Evangelical Scholar Troubled by Theological Ambiguity at Beck Rally (Many Christians Seem Confused)

Christian Post ^ | 09/02/2010 | Nathan Black

[SeekAndFind]

RE: then it wasn’t a religious ecumenical meeting

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I believe Rev. Mohler’s concern is not with Glenn Beck’s rally per se... his main cocnern is with CHRISTIANS who cannot discern between moral, social and theological issues.

[Pete]

I attended the rally. I agree with Beck in some things but I disagree with his ultimate goal. He concerns seem to be primarily temporal rather than eternal. He is genuinely concerned about the future of the United States and its people. He is calling us to turn back to God, not for God's glory or for the furthering of the Gospel, but so that we will have protection in trial and storm.

In sum, his goal appears to be man-centered rather than God-centered. I understand why. He has compassion for people and doesn't want to see them suffer. But, ultimately, everything is about God's glory and 1,000,000 years from now, the only things that happened on earth that will matter are those things with eternal consequences.

[onedoug]

Hagee´s a good man. Thanks, J.

[Coldwater Creek]

EXACTLY!

[RobRoy]

>>It seems to me that I disagree mostly with Beck on doctrine, not on the basics about Christianity.<<

Actually, the blood atonement for sins that was fully completed by Jesus is the bedrock of Christianity. He is described as a cornerstone and capstone “that the builders rejected”.

Mormonism teaches that Jesus died for your sins as a partial atonement. But works are required to complete the job - Works by YOU. And I am not talking about a “faith without works is dead” context.

IOW, the core basics of Christianity are exactly WHERE Mormonism differs from Christianity.

I almost became a Mormon in the late 1970’s. If you really would like a feel for what is going on, try this:

http://www.exmormon.org/
http://www.saintsalive.com/

Mormonism is, in a way, more insidious than islam, due to the fact that it claims to be Christian. Don’t get me wrong, it teaches a lot of good principles regarding man’s relationship with his fellow man, but completely twists the “man’s relationship with his Creator” part. The former can bring about a better and more prosperous life, but the latter can literally steal your soul and your eternal relationship with God.

And the latter is eternal. The former is but a mist.

Proverbs: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is death.”

[FairWitness]

So yes, you can make friends with Mormons, you can make common cause with him regarding politics and social issues, but you CANNOT call him your brother in Christ.

I get that; I just don't see why it causes so much in the way of heated discussions and seeming animosity. It is up to the Ministers and Priests (and Christians themselves) to be understood and be clear on what it means to be Christian. Given how "squishy" the minister in the church I attend (PCUSA) is I guess that (clarity) is not happening in too many places. As near as I can tell the greatest, and maybe the only, sin worth mentioning is "judgementalism". If he (my minister) preached anything against Mormons (as he periodically does against Catholics) it would most likely be that they are too "exclusive" rather than that their theology is wrong.

[Coldwater Creek]

When Glenn Beck get saved, and I believe that he will, will understand Christ like principles.

[colorcountry]

When Beck speaks of him Mormon God, it is different than the Christian God.

As long as you know that, it’s fine - just as when a Hindu speaks of his god it isn’t the Christian God, and so if the Hindu calls you to Vishnu, you have a clear understanding of the differences.

Beck’s call to God is blurring the differences. I’m often surprised that so-called christians are offended when someone points out the differences.

[FourPeas]

Thank you. Can you recommend a resource that would give a good, yet not too detailed, description of what LDS believe?

[colorcountry]

(Becks) concerns seem to be primarily temporal rather than eternal. He is genuinely concerned about the future of the United States and its people. He is calling us to turn back to God, not for God's glory or for the furthering of the Gospel, but so that we will have protection in trial and storm.

BUMP! God can and will be glorified even if this nation ceases to exist (and I pray that His glory will be magnified by this nation and it will continue - but when this nation stops glorifying God as it has in recent years, then we are in danger). All for the glory of God!

[greyfoxx39]

I’m glad Dr. Mohler is speaking up. I see this as a trial of God’s people, a temptation to follow a false gospel. I believe Mr. Beck is using the language of evangelicals to garner their favor, and with it their power, be it through popularity/listeners/viewers, or financial gain, or some other endeavor. I do agree with much of Beck’s stated political philosophy, but as Mohler pointed out, agreeing on political philosophy doesn’t give anyone automatic credibility when it comes to spiritual matters.

Well stated. For a summary of the covert mormon theology found in Beck's speech Click Here

[FourPeas]

A person’s eternal soul is a very important thing.

[AngieGal]

ping

[fml]

Because Mormans are truly not Christians. Beck is selling something many don't want to buy.

"What Mormons Think of Christ" (LDS publication, pages 32-34): "Christians speak often of the blood of Christ and its cleansing power. Much is believed and taught on this subject, however, it is utter nonsense and so palpably false that to believe it is to lose one's salvation."

[Matchett-PI]

"Glen Beck was raised as a Roman Catholic as I recall. I believe that he knows and understands Chrisianity perfectly well. I would not be surprised that his conversion to Mormonism is as much to help his recovery from alcoholism as anything else.."

I thought I heard Beck say at one time that the reason he "converted to Mormonism" was so that he could marry his "hot" wife (who is a Mormon).

[caseinpoint]

Well, then, Christians have to do a better job of educating their followers. But why then couch the article as warning it is dangerous to stand shoulder to shoulder on social and moral issues with someone who believes differently from you theologically? And why specifically tear down Beck when there were many religious leaders there also (and Beck isn’t a religious leader)?

My point is what many others have said: we need to find ways we can combine our strengths, not tear each other apart. I think it is possible without compromising theology in any way. Otherwise we make the perfect the enemy of the good, to the benefit of evil.

[MEGoody]

A person’s eternal soul is a very important thing.

Indeed, but this wasn't a revival meeting or a church service designed to tell the doctrinal truth to people. The purpose of Beck's meeting was to bring together people who believe that America was founded on Judeo-Christian values. There are many variances in doctrine among that group, but they do share that one thing in common.

[colorcountry]

Would you like a Christian source or an LDS source?

[Joann37]

http://contenderministries.org/mormonism/comparison.php

I’m not real familar with this ministry, but the matrix seems comprehensive. Others here will correct it if it’s wrong, I’m sure!

[Godzilla]

And yes, it’s troubling that Beck’s faith deviates a lot from the Bible, but as others have noted, he hasn’t incorporated any tenets of Mormonism, so far, into his speech.

Beck is unorthodox in how he expresses mormon salvation - that is true. But one must also recognize that the tenets of mormonism for general public consumption are found in standard Christian terms and phrases that to the mormon have been redefined from what Christians understand them to be. For example the use of the term "salvation" to a Christian it means only one thing - our forgiveness of sin by God's grace (unmerited favor) and eternal life with God. To the mormon it means two - a general resurrection of one of several levels of 'heaven' and later exultation to godhood for those worthy mormons.

So this slight of hand makes it difficult for the average Joe Christian to see the differences. Mormons use the same talk, but the real meaning is often very different.

BTW, the comment about the similar things happening in America as with Moses - refrence to the book of mormon fictious history of early America.