A few thoughts on all this discussion:
Do I agree with Mormonism's theology of Christ? Not at all.
But in my work as a hospice chaplain, I get to talk one-on-one with a LOT of people who are facing death and are willing to talk about their faith. Many of them -- who belong to churches I disagree with and CULTS that I disagree with (cults = differing/errant teachings about Christ) don't really get into a lot if the nitty-gritty of what their church (or Mormon leaders) teach, but do affirm to me that they trust in Christ for their forgiveness, believe that He is the Son of God, that He died for their sins and rose again, and that they have humbly asked His forgiveness. I don't think God will judge them based on their church/cult membership, but on their heart of repentance and faith.
I also have patients that think they need to do extra things to help them get to heaven, but humbly trust in and know they need Christ's sacrifice and forgiveness. Might these not be true believers who are simply not well taught, or taught confusing things?
Is Glenn Beck doing something right in calling for honor and integrity and faith in our country? Yes. Can God use him whether he might be a true Christian or not? Yes, of course.
I do believe we need to be discerning, but I don't think we need to bash Glenn Beck or assume we know his heart. I think we can just be gracious, acknowledge what's right in Glenn's rally, and not feel we have to force him to completely fit into any one category.
The Pharisees had God all figured out as far as what categories and "boxes" were necessary to fit into God's program. And Christ kept being found outside those boxes. The Pharisees had a fit over this, and ultimately and righteously crucified the Son of God as a fraud. Big mistake.
Might we sometimes apply the same kind of categorical thinking a little too quickly? I've studied the Pharisees and Jesus' encounters with them for many years, and I think we can too easily become like them!
Wayne Hobbes
Author of "The Pharisee within Me"
