Spirit of Man, Part 2 Teaching

In this candid message, Shawn steps away from his usual verse-by-verse teaching to share deeply personal reflections on faith, authenticity, and his lifelong struggle with religious conformity. He distinguishes between revelations from God, which he believes ended with Christ’s fulfillment, and “realizations” that arise through study, spirit, and human experience. He opens up about his alienation from both organized religion and cultural norms, describing himself as someone who resonates with the “dark side” of the human condition yet finds freedom in loving God authentically. Using philosophy, personal testimony, and music—including Tool’s Judith and 10,000 Days—he illustrates how honesty, even in anger or rebellion, can lead to deeper encounters with God’s love.

The teaching challenges the notion that faith is built on logic or law, instead pointing to Kierkegaard’s “leap of faith” and the need to trust God beyond reason. Shawn frames religion, culture, and institutions as products of the “spirit of man,” which impose laws and conformity, while the Spirit of Christ calls each person to walk in subjective, unconditional relationship with God. He concludes by affirming the work of Yeshuans as a philosophy, not a religion—an invitation to test, question, and live authentically by the Spirit of Christ within. Audience reflections highlight the central theme: faith is not about appearances or rigid systems, but about love, honesty, and trust in God alone.