In the last few days I've been engaged in numerous conversations regarding the Glenn Beck event that took place this past Saturday. These conversations have been with beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Beck has long irked the political left because of his views which greatly differ from theirs. But Beck is now dividing the political right, not because of his political views, which most agree with at least in part. He is dividing the political right over God. More succinctly, Beck, a professing Mormon, is gathering together different faiths; Christianity, Mormonism, Judaism and Islam, in a call for our nation to return to God.
The question we must ask, on a spiritual, not a political level, is: Are these faiths calling our nation to the same God? I agree with Beck in his generic premise that what our nation needs is a return to God in order for this mess that the United States is today to be rectified. But when examining these different faiths, one cannot in intellectual honesty say that they represent the same God. The god of Islam as represented in the Koran is vastly different than the God of the bible. The god of Mormanism, as represented through the book of Mormon, other texts and the words of their leaders whom they consider prophets having authority over God's written word, is vastly different from the God of the bible. Even Judaism is not following the God of the bible who sent Jesus, Messiah, only to have "His own," Jews, "receive Him not."
It is a concern to me, and many others, that in the name of political agreement, we as Christians find it acceptable to join together with other gods to further a political viewpoint. As I look at scripture I feel we may be making politics a false god, placing those core beliefs over the teachings of the bible.
I am reminded of the children of Israel, who always professed Jehovah God, yet found themselves drifting in to idolatry on a regular basis. They would continue to appear to follow the Lord as they attended the feasts and offered their sacrifices in the tabernacle and temple. But at the same time they would go to the "high places" and also offer sacrifices to the baals. Has the political arena become our "high place" as Christians? Do we believe that political change apart from a true movement of the True and Living God of the bible will impact the kingdom of God? The command of scripture is to "Seek first the kingdom of God," not political change. When we yolk together with other faiths in the name of God, do we try to serve both God and baals for the perceived betterment of our nation?
I ask these questions not to condemn my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I love and respect them. But I do believe this type of conversation is necessary in Christian circles in order for us to see true revival in our nation. Beck states he believes our nation would be better off if we return to the Judeo-Christian values we were founded upon. I agree with him. But as Christians we must ask a deeper question. Will the kingdom of God be better off if we return to those values but do so apart from Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the bible?
The bible teaches us that we cannot have it both ways. We are either focused upon the kingdom of God, or the things of this world. In fact, the bible teaches us if we compromise and try to serve both we serve neither, we cannot "love both God and mammon." The bible teaches us we provoke God when we do this. Psalm 78:58 states, "For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their carved images." When for the sake of political expediency, we join together with other faiths in the name of God, have we not erected an altar to a political baal while still claiming the mantle of the Living God?
Is what is best for our nation automatically best for God's kingdom? "What good does it do for a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul?" We could see a return to the values that made our country great, but if we embolden and condone false gods and religions in doing so, what have we truly gained? Beck has become the most bold and visible proclaimer of God in our nation today. His movement may indeed be good for our nation. But is his Mormon church affiliation an asset for the kingdom of God?
Many Christians proclaim that from his testimony they believe Beck is indeed saved, "born again." But the questions that need to be asked of Beck, in Christian love, are do you believe the things the Mormon church teaches of Jesus? Do you believe Jesus and Satan are brothers? Do you believe God the Father begat Jesus not through the Holy Spirit, but rather through physical intercourse with Mary? Do you believe the words of Joseph Smith or Brigham Young supersede that of scripture? Do you believe that God was once man who through living a godly life, attained Godhood? Do you believe as the Mormon church teaches that all men can also attain Godhood?
Beck has done a wonderful job of expressing what the bible teaches about Jesus. But the faith he claims as his own teaches "another Jesus." Satan, who the bible teaches, will appear as "an angel of light," knows scripture inside and out. His method is not to ignore scripture, but rather, subtly twist it so it appears authentic, yet deviates from the truth. This is what the doctrine of the Mormons does. They teach the Jesus of the bible, but add to it. That is against the commands of God's word to neither "add too" nor "take away" from His word.
Beck is a political powerhouse who is now calling our nation to a return to God and revival. But unless he espouses the God of the bible, and nothing in addition, this is a hollow call. As Christians we must determine where true change will come from. Will it come from political reformation, or will it come from a true return to Jesus Christ? For my Christian brothers and sisters I make this plea: we can all agree with Beck or anyone else concerning political issues, but we cannot join together with him in God's name until we first know which God he serves. I pray that Beck would be open to sitting down with someone and fully discussing his beliefs and answering the tough questions regarding the faith he has chosen. Their is no part of the bible I am afraid or ashamed to proclaim. Does Glenn Beck have the same convictions regarding Mormon teachings? His answers could determine whether we are in the "high places," or truly acting on God's behalf.
Beck has stated regarding "liberation theology," that if you find yourself in a church preaching a social gospel, you should leave that church. I agree. He has stated if you find yourself in a church telling you which political candidate to vote for you should leave that church. I agree. Is he willing to state that as the bible teaches if you find yourself in a church that preaches "another Jesus," you should leave that church? And is he willing to act on that? I applaud Beck's sincere love for our country. But if we are to join together in the name of God, we must worship the same God.
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