Over the weekend, Glenn Beck held a rally on the National Mall at the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The political left, of course, hated every minute of it. Russell Moore, Dean of the School of Theology and Senior Vice-President for Academic Administration at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, though, was unimpressed for other reasons and posted this very thought-provoking article on the event. It’s so chock full of great quotes that if I tried to sample them, I’d likely end up pasting the entire article, so head over to russellmoore.com and read the entire article yourself. I will, though, at the risk of “ruining” it for you, quote his closer, because it’s a good one:
It’s sad to see so many Christians confusing Mormon politics or American nationalism with the gospel of Jesus Christ. But, don’t get me wrong, I’m not pessimistic. Jesus will build his church, and he will build it on the gospel. He doesn’t need American Christianity to do it. Vibrant, loving, orthodox Christianity will flourish, perhaps among the poor of Haiti or the persecuted of Sudan or the outlawed of China, but it will flourish.
And there will be a new generation, in America and elsewhere, who will be ready for a gospel that is more than just Fox News at prayer.
Feel free to comment below.
TagsChristianity, Culture, Politics
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September 3, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Annie
Mormon politics? Did you listen to the rally? You really missed the point. I don’t see what’s wrong with the message that the nation needs to turn to God, to pray, and to have faith, hope, and charity. This wasn’t about any one religion and it certainly wasn’t about politics. It was about restoring honor and unity to the nation. Where’s the honor in bashing another religion? I will admit that the dynamics of the rally was a little off, but that is to be expected when you bring so many different religions together. But that’s the amazing thing – so many faiths united with one single purpose – to stand as a voice that we need to put God back in the nation. “One nation under GOD…”
September 3, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Jason Lee
I think the author’s concern, which I tend to agree with, is that evangelical Christians all too willingly conflate American nationalism, and Mormon theology (politics, whatever. Pick your term), with true, Biblical Christianity. Your point about the dynamics of the rally, I think, underscores that idea. Having a member of another religion, a false one at that, I would argue, call evangelical Christians, regardless of denomination, to repentance is worrisome, as so many Christians don’t seem to see the problem, or vast array of differences in the “preacher” they’re listening to.
Certainly, Beck, if he is anything like other Mormons I’ve talked to, considers himself to be a Christian. In fact, if hard pressed, his church would argue that THEY are the One True Church of Christ and that I (and the other authors on this site, as well as Russell Moore) are the apostates. But setting that aside, the Mormon church and the Christian church (Sorry. I can’t help it :) would agree, I think, that the Muslim god is no real god at all, and is certainly not the Yahweh/Jehovah/Pick-your-favorite-name that we worship. For Beck, then, to call them to renewed dedication and faith in what he considers (assuming I’m right) to be a false God is a little odd, it seems to me.
Having said all of that, I know I don’t have a lock on the Truth. I don’t have it all right, and I never will. I also know that those beliefs I do hold I don’t practice perfectly. I fail, sometimes miserably, every single day. With that in mind, yes, indeed, I need revival. I need the Spirit of God moving in me daily, molding me into the image of God, and it is, indeed, good to hear messages that inspire me to let the Lord have his way in me. Glenn Beck, though, all things considered, with all due respect, is not the right man for that job.
September 7, 2010 at 1:53 pm
Brian
Annie,
I hear your point. In the days that followed the rally, I’ve heard good people on all sides of the issues. In fact, many main and plain leaders in Evangelical Christian circles, even Southern Baptist circles (e.g. Richard Land was in favor, Al Mohler was against) disagree.
I have a co-worker who actually attended the rally. She hopped on a charter bus with her 5 year old nephew, driving more than 24 hours (one way!) for a rally she didn’t know exactly what it was about.
Disappointed was she (her words, not mine) to learn it was a hodge podge of Christian and quasi-Christian slogans thrown together. She vowed never to watch Beck again, as she felt misled about the intent of the rally.
Be that as it may, there are certainly many issues in which God-fearing people should, and indeed must, stand together. Among those is life and the pursuit of Godliness. To that end, I see your point about the rally.
Acting herein as the middle road between you and Jason, I would have to say I agree with each of you–and disagree with each of you. I agree that we must stand as “one nation under God,” but do share Jason’s fear that Mr. Beck may not be the most-suited to lead us there.
September 8, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Annie
Thanks for posting my comment and thanks for the responses. Who do you think is most suited to lead us there? I don’t necessarily think Beck is the right one either, but he’s the only one who has stepped up to do so. I would welcome anyone to help us restore God back in the nation, but where are they?
My parents attended the rally too and they thought it was amazing. They stayed up all night to get a good spot, as many others did. They said there was nothing but good friendly people there – so don’t believe any reports that say anything about trouble-makers. I think everyone was surprised by how religious the rally was – I certainly didn’t think it was going to be a religious revival, especially since Beck knew he’d be taking all kinds of persecution about his religion. But it was not the first time he’d talked about God, about faith, hope or charity. So it shouldn’t have been too surprising.
But it is what it is and was a good message – I particularly liked his message about changing ourselves and families, since that’s what will truly make a difference in our nation. Stronger families=stronger nation.
(Oh, by the way, I am LDS too. You probably already knew that. :) Come on – give us a break. I think you need to study into our religion a little more and not just make false assumptions. Our God is not different than yours. Regardless of whether you believe that or not, that’s not the point. Beck didn’t ask you to believe in “his God”, he asked everyone to come together, having faith in a higher power, with hope and charity in their hearts.)