Burning Bridges Over Glenn Beck

ReviewAtlas.com ^ | September 1, 2010 | Jim Bennett

[greyfoxx39]

I’ve entitled this column “Burning Bridges over Beck” only because the original title, “How to Lose Conservative Friends and Alienate Readers While Drawing a Line in the Sand on the Banks of the Rubicon” was, as the Mrs. put it, “a bit verbose.”          
Let’s get down to it.

Glenn Beck is an influential figure; no one can deny that he has made considerable advances for the conservative movement.

I have never watched his television program, so most of what I know about him I have learned by watching the response to him. That response is very impressive.
The rally in Washington this past weekend proved that he certainly has a unique gift for inspiring and mobilizing people. It is a gift I envy.

I also have to admit that the hilarious fits of sputtering, frothy-mouthed panic that he invariably elicits from the Left have brought me many a chuckle. I appreciate him for that too.

I clearly can’t deny that he is one of the most efficacious figures among Conservatives. Something has happened of late, though, and it’s something that concerns me deeply. Glenn Beck is increasingly holding himself out as a religious figure. Now, I happen to be someone who treasures my own freedom to express my spiritual beliefs in the public realm, so I celebrate his own right to do the same. This is America, so by all means have at it, sir.

But my concern is for my Evangelical brethren who not only accept him as a political spokesperson but ALSO embrace him as a legitimate Christian leader. Glenn Beck must not be given such legitimacy among such a people. As a Mormon, he is an adherent to teachings that fly wildly in the face of Biblical Christian orthodoxy.

This, however, is but a symptom. The diagnosis is a particularly virulent strain of Spiritual Discernment Deficiency. Though it affects only one demographic – Christians who should know better — it has three causes.

The first cause is biblical illiteracy. Modern American believers have little knowledge of the scriptures, ergo they have no understanding of the vast doctrinal chasm that separates what the Bible teaches from what Mormons believe. Of course, the LDS (Latter-day Saints) juggernaut is more than happy to help that along through a remarkable public relations effort aimed at presenting themselves as just one of several “Christian” denominations. Even the most cursory comparison of Mormonism to the Bible, however, shows that this could not possibly be the case. The LDS Church preaches a different Christ, a different scripture and a different church.

The second cause is patriotic idolatry. Informed patriotism and ardor for conservative political activism are both fine ideals in my book, ideals to which I myself aspire. Yet when our passion for these begins to rival our zeal for the purity of the Gospel, then we have lost our way. If Evangelicals accept Glenn Beck as a spiritual leader because of the perceived “good he is doing for this country,” then the line which divides things spiritual and eternal from things earthly and temporal has been dangerously compromised.

Believer, ask yourself: Are you first a citizen of Heaven or are you first a citizen of this republic?

The third cause of this Spiritual Discernment Deficiency is religio-political pragmatism. Many conservative Christ-followers so want to excoriate President Obama as a Christian poseur that they’re willing to exalt Glenn Beck as a Christian paragon by default. I don’t presume to judge the heart of either man, but the followers of Jesus Christ should be every bit as skeptical of the heretical pronouncements of Beck’s Mormon “prophets” as they are of the Marxist liberation theology taught to President Obama by his chosen mentors, Rev. Jeremiah Wright and Father Michael Phleger.

I pray for President Obama. I also pray for Glenn Beck.

That’s the diagnosis. But what’s the prescription? First, read your Bible every day and seek the Holy Spirit’s counsel in this and all things. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Accept the Bible as authoritative. Second, you may also want to pick up a copy of "When Salt Lake City Calls," an eye-opening book by Rocky Hulse, and visit Steve Dealy, the missionary who directs the Christian Visitors Center in Nauvoo.

Some will undoubtedly conclude that I’m only giving liberals what they want most: Right-wing infighting. Perhaps I am, but Beck abandoned Social Conservatives like me with his recent announcement that he has “bigger fish to fry” than speaking out on “culture war” issues like so-called same-sex marriage. In a stunning display of short-sightedness, he quoted Thomas Jefferson: “If it neither breaks my leg nor picks my pocket, what difference is it to me?”

Great googly-moogly.

[GreyMountainReagan]

HELLO!!!....PRAYERS. I said "prayers". LISTEN UP THIS TIME!!!!! People giving prayers were not Mormon

Of course Beck sounded like a Mormon. He is one. He, as in Beck, NOT people that said prayers, sounded like a Mormon.

Half of the people on FR are upset that Beck is a Mormon and sounded like a Mormon.

The other half don't think he sounded like a Mormon at all. At least you know that he sounded like a Mormon. Good job.

Beck is much to likable. Freepers like yourself want to like him but just can't bring themselves to it because he is a Mormon.

[zzeeman]

Thank you very much. Not only are they interesting, they are very disturbing (to say the least).

[WorldviewDad]

I don't think the issue is liking Glenn or not. From what I have read, most on FR do like him. I think you have at least touched on the real issue...Glenn Beck is a Mormon and sounds like a Mormon...so why can't a Christian sound like a Christian?

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

[The Theophilus]

How do you feel about George Washington since he was a mason?

OK, so you are doubling-down on stupid right? Not knowing that Mormonism is a cult is understandable if one doesn't even understand orthodox Christianity. Not knowing that Freemasonry is NOT a religion, and that religion and politics are forbidden at their meetings is also understandable. But what gets me is that you can't even tell the difference between a cult religion and a fraternal organization and so you let the world know this, and that while eager to show ignorance you are also too lazy to even google up either Mormonism or Freemasonry since facts don't matter just irrational emotional outbursts.

So what was your point? FYI, GW was Episcopalian.

[GreyMountainReagan]

OF COURSE Glenn Beck is obsessed with the Constitution of the United States of America!!

The day when Freepers are critical of people standing up for the Constitution is a sad day indeed.

[greyfoxx39]

Freepers like yourself want to like him but just can't bring themselves to it because he is a Mormon.

Nice of you to read my mind, but Beck's alcoholism coupled with his mormonism means that he is prone to overreaching (a la Joseph Smith) which he certainly did by his comment that "Tea party protesters should "model yourself after what happened on 8/28" or "you're a fool"

That comment reeks of an attitude of superiority that is out of place when describing those in the Tea Party.

I don't like his histronics and "testimonies" on the air either.

Glenn has moved himself into a position of influence in the country and in order to really make a difference, he needs to leave the biases and immature actions that compare to those of Obama behind. I doubt very much his rally would have been successful without the Tea Party paving the way.

[fatima]

He doesn’t read or watch Beck.Hehehehehehe
You just go Alevida-so proud of you.
Geese Fly-Over at beginning of Glenn Beck’s Restoring Honor Rally
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyK9QRr4ebQ

[GreyMountainReagan]

Tea Party did help a lot. So did hundreds of thousands of other Americans. But obviously Beck organized this event, paid for this event and conceived this event.

It was great. I loved it. Will remember being there for the rest of my life.

[Helen]

Dittos! It was a wonderful day.

[caww]

You really do need to listen to the black Pastor who prayed to “Gods”...It might be wise for you to seek the tape of the event and check for yourself.

But I did not say either or was Mormon or Islam...do not put in my mouth what I have not stated...I simply and clearly questioned “who” were the “Gods” they were praying to. Then you will be in a position to comment better on the words which were used.

Further I am quite aware about the whole event...it’s purpose and meaning Beck was bringing across. I have stated before and will here again...it is a fine line to walk when one minces spiritualism/their religion into a political/Patriotic arena...and Beck understands this. How far over the line he will go remains to be seen but he is very close to the edge.

[greyfoxx39]

it is a fine line to walk when one minces spiritualism/their religion into a political/Patriotic arena...and Beck understands this. How far over the line he will go remains to be seen but he is very close to the edge.

I'm not so sure that he understands this. I was frankly abashed at his covert proselytizing for mormonism. Did he really think that there were not many listeners that would realize what he was doing?

"Hubris often indicates being out of touch with reality and overestimating one's own competence or capabilities, especially for people in positions of power." (Wiki)

Then he adds to it with the comment about the Tea Party folks a few days later.

[MHGinTN]

Nina, I don't think Glenn was actually 'covert proselytizing' for Mormnism. I think he so believes the fabrications he's being taught that he incorporates them in his presentations without even thinking about it. At least that is the benefit of the doubt I willing to give him. I'll be writing to him on this very point this week. If Stu or others allow the correspondence through and Glenn replies, I'll let you know. I'm convinced that Glenn Beck is trying his best to be honest and sincere. Sadly, he is getting a little too much mormonism indoctrination, like the LDS calime on the Indian Mounds and the Newark Stones.

If we keep sending the corrections to these Historical misstated facts to him, I do not yet doubt he will take them into consideration. When you think Glenn is no longer being sincere, you let me know, but to date I think he is sincere, though at times sincerely wrong.

[caww]

I have no doubt Glen is much confused about his true beliefs. At the same time, and like most Mormons, his allegiance to the Mormon organization and the sense of guilt which would be subtly imposed on him if he were to leave, puts him in a difficult position. There were many Mormons who donated to his Rally...and to his various projects...so they both have a mutual benefit from Becks notoriety...and for now it's a partnership for both.

He will continue to be the “undercover” spokesman for Mormonism....allowing just bits and pieces to come thru his speaking....but then that is exactly what their indoctrination does in order to recruit members...it should not surprise us Beck uses similar tactics....and like many Mormons they really do not understand their own beliefs except as it is determined by the leadership and of course the ol’ Joseph Smith cultists book.

For a time I have no problem seeing Beck as..”Forgive Him Father for He knows not what he does”.....but I am watching this pretty closely. The average American will not see these subtle references as we do, and clearly so....which is why they can defend him as they are doing. If as A Christian they are not grounded in scripture they will not see Becks words for what they are....between the lines and sometimes distorted from view...so will wait and see.

My concern is the Mormon leadership will at some point pressure Beck to be more forthright with the Mormonism doctrines. Already Christians are speaking to Beck and cautioning him of the road he appears to be taking. Hopefully, and with prayers of so many, he will turn soon..and leave Mormonism behind...until then all should be cautious...he's not far from crossing lines even nonbeliever's will protest against.

[Willie Green]

I thought it was just me....

Maybe it is.

[Elsie]

Elsie, do you know the hmtl coding to use when posting a peice of video so it plays on the thread? It might WILL help these folks to hear the real video recording rather than have just the spin.

Possibly.

What is the URL address of it?

[GreyMountainReagan]

I have no doubt Glen is much confused about his true beliefs. At the same time, and like most Mormons, his allegiance to the Mormon organization and the sense of guilt which would be subtly imposed on him if he were to leave, puts him in a difficult position

you wish.

[MHGinTN]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47V-dpiLM78&feature=related

Note especially at minute 6:43 and following, for contrasts which are clear differences.

[Elsie]

FR doesn’t allow for auto starting of external code.

It used to allow embedding WAV (sound) files, but that got yanked due to many of them going off at once! (I think that was the reason. Kinda like the way MARQUEE no longer works - it was VERY distracting!)

I think about the only way for folks to actually see and hear what is going on is to just click on the link you’ve provided.

Perhaps there are other Freeper’s with some more knowledge than I that can lend a hand...

[MHGinTN]

If Glenn were a Christian before joining the LDS, he is conflcited, because the Holy Spirit will not lety him rest in the midst of heretical teaching. I have a doctor frind who is in that very position. It has ruined his health!

If, on the other hand, Glenn had not yet taken Jesus as his Savior and the Holy Spirit had not been deposited in a small earnest of his inheritance, then the false teachings will be easily absorbed and more will be fed to him. But even with that feeding, a man like Beck who still values the truth will begin to have real misgivings. We've seen it with folks at FR and more than one have left the heresies to become Christians. Sadly, some leave Mormonism and fall completely away from an interest in aperson relationship with The Lord God. We have one or two atheist who regularly work FR who are just such ex-Mormons. And even they are not as knowledgeable on Mormonism as some of the 'Inmans' who 'contend' with Mormonism daily here, though they will assert they are and get caught in errors.

[caww]

Trust me ...it is not a wish..you’d be surprised who Beck speaks with and corresponds with that escapes the attention of the audiances...and for that matter the Mormon Leadership. The true Christ knows those seeking the truth and when the student is ready God provides the teachers...Beck is so far a truth seeker...his reputation rests on that. He desires the facts and is open to those....so no, there is no wishful thinking about it at all.