Posted on 04/09/2010 12:01:50 PM PDT by Colofornian
The problem with writing a column about Glenn Beck is that everyone already has said everything about him. His story has been told, his politics dissected, his rhetoric debated, his personal life invaded and his net worth revealed. And it's all been done to the point of redundancy.
And yet the Glenn Beck conversation thrives, especially in Mormon circles.
In an effort to take something of a sociological snapshot, I posted this question on my Facebook wall on Thursday: "What do you think of Glenn Beck?"
Within a couple of hours, 10 people had responded. Some of them commented more than once, and some of them used bad words that I can't repeat here, but two commonalities were immediately apparent:
1. They were all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (some active, some inactive), and
2. They all had negative opinions of Brother Beck.
At first the results surprised me. I've spent enough time with my in-laws and their extended family to know that some of Beck's most ardent supporters are Latter-day Saints. But after reviewing the comments on my Facebook wall, I noticed a similarity I hadn't considered: Almost all of the Beck-bashers were under 40 years old.
Without spending too much time on my opinion of the pundit/entertainer -- I'm going to have to face my in-laws at the next family reunion, after all -- I'll just say I think Beck's unique brand of hateful rhetoric, fear-mongering and conspiracy theorizing represent a dangerous fringe of American conservatism. That younger Mormons seem to be rejecting him is encouraging.
Of course, my only evidence of this assertion is anecdotal, and I'm not aware of any data that track the political leanings of LDS young adults. But more broadly, a recent Harvard study has found that an increasing number of 18- to 29-year-olds consider themselves independent of either of the dominant partisan platforms. It's entirely plausible, if not likely, that the same trend toward moderate politics is taking place within the church.
I have written before about the hazards of our church becoming too mono-partisan. If we risk alienating Democrats by being too Republican, then we risk alienating an even larger group -- namely, rational people of any political ideology who find the rantings of extremists repellent -- when we defend and even join the radical fringe.
There is no doubt that Beck's story of repentance, recovery and conversion is an inspiration, and we should be careful not to demonize him as an individual. But some of his rhetoric and some of his politics are uncivil at best and frightening at worst. If we want our church culture to welcome people with a variety of opinions, we would do well to follow the brethren's counsel regarding civility.
Many Lds are down on Beck.
From the column: Almost all of the Beck-bashers were under 40 years old.
Well these are the emergents of the "we are the world" era, where they've been trained by their public school teachers & most higher ed profs to value "diversity." (Except for home schooling, Lds haven't had set-aside elementary and high school ed -- minus their "seminary" early a.m. weekday classes -- since the 19th century).
From the column: If we risk alienating Democrats by being too Republican, then we risk alienating an even larger group -- namely, rational people of any political ideology who find the rantings of extremists repellent -- when we defend and even join the radical fringe.
(You know, I'm no defender of Beck...but I sharply disagree with this Mormon analysis...what is "too Republican?"...what does he mean by that?)
From the column: If we want our church culture to welcome people with a variety of opinions, we would do well to follow the brethren's counsel regarding civility.
Civil in tone, yes; beyond that, catering content of discussion to the listener depends upon who you're conversing with and what's at stake. (And you can still respect the dignity of people you disagree with even as you sharply disagree with their vantage point)
Besides, on some subjects, since when has the Lds hiearchy catered to "welcom[ing] people with a variety of opinions..."???
You might find this thread interesting as it goes along.
I’d seriously watch Beck if he didn’t act like a damn 5th grader on every other show. Oh, and the spittle thing is nerve wracking. As is the insulting of guests on his show.
Maybe Laura will take over his show. One can hope.
Dynamic figures like GB are always going to have detractors. Most of those detractors either don’t get, or wish to deny, the big picture. Beck gets it. He gets the BIG picture and the BIG problem in Washington. They should measure him on that figure of merit because that is the battle that will be fought in 2010 and 2012.
I would venture an opinion that most of the detractors could not really tell you what the issues and problems are with Obama and his policies. Not in specific terms. What GB is doing for America is appreciated by most, and certainly misunderstood by some.
From the column: If we want our church culture to welcome people with a variety of opinions, we would do well to follow the brethren’s counsel regarding civility.
I have an idea, if the LDS church to welcome people with a variety of opinions and promote civility, why not embrace the Gay Lesbian Transgender Bisexual community. To really boost membership, promote Gay Polygamous Marriage.
Sounds like a liberal response group to me. “Hateful speech” is liberal language.
What’s the problem? The guy wanted to get laid, Woman laid down the rules and he converted to LDS.
He’s happy and got what he wanted.
She’s happy and got what she wanted.
Seems fair.
Disclosure: That is just too much work for sex. I would have thrown her back in the pond and kept on fishing.
That is an odd way to look at a religion, eh? If we want our religion to appeal to more people, let’s allow it to stand for whatever anyone wants. Kinda defeats the purpose.
I find Glenn Beck to be a little bit over the top but overall presents facts. If he could just tone it down a little bit.
GOOD. I ain't got a problem with alienating Democrats at all, but I'm fuzzy on the "too Republican" thing too.
But you see this in many “mainline” protestant denominations in their acceptance of gay pastors, bishops, etc.
Sometimes making religion in your own image makes it a lot easier to follow. The “I’m OK, you’re OK” philosophy is a lot easier to follow than the “Be holy, because I am holy” command.
I like Beck, but his act does get a little old after a while.
The thing I don’t understand is why people say he is hateful. I don’t see that at all. He’s very passionate about his views, and I haven’t heard a whole lot of credible people proving what he says wrong.
I think this is one of those things where people hear him in a soundbite or two and think he’s crazy or disturbed.
I think he’s just very passionate about what he discusses and he and his staff do a ton of research on their topics.
Too bad. He’s had some great guests on his show (yesterday for instance.) And I’ve learned a lot. Great book recommendations too. I love the fact that the liberals hate him so. They wouldn’t bother except he’s turning over the stones they hide under.
May we attend brother Beck's 5th grade class -- and let him teach it, often.
PS: I have not heard nearly the desperately needed scrutiny and U.S. history promulgated by Glenn Beck, from Laura Ingraham, nor Rush Limbaugh, nor any other secular broadcaster in the world.
What act?
GB is a Mormon Libertarian, subversively pushing third party-ism. What a lovely combo.
It is so obvious on his shows, he absolutely hates giving Republicans credit for anything. He constantly beats the no difference between Dems and Repubs drum. He may try to hide it, but he is nothing but a Libertarian, plain and simple. I quit watching him.
When coservatives "turn it down" it makes it easier for them[leftists] to shout over the facts we lay down; of course his mannerisms seem more voice inflection (for radio) than body language (television).
I don't agree with GB 100%, but his show is rather informative and the message is loud and clear. Further, the left can't ignore it; much to their dismay.
He also helps guys like Andrew Beitbart get a bit more recognition. And, I've found myself buying even MORE books by watching GB.
Well, it's a good jumping off point to know what you're reading comes from such a loving, open-minded perspective.
One that's so great for "American conservatism".
"If we want our church culture to welcome people with a variety of opinions, we would do well to follow the brethren's counsel regarding civility."
Maybe you ought to learn to "practice what you preach", Brother Bigot.
Now put on your goofy underwear to protect you from evil spirits and go do a couple more baptisms for the dead, why don't you, McKay.
That's an activity more to your capabilities. It just requires accepting nonsense on faith and following directions like a mindless robot. You can handle that, I'm sure.
I watch his show for the substance. At this point in our history and culture I could give a rats petookie about the delivery. Just give me the facts and I’ll deal with them in a fashion that suits me. His over-riding strong point is the substance. BTW, just who else is providing the information he shovels up on any other news analysis show?
But that pretty well sums up the primary tenet of most major religious denominations in the U.S. today.
I don’t find Beck “hateful” at all. I believe him to be a kind, compassionate man that is passionate in his love of America.
From what I've heard about the growth of his audience--setting records thought unreachable for the relatively lousy 5 PM time slot---I don't think his sponsors have noticed your absence.
Sad but true. I contend that that’s what ultimately brought us President Obama.
Excuse me, but this country is going to hell in a handbasket. “Tone it down”, are you kidding me? He and we need to step it up a notch and stop this radical, socialist agenda before our country goes off a cliff. We are currently at the edge of the cliff looking down. We need to yell from the mountaintops in order to get people to pay attention.
God bless Glenn Beck.
God bless Glenn Beck."
My sentiments exactly.
Criticizing Beck over his style, relative to what's going on in our nation and the torrent he's trying to swim against to prevent it, is akin to criticizing George Washington because he was tall.
From what I hear, they don’t kidnap you and drug you and make you join, so I guess your tagline is really you saying how stupid you are that you freely joined a ‘cult’.
- - - - - -
Not stupid, just young and naive. I wasn’t kidnapped or drugged but I was a 16 year old girl, dating an LDS guy and working for his dad, who was openly and knowingly LIED to by her LDS friends (people she trusted) and the LDS missionaries and only found out after I joined and moved to Utah that things were not as they told me.
I also grew up in a nominal Christian household and wasn’t really a Christian then (even though I thought I was) and didn’t know the Bible well enough to know that what they were teaching was wrong. Mormonism ‘felt’ right so I thought it was.
This is pre internet days so I couldn’t just ‘google’ the other side and why would it occur to most people? NO ONE EXPECTS THEIR OWN CHURCH TO LIE TO THEM ABOUT HISTORY AND DOCTRINE.
WHY does the Mormon Church lie to converts? What do they have to hide?
Your attack on my tagline when I haven’t commented on the thread (just a ping to someone else) is what is childish.
/troll feeding
if Glenn is wrong... than tell him and/or post it here
his dissection of 0bambi’s inner circle is right on. if not, please offer up proof
People can be very gullible. Which one are you, by the way? Mormon or Libertarian? or some other third party brand?
They of course tried their conversion tactics on me but fortunately I was well grounded in my Christian faith and was able to ask pointed questions (that never got answered) and was able to defend myself - I knew more about Mormonism than they did.
I WAS forced to join. I don’t think 999 really cares however.
Guess no Muslim or any other women have died tragically today for you to joke about and demonstrate that double standard you heft around...
Maybe tomorrow...
People can jump to conclusions, too.
I'm None Of The Above.
Lol. I say the title. “The Problem with Glenn Beck”. Sure enough Colofornian posted it. Enough said. You’re priceless.
So you believe, as GB does, that there is no difference between Dems and Repubs? Minus the “Repubs in name only,” the Rinos.
I agree with what you say. It should be shouted from the rooftops. I just wish, from a personal perspective, that he would tone it down a little bit. I find him to be just a little bit irritating at times.
Absolutely. We need to encourage and support people like Glenn Beck who have a mega microphone and a platform. They are a treasure. People like him are standing up to the radical, left-wing media and their disgusting, hypocritical support of this extreme, liberal, socialist administration.
The time for nice talk and social, polite conversation is over. WE NEED TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK.
I've watched one Republican after another campaign as a Conservative, then cave in to the relentless harassment the media applies in service to the Democrat Party and govern like a moderate Democrat.
From that standpoint, and the fact that while a Republican held the White House there was virtually no difference in spending than if a Democrat had been in there, I have to say: Yes, there has generally been far too little difference between the parties.
A choice between Liberal and Marxist does not provide the sort of leadership necessary to right the listing ship that the United States could aptly be described as being.
I have to keep a pen and paper handy to keep jotting down book titles while watching Glenn Beck. I am on my second book that he has recommended. I am about to finish the Survivor's Club and I am reading LS's A Patriot's History of the United States.
In fact, LS and I have lunch together several days a week. I am loving the chance to read our country's history. I have one problem with it....I keep flashing back to lectures from grade school and get lost in the memories. LS is a great lunch date. LOL
I have The Wives of the Signers on my wish list right now.
So rather than purge the Repubs from these things you describe, which is my position, you are angling for something else. If so, you are a split the vote, divide and conquer type. Like your hero, GB.
I know some people that feel the way you do, but please support and pray for people like Glenn Beck. They are literally putting their very life on the line every single day.
He loves this country and yes, sometimes, he has a peculiar way of expressing himself. I personally love his personality and his humor but I can understand your position, believe me.
But looking at the big picture, my goodness, this president is destroying our country before our very eyes. He doesn’t even care anymore, therefore, I say, to heck with it. Forget all the polite conversations. We are fighting for our very lives and the lives of our children.
If it is true " conversation thrives, especially in Mormon circles", then why do lds support Hairy Reid and Mitt Romney?
Parents made me join when I was eight.
What’s your excuse?
I have no issue with the others, I don't see them being hypocrites like you are being, attacking those who are supposedly making fun of one group whilst doing the same to another themselves.
Your hypocrisy is very entertaining.
Please keep it up, and the soap box bit too...
That was classic...
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