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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009

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the big plan

Beck Will Host Conventions
to Educate America

He's shifting toward political organizer, plans big DC rally

Nov 21, 09 5:06 PM CST
Senate Democrats Clear
Health Care Hurdle, 60-39

Reid gets 60 votes to open full debate after Thanksgiving recess

Nov 21, 09 7:13 PM CST
Palin Pulls in Big Bucks
—for Democrats

'Going Rogue' boosts Dem fundraising to new high

Nov 21, 09 6:50 AM CST
Matt Taibbi

Palin: Our First WWE Politician

Pick an asshole, any asshole, and she'll rock the house

4 hours, 25 minutes ago
demagogue alert

Lawmaker Paints Target on Barack Obama's Back

Republican Rep. Louie Gohmert panders to dangerous paranoids

Nov 21, 09 9:08 AM CST
Reid Gets 60th Vote:
Holdout Lincoln Agrees

She'll allow health care bill to move forward; vote at 8pm

Nov 21, 09 1:51 PM CST
Billboard Links Obama to Jihad

Colo. car dealership wants this opinion heard

Nov 20, 09 8:42 PM CST
HE'S GOT A BOOK OUT, TOO

Beck to Unveil
'Big Plan' at
Saturday Rally

Righty pundit OK with destroying Dems and GOP

Nov 20, 09 8:07 PM CST
NO COMMUNION FOR YOU, MY SON

RI Bishop Disses
Kennedy Over
Pro-Choice
Stance

Spat over Patrick's position on abortion escalates

6 hours, 46 minutes ago
Neglected Ind. Fans Boo Palin

Hecklers accuse her of 'quitting on the job'

Nov 20, 09 3:50 PM CST
Limbaugh's Wrong: Gallup's Obama Approval Below 50%

New survey is latest disappointment for President

Nov 20, 09 2:03 PM CST
TALK SHOW ROUNDUP

McConnell:
Dems Proceed
at 2010 Peril

Senators hit the Sunday talk shows after health vote

3 hours, 54 minutes ago
Obama's Stimulus Finally
Gets Some Respect

Warring economists agree that it has helped—if not enough

Nov 21, 09 6:21 AM CST

|NEXT STORY »

ANALYSIS

Glenn Beck's Mormonism Is the Apocalyptic Kind

Ties to radical mid-century LDS thought could sully Romney 2012

By Harry Kimball| Posted Oct 8, 09 2:29 PM CDT|

(Newser) – Most of the media has been understandably wary of tying Glenn Beck’s Mormonism to his jeremiad against President Obama and the enemies of freedom, Adam Reilly writes. And yet, Beck is a clear inheritor of a particular strain of mid-century Mormon political ideology that espoused virulent anti-communism and the divine genesis of the Constitution. Should Beck continue to revive ideas the LDS would rather forget, it could spell trouble for his coreligionists— and Romney 2012.

For instance, Reilly writes in the Boston Phoenix, Beck’s recent cry that “the government is the Devil” is in sync with one of the church's "canonical scriptures." And when he laments that “our Constitution is hanging by a thread,” he echoes the “White Horse Prophecy” whereby “the Mormon people will come to its rescue.” Romney has demonstrated familiarity with this “firebrand conservatism,” an author notes, which “he might want to keep chained to a radiator in the attic.” But because of Beck's "converted zealotry," the "conversation might just be getting started."

[Images (4)]

[Quotes (2)]

Glenn Beck. (Getty Images)

Glenn Beck. (AP Photo)

The Mormon Temple. (AP Photo)

Mitt Romney. (AP Photo)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

Given this intellectual lineage, is it any wonder that Beck and his fans tend to regard fundamentally political problems — health-care reform, say — as apocalyptic battles between good and evil? - Adam Reilly

Beck is to Mormonism what Father Charles Coughlin was to Catholicism in the 1930s, when the “radio priest” peddled nasty, faith-based opposition to another ambitious Democratic president. - Adam Reilly

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

11.20.09

The Health-Care Wars Have Just Begun

11.19.09

Sarah Palin Deserves Some More Attention

81 comments

VIEWING:

tran_tor
Oct 8, 09 2:33 PM CDT

Theology bashing is for losers. Reply

-13

IN RESPONSE:

rajanKazhmin
Oct 8, 09 3:04 PM CDT

"There once was a time when all people believed in God and the church ruled. This time was called the Dark Ages." -Richard Lederer

+23

IN RESPONSE:

tran_tor
Oct 8, 09 3:14 PM CDT

Hating someone for their beliefs really is unhealthy, both on a personal level, as well as socially. Hate them for what they do? Maybe. But hate them for what they think? what they believe? who they are attracted to? who or what they worship? Uncool. btw, the Dark Ages were not caused by religion, although it did thrive in conditions during that era.

IN RESPONSE:

rajanKazhmin
Oct 8, 09 3:24 PM CDT

I don't hate the believers, I hate the beliefs themselves.

+15

IN RESPONSE:

Thinker
Oct 8, 09 4:04 PM CDT

Reason, logic and free thinking is for winners.

+14

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Oct 8, 09 4:33 PM CDT

Tran, no one said the Dark Ages were caused by religion. However, during this time we have the rise of Christianity and it spread throughout Europe, and they were more concerned with the making of the spiritual world and not the physical one. This means that math, science, etc are all put on hold for hundreds of years. Your profile shows you live in the US, are you aware of the evolution vs. creation debate? Christians didn't cause the Dark Ages, but they didn't exactly help the pursuit of knowledge.

IN RESPONSE:

Carpediem4U
Oct 8, 09 4:42 PM CDT

Nice try tran_tor, redirecting the comment. I do not think anyone hates the concept of a god or religion in general. It is when those said individuals proclaim they are supreme to those who are not believers. I hardly think any conservative ( on this board, not everywhere) is a true believer in Christ or the teaching of true Christianity. Unless my bible, the KJV is now obsolete, I've read a lot about love ( that's for dope head hippies), tolerance ( theres a true sign of weakness) , sharing ( sharing! thats just down and out communism). What I havent read a lot in there is about loving money being a virtue, or that trying to ram your beliefs down another ones throat is a calling of Christ. Or hatred and violence against duly elected officials is called for anywhere in the Psalms or elsewhere. Lets not confuse disgust with those who misuse religion as an axe to grind against with other people they disagree with. The biggest phonies are the ones who in one breath claim to be christians while calling you every dirty name in the book....that's classic! If Christ were alive today Tran, who do you think he would side with in Congress and the country....those who are against health care for all, a total lack of respect to this President because of color, a constant attack againt anything that doesn't favor big business and the wealthy. I do not have the new conservative bible but I believe if Christ walked the earth today, he'd be an even bigger flaming liberal than I am! And you can worhip a golden emu for all I care, just dont expect my school to teach that belief to my kids on our tax dollars, unless you want other religions having an equal footing in all government, educational and social settings. I lived it Utah. 4 years. Hated every year and was glad I was finally transferred out again. Its messed up, really...unless you are a Mormon. really messed up.

+10

IN RESPONSE:

tran_tor
Oct 8, 09 4:57 PM CDT

Funny, but I agree with a lot of the 'negative' responses to the post. I have to admit ulterior motive as I hoped people would think twice about trashing Beck's religion, which I don't know, but can assume he doesn't advertise much. This article clearly is trying to discredit Beck by going after him through his unpopular religion. I am simply tired of pro/anti religious tirades and this article seems to feed/profit from that. Attack Beck for what comes out of his mouth, not where he goes on Sunday.

IN RESPONSE:

Pragmaticrealism
Oct 8, 09 7:44 PM CDT

Tran you just don't get it.

IN RESPONSE:

Deebles
Oct 8, 09 8:42 PM CDT

Religion is more popular today than in a looooong time. And, if it is wrong to hate people for their beliefs why do all the same people who support Beck unconditionally hate Muslim fundamentalists? We are supposed to have our own basic core values and our support of anyone is an ebb and flow of their meeting our standards. And I don't care about Beck here specifically. I mean the way we all support everyone on such a bipartisan basis. I'm a Democrat so if a Democrat has 600 thousand bucks lying about--well, that kinda thing happens when you're busy. But, if I'm a Republican and a Republican gives his mistress's husband a job--well, you gotta help your friends. Don't you see? Extremism--in politics, religion, eating only a bean or having to climb Everest for a rush--it all leads to egotism which is the enemy of any Democracy.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Oct 8, 09 11:00 PM CDT

Prag, I'm with you. Tran, the article is saying that some of what is coming out of Beck's mouth is found in his religion. They have some examples right there in the second paragraph.

IN RESPONSE:

tran_tor
Oct 9, 09 8:17 AM CDT

@fondue I can't argue because I've seen part of his show only a couple times, but I'm sure you're right. Religion tends to influence political beliefs. The problem here (and can even be seen in this forum) is the guilty by association comments. Words like apocalyptic, radical mid-century, virulent anti-, and converted zealotry, all applied to beck by association only. Beck's a mormon, therefore... Obama has a muslim name, therefore... Albright is a jew, therefore...

IN RESPONSE:

tran_tor
Oct 9, 09 8:44 AM CDT

@fondue, to be more direct to your post, if you read what is said in the second paragraph closely, the author very loosely associates fragments of becks comments to other work and tries to tie the entire body of "canonical scriptures." to beck. It's intellectually dishonest, and a cheap tactic.

IN RESPONSE:

Monjubikahn
Nov 11, 09 12:07 PM CST

Reason, logic and free thinking are always subjected to the immortal powers that you submitr to. Teology infirs that there is the preswence of beings able to influence the minds and attitudes of the masses. Whether or not acknowleged their influence is clearly seen ."It is not within man to order his own steps." Free thinking is a gift.

| 0 minutes ago

LibertyMan
Oct 8, 09 2:49 PM CDT

I didn't even know Beck is a Mormon until the liberal media bought it up. HE certinly never does. GOD bless the left and thier hatred of all religion and conservatives. As thier media dies in a sea of red ink with only conservative media making money fed by ratings and paid subscriptions surges as mainstream Americans flee the liberal media, they resort to blackmailing and extorting advertisers to pull ad dollars from conservative media, just like ACORN does when it storms a business demanding extortion money like it did from Liberty Tax Services. The next round will see organized conservative groups launching counter boycotts of advertisers who PULL money from highly rated conservative shows like Beck. Business leaders are now having to decide if they are a conservative or liberal business and we see this playing out at the US Chamber of Commerce as a large number of members are resigning due to the Chambers climate change and tax policy positions that lean leftward. Same thing at AARP which suffred over 100,000 member resignations just in one two month period this past Summer in disgust of AARP's health care reform support of BO and the popping up of the new American Seniors Association to provide a conservative alternative voice. Society is becoming more and more split under BO. The idiots who thought he was a uniter should take a better look around. And to the idiots who think conservatives are just a fringe group, you can't count. Sixty million voters is not a fringe. It is the basis of the next GOP sweep in 2010. Reply

-17

IN RESPONSE:

BeatBlaster
Oct 8, 09 3:05 PM CDT

The hatred that comes with some of the GOP's associates is what is causing people/businesses to side with conservatives or liberals. The reason why it's getting out of hand is because Repubs are more interested in getting their point across by any means necessary instead of listening and working with others. It's that whole "my way or the highway" that has everyone pissed off. It's frustrating talking to brick walls.

IN RESPONSE:

Spudsy
Oct 8, 09 3:14 PM CDT

BeatBlaster has it right. The GOP is dying because people are fed up with their "any means necessary" method of argument. There is a place and a need for a conservative voice, but the GOP has surrounded that voice with lies and distortions in an effort to sell itself. It worked in 2004 with Bush's reelection, but more and more people are seeing through it now.

IN RESPONSE:

Wisconsin
Oct 8, 09 3:24 PM CDT

LibertyMan; You have no idea how scary you sound like to normal people. You are not normal. Your views are extreme and your positions are devisive. You fancy yourself a conservative but will never have nearly enough money to be one. You buy into all the emotional BS issues conservatives drum up in order to gain support from mainstream America. People like you JUMP when conservatives mention ABORTION and GAY MARRIAGE. You vote them into office and then buy the rest of their BS about tax cuts (that people like you and I won't see) for the wealthy for their extra cash to trickle down to us normal folks, which it NEVER DOES. They feed you enough crap to keep you thinking you are a conservative, which you are not and never will be. Conservative movements always garner support from the masses with emotion and once people come to their senses they drive them out. You are apparently at this point senseless, you dink.

+15

IN RESPONSE:

MrsK
Oct 8, 09 3:44 PM CDT

Well said and 2010 will leave the liberals in the dust, thanks to their god Obama. History is about to repeat itself.

-15

IN RESPONSE:

odowd80
Oct 8, 09 3:53 PM CDT

Your comment about the Chamber of Commerce is completely backwards. Corporations like Apple and Nike are leaving because the Chamber of Commerce denies the urgency of climate change, a ultra-conservative position. Corporations are leaving because the Chamber is leaning too far to the RIGHT.

+14

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Oct 8, 09 6:42 PM CDT

LibertyMan be taking "liberty" with the facts.----- As odowd correctly points out, the businesses resigning from the US Chamber of Commerce are doing so because of the Right-leaning stance the Chamber has taken in regard to climate change. ---- Conservatives aren't a fringe group, but Rightwingnuts and teabaggers who play loosely with facts, like you have just done, are on the fringe. Which is why more and more Conservatives are distancing themselves from extremists like Glenn Beck. This trend will only accelerate approaching 2012, because Conservatives will be wooing the Moderates. ---- But keep on keeping on LibertyMan; your misguided perspectives are like money in the bank to the Liberals.

IN RESPONSE:

Deebles
Oct 8, 09 8:58 PM CDT

I applaud you for your very good comment based on what you know and believe. That I disagree is no more a sign of disrespect than if you liked okra and I found it repulsive. We are all different. But, the Conservatives are not a fringe: Beck Conservatives are a fringe and they may carry a sign, but rarely bother to vote. Just like many Democrats wail about shit and haven't registered in forty years. That is the problem with extreme beliefs--they rarely translate into action. A GOP sweep in 2010 is about as likely as the world collapsing in 2012. And, I'll tell you why--the Democrats have done nothing with their majority to change the vote and the Republicans have grown a fringe. An indictment of both parties. This is a Representative Republic and while you may lean right or left the only clear view is from the center.

IN RESPONSE:

alkaseltzersammich
Oct 9, 09 10:48 AM CDT

Conservatism should have nothing to do with your religion. It is a political ideology that should only have to do with policy.

IN RESPONSE:

emptycalm
Oct 9, 09 11:13 AM CDT

So you approve of bias media as long as it's bias to what you agree with? Sad.

| 0 minutes ago

blackgrl
Oct 8, 09 2:56 PM CDT

he should add that Mormons were/are incredibly racists & saw Black people as descending from the devil. even if you don't believe in that crap, it's gonna be problematic. the Mormon church are equivalent to the Scientologists or the Nation of Islam, & just as creepy. there's little evidence to support their "ideology." Reply

+13

IN RESPONSE:

Cprizzle
Oct 8, 09 3:12 PM CDT

An excellent point. In fact, black morons (Although rare; see BYU football team) were originally thought to turn white upon going to Heaven. Classy.

IN RESPONSE:

Spudsy
Oct 8, 09 3:16 PM CDT

I never knew that "turn white" part. Pretty bizarre. I love how these holy books can all be rewritten by ordinary men when they get out of step with the times. Perhaps they were all written by ordinary men to begin with.

IN RESPONSE:

Reader64481089
Oct 8, 09 3:52 PM CDT

Anyone who has read the Bible knows the story of Cain and Able, one brother killed another and all the issues that went with that. Cain was the killer, Able the victim. Cain also was a "favorite of God" so God could/would not destroy him for the sin. He did however place a curse upon Cain and also placed a "mark" upon him; although the Bible doesn't say exactly what "The Mark of Cain" was it has long been thought that God changed his skin color to black or dark brown and made him travel to the area now known as central Africa. All Cain's descendants also shall carry the "mark" according to the Bible.......Once a Black person enters heaven by the Mormon teachings then they again turn white.....trust me Black people, this is not something to aspire to trust me :( And this my recital of a fairy tale named Religion. This is what I get for being raised by a Grandmother who was Amish but then again she was actually born in the back of a wagon as they traveled to their new farm in an American Territory now known as Texas and that place also has it's share of Religious fanatics. To each their own until they begin preaching love they neighbor at the point of a gun

| 0 minutes ago

paul123
Oct 8, 09 2:57 PM CDT

Glen Beck speaks for the conservative masses, not just the LDS crowd. Reply

-1

IN RESPONSE:

nick
Oct 8, 09 3:53 PM CDT

Conservative masses? Not really, it's more likely that Glenn Beck speaks to the fanatic fringe- that segment of the 3+ million conservatives who watch Fox News every night; listen to Rush Limbaugh everyday; hate the government; hate taxes; idolize the rich; shout down health reform at town hall meetings; go to tea parties; identify with the birther movement; continue to vote against their best interests, and all-the-while considering themselves to be the only true patriots.

+10

IN RESPONSE:

paul123
Oct 8, 09 4:31 PM CDT

Sorry Nick, his appeal isn't that limited. Conservative masses indeed: Those who watch Fox, listen to Rush, hate government involvement where it has not place being involved, don't demonize the rich, debate health care reform, go to tea parties ( why is it only activism if you are a leftist), are smart enough to not believe in the birther mess, vote in their best interest and in the best interest of the masses, and yes, considering themselves true patriots.

-4

IN RESPONSE:

rajanKazhmin
Oct 8, 09 5:26 PM CDT

@Paul123: I have two big problems with your post. 1) "debate health care" - FAIL shouting talking points at town hall meetings is not debating. 2) "vote in their best interest and in the best interest of the masses" FAIL - the best interest of the masses? Seriously? That's commie talk according to your peers.

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Oct 8, 09 6:48 PM CDT

Glenn Beck has consolidated the Rightwing fringe, right in the glare of public scrutiny so all who are of reasonable mind can be forewarned and gird their loins.

| 0 minutes ago

Caps
Oct 8, 09 3:02 PM CDT

Glen Beck is on the verge of insanity. It's not going to take very much to push him off the edge. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

pennyq
Oct 8, 09 3:07 PM CDT

I'm a former Mormon (born into and raised), and became a believer (in Jesus) in 1996. Contrary to the stereotypes, not all Christians are conservative right. There are those of us who are very much non-partisan and very tired and saddened by the division that religion and denominationalism has caused through the centuries. FYI, the LDS (Mormon) church believes in a very different Jesus. They believe in a polytheistic Godhead, and the Jesus that Joseph Smith saw in his vision. If anything, Mormonism is closer to resembling Islam as a religion (in that they believe in Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, and all the prophets since him are considered God's mouthpieces...kinda like the Pope. In fact, in heirarchal priesthood structure, they're closer to Catholicism than mainstream or non-denom Christianity. I know that's not the way the average Mormon might appear, but nevertheless, that is the reality behind the smiles and family-concepted commercials. Also another note...I was ostracized and shunned (by those I thought were my friends) when I left the Mormon church. So before we put Mormonism on a pedestal, maybe we need to realize that things aren't as they seem in Stepford. Lastly...isn't it the anti-Christ that's supposed to be the one to "save the world"? Hmmmm. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Thinker
Oct 8, 09 4:10 PM CDT

Religion and democracy are incompatible. Religion and reason are incompatible. Religion and tolerance are incompatible. Religion is based on dogma, authoritarian structure and strict adherence to rules.

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Oct 8, 09 4:44 PM CDT

@Thinker, I take an eyes-open, rational approach to my faith. I am tolerant (at least I make a great attempt to be), and I value science, and reason. I belong to a denomination, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), that has very little structure (just as much as a national organization needs), and does not have much dogma. We let people make up their own minds about most things other churches tell you what to believe, so we can have Biblical literalists alongside with a more progressive interpretation. I am not here to try to convince you that you should believe what I believe, but just to say that not all Christians are what you think they are. And it's not just my denomination. The Episcopalians and the Lutherans in America allow gays to be ministers.

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Oct 8, 09 4:44 PM CDT

Perhaps non-partisan, tired, and saddened believers should contact their preachers, pastors, reverends, and anyone else leading their organization that they do not want their religion to be part of politics.

IN RESPONSE:

Pragmaticrealism
Oct 8, 09 8:09 PM CDT

@ Unaffiliated: sounds to me like most of your co-religionists would accuse you of being devil spawn

| 0 minutes ago

LibertyMan
Oct 8, 09 3:35 PM CDT

Spudman the hate I see today is coming off the Left. Attacking a man's religion? Depriving him of his livlng? Attacking his family? That's the tactics of the Left man, not the Republican Party. ACORN storm troopers exorting big business? Where have YOU been? Get real. There are low lifes who hover around the edges of both parties and could easily be labled a dem or rep. Your paint brush is far too wide there buddy. And another thing, your "I am a conservative independent republican" who nevertheless finds fualt with all things republican or conservative is wearing thin. Your have zero crediablity here as anything other than a liberal wolf in sheeps clothing. Owe up to who you are: a big spending tax raising social liberal democrat who provbaly belongs to a union and never served a day in the miltary. Just be honest. I have more respect for an out of the closet lib than a lying sack paid poster from SEIU/ACORN like you. Reply

-10

IN RESPONSE:

emptycalm
Oct 9, 09 11:23 AM CDT

You should read about US labor history. Those "evil unions" you spew about saved lives and helped push through laws that held back some of the exploitation tidal wave created by the free market.

| 0 minutes ago

riverstone11
Oct 8, 09 3:38 PM CDT

Glenn Beck's Mormonism is a non-issue. Do you know how many Mormon politicians/civic leaders/actors/newscasters/professors/sports stars/regular-everyday-joes exist? A gazillian. Nobody cares. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

LibertyMan
Oct 8, 09 3:38 PM CDT

Caps, you been on this Beck insanity rant now for weeks. I love how you always try to marginalize the people who you don't agree with by labeling them this or that without debating any of their ideas or views. You seem to think if you can convince enough people on Newser not to listen to these people you so clearly hate, that you views will prevail. Typcal liberla tactic. Reply

-15

IN RESPONSE:

Circusdog
Oct 8, 09 3:44 PM CDT

Get a new playbook for godsakes!

IN RESPONSE:

Lula
Oct 8, 09 4:46 PM CDT

LibertyMan, are you a Beck fan? I love how you are always defending this loud mouth. You yourself are a typcial right-wing nut, and the hate is not coming from the left, but from you and your elk.

+10

IN RESPONSE:

Pragmaticrealism
Oct 8, 09 8:11 PM CDT

You and your damned ELK!!!!

| 0 minutes ago

Jon-In-CA
Oct 8, 09 3:44 PM CDT

Unless Beck announced a Mormon-Jihad against the US Government .... WHAT does his faith have anything to do with his objection to waste, abuse, and fraud in DC?? I guess when you can't win the war of real substantive issues - use the "race-card" or call Beck a "mormon", eh libs? Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

blackgrl
Oct 8, 09 3:56 PM CDT

Come on Jon - even you can't be that naive?! that's ALL these people sprout about: morals, religion, blah, blah, blah. that's the basis for so much of the problematic policy-making on the Right (& some on the Left). i mean are you ignoring all the battles were having over seperation of church & state? abortion, prayer in school?

IN RESPONSE:

Fondue
Oct 8, 09 4:46 PM CDT

and evolution/creation

IN RESPONSE:

Jon-In-CA
Oct 8, 09 5:24 PM CDT

Hey BlckGrl, So I guess then "Black Liberation Theology" is a valid issue when viewing Barack Obama?

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Oct 8, 09 7:07 PM CDT

Jon-In CA (wrote): " I guess when you can't win the war of real substantive issues - use the "race-card" or call Beck a "mormon", eh libs? " ---- No, Jon-in-CA, the criticism is not about Beck being a self-professed Mormon. Rather it is about the apostasy of his faith and our democratic ideology, as he broadcasts his malevolent worldviews while wrapping himself in his Church and our Flag.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Oct 8, 09 7:16 PM CDT

Jon-In-CA (wrote) "when you can't win the war of real substantive issues" ---- Funny accusation coming from the Glenn Beck side that gives us slackjaw responses like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUPMjC9mq5Y

-1

| 0 minutes ago

riverstone11
Oct 8, 09 3:46 PM CDT

Glenn Beck's Mormonism is a non-issue. Do you know how many Mormon politicians/civic leaders/actors/musicians/CEOs/professors/sports stars/every-day-joes exist? A gazillion. Nobody cares. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

dax
Oct 8, 09 6:54 PM CDT

Glenn Beck's Mormonism is sounding far less than mainstream. But that is not his only ideological deficit. Check out the source of Beck's warmed over John Birch ideology: http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/09/16/beck_skousen/index.html

-1

| 0 minutes ago

Gooner82
Oct 8, 09 3:50 PM CDT

I hate to break it to you Libertyman, but he's not the only one who thinks Glenn Beck is completely insane. Beck and his followers think they can hide behind the "don't disagree with the left or you'll be labeled an idiot" line as a free pass to be taken seriously. It's a free country... say and think whatever you want, but if it's an idiotic statement or thought it will be labeled as such. Beck bases his whole act on fear generated from lies and and pure hate for Obama. Maybe if HE would start speaking factual on things he doesn't like about Obama he may be taken more seriously. Until then he'll just remain a joke. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Gooner82
Oct 8, 09 3:53 PM CDT

and that has NOTHING to do with his religious beliefs Reply

IN RESPONSE:

tran_tor
Oct 8, 09 7:27 PM CDT

Thank you Gooner.

| 0 minutes ago

BOTHPARTIESSUCK
Oct 8, 09 3:55 PM CDT

How many people posting actually watch Glenn Beck's T.V. show? Reply

-3

IN RESPONSE:

mehrheit
Oct 9, 09 11:47 PM CDT

Never the TV show, but I was a devoted listener to his radio show 5-6yrs ago, still tune in from time to time, and I can say unequivocally that GLENN BECK IS F-ing NUTS!

| 0 minutes ago

Gooner82
Oct 8, 09 4:00 PM CDT

I have watched it before, but don't regularly. For ridiculous fiction I prefer HBO. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

DarkFrancis
Oct 8, 09 4:13 PM CDT

It would matter not to me whether Beck was LDS, Catholic, Episcopalian, evangelical, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or zoroastrian. Or an atheist. He's belligerent, he's very often wrong, he rarely speaks any kind of clear truth and he's a loudmouth for money. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

relvis1
Oct 8, 09 4:17 PM CDT

Blackgrl, you couldn't be further from the the truth. One of the primary reasons Joseph Smith (LDS Founder) was killed by a mob was because he believed the African slaves should be freed. Do a little research next time. The LDS Church is growing very fast in Africa right now as we speak. Google search "Elijah Abel". Before we criticize LibertyMan for believing in propaganda the rest of you should get your facts straight too. Cprizzle. You have absolutely no idea what your talking about either. The LDS Church has never taught this as official doctrine. Just because Preacher Bob said it was true doesn't mean it is. I have no idea what the BYU football team reference is about either. A good portion of the players are non-white. This has nothing to do with the Church. This is like saying all homosexuals are pedophiles. Spudzy. It is bizarre, because its propaganda thrown together by some firery Baptist Preacher who didn't like the Mormons stealing his congregation away. The LDS Church is thriving and in a few years will be larger than the Southern Baptist Church. Mormons are highly educated, self reliant, and patriotic Americans. It must not be as bizarre as "Preacher Bob" paints it, but it will definitely put him out of a job. Paul123. Glen Beck does not speak for the LDS Church any more than Harry Reed (also LDS) does. The leader of the LDS Church is Thomas S. Monson. He speaks for the Church. Pennyq. If you were born and 'raised' in the LDS Church you must be about 5 years old, because you know nothing about it. What you reiterated is a page out of Mike Huckabee's playbook. Why would you ask a Southern Baptist about what Mormons believe? Everything you mentioned is total bologna. Mormons are Christian. Mormons are not polytheistic. Mormonism may have some similarities to Islam, but doesn't Christianity believe in Prophets too? Wasn't Noah a Prophet? Pennyq - you know nothing about Mormons. A good source is www.LDS.org or www.Mormon.com. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Thinker
Oct 8, 09 4:27 PM CDT

I can't believe you people are arguing about religious beliefs. That's like arguing about the color of eggs the Easter Bunny prefers.

IN RESPONSE:

Carpediem4U
Oct 8, 09 4:54 PM CDT

But really..a religion started in 1800's is no more relevant than a religion I start tomorrow and call it Russellism (named after me!) mormonism is everybit a cult as scientology. Im sorry but I see no connection between a whack job Joe Smith from Missouri and something that MIGHT have happened 2000 years ago. Why should mormonism even be taken seriously by anyone but their followers. Giving credence to mormonism and scientology weakens christian religions in general because where and when do you draw the line? Pretty soon anytime someone says and claims "its my interrpretation of the bible' it further weaknes a sociaty's obligation to even pay it any mind and soon one day the tax exemption will end, and none too soon! I am open suggestions.

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Oct 8, 09 4:54 PM CDT

Thinker, like it or not, religion, particularly Christianity, has played a huge role in Western history. If you would like to understand our country, you MUST have an understanding of religion. That's why I don't understand how history can be taught in public schools without teaching religion.

IN RESPONSE:

Galileo
Oct 8, 09 5:05 PM CDT

@Unaffiliated - Be more specific. Do you think the historic role of religious belief and it's influence on the development of the United States should be taught in school, or that religion itself, like say a bible study class, should be taught in school?

-1

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Oct 8, 09 5:21 PM CDT

@Galileo, perhaps I should have said "without teaching *about* religion." @LJ, you're correct that the good and the bad should be taught about religion. I just don't understand how anyone can learn about the Crusades, the Inquisition, the 100 Years' War, the English Civil War, and much else in European History, without a basic understanding of what drove those events.

IN RESPONSE:

Deebles
Oct 8, 09 9:33 PM CDT

Thousands of years ago Revlis our need to have meaning in our lives became the foundation of man's quest for mythos over logos. We see the rain fall, but we want to know why. We revised why the rain fell for centuries until we got the whole weather and current thing down. Does that make us richer in spirit? Probably not, but it is a separation of everyday reality from the brooding quest for meaning. We used to have both. The Church of Latter Day Saints is the fastest growing religion in the US today. That year of LDS Church commitment to spreading the news is paying off. But, you can't knock one religion without knocking them all because they are all man-made needs to explain the inexplicable. Between religious fervor and atheism is a place of empathetic knowing and acceptance of all people and all beliefs. I have the utmost respect for your belief, but Joseph Smith was not killed over slavery. He was killed over polygamy. Personally, I think his murder a wrong thing either way, but as a humanist who values historical truth--I can't let that slide. And of course Mormons are Christians. You have to be Christian to believe what was on those Golden Tablets. But, do you understand that my not favoring any specific religion makes yours come alive to me? You believe an Angel came to Smith in a field and Catholics believe an Angel came to Mary thousands of years before. And Baptists believe in original sin and Muslims believe that Mohammed had the straight deal from his Angel. So what? I recognize all the Angels and you see only one. The gift of faith is to be treasured and it should remove blinders rather than bestow them.

-1

IN RESPONSE:

skeptik
Oct 9, 09 9:43 AM CDT

"Follow the shoe!" "No, follow the gourd!"

| 0 minutes ago

Galileo
Oct 8, 09 5:02 PM CDT

@LibertyMan - You said, "you are always trying to marginalize people....without debating any of their beliefs or views." It's true that we ought to engage in intelligent debate, and not name calling. I truly hope you will reflect on your own statement, as you certainly need to take your own advice. Your crazed rants usually just consist of "THE LEFT THIS AND THE LIBERAL MEDIA THAT." That's hardly debate. Here is an example of me debating you. You say the hate comes from the left, and how dare they attack a man's religion, and that these are not the tactics of the Republicans. Well this is very easy to prove wrong with an obvious example. Homosexuals and gay marriage. Conservatives attack gays' freedom of religion by forcing their own beliefs onto gays. Whether those gay people are religious or not, you telling them they can't get married because of YOUR religion is infringing on their freedom from it. It's such a clear violation that there isn't even a sound argument against it. If you make any counter-argument concerning the truth of your god or the bible, you have utterly failed to understand the argument. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

davewam84
Oct 8, 09 5:07 PM CDT

Reading this article makes Mormonism sound very anti-government, but the truth is the complete opposite. Beck's comment that the "government is the devil" has nothing to do with mormon beliefs at all. It should also be noted that he is refrencing the current government (i.e. Obama administration). The Mormon church has no opposition to Obama. In fact they had Michelle Obama visit the church headquarters and they visited the White House about two months ago to deliver Barak a copy of his genealogy records. If you want your facts straight about Mormons, maybe you should turn to Senate Majority leader Harry Reid (also a mormon). The reference to a cannonical scripture opposing government is also completely bogus. The Book of Mormon warns against monarchy, but consistently shows the importance of a democratic government. Before you write an article that is slanderous against a religion, it might be helpful to actually do research. Taking comments out of context doesn't help much either. To really find out what mormons believe, one should go to the source. I suggest mormon.org. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

LiberalJesus
Oct 8, 09 5:13 PM CDT

If religion is taught in school, it must be taught with all it's evils and lies and persecutions that western civilization has been subjected to frrom religion laid bare open. I am all for teaching about all religions. But Bible based study in schools is out of the question. You want to belong to a school that uses the bible as the be all to end all then go to a private christian school. Catholics have been doing this for 200 years in America and you never hear the push for education in public schools from them as they prefer to do it their way, their beliefs, their money in their own school and thats ok with me. Bible based only christian studies in public schools is a gross vioolation of church and state and is unamerican, unless you'll also accept a Koran based study side side with your bible based. Are you sure you want a teacher of the Koran teaching your kids about Allah? I dont want your teacher of the bible teaching my kids about your idea of christianity. You see where this is going? I can assure you many many parents in Texas public schools would cry bloody murder if that were the rules..where all is fair to all relgions. You want religion taught in the schools then all religions it is! But what is your church for? Shouldn't that be where your kids learns about your religion? This is just a backdoor way to force feed American students a religion, nothing more! Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Unaffiliated
Oct 8, 09 5:25 PM CDT

I would be all for kids reading the Bible and the Koran in schools. Not to say that people should believe in the faiths based on those works, but to try to learn about what the religions teach, so we can better understand those who adhere to those religions, and to compare and contrast the beliefs. The Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths all pretty much teach the Golden Rule, which I would hope anyone can see value in, regardless of their personal beliefs.

IN RESPONSE:

Galileo
Oct 8, 09 5:31 PM CDT

The most beneficial learning would be critical thinking based. I don't think having kids just read religious texts would be good until they've considered the truth of them first. It wouldn't be possible until HIgh School level, but Philosophy of Religion classes in which the students study arguments for and against God, and debate them, would be wonderful.

IN RESPONSE:

Deebles
Oct 8, 09 11:06 PM CDT

Agree with LiberalJesus. Eight years of Catholic school and four years of a Jesuit University and you are educated beyond any one personal religion. There are so many lapsed Catholics because they do teach religion. They lost me at pagan babies, but they didn't care and in College the Priests taught me how to read the Pentateuch according to whether it was written by J or E or the Deuteronomists--D. And, that little, old priest from the Vatican who spent forty years with the Dead Sea Scrolls taught me the New Testament. Teaching religion is the best way to educate someone's heart and make religion an open, encompassing thing rather than a divisive thing. The truly religious spend years questing every form of man's desire for the sacred before they see the sacred in man. Most Atheists are just not-Baptist or not-Catholic or not- Mormon, etc. To not believe the one thing that you were taught does not cancel out religion. It means a quest is in order, so that rather than rejecting one, you embrace all. That is the only way to keep this hanging-by-a-thread planet going. The Buddha, who means as much to me as Jesus, Mohammed, Smith, Luther or Abraham said that a need for one, single truth is like the man shot with the poisoned arrow who neglects the doctor, but searches for the man who shot him and the tribe he came from. If, he dropped the egotistical need for absolute knowing--he would live. Only in not knowing would he live and know not his death-- but his life. That is the basis of all the world's religions.

| 0 minutes ago

kansas1946
Oct 8, 09 6:30 PM CDT

Well, I know one thing for sure, Glen Beck is a catastrophe waiting to happen. When you spray that much hate over the airwaves, there are bound to be consequences. I just hope he is ready to live with the consequences of his words and actions. Anyone that believes that hooey about Mormans rescuing the United States from the jaws of hell is really delusional. Reply

IN RESPONSE:

Monjubikahn
Nov 11, 09 12:47 PM CST

And Lewis Farrakan turned down two Billion Dollars from Gadaffi to maintain his US Citizenship. He said. " They threatened to take my citizenship away if I accepted this money which would do a lot of good." "I love America." " I do not want to loose my citizenship." What would you sacrifice for your citizenship? There is Nazi control in America. We are not as free as we think.

| 0 minutes ago

thinkthis
Oct 8, 09 8:59 PM CDT

I'm LDS (Mormon) and I can honestly say there isn't much me and Glenn Beck agree on. Reply

-2

| 0 minutes ago

Sniffer
Oct 9, 09 1:24 PM CDT

Glenn Beck is a CLOWN. I used to listen to his radio show in the old days & he had reasonable arguments & funny satire - but alas he now has to get ratings just like Rush so he has to be a Bombastic, Clownish Fool - & it works. Ringling Brothers Circus anyone? Reply

| 0 minutes ago

NaderPaulKucinichGravel
Oct 13, 09 5:44 AM CDT

CHARLIE FOXTROT REPRISE US of israel B52 cheney Nobel peace 911 false flag NAFTA nation Treasury theft 7 nation army Persia nat gas Of mice & men Red dawn 2010 Mil spec anthrax Pres carter smile Chickenhawk roost American holocaust Mossad megaphone USS liberty & trident James blunt no bravery Jericho III north america Tillman tight 3 round group Nile is not just? a river in egypt watch?v=Uyu07k4iZpE Reply

| 0 minutes ago

Monjubikahn
Nov 11, 09 12:37 PM CST

Democracy is a Greek construct. It was influenced by religion. They worshipped The Gods of Olympus. The Cezars were worshipped as gods. To refuse to worship them was an act of treason which carried a death penalty. As for strict rules, have you broken the law of gravity lately? Those strict rules are not optional. They are living dynamic forces. You break them and they break you. There have been many free thinkers who have died through the missapplication of their life force. The spirit that work in the children of disobedience is the source of their knowledge and attitudes. No one can know the things that a man knows except throught the spirit [mind] of that man. No one can know the things of God save through the spirit of God. The mind of whichever god you submit yourself to will be evident in what you say and do. The mind is evidence of the existance of God, gods,demons and angels. Invisible but yet not undetectable if you know what to look for. Reply

| 0 minutes ago

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