descriptions ask you to not only consider me (if you know me) but consider your pastor or religious leader.

So we can see how much of a cult leader I am lets assign 1 point to any description that

Main Topic: Self-Reflection and Accountability

has ANY application to me – even though rarely will any description be a complete yes (so even this isn’t fair). But just to be safe. NUMBER . . .

• He has a grandiose idea of who he is and what he can achieve. This is partially true. (So, 1 POINT) Like many people, I think I have a role to play in this world and that idea in and of itself can be considered grandiose. I do NOT however believe this role makes me superior or special to others. (1POINT)

• She is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance. Not really. In fact, I have never sought to have success in ministry I have instead yearned to do ministry right come hell or high water. When I experience moments of clarity I subscribe it to the Spirit and never myself.

• Demands blind unquestioned obedience. Absolutely not ever or at any time – ask anyone associated with me. Hate the thought.

Reflection on Expectations and Entitlements

• Requires excessive admiration from followers and outsiders. Not true. In fact, I cringe at any admiration given me. I feel they ought to be pointed to Him. I don’t mind respect and courtesy, but do not like compliments, attention, gifts or entitlements. There is one exception to that last remark and the next description addresses it.

• Has a sense of entitlement – expecting to be treated special at all times. I’m gonna take a 1 point hit on this but the exception is, “Not at all times” – in fact, not at anytime except . . . one. I do appreciate getting some special treatment when I am getting seated on airplanes – in part because we have given so much to their bottom line over the years. I wish I didn’t have this expectation but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I like preferential seating/treatment with traveling Jet Blue. I’m sorry, Lord. I should never expect anything but for the sake of transparency, I have to admit this.

• Is exploitative of others by asking for their money or that of relatives putting others at financial risk. Never. As a stock-broker years back, yes. But not in ministry and not outside of it. I am highly sensitive to money matters in the faith and believe it is my duty to trust the Lord to provide.

Personal Attitudes and Behaviors

• Is arrogant and haughty in his behavior or attitude. Now, this is up to interpretation as some see me as arrogant. I know I have been, and I certainly can look that way, but I try to humble myself before God when those times arise.

• Has an exaggerated sense of power (entitlement) that allows him to bend rules and break laws. Again, this is a double-edged sword – because I do not think I have an exaggerated sense of Power. At all. I am innocent of that charge. But I do have a natural tendency to break established rules and laws. Guilty as charged – and it is only God in me that keeps me law-abiding. So, I have to take a hit. (1 POINT)

• Takes sexual advantage of members of his sect or cult. Only of defenseless animals. Kidding! But I will admit, there is a temptation in this area which I have faced in years past. I do not act on it, but when unsolicited attentions from women are given you it can be seductive. Because the description is “TAKES SEXUAL ADVANTAGE” I am not taking a point on this one. It has been a temptation in the distant past.

• Sex is a requirement with adults and sub-adults as part of a ritual or rite. Never ever no.

• Is hypersensitive to how he is seen or perceived by others. Used to be – but I think that is in some ways justifiable. When people used to hit me from every side I could be sensitive to the insults or attacks. Not too much anymore. But because I can be sensitive still I will take a POINT.

• Publicly devalues others as being inferior, incapable, or not worthy. No. But I am a teaser of those who set themselves up to be teased. I hope that is not ever interpreted as devaluing others of their personal worth – it shouldn’t be – but when someone tries to draw attention to themselves constantly I’ll bite and give them the attention they seek.

• Makes members confess their sins or faults publicly subjecting them to.

Characteristics and Self-Reflection

ridicule or humiliation while revealing exploitable weaknesses of the penitent. Not even close ever.

• Has ignored the needs of others, including: biological, physical, emotional, and financial needs. Try to help all that I can in these areas so no.

• Is frequently boastful of accomplishments. I hope not ever but I suppose the key word here is frequently – I will boast of some things that I am proud of in the ministry – because I think they are worth mentioning as a means to show what God has done. But this is almost always related to God and not personal accomplishments.

• Needs to be the center of attention and does things to distract others to ensure that he or she is being noticed by arriving late, using exotic clothing, overdramatic speech, or by making theatrical entrances. Don’t think so – but I have used exotic hair styles to attract the attention of viewers but it was not to set myself up as God to be admired – that is why I often downplay my clothing and appearance. Cult leaders try to make themselves look exotic.

• Has insisted on always having the best of anything (house, car, jewelry, clothes) even when others are relegated to lesser facilities, amenities, or clothing. No – and never insist – but do enjoy a nice seat on the plane (which is always in coach, by the way).

Personal Growth and Change

• Doesn’t seem to listen well to needs of others, communication is usually one-way in the form of dictates. I don’t dictate – ever. But in an argument I am capable of not listening in the past. I try very hard to listen.

• Haughtiness, grandiosity, and the need to be controlling is part of his personality. I am not controlling on the will, ways, thoughts, or speech of others. At all. I detest controlling attributes in myself or others so I strive to let all people be free in whatever way they wish.

• Behaves as though people are objects to be used, manipulated or exploited for personal gain. No, and never in my personal life. However, I will allow them to serve the ministry and am not known to gush over and over again for what they do. I want them to act for God not for my attentions and so I figure that their labors is between God and them. Which is why I do not get angry when people stop volunteering.

Response to Criticism

• When criticized he tends to lash out not just with anger but with rage. Very much so as a teen, some as an adult, much less as a believer, and very very rarely in the last five years.

• Anyone who criticizes or questions him is called an “enemy.” Yeah, I’m guilty of thinking this in the past. And I was not wrong. But over the past ten years I have learned to really love and accept people who do criticize me and my person. Not easy, but I have grown in that area. But I will take a POINT on this one. To do what we have done it’s sort of hard not to think of people who are constantly ridiculing you as an enemy. That being said, I do NOT consider just anyone an enemy – and that leads us to the next description:

• Refers to non-members or non-believers in him as “the enemy.” No. Never. We have people leave all the time or people who never stay with us and they are always people I love.

• Acts imperious at times, not wishing to know what others think or desire. Guilty on many fronts – but not all. I have a hard time hearing what people think if those people have not put in the work to first learn. Guilty as charged, so I can grow in this way. 1 Point.

• Believes himself to be omnipotent. Not at all. I have little power, if any at all. I just desire some to get the right seat on an airplane.

• Has “magical” answers or solutions to problems. I’m accused of this by some – but what some call magical I see as spiritual. James White has labeled me (with some popularity) a “walking contradiction” but I accept the title because the scripture itself can be seen this way too.

• Is superficially charming. I can be and certainly used to be in my youth. With God as my witness I work hard to be less charming “and more honestly direct” so as to avoid building on this natural trait to flatter. However, when I

Exploring Self-Reflection

Consistent Self-Perception

Give a compliment I mean it – truly. My love for people is genuine, so I’m not taking a point for this.

• Habitually puts down others as inferior and only he is superior. Neither habitually or ever.

• Has a certain coldness or aloofness about him that makes others worry about who this person really is and or whether they really know him. Yeah, I remain aloof. Always have and don’t let many in on the real me. I think it's because I am protective of that side of me since I expose the rest. I am also cautious so as to not be hurt and I have been hurt by people close to me in the past. So true, I do remain aloof regarding my person. 1 POINT

• Is deeply offended when there are perceived signs of boredom, being ignored or of being slighted. Deeply offended no. But I have to admit a yes to this – I am bothered that people might miss an important bit of information when teaching. But I am far more in favor of people being free to be who they are than to seem interested in what I have to say.

• Treats others with contempt and arrogance. I can and the people who can be treated this way by me are typically predatory, or entitled, or arrogant themselves. I love any and all humble – but do get an attitude with the proud so I guess I should take a POINT.

• Is constantly assessing for those who are a threat or those who revere him. Not so. Do not want to ever be revered. And I am not threatened by others. But I do want to be known for being fair and kind so I will be concerned for those who are angry with me.

Reactions to Self-Awareness

• The word “I” dominates his conversations. He is oblivious to how often he references himself. Don’t think so. I don’t think so (wink)

• Hates to be embarrassed or fail publicly – when he does he acts out with rage. Not at all. Find it humorous at how stupid I can be and really enjoy a good embarrassment.

• Doesn’t seem to feel guilty for anything he has done wrong nor does he apologize for his actions. Not true at all but my guilt is for harming others feelings and I say this because I rarely try to hurt someone intentionally.

• Believes he possesses the answers and solutions to world problems. This will sound really bad but in the religious world of Christianity, I do. I am convinced that I hold some solutions that someday will be of value. I do not think I created them nor that they are original thoughts but I do think that the amalgamation of them and synthesis of them will be of great benefit to many people some day. 1 POINT

• Believes himself to be a deity or a chosen representative of a deity. Ha! I am the antithesis of Our Lord and Savior – the worst of the worst saved by the best of the best.

• Rigid, unbending, or insensitive describes how this person thinks. Not rigid or unbending at all but I have been described as being insensitive. Try not to be.

• Tries to control others in what they do, read, view, or think. Never, ever, ever, ever . . . ever.

• Has isolated members of his sect from contact with family or outside world. Never ever ever ever.

• Monitors and or restricts contact with family or outsiders. Never ever ever ever

• Works the least but demands the most. Not me. Never has been me.

• Has stated that he is “destined for greatness” or that he will be “martyred.” I’ve wondered about the martyred part at times in my life when I was going after the LDS. And the destined for greatness, in the Christian world, means destined for suffering. I do believe this. So, 1 Point

• Seems to be highly dependent of tribute and adoration and will often fish for compliments. No. Again, do not like such attention.

• Uses enforcers or sycophants to ensure compliance from members or believers. Not so. Don’t want or seek anyone to speak for me or defend me ever.

• Sees self as “unstoppable” perhaps has even said so. No, God can – and has – stopped me in my tracks. But I fear no man and do not believe a man can stop anything God allows. So I do maintain this attitude in a way. 1 POINT

• Conceals background or family which would disclose how plain or ordinary he is. No concealment. Go talk

Examining Personal Character Traits

Perceptions and Misconceptions

Doesn’t think there is anything wrong with himself – in fact sees himself as perfection or “blessed.” I see everything wrong with myself – and know it without hesitation. Has taken away the freedom to leave, to travel, to pursue life, and liberty of followers. Only of defenseless pets. Not, never. Ever. I promote attending other churches and staying at home. Being free. Liberty in Christ. Has isolated the group physically (moved to a remote area) so as to not be observed. No. Remained in the heart of Salt Lake City – in the open, in the free, promoting individuality, freedom of thought, and independence.

SCORE? 10 Points Yes 40 Points No Interestingly, the yes points all point to personal character flaws that most of us have and NONE of them relate to cultic traits heaped upon others.

Understanding 'Yes' and 'No' Traits

The “yeses” are as follows: Sees self as “unstoppable” perhaps has even said so. (with the caveat that only God can stop me and never men) Has stated that he is “destined for greatness” or that he will be “martyred.” (with the caveat being that to be a great Christian we should expect to suffer and I do expect this). Believes he possesses the answers and solutions to world problems. (I explained that this was only in Christ and that none of it is original) Has a certain coldness or aloofness about him that makes others worry about who this person really is and or whether they really know him. (I explained this) Treats others with contempt and arrogance. I admit that I have treated the arrogant with contempt. Not right. Is hypersensitive to how he is seen or perceived by others. Can be given my interaction with others. Acts imperious at times, not wishing to know what others think or desire. (Only when someone who has not taken the time to really study things out but insists that they “know” something is true. Have a hard time there.) Has an exaggerated sense of power (entitlement) that allows him to bend rules and break laws. I am a natural law breaker – this is admitted and I have to work to not break laws established by men. Has a sense of entitlement – expecting to be treated special at all times. Only on seating on Jet Blue and it is not demanded – I just feel like I should be entitled. He has a grandiose idea of who he is and what he can achieve. Not grandiose but I do think what I am supposed to do is grand and that is troubling to some people.

Cult Characteristics and Rebuttals

Now, note the tenor of the descriptions and my responses to them which are the typical ways we describe cults and cult leaders:

• He is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, or brilliance. NO!
• Demands blind unquestioned obedience. NO!
• Requires excessive admiration from followers and outsiders. NO!
• Is exploitative of others by asking for their money or that of relatives putting others at financial risk. NO!
• Takes sexual advantage of members of his sect or cult. NO!
• Sex is a requirement with adults and sub adults as part of a ritual or rite. NO!
• Publicly devalues others as being inferior, incapable, or not worthy. NO!
• Makes members confess their sins or faults publicly subjecting them to ridicule or humiliation while revealing exploitable weaknesses of the penitent. NO!
• Has ignored the needs of others, including: biological, physical, emotional, and financial needs. NO!
• Is frequently boastful of accomplishments. NO!
• Needs to be the center of attention and does things to distract others to ensure that he or she is being noticed by arriving late, using exotic clothing, overdramatic speech, or by making theatrical entrances. NO!
• Has insisted in always having the best of anything (house, car, jewelry, clothes) even when others are relegated to lesser facilities, amenities, or clothing. NO!
• Doesn’t seem to listen well to needs of others, communication is usually one-way in the form of dictates. NO!
• Haughtiness, grandiosity, and the need to be controlling is part of his personality. NO!
• Behaves as though people are objects to be used, manipulated or exploited for personal gain. NO!
• When criticized he tends to lash out not just with anger but with rage. NO!
• Anyone who criticizes or questions him is called an “enemy.” NO!
• Refers to non-members or non-believers in him as “the enemy.” NO!
• Believes himself to be omnipotent. NO!
• Has “magical” answers or solutions to problems. NO!
• Is superficially charming. NO!
• Habitually puts down others as inferior and only he is superior. NO!
• Is deeply offended when there are perceived signs of boredom, being ignored or of being slighted. NO!
• Treats others with contempt

Recognizing Traits of Unsafe and Safe Group Leaders

and arrogance. NO!
• Is constantly assessing for those who are a threat or those who revere him. NO!
• The word “I” dominates his conversations. He is oblivious to how often he references himself. NO!
• Hates to be embarrassed or fail publicly – when he does he acts out with rage. NO!
• Doesn’t seem to feel guilty for anything he has done wrong nor does he apologize for his actions. NO!
• Believes himself to be a deity or a chosen representative of a deity. NO!
• Rigid, unbending, or insensitive describes how this person thinks. NO!
• Tries to control others in what they do, read, view, or think. NO!
• Has isolated members of his sect from contact with family or outside world. NO!
• Monitors and or restricts contact with family or outsiders. NO!
• Works the least but demands the most. NO!
• Seems to be highly dependent of tribute and adoration and will often fish for compliments. NO!
• Uses enforcers or sycophants to insure compliance from members or believers. NO!
• Conceals background or family which would disclose how plain or ordinary he is. NO!
• Doesn’t think there is anything wrong with himself – in fact sees himself as perfection or “blessed.” NO!
• Has taken away the freedom to leave, to travel, to pursue life, and liberty of followers. NO!
• Has isolated the group physically (moved to a remote area) so as to not be observed. NO!

Characteristics of a Safe Group/Leader

Finally, there are ten signs of a safe group/church leader.
• A safe group/leader will answer your questions without becoming judgmental and punitive.

I think this can be said of me.

• A safe group/leader will disclose information such as finances and often offer an independently audited financial statement regarding budget and expenses. Safe groups and leaders will tell you more than you want to know.

I am an open book and anyone can see the financials – just talk to Derrick.

• A safe group/leader is often democratic, sharing decision making and encouraging accountability and oversight.

We are entirely democratic except in the structure of how we do our studies.

• A safe group/leader may have disgruntled former followers, but will not vilify, excommunicate and forbid others from associating with them.

We readily invite all people to CAMPUS including so called enemies UNLESS they pose a threat to the physical well-being of others.

• A safe group/leader will not have a paper trail of overwhelmingly negative records, books, articles and statements about them.

The only paper trail I have are from outside naysayers.

• A safe group/leader will encourage family communication, community interaction and existing friendships and not feel threatened.

Always present with us.

• A safe group/leader will recognize reasonable boundaries and limitations when dealing with others.

Key word reasonable – yes.

• A safe group/leader will encourage critical thinking, individual autonomy and feelings of self-esteem.

Absolutely and always.

• A safe group/leader will admit failings and mistakes and accept constructive criticism and advice.

I try and am willing to change my mind and be criticized.

• A safe group/leader will not be the only source of knowledge and learning excluding everyone else, but value dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

I do value insight of all and encourage it.

Importance of Addressing Accusations

Why go to all of this time and trouble to defend myself from this accusation?

First, because the accusation is cheap and does not hold up to scrutiny – which is how we assess all truth.

Second, it is really important for me to let you all understand that our approach works better than any other to resist cultic control or totalistic methodologies in the faith.

Subjective Christianity

Why? Because the approach is one of Subjective ChristianityA direct, personal relationship with God—free from institutional authority, guided by personal relationship, faith and agape love. – which has a built in safeguard against such depredations which have and DO exist in Objective approaches to the faith.

Third, and finally, it is important that the deck be cleared on this matter before our announcement next week – which again – we believe will be the single most important announcement we will ever make – and so in wrapping the show up tonight, I again invite you to not only tune in yourself, but to share the fact that it is coming – next week, right here on HEART OF THE MATTER.