Focus on the Family Pulls Interview with Glenn Beck

[windcatcher]

We are also supposed to expose false teachings and defend the faith. We may not have to say who is saved and who isn't, but we certainly are to say when a certain teaching/religion is contrary to the truth of God's word.

It is important to recognize that not everyone who goes to a RC church is catholic or understands their doctrine: Not everyone who is a member of the SBC understands their doctrine: And is it possible that not everyone who is a Mormon, really understands their doctrine? Is it possible that a person who is of hindu, or islam background and practice, can still pick up the Bible and/or get the witness of the gospel, and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior and lord, and yet not understand enough of the depths of the Scriptures or the teachings in which they were brought up to recognize the error immediately in their duallity of beliefs? And, if it is in their background, as in some churchs which we call 'Christian,' that the only exposure of teaching is more social or 'feel good' or prosperity messages and not doctrine........ more of how to be good little representatives.... Mormons, or hindus etc., than a real knowledge of what and why they believe and practice what they do..... then how can we be so certain that they are aware or fully ensnared in the error of their doctrine to not have received the saving faith of the gospel of Christ?

I remember conversation with a friend who went to South America to live with a native tribe and learn the language so that the Bible could be translated to them: She and her husband had to learn what were their words for diety and build upon that. It is a little like Jesus talking to Peter, after the resurrection: Peter, lovest (agape) thou me? Peter replied Lord thou knowest that I love (Greek word for love like a friend) thee! Jesus asked him 3 times the question: The first two times it was with the word 'agape', but each time Peter acknowledge his love for the Master as that of a friend....... not having his understanding yet open to the magnificence of God's kind of love. The third time, Jesus asked the question and used the language which Peter fully understood, and he left off questioning Peter after Peter had answered him the third time. On another occasion, Jesus was accused of saying that he was God. Jesus reply was a reference to scriptures which say you arel gods: This did not mean that man was God or could ever be God.... but he was using the vernacular of their day in answering......... How could they themselves publicly teach and read these scriptures, and then condem him for what they perceived him to be saying, when they themselves had stated otherwise in the reading of their own scriptures? When I think of Bush, or Obama, or others saying 'we all worship the same God,' I think they err, not knowing the scriptures, and can judge that error but not their faith....yet, neither are they theologians, and may yet be still shallowly rooted Christians with much growth ahead to gain understanding that any belief in a diety or a god doesn't mean a belief in the God:

Nevetheless, not every person who says that they are Christian, is grounded in the true faith, and it isn't always apparent when all you have is one's profession and their fruits, but have no knowledge of their beliefs or doctrine identification or denomination, to judge beyond what evidence you are told and given. I know if someone asks me about church or beliefs..... I'm inclined to tell them right away that I am Christian and trust Jesus Christ for my salvation.... I usually don't immediately jump to "I'm Baptist"............. Particularly because 'Baptist' is a name given to and accepted by a particular group of people..... but the body of Christ to which I belong is much larger. The name Jesus gave us is the church.... and the world gives us the name of Christian.... and rightly so, if it be that we follow the one by which name we are called.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

If he believes what Mormons believe, then no, he is not saved.

So you admit you have no idea what he believes. You don't go to him for a source, and settle for gossip.

See ya, Marcia.

 

[Marcia]

So you admit you have no idea what he believes. You don't go to him for a source, and settle for gossip.

See ya, Marcia.

He is a Mormon, Bro. Curtis, and has been one for several years. So it is reasonable to conclude he does follow the Mormon faith. I mean, he goes to the Mormon services, he gave a tribute to the late Mormon Pres. Hinckley when Hinckley died, and has otherwise made it clear he is Mormon.

I only said "if he believes what Mormons believe" because that is saying that the Mormon faith is false. Why would he be Mormon, compliment it, and not believe it? He came to it as an adult.

Are you somehow hoping he secretly does not agree with the Mormon faith yet he says he's Mormon. Do you think he should be saved becaues he's nice or conservative?

 

[Marcia]

It is important to recognize that not everyone who goes to a RC church is catholic or understands their doctrine: Not everyone who is a member of the SBC understands their doctrine: And is it possible that not everyone who is a Mormon, really understands their doctrine?

This is really stretching it. Beck came to the Mormon faith as an adult several years ago. By now, he would at least know the basics. If I know what I know about the Mormon faith and am not even a Mormon, surely he knows at least what I and other non-Mormons know.

It's easy to get the basics - even Mormon missionaries have acknowledged to me they believe that it's faith plus works for salvation, that they deny the Trinity, that we are all spirit children of God and were in heaven before birth, and that a Mormon man will rule his own planet one day, and that men evolve into gods. In fact, I've discussed the latter point with quite a few Mormons.

The Mormon teachings are false and hostile to the true Gospel and the true Jesus Christ. Satan is always attacking the truth, and remember he can be an angel of light. I think we see that in the LDS faith.

 

[Marcia]

So you admit you have no idea what he believes. You don't go to him for a source, and settle for gossip.

See ya, Marcia.

Beck applauds the Mormon faith. So I would say yes, he believes their doctrines. If I know the basics of the Mormon faith, surely Beck does. He'd have to be an idiot not to.

 

[windcatcher]

Beck applauds the Mormon faith. So I would say yes, he believes their doctrines. If I know the basics of the Mormon faith, surely Beck does. He'd have to be an idiot not to.

You judge as you see fit regarding another's salvation.

Mormonism is false doctrine. I have no problem saying that. But, I do know of persons who 'seemed' to be grounded in Christian faith, according to the Bible, who 'converted' to Mormonism to marry someone they loved who was already in that religion. Mormonism is cultic: A person who marries another of a different faith can be kind of excommunicated: In order for the marriage to be recognized they are supposed to be married in that 'church' but are not allowed to do so if they don't convert. Those who are allowed to attend a wedding must be recognized as Mormon. Not even parents of another faith are allowed to attend. It is sad, but people do yoke unequally across religious beliefs and to please a spouse, 'convert'. Whether the 'conversion' is real or pretense to please a partner.... only God knows: I don't doubt that God is not pleased, but to know for sure how real their profession of faith was in Christ, or how sincere and complete they've embraced a false doctrine..... I don't know.

I'll let folks like you judge whether they are Christian or not.

I think FoF made the right decision in cancelling the interview, especially when FoF trys to stay doctrinally sound and maintain their integrity as Christian. However, I think it is a delicate balance when we ally ourselves with others around some values we perceive as 'common' ground but have other values and doctrinal beliefs which are in sharp contrast.

I think as Christians it is important that we identify with sound doctrine. But I think it is also important that we not discard the support and influence of those who are willing to identify with us around secular issues which involve a contrast of our Christian values or family values relative to the making of law against others who would oppose us. In such case, we should not compromise our doctrine to court their approval or give a mistaken appearance or confusion as to doctrinal agreement: This is the dilemma Focus finds itself in sometimes.

 

[Marcia]

You judge as you see fit regarding another's salvation.

Mormonism is false doctrine. I have no problem saying that. But, I do know of persons who 'seemed' to be grounded in Christian faith, according to the Bible, who 'converted' to Mormonism to marry someone they loved who was already in that religion. Mormonism is cultic: A person who marries another of a different faith can be kind of excommunicated: In order for the marriage to be recognized they are supposed to be married in that 'church' but are not allowed to do so if they don't convert. Those who are allowed to attend a wedding must be recognized as Mormon. Not even parents of another faith are allowed to attend. It is sad, but people do yoke unequally across religious beliefs and to please a spouse, 'convert'. Whether the 'conversion' is real or pretense to please a partner.... only God knows: I don't doubt that God is not pleased, but to know for sure how real their profession of faith was in Christ, or how sincere and complete they've embraced a false doctrine..... I don't know.

I'll let folks like you judge whether they are Christian or not.

I think FoF made the right decision in cancelling the interview, especially when FoF trys to stay doctrinally sound and maintain their integrity as Christian. However, I think it is a delicate balance when we ally ourselves with others around some values we perceive as 'common' ground but have other values and doctrinal beliefs which are in sharp contrast.

I think as Christians it is important that we identify with sound doctrine. But I think it is also important that we not discard the support and influence of those who are willing to identify with us around secular issues which involve a contrast of our Christian values or family values relative to the making of law against others who would oppose us. In such case, we should not compromise our doctrine to court their approval or give a mistaken appearance or confusion as to doctrinal agreement: This is the dilemma Focus finds itself in sometimes.

I am not sure what you are saying. Beck is Mormon, he willingly became a Mormon several years ago (he did not say he was ever a Christian in what I heard). He holds to the Mormon faith. He extolls and praises Mormon pres. Gordon Hinckley.

The LDS church will, I'm sure, use Beck to help their church. They are good at that.

This is not a matter of judging someone's salvation but of judging what doctrines they hold to and claim. Are those doctrines/teachings in line with the Bible? If someone professes Mormonism, especially publicly, then one must assume that is what they believe.

 

[Spinach]

I agree with Windcatcher.

 

[Marcia]

I agree with Windcatcher.

What, that someone can hold to Mormon teachings and be saved? He publicly accepts the Mormon faith. It's ridiculous to think he doesn't know what he believes.

 

[windcatcher]

What, that someone can hold to Mormon teachings and be saved? He publicly accepts the Mormon faith. It's ridiculous to think he doesn't know what he believes.

I know nothing about Beck.
Evidently you do..... and you must know him quite intimently enough to be willing to judge his soul to hell. But no matter how well you know the man..... all the evidence you've presented is your own postings.... and to me it is gossip until I know more: Nor do I see the need to become acquainted or I would 'google' for myself to study the evidence which has not been presented here.

I do know and I have (I thought) clearly stated that people sometimes identify with groups, religions, churches.... whatever ......and not all for the same reasons, or depths of faith or understandings.

I happen to believe that Masonic Lodges are occultic and harbor and shelter some who worship the devil, or Lucifer: Nevertheless, I also believe there are many Christians who truely are saved that identify with the lodges as the result of social associations with others, and have no idea of the rituals kinship to the works of darkness and the occult. If you choose to condemn everyone who professes to be 'mormon' then you might as well condemn everyone who is masonic. Both are 'religious' in forms of rituals, and both tend to exercise the appearance of self righteous acts or good works dependance. Both have their secrets of which many may participate in but few understand or have questioned to have it register with the conviction that it is not in agreement with the word of God.

I know members of my own family that attended a Mormon vacation Bible School with a neighbor.... when I was a teen ager. I did not go, and had already started reading about various comparisons and was cautious.... but the literature and the songs, stories and projects which my sisters came home with did not appear different, on the surface, from that which we were learning in our own fundamental Baptist Church.

Oh, I'm sure there is a big difference.... but not all are discerning and when we are deceived...... it is with subtleness; else we would not be deceived but would be wholly accountable for the knowledge which we have. Therefore I say that Dobson's group is right in deciding not to give Beck a forum... but likewise, I am against condemning Beck as I donot know the man's heart. And if you are honest, You can condemn his Mormon religion but you cannot condemn all people who are in his religion, just like I will not condemn all persons who are masons...... some of whom are ministers and deacons, just because they joined a lodge somewhere in some point in time. Jesus was very understanding "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."

For one thing..... every Christian starts from somewhere: For some there is what seems to be an instantaneous transformation and departure from the old life..... but for others there is a gradual awakening to the deception which was present in their lives and a battle to turn from that which was once accepted and familiar to that which is revealed as one grows in the faith and knowledge of the word: Even Rahab who helped the spies escape the walls of Jericho, it was counted to her for faith or righteousness...... but she never lost the identification with her life before as she is remembered in the NT as 'Rehab the harlot'.

So you judge whom you will if that's your choice..... but my Bible tells me that there is one accuser...... and that's the devil.... and only one is the Judge.... which will be the LAMB who sits on the throne. I neither desire the creditials of the accuser, nor am I presumptious of the knowledge, holiness, and power which qualifies the righteous judge...... I hope you understand the point I'm trying to make... and it is not meant to soften your view about the Mormon cult. Let's be at peace with one another. Our 'differences' may not be as great as it first seems.

 

[Marcia]

It's not a matter of judgment, but of taking someone at their word. If someone says, "I'm a Mormon and converted as an adult, and I've been a Mormon several years now. I think the Mormon church is great," etc., etc. is it no reasonable to conclude they are believing the Mormon doctrines? As I keep saying, if I know the basics of what Mormons believe - and all you need are the basics to know they conflict with Christianity - then surely Beck knows. Otherwise, one must assume he's lying or he's dumb. He's not a new convert.

We're not judging people, but what they profess to believe.

 

[windcatcher]

Hmmm...............OK

 

[Bro. Curtis]

It's not a matter of judgment, but of taking someone at their word.

And what have you heard Glenn say about his faith ?

 

[Revmitchell]

And what have you heard Glenn say about his faith ?

That he is a Mormon.

 

[Marcia]

And what have you heard Glenn say about his faith ?

He's even given his testimony on air. He also praised Mormon Pres. Hinckley after he died.

 

[Bro. Curtis]

When ? I listen to him a lot and never heard that. What did he say about him ? Praise is a pretty loose term.

 

[Marcia]

When ? I listen to him a lot and never heard that. What did he say about him ? Praise is a pretty loose term.

See for yourself:
Praising Hinckley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCXYciIr3xs&NR=1

His conversion:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liLX9CxbTWI&feature=related

Seems to be a Mormon video using Beck to promote idea that the Mormon faith brings you success:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkotGW9YRSk&feature=related

Here Beck is as a "prominent Mormon" giving a view on Romney:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6obwdq-RfU&feature=related

 

[Bro. Curtis]

OK. Give me two days to replace my soundcard. Then I'll hear that Glenn does not consider Christ his savior, I guess.

 

[Marcia]

OK. Give me two days to replace my soundcard. Then I'll hear that Glenn does not consider Christ his savior, I guess.

Okay. I don't think he mentions Jesus at all. But the Mormon Jesus is not the real Jesus anyway. :wavey:

 

[Rippon]

Bro.Curtis,I don't know why you are having difficulty with the obvious fact that Beck subscribes to Mormon beliefs. Is it because he is very likeable,conservative and insightful?