Either you love him or you hate him. Glenn Beck's rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial may have more deeply polarized American politics--if that were possible. But what about "the church" and its "revival," to which Beck so often refers? I mean, can you imagine Rush Limbaugh knowing anything about George Whitefield, much less quoting him on his radio show? I have to give Beck high marks for that! :)
Still, does he get it right? Russell Moore has an interesting take in his article "God, the gospel, and Glenn Beck."
Try this quote out: "Too often, and for too long, American "Christianity" has been a political agenda in search of a gospel useful enough to accommodate it. There is a liberation theology of the Left, and there is also a liberation theology of the Right, and both are at heart mammon worship. The liberation theology of the Left often wants a Barabbas, to fight off the oppressors as though our ultimate problem were the reign of Rome and not the reign of death. The liberation theology of the Right wants a golden calf, to represent religion and to remind us of all the economic security we had in Egypt. Both want a Caesar or a Pharaoh, not a Messiah."
You may read the entire post here. It's worth the couple of minutes it will take.
What do you think of Beck's use of history? Specifically, with regard to the way he historically connects the movements of liberalism and (even more specifically) socialism/fascism to the political left of today? I know how history can be misused to misrepresent someone or something. But I'd just love to hear what you have to say given your knowledge and expertise in the subject. Are his connections valid?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Luke Madsen
I listen to Beck and am always reminded of how well the Mormons prepare their people for being in the world--something we seem to not do so well.
ReplyDeletePr. Sterle