***So I rather doubt that Beck is aware of the details of the LDS view.***
I would say that one’s faith is the most important component of their life. It shapes their world view. Since Beck trots out his Mormonism I will have to say he knows what he is talking about; if he doesn’t why should I trust anything else he says?
I think that doesn't really follow. I dunno, but my experience is that there are plenty of people who have a vague but intense commitment to Jesus, and they just don't DO theology.
I think it has as much to do with personality types as with the effort I think I have seen of the past few centuries to discredit reason except when it is applied to empiricism.
You know there are some people whose eyes glaze over the minute somebody says something like "hypostatic union." Even Hegel tossed off the frequently made jibe that since the Arians asserted the Son was homoiousios with the Father while the "catholics' asserted homoousios, therefor the entire conflict was about a single iota.
I think Beck is pretty careful on his research. I think he loves Jesus. I wouldn't trust him on dentistry or cardiology OR theology. But I think he's worth listening to on politics. I don't 'follow' him. I hear him, and do my own thinking.