Heart of the Matter, hosted by Shawn McCraney, aims to bridge Mormonism and Biblical Christianity by exploring the varied experiences of leaving the LDS Church, often emphasized by the ease of transition and the enriching relationship with Jesus that follows. Expanding through radio, the show underscores replacing LDS principles with Biblical teachings and encourages open discussion on these changes, as well as providing resources like the book "I Was a Born-Again Mormon" to guide those transitioning.
Shawn criticizes the LDS Church for its lack of intellectual honesty and transparency about its history, suggesting that this causes feelings of betrayal among its members. He also highlights the positive experience with the Christian band Adam's Road, which consists of former LDS members and delivers unique Christian music, illustrating a journey from Mormonism to Christianity.
Addressing common questions from viewers, Shawn emphasizes that actions or offenses may lead individuals to leave the church, clarifies their criticism of Mormonism by questioning its Christian identity, and invites listener participation through calls and emails on HotM. He encourages listeners to tune into AM 820 for additional programming, promotes the Heart of the Matter show, and appreciates Adam’s Road for guesting while promoting their CD.
Heart of the Matter
LIVE! From the Mecca of Mormonism, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH. This is… Heart of the Matter… “Where Mormonism Meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face!” Show 35 Five Young Men, August 19th 2008
And I’m your host, Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion.
Have we got an amazing, inspiring, hopeful message for you tonight! So…
If you have family or friends who cannot watch the show live on television, have them go to HOTM.TV and watch it streaming video from anywhere in the world!
AND… AND… AND
We are pleased to announce that as of tonight, we have expanded Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology. further and deeper into the state through radio! You can hear the show RIGHT NOW on AM 820 The Truth. It’s a great station dedicated to airing sound Christian teachings and we are pleased to have them as a ministerial partner in sharing the message of Jesus with Utah. So tell your family and friends that if they can’t get the show on television they can tune in, right now, to AM 820 – The Truth.
I Was a Born-Again Mormon
If you’re outside of Utah, you can go to www.bornagainmormon.com and order the book. If you live in Utah, “I Was a Born-Again Mormon” is available at:
UTLM.ORG or in the store itself. Oasis Books in Logan Christian Gift and Bible in Sandy New Life books in Layton Sam Weller’s downtown SLC Calvary Chapel Dolly’s Books in Park City Gift of Grace Bible in Springville Lifeway books in Murray
…and in no other places where fine books are sold.
Of course, if you cannot afford a book, email us and we’ll get one out to you without a charge.
There is a tendency to highlight and focus on the difficult issues related to leaving the LDS church. The sensational is always more inviting (and frankly makes better television) than the mundane. Nevertheless, we want to present all sides to the experience of leaving Mormonism and there is a side that is often overlooked and unrepresented: that it can be very easy and without much repercussion.
Exiting Mormonism
So while there may be fallout with family, friends, jobs, and the community, sometimes leaving is more liberating and engaging than remaining inside. As one sister said to me the other day, “when you are in and looking at getting out, you think you are the only one, that nobody has been where you are or is doing what you are considering doing. But once you do it, you find an entire community that exists and thrives outside of the LDS Church.” Many people have the idea – because of what they have been taught as a member of the church – that if they leave their life will end, misery takes over, and a dark veil of doom falls over you and your family. It is just not so – especially – especially when you exit from Mormonism and into a relationship with Jesus.
That is SUCH an important caveat. Which is why our ministry has always been about replacing Joseph with Jesus, the BOM with the Bible, and temple rites with a personal relationship with God. In the end, whether your exit is difficult or easy… take it to the Lord, turn it all over to Him, and ABANDON SHIP! Go to utlm.org for instructions on how to submit your name removal letter.
The Article by Chuck Goldberg
We’ve had a number of you kind viewers send us the recommendation to review a recent article written by Chuck Goldberg in the Ogden Standard Examiner, titled: The Jesus of Mormonism is not the Jesus of Christianity. The article is well-written indeed, and surprisingly appeared UNEDITED in the August 11th 2008 Standard Examiner.
But there is one little problem with my reading the article and others like it here on the program – a problem which we believe we can now address on the air. Some of you will remember a show a number of months ago where some loud-mouth (moi) spoke frankly and openly about the then presidential campaign and those running for office. Well, a number of our fine brothers and sisters of the “Utah elect” got rather upset and filed complaints with none other than the IRS.
They, in turn, quite professionally and exhaustively investigated the complaints, my person, and the ministry as to whether it deserves continued tax-exempt status. Oh, the love just keeps pouring out from our viewing audience, doesn’t it! In any case, we were greatly blessed by the legal minds (and pens) of the Pacific Justice League out of Sacramento.
IRS Review and Warning
California who represented our ministry and pulled us out of the fire. The IRS, which could have fined us, sanctioned us, and/or even removed our tax exempt status, reviewed the facts and context of my comments and dismissed all charges – but did give our ministry a warning that it needs to “corral” the loudmouth and make sure he never speaks about any political candidates again.”
(You can’t see this, but Kevin stands off camera with muzzle in hand as a precaution). Anyway, the Standard article was written around a political message and so I must resist reading it here on the air.
Intellectual and Historical Honesty
Over the summer, one of Mormonism’s most educated minds – Richard Bushman, author of Rough Stone Rolling, participated in a multi-part seminar called “Joseph Smith and his critics.” In what I believe were his introductory remarks at the seminar, Bushman said: (read segment of article)
COMMENT: I applaud this attempt by Bushman. I think that one of the biggest issues Mormonism as an institution faces today is the issue of intellectual and historical honesty. Just look at their lesson manuals. They do not paint a true picture, they paint ONLY what they want you to know. How could a missionary truly represent Mormonism – Mormon doctrine, Mormon history, accepting Joseph Smith – if what they are taught to teach is partial, skewed, and void of important details and facts?
No wonder so many members feel “lied to,” “taken advantage of,” and “betrayed” by a church and the brethren they have long trusted? I would suggest you get online and read the rest of this blog. It can be found at www.lifeongoldplates.blogspot.com. Again – again – there would be NO HEART OF THE MATTER – if the LDS Church stood up and officially admitted to their history and admitted to believing in all those things that make Mormonism unacceptable to the Christian faith. Instead, they whine that “they are Christian” while they continue to privately embrace totally non-Christian doctrines of salvation. And with that, let’s have a word of prayer.
Gathering Involvement with the Ministry
PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER PRAYER
We have been blessed with a number of people who email us and want to be involved with the ministry. Some want to come on the show and tell the world about a vision they have had. Others want to juggle monkeys for Jesus or tell about being kidnapped by extra-terrestrials – and impregnated. A few weeks ago we received a email from a young man from Florida named Micah. He briefly shared his testimony and told me about his Christian band called, Adam’s Road. I tucked the email in the back of my head and went on with the week. Then last week we were visited by a man who looked like he walked over from LDS Church headquarters – come to find out he was just a Baptist! He came to suggest we have Adam’s Road – a band he had never even heard – come to Lord’sWord on Sunday and play for us.
“Two times in two days,” I thought. So we invited Adam’s Road to play for us at Lord’sWord on Sunday. And it was absolutely fantastic. Not only were these guys excellent musicians, and some of the best vocalists with some of the most original sounding Christian music, they were all once LDS. We’ll we want to introduce you to Adam’s Road here on HOTM, beginning with Micah – the guy who sort of got the ball rolling.
Questions from LDS Critics
MICAH
Next Guest___________________
Next Guest ____________________
Next Guest______________________
Finally, there’s ____________________
TOP TEN EMAIL QUESTIONS WE MOST-OFTEN RECEIVE FROM LDS CRITICS:
(Reverse order of frequency):
How could the Book of Mormon be if Joseph was not a true prophet?
What about following the prophet?
Other churches can have truth, but Mormonism just gives people all of the truth – the fullness of the gospel.
What was the hardest thing for you to give up that the Church teaches? Isn’t this a sign that God is trying to keep you in His true Church?
Do you think I am going to go to hell as a believing Latter-day Saint?
Look at our fruits! How could you deny the good fruits of the Church!
Aren’t you afraid for your marriage, your family? That you are no longer sealed for all eternity?
Did you ever have a spiritual witness that the Church/Book of Mormon/Prophet is true? How can you deny this now?
What sins
Addressing Criticisms
Did you commit that caused you to leave the church (and/or) who offended you?
And the top comment we receive relative to our stance against Mormonism:
How could you say we’re not Christian? We are Christian! We close our prayers in His name! His name is in the title of our church, for goodness sake! We care so-Christian!
Call-In Invitation
Let’s open up the phone lines:
(801) 973-8820
(801) 973-TV20
LDS viewers, please. First time callers, please. Have a comment or question. Turn down your television set volume.
Conclusion
Hey remember to tune into AM 820 during your radio week where you can hear great Christian radio from a 50000 watt station of power!
And don’t forget, Heart of the Matter airs on AM 820 every Tuesday night for those who aren’t able to watch on television.
We thank Adam’s Road for taking the time to be on the program tonight.
CD PROMO: hold it up
Online at: www.
Any final thoughts for the viewing audience?
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We’ll see you next week, here on HOTM!
