Faith without religion.
Calvinism, Apostolic Authority, and the Challenges of Sola Scriptura
In a recent episode of “Heart of the Matter,” host Shawn McCraney announced an upcoming special featuring Matt Slick, founder of CARM, who will discuss Calvinism. The session aims to clarify Calvinist concepts like Total Depravity and Unconditional Election in a non-confrontational format. McCraney, who rejects Calvinism as representative of biblical Christianity, plans to engage Slick with questions rather than scriptural challenges.
The episode also touched on the hype surrounding “Blood Moons,” dismissing it as an embarrassment for the Christian community. McCraney urged viewers, especially Latter-day Saints, to watch an HBO special on Scientology, drawing parallels between L. Ron Hubbard and Joseph Smith.
A significant portion of the discussion focused on apostolic authority and succession. McCraney argued that the apostles were unique, first-hand witnesses of Christ’s resurrection, chosen directly by Him, and endowed with the power to perform miracles. He contended that their role was foundational and not meant to be succeeded, challenging the notion of modern-day apostles in some religious traditions.
The episode also explored different approaches to Christianity, including Catholic, Protestant, and Restorationist views, and critiqued the concept of Sola Scriptura for leading to divisions within the faith. McCraney proposed a “subjective Christianity” approach, emphasizing individual responsibility and the guidance of the Holy Spirit over institutional authority.
In closing, McCraney encouraged viewers to reconsider traditional interpretations of scripture and church authority, suggesting that the early church’s structure and the apostles’ writings were specific to their time and not prescriptive for modern believers.
