Glenn Beck with a Dash of Pluralism

It has been too long since the last entry, but oh how time can pass when we're busy. Yet, having a busy schedule is not an excuse. This will be the subject of the next blog due to some rearranging today. I had the next blog ready to go, but the Spirit compelled me to step back and address another issue that is bothering me tremendously. This last Saturday was the anniversary for the Martin Luther King Jr. “I Have a Dream” speech. Conservative television host Glenn Beck held a patriotic speech of his own in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. called “Restoring Honor” that same day. While listening to his speech this morning, I was alarmed at the message that I heard. I would dare say that it was less patriotic and more religious than anything. More specifically, the message was that of Pluralism.

If anyone has heard much of Glenn Beck, it’s quite clear that he is a Mormon. This poses a serious problem for Christians. But before we delve into this, I want to focus on a specific passage from 1 Corinthians 10:20-21:

…the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

What does this say? Does it mean that Christians should not do anything with non-believers? Of course not. If we seclude ourselves from others, how could we spread the Good News to the world? It says that Christians should not participate in unholy practices and congregate with those who are working against the will of God. This should not limit us to imagery of Satanists and witchcraft like popular belief. This includes anything in the world that works against the God’s Word.

With Glenn Beck, he has professed his Mormonism many times. Mormonism is clearly incompatible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but what Beck attempts is to merge all believers together regardless of faiths. This idea is in absolute contradiction to God’s commands. Christ’s death and resurrection was for our salvation, to pay the ransom of our souls. This means that Christ is the only means of salvation. If any faith does not accept that and follow the doctrine that is given to us in the Holy Bible, that faith is incorrect and does not lead to God but to Satan, hence, Paul’s revelation in the stated passage.

When multiple religions are mixed together, Pluralism begins. The importance of Christ disappears with the congregants. All that matters is if a person believes in “God” regardless of the religion. The problem is that no other religion in the world worships the same God as we do. At the rally, Beck is clear with his point though. He repeats his stance that he intends to bring all faiths together to focus on fixing the nation. This is Pluralism and a perfect example of what Paul means by dining with demons. If we participate in a doctrine that is contrary to the commands of God, we are actively following Satan and working against God’s will.

This is disturbing because many people, young and old, are being duped with this by the façade of politics and patriotism. Christians should put the Word of God before anything and follow his commands. Those who are unfamiliar with the Gospels or have never heard them before are drawn in to the attractive idea of unification and change. Regardless of the interesting rhetoric spewed by Beck concerning faiths, it’s very dangerous and many are being led astray.

What can we do as Christians then? The first step is to pray and turn to God’s Word. Study the Bible regularly. I don’t mean simply read through it but study, think deeply, and pray with the Word. This is the best defense God gives us in these situations. It is impenetrable by Satan. Next, congregate with fellow believers. This strengthens our faith and our fellowship with God’s church. Also, stand firm in your faith and know that there is only one truth, and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth cannot be altered or made untrue. No matter how Beck tries to mix many faiths together, there is still only one God, one salvation, and one savior. Therefore, don’t support anything that is contrary to God’s Word. Just understand that such support can, and most likely will, lead someone astray from the Good News.

So what do we make of Mr. Beck’s rally and speech? I would first recommend that anyone who has not listened to it, go do so. This will acquaint you with the ammunition being used against God’s will. We must understand that we cannot support anything that works against God’s commands for his people regardless of what the occasion and circumstance. If we resist and follow God, he will provide and comfort us. More importantly, we keep the truth of the Gospel clear with coming generations and with those unfamiliar with Jesus Christ.