During the third hour of his radio show on Friday June 14th, 2013, LDS entertainer Glenn Beck cited the Book of Mormon as evidence that the world is about to enter the end times before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He cited examples of ritualistic cannibalism as described in Moroni chapter 9 verses 8 and 10, where Lamanites and Nephites alike would eat the hearts of their vanquished enemies out of the belief that this would give them courage, and linked it to similar practices taking place during the civil war currently in Syria. Beck cited the example of a Syrian rebel soldier who was filmed ripping out the heart of a vanquished government soldier and eating it. Here's the segment where Beck cites the Book of Mormon:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8jzPwlOXq4
The Money Shot: "I happen to believe in another book called 'The Book of Mormon,' and in it, in the very end is the story of the Americas. And it's only a story of 'watch for these things.' It is really a calendar, that's all it is. Watch for these things and you will know".
At times, Glenn Beck may seem like a huckster whose style of discourse puts off those who are more intellectually inclined. But his testimony of the Book of Mormon is rock solid, and if he was to discuss the secret combinations in the Book of Mormon and describe their equivalents today, he would gain more credibility with much of the LDS community. LDS Freedom Forum gives Beck a thumbs-up.
Showing posts with label Glenn Beck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Glenn Beck. Show all posts
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Did Glenn Beck Really Defend Gay Marriage, Or Does He Merely Want To Make It Irrelevant? Depends On How You Define "Defend"
The headline is screaming pillar to post throughout the Web -- "Glenn Beck Defends Gay Marriage". At least that's the way countless pundits are calling it. Making this even more newsworthy is the fact that Glenn Beck is an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the LDS Church just recently launched a website entitled "Love One Another: A Discussion on Same-Sex Attraction", which, although it reiterates the Church's doctrinal position against gay marriage, is designed to offer a place where the people whose lives are impacted by attraction to the same sex can find inspiration to work through difficult challenges while remaining faithful to Church teachings.
This question actually first surfaced in August 2010 during an interview with Bill O'Reilly on the Fox News Channel. In response to O'Reilly's concern about the impact of redefining marriage, Beck downplayed the concern, noting that there were many more serious issues, and saying "I believe what Thomas Jefferson said. If it neither breaks my leg nor picks my pocket, what difference is it to me?"
In January 2012, Beck reiterated that position, saying that he had exactly the same opinion on gay marriage that President Barack Obama expressed at the time, which was that although he didn't believe in same-sex marriage, he did believe in civil unions for gay couples. Specifically, Beck said "I don't care. If you want to sleep with your boyfriend and you're a guy, you want to sleep with your girlfriend, that's up to you. You don't destroy marriage to do it."
And now Beck has done it again. During an on-air discussion with Penn Gillette, Beck made a case for getting the government out of the marriage business, saying "Let me take the pro-gay marriage people and the religious people — I believe that there is a connecting dot there that nobody is looking at, and that's the Constitution...The question is not whether gay people should be married or not. The question is why is the government involved in our marriage?" Later, Beck went on to say "What we need to do, I think, as people who believe in the Constitution, is to start looking for allies who believe in the Constitution and expand our own horizon. We would have the ultimate big tent." The full details of the discussion are summarized on GlennBeck.com.
Whether one believes Glenn Beck is defending gay marriage will depend upon one's definition of "defend". If one defines "defend" as "failure to oppose", then one will believe that Beck is defending gay marriage. However, if one defines "defend" as "actively promote", then there is no sign that Glenn beck is defending gay marriage. At no time has Glenn Beck actively promoted gay marriage. All Beck is doing is saying that maybe the issue should go on the back burner in order to keep the Republican Party competitive and prevent America from becoming a de facto one-party dictatorship ruled by the Democratic Party. In fact, there's a good chance Beck wants to make the marriage issue irrelevant by getting government out of the marriage business.
How many gay couples would really want to get officially married if there were no attendant tax benefits?
Nevertheless, social conservatives on Free Republic are fiercely denouncing Beck, implying that he's a sellout. Some commenters are linking Beck's position with the LDS Church's new outreach towards gays. One commenter predicted that the LDS Church will permit gay marriage within 20 years, citing the Church's polygamous history to imply that its commitment to the present definition of marriage is fluid. What they are beginning to realize is that Glenn Beck has always been more a libertarian than a conservative. Discussion has also broken out on Millennial Star, where several people contend that getting government out of the marriage business would actually complicate marriage.
I disagree with Glenn Beck -- we should continue to hold out against gay marriage for as long as possible, and make gay marriage advocates fight for every inch of ground and shed as much political blood as possible; make it a Pyrrhic victory for them. But let's not put words in Beck's mouth. Beck is clearly not a promoter of gay marriage.
This question actually first surfaced in August 2010 during an interview with Bill O'Reilly on the Fox News Channel. In response to O'Reilly's concern about the impact of redefining marriage, Beck downplayed the concern, noting that there were many more serious issues, and saying "I believe what Thomas Jefferson said. If it neither breaks my leg nor picks my pocket, what difference is it to me?"
In January 2012, Beck reiterated that position, saying that he had exactly the same opinion on gay marriage that President Barack Obama expressed at the time, which was that although he didn't believe in same-sex marriage, he did believe in civil unions for gay couples. Specifically, Beck said "I don't care. If you want to sleep with your boyfriend and you're a guy, you want to sleep with your girlfriend, that's up to you. You don't destroy marriage to do it."
And now Beck has done it again. During an on-air discussion with Penn Gillette, Beck made a case for getting the government out of the marriage business, saying "Let me take the pro-gay marriage people and the religious people — I believe that there is a connecting dot there that nobody is looking at, and that's the Constitution...The question is not whether gay people should be married or not. The question is why is the government involved in our marriage?" Later, Beck went on to say "What we need to do, I think, as people who believe in the Constitution, is to start looking for allies who believe in the Constitution and expand our own horizon. We would have the ultimate big tent." The full details of the discussion are summarized on GlennBeck.com.
Whether one believes Glenn Beck is defending gay marriage will depend upon one's definition of "defend". If one defines "defend" as "failure to oppose", then one will believe that Beck is defending gay marriage. However, if one defines "defend" as "actively promote", then there is no sign that Glenn beck is defending gay marriage. At no time has Glenn Beck actively promoted gay marriage. All Beck is doing is saying that maybe the issue should go on the back burner in order to keep the Republican Party competitive and prevent America from becoming a de facto one-party dictatorship ruled by the Democratic Party. In fact, there's a good chance Beck wants to make the marriage issue irrelevant by getting government out of the marriage business.
How many gay couples would really want to get officially married if there were no attendant tax benefits?
I disagree with Glenn Beck -- we should continue to hold out against gay marriage for as long as possible, and make gay marriage advocates fight for every inch of ground and shed as much political blood as possible; make it a Pyrrhic victory for them. But let's not put words in Beck's mouth. Beck is clearly not a promoter of gay marriage.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Evangelical Pundit Bryan Fischer Says Evangelicals Owe Thanks To Glenn Beck, And Even Describes Mormonism Accurately...Almost
In fits and starts, Evangelicals all over America are beginning to overcome their historical aversion against Mormons and are warming up to us. Recently, Dr. Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Convention "upgraded" us from a cult to the "fourth Abrahamic faith", alongside Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. And Glenn Beck even gave a commencement address at Liberty University in May 2010. So the barriers are slowly coming down.
But it's Glenn Beck who's the subject of this post. Evangelical pundit Bryan Fischer, who formerly served as the executive director of the Idaho Values Alliance and is now the host of the daily 'Focal Point' radio talk program on AFA Talk, a division of the American Family Association, recently suggested on RenewAmerica that Evangelicals owe a debt of gratitude to Glenn Beck for his role in leading the Restoring Honor Rally which took place in Washington, D.C. on August 28th. Fisher noted that although Beck provided the platform, evangelicals provided the message. Beck depended upon an evangelical, David Barton, for assistance in picking speakers and selecting those who would lead in prayer and worship. In Fischer's words, "A Mormon teed up the ball for evangelical Protestants. And evangelicals hit it out of the park".
Fischer believes that Beck did his best to call America back to its Protestant, evangelical roots, and says that evangelicals owe him a word of thanks. Fischer further states that in the larger picture, evangelicals should be willing to work together with Mormons when the issue is not the saving of souls but the redeeming of culture. Where we share common ground and convictions on public policy issues, as we do on the issue of marriage, we can happily work together. He attributes the victory in California Proposition 8 in large part to the vigorous participation of the LDS Church.
Fair enough, and we appreciate Bryan Fischer's obviously high regard for the level of commitment exhibited by Latter-day Saints, even if he had to visibly swallow some of his disagreement with LDS doctrine. Despite our disagreements with some of the more prominent aspects of Evangelical doctrine, to include pre-tribulation rapture, an anthromorphic Godhead, and faith-only salvation, we're just as willing to work with them on cultural redemption as well.
Of course, Bryan Fischer could not resist the impulse to weigh in on Mormon doctrine, and, for the most part, he described aspects of Mormonism accurately. A point-by-point analysis begins after the jump:
But it's Glenn Beck who's the subject of this post. Evangelical pundit Bryan Fischer, who formerly served as the executive director of the Idaho Values Alliance and is now the host of the daily 'Focal Point' radio talk program on AFA Talk, a division of the American Family Association, recently suggested on RenewAmerica that Evangelicals owe a debt of gratitude to Glenn Beck for his role in leading the Restoring Honor Rally which took place in Washington, D.C. on August 28th. Fisher noted that although Beck provided the platform, evangelicals provided the message. Beck depended upon an evangelical, David Barton, for assistance in picking speakers and selecting those who would lead in prayer and worship. In Fischer's words, "A Mormon teed up the ball for evangelical Protestants. And evangelicals hit it out of the park".
Fischer believes that Beck did his best to call America back to its Protestant, evangelical roots, and says that evangelicals owe him a word of thanks. Fischer further states that in the larger picture, evangelicals should be willing to work together with Mormons when the issue is not the saving of souls but the redeeming of culture. Where we share common ground and convictions on public policy issues, as we do on the issue of marriage, we can happily work together. He attributes the victory in California Proposition 8 in large part to the vigorous participation of the LDS Church.
Fair enough, and we appreciate Bryan Fischer's obviously high regard for the level of commitment exhibited by Latter-day Saints, even if he had to visibly swallow some of his disagreement with LDS doctrine. Despite our disagreements with some of the more prominent aspects of Evangelical doctrine, to include pre-tribulation rapture, an anthromorphic Godhead, and faith-only salvation, we're just as willing to work with them on cultural redemption as well.
Of course, Bryan Fischer could not resist the impulse to weigh in on Mormon doctrine, and, for the most part, he described aspects of Mormonism accurately. A point-by-point analysis begins after the jump:
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Sunstone Magazine Presents Two-Part Profile On LDS Fox News Pundit Glenn Beck; He's A "Rough Stone Roaring"
Sunstone Magazine, sometimes characterized as "Apostasy Lite" by hard-line TBMs (true-blue Mormons), has published a two-part profile on prominent Fox News pundit Glenn Beck, a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Entitled "Glenn Beck: Rough Stone Roaring", it is a takeoff on the title of a popular book about Joseph Smith entitled "Rough Stone Rolling". The article is worth reading despite the fact that it is somewhat biased against Beck, minimizing his virtues while maximizing his perceived vices. The article is written in two parts; click the highlighted links at the start of the subsequent paragraphs to get to each part.
-- "Glenn Beck: Rough Stone Roaring Part I": In this first part, Beck is introduced as a master showman, alternately engaging, mesmerizing, and inflaming his audience, making them laugh one minute and inciting them to "storm the Bastille" the next minute. And his philosophical bent can vary; one day he’s populist, the next day he's libertarian bordering on anarchist, and the next day a button-down wingtipped conservative. This variability appeals to a wide variety of people because it keeps them on edge. And like many other pundits, Beck is a shameless self-promoter, the one facet of his existence that personally turns me off.
Because of the influence of W. Cleon Skousen on his life, Glenn Beck has a particular appeal for those Latter-day Saints who believe in personal revelation, America as a promised land, and the Constitution as divinely inspired. Beck has touted Skousen’s book, "The Five Thousand Year Leap", as a “must read” and speaks of his discovery of Skousen in terms most Mormons would associate with divine inspiration if not intervention. Beck also speaks with great reverence for the Founding Fathers, although some consider his views to be simplistic and idealistic. Criticism of Beck begins to appear in this part as some compare Beck to Joe McCarthy and Father Coughlin.
But it's in Part II that the criticism really gushes forth.
-- "Glenn Beck: Rough Stone Roaring Part II": Some extremist progressive Mormons are so put off by Beck's robust discourse that they suggest his "worthiness" should be officially questioned by the Priesthood chain of command, although by all accounts, he passes the worthiness test to pack a temple recommend. Then again, some progressive Mormons consider climate change and civil rights to be more scriptural than the Book of Mormon itself. A number of public statements by Beck of concern to some Mormons are cited:
Beck's LDS detractors also cite an October 16th 2009 statement on the official LDS website entitled "The Mormon Ethic of Civility" as applicable to Glenn Beck. In the statement, it is written “The Church views with concern the politics of fear and rhetorical extremism that render civil discussion impossible...The Church hopes that our democratic system will facilitate kinder and more reasoned exchanges among fellow Americans than we are now seeing.” Detractors claim Beck seems unaware of or is indifferent to the fact that some fellow Saints are liberal/progressives; furthermore, he seems insensitive to the fact that hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints live content with the full blessings of Church membership in countries with socialist governments. While this Church statement is not a litmus test of worthiness, it can be considered "counsel".
But does Glenn Beck really need to cater to liberals/progressives? Of course not; when he appears on Fox News or in other public secular venues, he's not officially representing the LDS Church. Unfortunately, critics believe the LDS Church will be judged by Glenn Beck's discourse; Mitt Romney has found it difficult to overcome anti-Mormon bias. But on the other hand, Beck is breaking down walls traditionally separating Mormons from Evangelicals; he was invited to give the commencement address in May 2010 at Liberty University, which is hardly a bastion for LDS activity.
Nevertheless, despite its anti-Beck bias, it would be hyperbolic to consider Sunstone Magazine to be "Apostasy Lite". Published by the Sunstone Education Foundation, Sunstone serves Latter-day Saints and many others for whom life and faith is a wonderful but unique adventure. Sunstone seeks to bring together traditional and non-traditional Latter-day Saints, promoting an atmosphere that values faith, intellectual and experiential integrity, although it generally appeals much more to the non-traditional crowd. Needless to say, Sunstone does not have any official ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as if that wasn't already obvious).
-- "Glenn Beck: Rough Stone Roaring Part I": In this first part, Beck is introduced as a master showman, alternately engaging, mesmerizing, and inflaming his audience, making them laugh one minute and inciting them to "storm the Bastille" the next minute. And his philosophical bent can vary; one day he’s populist, the next day he's libertarian bordering on anarchist, and the next day a button-down wingtipped conservative. This variability appeals to a wide variety of people because it keeps them on edge. And like many other pundits, Beck is a shameless self-promoter, the one facet of his existence that personally turns me off.
Because of the influence of W. Cleon Skousen on his life, Glenn Beck has a particular appeal for those Latter-day Saints who believe in personal revelation, America as a promised land, and the Constitution as divinely inspired. Beck has touted Skousen’s book, "The Five Thousand Year Leap", as a “must read” and speaks of his discovery of Skousen in terms most Mormons would associate with divine inspiration if not intervention. Beck also speaks with great reverence for the Founding Fathers, although some consider his views to be simplistic and idealistic. Criticism of Beck begins to appear in this part as some compare Beck to Joe McCarthy and Father Coughlin.
But it's in Part II that the criticism really gushes forth.
-- "Glenn Beck: Rough Stone Roaring Part II": Some extremist progressive Mormons are so put off by Beck's robust discourse that they suggest his "worthiness" should be officially questioned by the Priesthood chain of command, although by all accounts, he passes the worthiness test to pack a temple recommend. Then again, some progressive Mormons consider climate change and civil rights to be more scriptural than the Book of Mormon itself. A number of public statements by Beck of concern to some Mormons are cited:
• “I’m thinking about killing Michael Moore, and I’m wondering if I could kill him myself or if I would need to hire somebody to do it.”
• “Al Gore’s not going to be rounding up Jews and exterminating them. It is the same tactic, however. The goal is different. The goal is globalization.”
• In attempting to diminish Supreme Court nominee Sonja Sotomayor, Beck asks sarcastically, “What would Sonja do?”
• Beck portrays Obama and Democrats as vampires “going after the blood of our businesses,” and suggests “driv[ing] a stake through the heart of the bloodsuckers.”
• Claiming Obama is “letting our troops literally bleed and die” in Afghanistan, Beck suggests he will “pay for it” in the afterlife.
• On TV, Beck imitates Obama pouring gasoline on “average Americans” and says, “President Obama, why don’t you just set us on fire? . . . We didn’t vote to lose the Republic.”
Beck's LDS detractors also cite an October 16th 2009 statement on the official LDS website entitled "The Mormon Ethic of Civility" as applicable to Glenn Beck. In the statement, it is written “The Church views with concern the politics of fear and rhetorical extremism that render civil discussion impossible...The Church hopes that our democratic system will facilitate kinder and more reasoned exchanges among fellow Americans than we are now seeing.” Detractors claim Beck seems unaware of or is indifferent to the fact that some fellow Saints are liberal/progressives; furthermore, he seems insensitive to the fact that hundreds of thousands of Latter-day Saints live content with the full blessings of Church membership in countries with socialist governments. While this Church statement is not a litmus test of worthiness, it can be considered "counsel".
But does Glenn Beck really need to cater to liberals/progressives? Of course not; when he appears on Fox News or in other public secular venues, he's not officially representing the LDS Church. Unfortunately, critics believe the LDS Church will be judged by Glenn Beck's discourse; Mitt Romney has found it difficult to overcome anti-Mormon bias. But on the other hand, Beck is breaking down walls traditionally separating Mormons from Evangelicals; he was invited to give the commencement address in May 2010 at Liberty University, which is hardly a bastion for LDS activity.
Nevertheless, despite its anti-Beck bias, it would be hyperbolic to consider Sunstone Magazine to be "Apostasy Lite". Published by the Sunstone Education Foundation, Sunstone serves Latter-day Saints and many others for whom life and faith is a wonderful but unique adventure. Sunstone seeks to bring together traditional and non-traditional Latter-day Saints, promoting an atmosphere that values faith, intellectual and experiential integrity, although it generally appeals much more to the non-traditional crowd. Needless to say, Sunstone does not have any official ties to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (as if that wasn't already obvious).
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Fox News LDS Pundit Glenn Beck Delivers Generic Christian Message About Faith During 2010 Commencement Address At Liberty University
Fox News conservative pundit Glenn Beck appeared before 8,650 graduating students at the 2010 Liberty University commencement held on May 15th, 2010, where he avoided the subject of politics and instead delivered a more generic Christian message focusing on the value of faith. Media stories now published by the Lynchburg News & Advance and on the Liberty University website. I also just found a video of the address on TheRightScoop; it's embedded below:
Beck, an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the power of faith in righting a country that he said has gone off track. "I look at the things that are facing you today: the worst economy in generations, the euro on the road to collapse, we’re spending ourselves into oblivion...We live in a time where you must have great courage; you must have great faith. We live in a time where it seems truth is on the run.“
Beck also urged graduates to turn to God and live, and not to underestimate the power of the atonement. "As a man who needed the atonement...I read the promise. He will carry your burdens. I made Him a promise. You keep Your word and I will keep mine", Beck said. "He will never break His promise, and now it's all up to me. [The atonement] is the most powerful thing you will ever encounter".
Beck was also quite moved by the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree bestowed upon him by Liberty University. "As a man who was never able to go to college - I'm the first one in my family that went. I went for one semester. I couldn't afford more than that. I am humbly honored".
Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. also addressed the group. He noted that many of the visions of his father, Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr., had been met this year, including 50,000 students enrolled on campus and through Liberty University online. He also reiterated the purpose of the school. "The vision for Liberty was not to create just another Bible school, but instead to build for conservative evangelical Christians what Notre Dame is for Catholic young people or what Brigham Young is for Mormon youth", Falwell said. "We are thankful to God that the dream is now being realized". The class of 2010 was the last class originally enrolled while Jerry Falwell Sr. was still alive.
Although there were no reported disturbances during the event, the appearance of Glenn Beck was not without some controversy. As previously documented, some apologetic extremists questioned the decision because they think Mormons aren't Christians. But Jerry Falwell Jr. stuck to his guns. Liberty University traditionally holds both a baccalaureate service and a Commencement ceremony. The baccalaureate ceremony always includes a gospel message brought by someone who is in complete theological alignment with the university. However, commencement has always featured leaders from all walks of life and all faiths who share the university’s social values and traditional family values. In 2010, Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson, who is theologically aligned with Falwell, spoke at the baccalaureate service on Friday May 14th; a separate story on his appearance is available HERE.
Beck, an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, emphasized the power of faith in righting a country that he said has gone off track. "I look at the things that are facing you today: the worst economy in generations, the euro on the road to collapse, we’re spending ourselves into oblivion...We live in a time where you must have great courage; you must have great faith. We live in a time where it seems truth is on the run.“
Beck also urged graduates to turn to God and live, and not to underestimate the power of the atonement. "As a man who needed the atonement...I read the promise. He will carry your burdens. I made Him a promise. You keep Your word and I will keep mine", Beck said. "He will never break His promise, and now it's all up to me. [The atonement] is the most powerful thing you will ever encounter".
Beck was also quite moved by the honorary Doctor of Humanities degree bestowed upon him by Liberty University. "As a man who was never able to go to college - I'm the first one in my family that went. I went for one semester. I couldn't afford more than that. I am humbly honored".
Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. also addressed the group. He noted that many of the visions of his father, Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr., had been met this year, including 50,000 students enrolled on campus and through Liberty University online. He also reiterated the purpose of the school. "The vision for Liberty was not to create just another Bible school, but instead to build for conservative evangelical Christians what Notre Dame is for Catholic young people or what Brigham Young is for Mormon youth", Falwell said. "We are thankful to God that the dream is now being realized". The class of 2010 was the last class originally enrolled while Jerry Falwell Sr. was still alive.
Although there were no reported disturbances during the event, the appearance of Glenn Beck was not without some controversy. As previously documented, some apologetic extremists questioned the decision because they think Mormons aren't Christians. But Jerry Falwell Jr. stuck to his guns. Liberty University traditionally holds both a baccalaureate service and a Commencement ceremony. The baccalaureate ceremony always includes a gospel message brought by someone who is in complete theological alignment with the university. However, commencement has always featured leaders from all walks of life and all faiths who share the university’s social values and traditional family values. In 2010, Southwest Baptist Theological Seminary President Paige Patterson, who is theologically aligned with Falwell, spoke at the baccalaureate service on Friday May 14th; a separate story on his appearance is available HERE.
Friday, April 23, 2010
LDS Pundit Glenn Beck Accepts Jerry Falwell Jrs' Invitation To Deliver 2010 Commencement Address At Liberty University In Virginia
Evangelical misunderstanding of and hostility towards Mormons continues to steadily erode away. And a major step towards increased fellowship was taken when Liberty University Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. invited Fox News pundit Glenn Beck, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to deliver the commencement address at the school on Saturday May 15th, 2010. Beck has accepted the invitation. Joining Beck as a speaker will be Dr. Paige Patterson, the current president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; he'll be the keynote speaker at Baccalaureate Service on May 14th, according to the Liberty University website.
“Liberty University is blessed to have two national conservative leaders speak at our 2010 Commencement ceremony,” Falwell said. “Dr. Patterson is one of the patriarchs of Christian higher education, and Beck is one of the few courageous voices in the national media standing up for the principles upon which this nation was founded. Both speakers continue Liberty’s long tradition of Commencement speakers who are making a positive impact on society in all walks of life.”
Liberty University traditionally holds both a baccalaureate service and a Commencement ceremony. The baccalaureate ceremony always includes a gospel message brought by someone who is in complete theological alignment with the university. However, commencement has always featured leaders from all walks of life and all faiths who share the university’s social values and traditional family values.
It's not the first time a prominent Mormon has spoken at a traditional Christian university. In May 2007, Mitt Romney gave the commencement address at Pat Robertson's Regent University. Romney did not discuss specifics of the LDS faith, but instead expounded on general conservative themes such as the importance of child-rearing and marriage and the presence of evil in the world. We can probably expect a similar approach from Glenn Beck at Liberty University. Jerry Falwell Jr. has shown more respect for Beck than many Mormons.
Other significant reports on this development have been published by Christianity Today, the Lynchburg News & Advance, and WSET Channel 13.
Analysis: This is a sign of respect from one of the leading Evangelical leaders in Christianity. It shows that, because of Mitt Romney's Presidential campaign and the California Proposition 8 campaign, Evangelicals are slowly warming up to us. While they won't all necessarily concede we're Christian yet, at least they no longer feel like we're personal representatives of the Antichrist. This is also a positive sign for Mitt Romney; if he runs for President in 2012, opposition to him on the right will more likely be attributable to some of his zigzagging and his sponsorship of Obamacare Lite while governor of Massachusetts rather than his religion.
“Liberty University is blessed to have two national conservative leaders speak at our 2010 Commencement ceremony,” Falwell said. “Dr. Patterson is one of the patriarchs of Christian higher education, and Beck is one of the few courageous voices in the national media standing up for the principles upon which this nation was founded. Both speakers continue Liberty’s long tradition of Commencement speakers who are making a positive impact on society in all walks of life.”
Liberty University traditionally holds both a baccalaureate service and a Commencement ceremony. The baccalaureate ceremony always includes a gospel message brought by someone who is in complete theological alignment with the university. However, commencement has always featured leaders from all walks of life and all faiths who share the university’s social values and traditional family values.
It's not the first time a prominent Mormon has spoken at a traditional Christian university. In May 2007, Mitt Romney gave the commencement address at Pat Robertson's Regent University. Romney did not discuss specifics of the LDS faith, but instead expounded on general conservative themes such as the importance of child-rearing and marriage and the presence of evil in the world. We can probably expect a similar approach from Glenn Beck at Liberty University. Jerry Falwell Jr. has shown more respect for Beck than many Mormons.
Other significant reports on this development have been published by Christianity Today, the Lynchburg News & Advance, and WSET Channel 13.
Analysis: This is a sign of respect from one of the leading Evangelical leaders in Christianity. It shows that, because of Mitt Romney's Presidential campaign and the California Proposition 8 campaign, Evangelicals are slowly warming up to us. While they won't all necessarily concede we're Christian yet, at least they no longer feel like we're personal representatives of the Antichrist. This is also a positive sign for Mitt Romney; if he runs for President in 2012, opposition to him on the right will more likely be attributable to some of his zigzagging and his sponsorship of Obamacare Lite while governor of Massachusetts rather than his religion.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Focus On The Family Rolls Over For Underground Apologetics, Removes Glenn Beck Article About "The Christmas Sweater" From Its Citizen Link Website
Update December 29th: Focus on the Family moves to dampen criticism, asserts that they intended no insult to Mormons. Updated information posted in green.
On December 27th, 2008, the Mormon Times reports that the influential and prestigious pro-family lobby Focus on the Family has inexplicably caved in to pressure from a marginal group called Underground Apologetics and and pulled from its CitizenLink website an article about talk show host Glenn Beck's book "The Christmas Sweater". Underground Apologetics complained that Beck's LDS faith is a "cult" and "false religion" and shouldn't be promoted by a Christian ministry. Predictably, many Latter-day Saints are outraged; a lead-in story published by the Deseret News has already attracted 208 public comments. The Christian Post and Media Bistro also published stories.
Significant blog reaction from StopTheMormons and SimpleUtahMormonPolitics, whose editor has already read the book and discusses his impressions.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, CO confirmed that the article had been pulled and read a prepared statement for callers who had called about the Beck article:
Focus's answers to other questions was originally to be delayed until January 2nd. However, recognizing the potential for the erosion of Mormon-Evangelical ties, the leadership of Focus decided not to wait until January 2nd to follow up. On December 29th, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Gary Schneeberger, vice president of media and public relations for Focus on the Family, said that "differences in the Mormon faith and the historical evangelical faith are not inconsequential." He further stated, "We can, and do, gladly cooperate with friends outside of the evangelical heritage on common causes; but in no case do we intend to alter our clear distinction as unwaveringly grounded in evangelical theology."
Schneeberger said the criticism from Underground Apologetics had "nothing to do with our decision to pull the article from publication" but admitted that "some from our base" were concerned that the interview aimed to signal theological compromise. "We regret having communicated in a way that has caused some confusion both from some within our evangelical base as well as from our friends, like Mr. Beck, who hold a sincere and devout Mormon faith," Schneeberger said. "We intended no insult; we merely miscalculated on how best to feature Glenn."
The LDS Church has wisely refrained from any comment on the matter. As for Glenn Beck, he has since posted the following statement on his website:
Triggering the controversy was a marginal group called Underground Apologetics. On December 22nd, after learning of the Beck article, they issued a release through Christian News Wire which read:
Underground Apologetics president Steve McConkey said in an interview that he had not read Beck's book, but understood its message. He felt that the work was suspect based on what he understands about Beck's faith. McConkey said he had not asked Dobson's ministry to remove the article from its site. An examination of Underground Apologetics website reveals that Mormons aren't the only ones in their crosshairs; they take cheap shots at Rick Warren and Franklin Graham as well. I guess they have their own private definition of Christianity about which no one else knows.
Because the Glenn Beck article is no longer available at citizenlink.org, the Mormon Times has republished it as part of their story. Here is also a link to an Amazon.com video about the book. Since the debut of Beck’s The Christmas Sweater six weeks ago, the 284-page hardcover has not only hit the New York Times Best-Sellers List but has also climbed up to No. 1 multiple times. In addition, a “living play” of the book also debuted in 420 movie theaters nationwide last week featuring theatrical animation, specially-created projections and a Christmas musical score from a 10-piece orchestra and Broadway gospel singer.
Based on a personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a narrative of a boy named Eddie who embarks on a dark and painful journey on the road to manhood.
How should Latter-day Saints react to this development? Go back and read Glenn Beck's response - this best reflects how we should handle it. While it's regrettable that Focus on the Family deleted the article and acknowledged doctrinal differences, note that they did NOT refer to Mormonism as a cult or un-Christian. Thus we should not allow this incident to discolor our attitude towards Focus on the Family, which was a valuable partner to us in successfully promoting California Proposition 8 and which has worked hard for many years to promote pro-family values, reverse elective abortion, and stymie the relentless promotion and protection of the homosexual lifestyle. Focus on the Family remains one of the "good guys"; let's blow this off as a fluke. To attack Focus on the Family would risk severing the growing ties between Mormons and Evanglicals.
However, Underground Apologetics is not worthy of such consideration. They don't merely attack Mormonism; they attack other Christian pastors who do not share their point of view. There's little evidence on their cheesy, clunky website that they've taken any issue with the major social issues of the day. Their very name implies that they're a bunch of attention-starved insurgents who ought not to be taken seriously.
On December 27th, 2008, the Mormon Times reports that the influential and prestigious pro-family lobby Focus on the Family has inexplicably caved in to pressure from a marginal group called Underground Apologetics and and pulled from its CitizenLink website an article about talk show host Glenn Beck's book "The Christmas Sweater". Underground Apologetics complained that Beck's LDS faith is a "cult" and "false religion" and shouldn't be promoted by a Christian ministry. Predictably, many Latter-day Saints are outraged; a lead-in story published by the Deseret News has already attracted 208 public comments. The Christian Post and Media Bistro also published stories.
Significant blog reaction from StopTheMormons and SimpleUtahMormonPolitics, whose editor has already read the book and discusses his impressions.
When contacted, a spokesperson for Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, CO confirmed that the article had been pulled and read a prepared statement for callers who had called about the Beck article:
"You are correct to note that Mr. Beck is a member of the Mormon church, and that we did not make mention of this fact in our interview with him. We do recognize the deep theological difference between evangelical theology and Mormon theology, and it would have been prudent for us at least to have pointed out these differences. Because of the confusion, we have removed the interview from CitizenLink."
Focus's answers to other questions was originally to be delayed until January 2nd. However, recognizing the potential for the erosion of Mormon-Evangelical ties, the leadership of Focus decided not to wait until January 2nd to follow up. On December 29th, the Salt Lake Tribune reported that Gary Schneeberger, vice president of media and public relations for Focus on the Family, said that "differences in the Mormon faith and the historical evangelical faith are not inconsequential." He further stated, "We can, and do, gladly cooperate with friends outside of the evangelical heritage on common causes; but in no case do we intend to alter our clear distinction as unwaveringly grounded in evangelical theology."
Schneeberger said the criticism from Underground Apologetics had "nothing to do with our decision to pull the article from publication" but admitted that "some from our base" were concerned that the interview aimed to signal theological compromise. "We regret having communicated in a way that has caused some confusion both from some within our evangelical base as well as from our friends, like Mr. Beck, who hold a sincere and devout Mormon faith," Schneeberger said. "We intended no insult; we merely miscalculated on how best to feature Glenn."
The LDS Church has wisely refrained from any comment on the matter. As for Glenn Beck, he has since posted the following statement on his website:
"The Christmas Sweater is a story about the idea of Christmas as a time for redemption and atonement. Whatever your beliefs about my religion, the concept of religious tolerance is too important to be sacrificed in response to pressure from special interest groups, especially when it means bowing to censorship. I'm humbled and grateful that hundreds of thousands of people from different faiths have read the book and have appreciated its uplifting message for themselves. At a time when the world is so full of fear, despair, and divisions, it is my hope that all of those who believe in a loving and peaceful God would stand together on the universal message of hope and forgiveness".
Triggering the controversy was a marginal group called Underground Apologetics. On December 22nd, after learning of the Beck article, they issued a release through Christian News Wire which read:
"Focus on the Family has a story on Glenn Beck, a Mormon, on their CitizenLink Web site. Glenn Beck was a CNN host and will move to Fox News in January. Beck is currently promoting his book, 'The Christmas Sweater.' The CitizenLink story focuses on Beck's faith and why he wrote 'The Christmas Sweater.'
"While Glenn's social views are compatible with many Christian views, his beliefs in Mormonism are not. Clearly, Mormonism is a cult. The CitizenLink story does not mention Beck's Mormon faith, however, the story makes it look as if Beck is a Christian who believes in the essential doctrines of the faith.
"Through the years, Focus on the Family has done great things to help the family and has brought attention to the many social ills that are attacking the family. However, to promote a Mormon as a Christian is not helpful to the cause of Jesus Christ. For Christians to influence society, Christians should be promoting the central issues of the faith properly without opening the door to false religions".
Underground Apologetics president Steve McConkey said in an interview that he had not read Beck's book, but understood its message. He felt that the work was suspect based on what he understands about Beck's faith. McConkey said he had not asked Dobson's ministry to remove the article from its site. An examination of Underground Apologetics website reveals that Mormons aren't the only ones in their crosshairs; they take cheap shots at Rick Warren and Franklin Graham as well. I guess they have their own private definition of Christianity about which no one else knows.
Because the Glenn Beck article is no longer available at citizenlink.org, the Mormon Times has republished it as part of their story. Here is also a link to an Amazon.com video about the book. Since the debut of Beck’s The Christmas Sweater six weeks ago, the 284-page hardcover has not only hit the New York Times Best-Sellers List but has also climbed up to No. 1 multiple times. In addition, a “living play” of the book also debuted in 420 movie theaters nationwide last week featuring theatrical animation, specially-created projections and a Christmas musical score from a 10-piece orchestra and Broadway gospel singer.
Based on a personal true story, The Christmas Sweater is a narrative of a boy named Eddie who embarks on a dark and painful journey on the road to manhood.
How should Latter-day Saints react to this development? Go back and read Glenn Beck's response - this best reflects how we should handle it. While it's regrettable that Focus on the Family deleted the article and acknowledged doctrinal differences, note that they did NOT refer to Mormonism as a cult or un-Christian. Thus we should not allow this incident to discolor our attitude towards Focus on the Family, which was a valuable partner to us in successfully promoting California Proposition 8 and which has worked hard for many years to promote pro-family values, reverse elective abortion, and stymie the relentless promotion and protection of the homosexual lifestyle. Focus on the Family remains one of the "good guys"; let's blow this off as a fluke. To attack Focus on the Family would risk severing the growing ties between Mormons and Evanglicals.
However, Underground Apologetics is not worthy of such consideration. They don't merely attack Mormonism; they attack other Christian pastors who do not share their point of view. There's little evidence on their cheesy, clunky website that they've taken any issue with the major social issues of the day. Their very name implies that they're a bunch of attention-starved insurgents who ought not to be taken seriously.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
YouTube Video: CNN's Glenn Beck Explains Why He Became A Latter-day Saint, And How It Changed His Life And Led Him To Fame
While I enjoy giving you, the reader, my best take on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon), sometimes I like to use others to help tell the story. And one of the better storytellers is the now-famous CNN talk-show host, Glenn Beck. Glenn Beck's website is HERE, his CNN Page is HERE, and you can read a Wikipedia account of his life HERE.
Beck wasn't always famous. At one point, his admittedly dissolute party animal lifestyle had cost him opportunities. Eventually, he couldn't even get an agent. Then, a friend twisted his arm to attend an LDS service. Just this one time, only - you owe me that much after all we've been through, the friend said. So, to humor his friend, Beck agreed. Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USpeolBTKIo
But even after he attended the first time, it took both his wife and his daughter to get him to return. Even before he married, his wife insisted upon him finding a religious home for them as part of the deal. But after they left the church service, one of his daughters asked him if they could go back the following Sunday, stating that it gave her a warm feeling inside.
Becoming a Mormon didn't bring Glenn Beck success; changing his destructive behavior did. But what was the catalyst triggering the behavioral change? His family? Certainly, he was aware of his familial responsibilities, and sought to live up to them. But it was the Church that gave him the spiritual foundation and strength of character necessary to make those changes lasting and parlay them into temporal success.
Beck wasn't always famous. At one point, his admittedly dissolute party animal lifestyle had cost him opportunities. Eventually, he couldn't even get an agent. Then, a friend twisted his arm to attend an LDS service. Just this one time, only - you owe me that much after all we've been through, the friend said. So, to humor his friend, Beck agreed. Here's the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USpeolBTKIo
But even after he attended the first time, it took both his wife and his daughter to get him to return. Even before he married, his wife insisted upon him finding a religious home for them as part of the deal. But after they left the church service, one of his daughters asked him if they could go back the following Sunday, stating that it gave her a warm feeling inside.
Becoming a Mormon didn't bring Glenn Beck success; changing his destructive behavior did. But what was the catalyst triggering the behavioral change? His family? Certainly, he was aware of his familial responsibilities, and sought to live up to them. But it was the Church that gave him the spiritual foundation and strength of character necessary to make those changes lasting and parlay them into temporal success.
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