Show Overview

Live from the Mecca of Mormonism (and the Factory here in Salt Lake City, Utah) this is Heart of the MatterTGNN’s original show where Shawn McCraney deconstructed religion and developed fulfilled theology., where Mormonism meets Biblical Christianity Face to Face. Show 24 / 354 The Testimony of Diana August 13th 2013

And I’m your host Shawn McCraneyFounder of TGNN and developer of the fulfilled perspective—calling people to faith outside of religion.. We praise the True and Living God for allowing us to participate in this, His ministry. We pray His Spirit upon you – and us – tonight.

Upcoming Events

Hey, there is going to be a Good News Celebration in Payson on September 14th.

The Payson Good News Celebration Saturday Sept 14th Payson Memorial Park From 10 AM to 6 PM. Theme: Illustrations of Salvation. Speakers talking on 'Redemption, Union of Christ, Redemption and Substitutionary Atonement'. Great speakers, Praise band, over 20 booths with various activities, FREE giveaways, numerous churches involved and plenty of entertainment!!! Come join the excitement of bringing the Gospel of Jesus Christ!!!

We throw a little information out there and people come back at us with more! Thank you, thank you.

For example: Our dear friends K and A were so enthralled with the name Mahonri Moriancumer (which they heard on the show last week) that they decided to name their next cat after this very original creation of Smith. In a state of exuberance, these guys even went home and got online to learn more about the name Mohonri Moriancumer – and provided us with this information. Seems some followers of Joseph Smith back in the day came to him with their newborn son and asked him to name the child.

It was here, in the year 1834, that Smith actually told the parents that the boy's name would be Mahonri Moriancumer. Which, said Smith, was the unspoken name of Book of Mormon character only known as the brother of Jared. What was really interesting is K and A learned that the grave of “Monnie” (that’s what I THINK his friends called him) is located right here in the same city as our studio! Here’s a picture of it.

1. Inscribed upon the headstone is the story I just related to you all.

I mean, there was no limit to the chutzpah of Joseph Smith and the fantasies he allowed himself to perpetrate on unsuspecting souls.

Observations on Cultural Elements

Our faithful friend (whom we’ll call Dave) supplied us with some new lyrics to the popular LDS song, I am a child of God. See, in their typical myopic and pollyannish fashion, the LDS hymn says:

I am a child of God. And He has sent me here. Has given me an earthly home With parents kind and dear. Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must DO . . .(????) To live with Him someday.

Again . . . all about MEEEEE! From a biblical perspective, the words are laughable (as we mentioned last week) but for many, the words just don’t quite reflect their earth-experience. So Dave gave us some new lyrics that speak to “those who came from a different home experience.” His song goes like this:

“I am a child of God, And He has sent me here, Has given me an earthly home, With parents that I fear.

Beat me, chide me, kick me, bite me, Help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do So I can get away.” Great stuff.

Another supporter – we’ll call her S – was doing some work at the LDS publishing and book retailer, Deseret Book, and couldn’t help but notice that on the walls of this Mormon-owned business enterprise were some reminders of what was expected of valiant LDS members. She took pictures of each of them. Take a look:

Daily Duties for Devoted Members

1. EVERY DAY

   • Individually and as a family with a sincere heart and faith in Christ)
   • Read scriptures individually and as a family!
   • Write in my journal
   • Bless someone through an act of service.

2. EVERY WEEK

   • Attend all my Sunday meetings
   • Participate in our family home evening
   • Ponder a Christ-like attribute
   • Share my testimony with someone

3. EVERY MONTH

   • Attend or prepare to attend the temple
   • Fast and give a generous fast offering
   • Participate in 100% home or visiting teaching
   • Read the Ensign, New Era or Friend

4. EVERY YEAR

   • Read the Book of Mormon
   • Pay a full tithe and attend a tithing settlement
   • Listen to General Conference in April and October
   • Identify and learn about one or more ancestors

A Tool for Outreach

I was handed a helpful tool for outreach the other day from yet another supporter (Danny) and in it I was reminded of so many passages in the Bible that clarify the singularity of the True and Living God. But the paper he gave me made a really good point I haven’t considered and it deals with talking with LDS people about their religion relative to Christianity.

Engaging with LDS Beliefs

You can begin by asking questions about the LDS understanding of God. “Are there other God’s? Anywhere, at any time?” If they are honest and know their doctrine they will admit that there is. And at some point ask them: “Does your God/Heavenly Father know everything like the Christian God? I mean is He all knowing?” You might ask. In an effort to be convincing and to appear Christian they will in all probability say: “Oh, yes, yes, yes – He is all knowing.”

And then once they have committed to this position, ask them to read the following passage from Isaiah 44:8, where God says: “Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.”

And then the difficulty is obvious – they have said there are other gods, they have said their God knows all things, so what do they say about Isaiah 44:8 where God Himself asks, “Is there a God beside me?” and then answers His own question saying, there is no God – I know NOT ANY?” Thanks Danny.

A Young Girl in Utah

Before we get to our guest tonight, I want to read an email we recently received from a young girl here in the Salt Lake Valley.

She writes:

I'm _____, a 14 year old girl living in West Jordan, Utah; I come from very active and highly devout Mormon family. Everyone on my Mom and Dad’s side, all the way out to 3rd cousins, are Mormons. For as long as I can remember I've been asking myself questions about what I was being told to do, believe, and act. When I was just five years old all the questions I tried to ask were immediately deemed stupid, childish, or unimportant and I was pushed to the side and forced to remain quite. When I turned 8 I didn't even get baptized because I wanted to, it was because it was made very clear that I'd let everyone down if I didn't. I was then the perfect little Mormon girl, my doubts nearly completely suppressed and forgotten. Recently, however, my curiosity has sparked up again with endless opinions and information on the Mormons.

That's how I found your show. I'm not allowed to watch it on TV, but YouTube gets me around that. Your show has opened up my eyes to so much. I know what the LDS religion is now, and thanks for that. I just don't know what to do though, if I leave I'll break everyone's heart. A really amazing woman I met told me, "if it hurts more people to leave then there's no harm in staying and running through the motions, is there?" I just don't understand how to handle this situation at all, where to go, or what to do. I have no way out without hurting everyone I care about… can you please E-mail me back if you can help me at all? I'm more than willing to explain more if this wasn't enough.

Signed,

A Response

Dear Shawn, My parents know I'm e-mailing you, and I took your advice. How do you know though? I mean, my whole life they've told me feelings and emotions were how I would know, but that's me. I've always known that emotions are just me, and I control them. How can you tell or know when what you know is truth? Also, how can I not hurt all of my family when if I do find the truth? This is a real struggle for me. I almost wish I didn't know what I know about the church and that I could be a blind follower who was too scared to question and ask.

Signed, Kate

Dear Kate,
Thank you for writing. Over the years I have come across people like you who from a young age have been seekers of Truth; people who question; people who think. You were created this way and have a wonderful path ahead of you if you are able to approach your life and

Making Wise Decisions at Fourteen

The decisions you make wisely. I say this because so many people who share the same attributes as yourself derail into areas of rebellion, and anger and frustration because most of the world does not know how to relate to you. But they will – in time.

Because you are fourteen you are in a precarious position. You are still in your parents care and we are to honor our parents. This is a must. But the greatest honor you can give your parents, whether they realize it or not, is to come to find the True and Living God. In light of all this, I suggest the following:

Steps to Finding God

1. Go FIRST to God directly. Talk with Him from your heart. Tell Him what you have told me. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you, to give you a new heart, and to let you know when you have been given His Holy Spirit. Open your heart to the True and Living God, not to Man. Do not follow me, your Bishop, or other religious leaders – Go to God directly and pour your heart out. Ask Him to give you knew eyes, a new heart, by and through the shed blood of His Son. Ask God to forgive you, to receive you, and to give you new life. Then wait.

2. Read His Word while you wait and after you are His. I mean the Bible. Start with the Gospel of John and if possible, read it from a non LDS publishing. You're not reading to prove yourself to God, you are reading to hear and see Him through His word, so relax. That is a major difference between Mormonism and real Christianity – true Christians relax and trust in Him and Him alone.

3. Honor your parents. Continue to love them and respect them. Attend church if that is their desire for you but use your time there to listen to what is being said. You will continue, more and more, to hear the deceptions come forth. But don't fight them because you won't win. Not yet. Just use this time to educate yourself on what you are being taught. But most importantly, relax. God will work through you and in your family in time.

Encouragement and Boundaries

I hope these things help. If there are any books you might like we'll be glad to send them to you. Now, one final thing, because of your age I would not be doing right to continue an email discussion with you without your parents knowing. So if you correspond to this PLEASE get permission from Mom and Dad first. Okay? Deal?

God bless you, my sister. I applaud your courage and desire to know truth. Now go to Him – – He will NEVER lead you astray.

Shawn

PRAYER

DIANA

Hello Shawn,

So let me get this straight…you are going to continue your attack on false doctrine only so long as it pertains to Mormonism. All of the reasons you give for your decision can be used against you in equal measure. In addition, you have translated a few pastor emails and a couple of fast food luncheons into a kick in the pants from the Almighty. Lying doctrine is the enemy to all no matter who spews it.

Thank you, Brad H – Loveland, Colorado

Dear Shawn,

Sorry to keep writing you. I know you are busy and have a ton of emails to go through, and I am adding one more. I just want to describe my visit today — my first — to a Mormon church.

I invited myself. I have a friend at work who is Mormon who I've been "courting" with the gospel. Saw this as a way to break down barriers and lead to conversations about the Lord. Called him the other day to ask what time services started at his church. (Good luck finding that information on the internet! Are service times secret too?!) So invited me.

I show up. I'm the only guy there without a tie, and with a beard. We sit down. I notice there is no cross in the place. The service starts, a lay bishop says a few words, we sing a song (something about Ephraim), and then we're served communion by kids (!). First a round of leavened whole wheat bread brought out on little trays with a handle.

Exploring Faith and the Missing Focus

I passed. Then water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I passed again. (A little kid in the next pew says, "I want some more water!") Then came a song by two sisters. Then two tag-team talks by a mother and daughter.

I won't bore you with all the details. Most noteworthy to me: The hymns (all unfamiliar to me) mention Jesus, each speaker closes his or her talk with the invocation of Jesus, but other than that, there has only been one mention of Jesus in an hour! I can't pin down in words the feeling I was experiencing, but I felt like someone was twisting my head, warping my thoughts, using a mind-control drug on me. (I know they weren't, that was just the experience.) It was all so weird. When the service ended, my friend asked me if I wanted to attend the next two hours—"Sunday school," and something for men (Elders' quorum?).

Impact of Knowledge and Faith

I really don't want to bore you with the details, but I stuck it out, and want to say this: I know your show accomplishes a number of things—helps reach disaffected Mormons in the church, etc. But I have gotten a ton of good out of it too. Before your show, I was absolutely intimidated by the missionaries. I felt like they had a knowledge advantage on an uneven playing field. And knowing what I know now, thanks to your show, I think that was true. But thanks to your show, now I feel totally at ease. I feel like now I even have the knowledge advantage. And there is NO WAY I would have survived that service today without your show. It was all there: Exaltation, becoming worthy of God's love, church history (they're covering church history this year). If it weren't for your show, I would have been totally lost. Now they were all old familiar names! 😉

There were unfamiliar concepts too. For example, when discussing Abraham sacrificing Isaac his son, they talked about him (Abraham) being "chastised". And they TOTALLY missed the point that Abraham was walking by FAITH, trusting God. A woman talked about how she had just given up her job because of legislation that just passed that conflicted with her moral views, and how God just yesterday had led her to a new, higher paying job! Wow, what a great story. But what a story of FAITH! Instead, she emphasized obedience. No one but no one ever used the word faith. I couldn't believe it. It was like 1984, as if the word had been expunged from the language.

Reflections on the Service

All of that aside, I liked "Sunday school"; I liked how it got the adults into a Bible study setting on the same day as church. (In general, I am opposed to the modern American preoccupation with the 1-hour service. I've come around on homosexuality and tithing because of you, Shawn. Do me a favor and start reconsidering the 1-hour service; God deserves WAY BETTER than being fit into our Franklin day planner.) (They even discussed "the pride cycle"—something that I assume must be a familiar concept in their circles, since they had a name for it and didn't feel the need to explain.)

Finally, we went to the third hour (Elders' quorum?). I don't want to go into that too much, but suffice it to say that, in spite of my friend's assurances, I felt distinctly unwelcome, as if I were crashing a family-only birthday party. When everything was over and I was "decompressing" in the car on my way home, I really felt noxious and queasy. I raced over to my church to see if there was anyone still there that I could hear and talk about the Lord with. I really wanted to sing to and about the Lord, to worship some. But they were all gone, there was nobody there.

My overall impression was that the thing is a mind twist. There was no joy, I could feel no love, there was no "buzz of enthusiasm" about the Lord. Mainly the Lord was missing, although they did close prayers and speeches with his name. I'm with you 100%: If anything, I wish they could have the Lord. Jesus is what's missing from their diet.

Thank you, Shawn, for the show. If it weren't for you and people like Adam's Road (their testimonies on YouTube), I would be completely in the dark about Mormons. Please pray for me and my friend, that he might come to the Lord.

Thanks again.

Your brother in Christ,
Charles
Pacific

New Missionary Dress Standards

Changes in Dress Code for Mormon Missionaries

When people think about Mormon missionaries, the image of two elders in dark suits, white shirts and ties come to mind. Due to recent changes, however, that image will shift. According to Ruth Todd, a spokeswoman for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “In an updated dress and grooming standards webpage (https://www.lds.org/callings/missionary/dress-grooming), clothing for elders now includes lighter colored suits and slacks.” And the changes don’t stop there. “Missionaries are not required to wear a suit during regular everyday proselyting activities,” the webpage says. LDS missionaries may now wear light-colored grey and brown suits. They will also no longer be required to wear suit coats during regular activities. Add a “no backpacks” policy and the ability to wear closed-toed sandals and khaki pants to the new missionary dress standards, and the list is about complete. According to the webpage, the LDS Church urges missionaries to wear “professional, conservative clothing” that is reflective of their responsibilities.

Skylar Hair, a junior who served a mission in Phoenix, Ariz., mentioned how missionaries serving with him weren’t obligated to wear suit coats in the summer because temperatures sometimes reached 120 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as the temperature fell below 60 degrees, missionaries were required to don their suit coats. “I think the changes are an awesome idea,” Hair said. “Sixty-degree weather is still relatively warm, and I remember how some people would look at us funny because we were riding bikes and wearing suit coats in warm weather.” Between the recent changes in proselyting techniques to include social media and the new missionary dress standards, it seems to many that the Church is giving missionary work a much-needed facelift. “Everyone in the Dominican Republic thought we were from the CIA because we looked out of place and too formal as missionaries,” said Ethan Jenkins, a returned missionary. “So it’s not so much about relaxing the standards as it is adapting to the world around us.” Ogden Mills, a recent computer science graduate who served in the Russia Moscow West Mission, also welcomed the change. “It’s all about how people perceive missionaries,” Mills said. “Like when they changed the dress standards with sister missionaries so they don’t look like nuns anymore.” BYU students and Church members alike are wondering if the change is necessary or if the relaxing of the missionary dress standards will continue. Ryan Howell, a senior studying wildlife and wildlands conservation, said the Church was adapting to the world. “It seems like the whole business style is becoming more casual and the Church is just mindful of the change,” Howell said.

Personal Accounts and Reflections

Dear Shawn,

I have watched several of your episodes on youtube and find them quite interesting and entertaining. I am a former Latter Day Saint. I converted to Mormonism back in 2000 and have had my name officially removed this year. Before becoming Mormon, I was originally Baptist Christian. Thank Jesus, I found my way back home and am now attending a baptist church in Santa Ana, CA. Although I have seen the light, my daughter's father is still active in the Mormon church. Unlike me, he was raised in the church. He still wholeheartedly believes that the Mormon church is the true church. It breaks my heart to see him so deceived by a false religion. I pray everyday that God will soften his heart and lead him to salvation. He is so convinced that the doctrine and so-called prophets are true and believes all evidence against the church is anti-mormon and a fabrication. My question to you is how do I begin to witness to him? I bring up scriptures in the Bible that clearly contradict the Mormon teachings, but he brushes it off. Any kind of light I shed on the matter, he dismisses. It's as if he doesn't even want to hear anything that questions the Mormon faith. He simply agrees to disagree. How can I break through his tough, stubborn barrier? How can I plant that seed? Thank you, Katrina

From: Andrew

Subject: interpreting scripture

Message Body:

science can prove that the virgin birth is impossible.

science can prove the resurrection is impossible.

love ya like a brother!

From: Chris

Subject: Greetings

Message Body:

Hello Shawn,

I am a frequent and longtime viewer from Houston. I would like to take a moment and encourage you and the work that you do for HOTM. I have been in the Mormon Church, and a Temple Recommend holder, for a few years and because of your program I have begun asking some tough questions. Recently, I’d say within the past four months, I have begun asking these questions to fellow ward members.

Personal Experiences with Church Practices

Attend "sacrament" at all now and rarely did in the past due to my work schedule. As a result "Home Teachers" AKA Spiritual Mobsters in Ties, came by my house on a weekly basis for about six weeks. When confronted with direct and sometimes contentious lines of questioning, they would fold like cheap beach towels. Answers like: "I feel Mormonism is true, and you will too. That is all the proof you need", "Mormonism needs to be experienced to be believed, just like saltiness", and "Direct evidence for Mormonism doesn’t exist, that’s not how God works" and many others were what I got. I was even told that I wasn’t coming to church enough and that poor attendance needed to be corrected because I must keep my blessings and Temple Recommend active. (That last one was communicated to me by the Bishop’s councilors while they sat across from me in my own living room, this was a straight-up mafia move made in the name of religion)

Needless to say my Temple recommend has been suspended and I have not and will not return to "sacrament" meetings ever. Thanks to your show, and my average intelligence I am able to pick apart the bovine scatology that the LDS Church force-feeds. These people do not and have not cared for me as a person. They want a person who will reaffirm their beliefs that’s all. Also the last home teaching session I went on I asked the guy I was partnered with in private in a respectful manner a benign question about the Temple Endowment and he began flipping out like I had just ogled his wife. He told me not to bring up the Temple ever outside of the building itself. I asked why I couldn’t in private, but he never answered. Shawn please continue to do what you do on the air. There are others like me out there; who need to hear your message and yes your direct manner is needed and appropriate to get people to hear what you have to say. Sacred cows sometimes need to be tipped!

Thank you for your time and your awesome long hair. I mean that, your long hair is cool!

Chris

Disillusionment with Worship Practices

Dear Shawn,

I want to thank God for the ministry He has given for you, it has really been a blessing in many people’s lives, my own included. I have to absolutely agree with you in your stance about music and worship. I’m going to say something that I’m sure I will be scolded about, but can I just say that I really hate going to church? Mainly the reason is because of the "worship" portion of the "service." It’s not necessarily because I suck at singing (I think I do, and I’m sure my voice is like nails on a chalkboard in God’s ears.) Isn’t the focus of worship supposed to be God? If that’s so, why do I always feel so self conscious or embarrassed with myself (there I go, focusing on the wrong person.) Why do we have to repeat lyrics over and over, and do I REALLY have to sing? Do I sit? Stand? Clap? Shout? Raise my hands? Hold my hands out like I’m about to receive a large gift? I’m sorry to have to say this, and I thank you for bringing the subject up, but if I could I would rather just skip the singing altogether. Can’t we all just hang out together? Why can’t I just come to church and worship God in silence? I don’t know, man, I’m just very disillusioned with worship in the church. It’s disjointed, and I would just rather just skip corporate worship altogether.

Perspectives on Church Gatherings

When I read the Bible about how the early church gathered together, I know it says we should sing songs and such, but why can’t we just hang out together, talk about how good God is, and if you want to sing, go ahead and sing as the Lord moves you. I’m not a singer, I’m a thinker. I feel more connected to God when I shut my mouth and simply think about Him and listen in my mind and heart whatever comes up. Maybe I’m wrong, and if I am, I’m sorry. I’m just really very torn about going to church. I know I should be there, and not because "I need to be filled," or "fed" or whatever nonsense, but maybe I can be there for someone who needs a shoulder, or whatever. Shawn, I wrote you for the first time in April, the same week I discovered your archived episodes on Mormonism on your website. I have now watched all the episodes and derived great benefit.

Understanding Personal Transformation and Faith

From them. They confirmed to me that Mormonism is based on falsehoods and deception, but more importantly, they helped me understand that Jesus has saved me and that I can do nothing to “help” or add to what He has already done. For that saving knowledge, I THANK YOU!!!!

Although I have not removed my name from church records, I have not been attending any meeting, and don’t intend to ever go back. My husband continues to be active and fully supports everything the church does and tells him to do. He intellectually understands the church’s historical problems, but he says he doesn’t care…he “likes the product,” meaning that the church turns out good people and that is all that is important to him. He says that there is “enough Jesus” in the church for him. I’m praying his eyes will be opened because he is spiritually blind.

I have now started to watch the evangelical episodes as they are posted. I am trying to find a church to attend, but haven’t been successful. The new information you are presenting should help with the culling out process. One church’s website noted that the ushers pass out ear plugs for those who need them—the music is apparently very loud…no thanks! I find great inspiration in the powerful old hymns of the faith.

Quotes on Changing Perceptions

I would like to pass on two quotes which are pertinent to your current Heart of the Matter discussions. The first is by the renowned British economist John Maynard Keynes, who said: “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?” He reportedly made this reply when he was asked why he changed his position on a certain issue. I think it is an equally appropriate answer when asked why one changes his or her mind regarding loyalty to the church, or at any time when additional information makes a change of position or opinion the only logical thing to do.

The second quote is from John Adams. He used it in his argument in defense of the soldiers in the Boston Massacre trials in December 1770, when he served as their trial lawyer prior to becoming the second president of the United States some years later. You may remember that he defended the British soldiers when they fired into a threatening mob that was surrounding them, killing five civilians and injuring others. Adams understood that taking the soldiers’ case would not only subject him to criticism, but might jeopardize his legal practice or even risk the safety of himself and his family from zealous patriots. But Adams believed deeply that every person deserved a defense, and he took on the case without hesitation. In his old age, Adams called his defense of the British soldiers "one of the most gallant, generous, manly, and disinterested actions of my whole life, and one of the best pieces of service I ever rendered my country." But here is the quote I have for you. During the trial, Adams said: "Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” …So true in the Mormon-Christian debate.

Bottom line for you, Shawn, is to keep doing what God has given you to see as the right thing to do despite the opposition. I hope to be in a position to support your cause some day. Meanwhile, I am praying for you and your ministry. God bless you! Remember that God is the gardener…he prunes the productive branches so they can become even more fruitful.

Betty Christiansen Haymarket, Virginia (Washington, D.C. suburb)

Questions on Religious Beliefs

Hey Shawn, first off I am LDS I am emailing you completely on a non-confrontational approach. My question is this. What is your translation of Amos 3:7.

3:7

To go with that verse, I watched a video where you were saying you prayed for light and inspiration and were led by Our Father in Heaven. (First off I commend you on asking the Father and not the neighbor what is true.) I am curious though in your 44 years did not some time be spent within the Bible as well?

On a sadder note, I have never watched your show, due to never knew of it… however I am saddened that for the most part people calling in defending their LDS beliefs never once used scriptures; they just used thoughts and beliefs… not facts. I am LDS. Shawn, I again approach you completely not in a sense of attack, I hope your respond that way. I love just talking to others.

Also on a side note, I

A New Perspective on Christ's Teachings

Encounter with Gospel Truth

was directed to your website, and bro you look amazing, alive, vibrant, healthy and great congrats… maybe even a little weight lost? again I hope this email finds you happy, and in good health. Sincerely, Kris Finlayson

ARTICLE

Into the Light

Posted: 28 Jul 2013 05:00 PM PDT

The natural state of man is to protect himself and his property at all cost. If someone were to teach this concept as a religious principle it would be easy to receive a very solid following. On the other hand, to teach non-resistance to evil would draw the opposite effect, especially if it included as a fact that the head of the Church taught this as a divine law. The divine law of Christ has been proclaimed for two thousand years by multiplied millions, and millions more have studied and preached that law. By what right do I claim this novel idea that Jesus really meant what He said in the Sermon on the Mount and encapsulated the essence of those words in, “Resist not an evil person”? There is no need to state some special right to simply believe the words that a man speaks, and doubly so, when that man is Christ.

How is it that I came upon this novel idea? I was a seeker of truth. I was not a seeker of religion or fellowship, or of a particular man or denomination, or of a theological concept or style of worship, nor did I care about ethics or morality, except where it touched “truth.” Following the crowd or the herd instinct had no appeal and was repulsive to me. It was this attitude that gave me the liberty to explore and to seek out truth unhampered by associations and feelings of loyalty to anyone or anything. Having found the Gospel, or rather, having been found by the Gospel, I proceeded, not aware that I carried within me a whole set of preconceived ideas about truth, blocking the light, not least of which was the idea of patriotism, courage, and national allegiance. Even after leaving institutionalized Christianity, due to its blatant corruption, I still held to many false concepts which are not part of the Gospel, and even explicitly spoken against by Jesus Himself. Two thousand years of manhandling the truth has produced a product still labeled the “truth,” but is in reality a prostitution of the truth and believed in by the masses, because it blends so naturally with what we want to believe anyway. Extreme radicals and conservative orthodoxy both use the same corrupted doctrines to justify their reasons to NOT turn the other cheek and to kill their enemies fighting, in what is termed, “just wars,” and rebelling against the Gospel.

Questioning Accepted Beliefs

As a seeker of truth I could not ignore the facts that the words of Jesus stand firmly against our accepted belief that the Old Testament holds the answers to the reasons we act the way we do toward our enemies. Jesus has overruled Moses and instituted a whole new way of life with new laws, yet no one believes or accepts them, although He speaks plainly. We do not look at Christ as one who was the revealer of a divine law, but as one who accepted and explained a law already known by me and everyone else. As Americans we already possess a complete and complex teaching about how God works through the Law of Moses, and how those laws translates into the American belief system and founding. We accept the idea of justice, peace, conflict, and violence, as held by our government as the correct interpretation of New Testament truth as presented by Jesus. We accept the internal conflicts of scriptures and the contradictions as answered by all the schooled teachers and pastors who repeat the party-line, and no one asks the obvious questions of: what about forgiveness, mercy, turning the other cheek, the fellowship of man, overcoming evil with good, going the extra mile, not judging, not resisting an evil person, if you live by the sword you will die by the sword, and Jesus’ words, “If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight.”

If a person who had not known anything about the Bible or knew nothing of national allegiance was for the first time to read the Sermon on the Mount he would probably either view it as the writings of a madman or as the genius of divinity, but no way could he accept them as meaning something other than what they simply say. Only through the brilliance of theological training have these words been turned on their ear. It is plain in the reading that Christ is here denying the old law and instituting a new law of His own. In the Great Sermon you read, “Ye have heard it was said, ‘an eye

Contrasting the Law of Moses and the Words of Christ

"For an eye, and a tooth for a tooth;’ but I say unto you, Resist not him that is evil.” The words, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,” is the old Law of Moses, but the conjunction “but” introduces something that is in contrast or unexpected, in this case it is something opposite. The words, “Resist not him that is evil,” is the new law which repeals the old law.

Logically I should have just believed and accepted these words a long time ago, but the natural inclination of the flesh, the national prescription of allegiance, along with centuries of theological interpretations has effectively hidden the truth of these plain words. The Church claims and teaches that Christ did not deny the Law of Moses, but rather confirmed it, “To the last jot and tittle.” How could Christ both deny and confirm the Law of Moses? Christ said both of these things; how are we to reconcile these words? Does the Law of Moses agree with the Law of Christ? Today and for the past seventeen hundred years we have accepted, unverified, the idea that the interpretations of the esteemed Church Fathers are correct; that both of these laws agree and that Christ confirms the Law of Moses and completed it. The question remains, how did Christ’s words, “…but I say unto you” effect a completion of Moses’ law when it is apparent that He is overriding it? What is also apparent is that these two statements are contradictory and that there can be no agreement between them, which is not forced or manipulative; the one cannot complete the other. As a consequence of this discovery I chose to believe the plain words of Christ, and by doing so very much that used to be obscure started to become discernible.

Rethinking Ancient Doctrine

Once this truth was revealed to me I had no other choice but to turn toward the light. This was not the light of Luther, Calvin, the Catholic’s, the Orthodox’s, or the light of reason, but it was the same light that lit the way for the primitive Christians of the first three hundred years, and the Albigensian’s, the Waldensian’s, the Anabaptist, and others including the Mennonites and the Amish. This was and is the light that has been veiled and has blacked-out the “City on a Hill.” This light comes not by a re-interpretation by me of His words, but because the artificial light of men’s teaching over the years, was rejected, and truth entered as a revelation.

Reader Inquiry on Prayer Practice

From: Brad Andrews

Subject: Praying to Lord Jesus in Nampa Idaho?

Message Body:

Shawn,

After leaving Mormonism over a year ago and coming to know the Lord the Spirit has been calling me out of Calvary Nampa. My family and I have been trying some different churches only to find overdone rock concert style worships, motorcycles at the alter, you name it. The search continues for a church. One thing I have noticed at a few churches is people praying to Jesus, such as "Dear Lord Jesus". I accept the Trinity, yet bypassing God the Father to me seems as incomplete as trying to get to the Father without the Son. I’m I wrong in this idea?

Also, any chance we could get a campus style church out here in Nampa. Seriously, a lot of people are leaving Mormonism because of your show and have nowhere to go…I know I don’t. Please pray for me, as I do for you often.

Your Brother in Christ

-Brad