According to Evangelical leaders (who obviously have a committee on such things), Glenn Beck is using the right speech and thus, is saved. No matter that Mormonism and orthodox Christianity differ on more than ‘doctrinal grounds’, that their understanding of Christ, salvation, atonement and other points of Christian theology is wholly different from orthodox, the fact that Beck is using the ‘right words’ is what matters most. I have to wonder what the Apostle Paul would have said about that about the Gnostics who used similar language… oh wait.

Before deciding to stand by Beck, evangelical megachurch pastor Jim Garlow said he had to do a lot sorting and watched Beck as closely as he could.

“I have listened and watched very carefully regarding clues to Glenn’s spiritual condition,” said the lead pastor of Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa, Calif.

“I have interviewed several people who have been with him and have talked very specifically with him regarding his own personal salvation,” he added.

And according to Garlow, Beck has said “unequivocally” that that he relies on the atonement of Jesus on the cross for forgiveness for his sins.

“[A]nd those are almost the exact words,” Garlow recalled in a five-page memo released this past Tuesday. “Few people use the term atonement. Glenn did. “

And Richard Land weighs in as well –

Even prominent Southern Baptist leader Richard Land was reportedly surprised to hear the Gospel so clearly on secular television.

“I have interviewed persons who have talked specifically with Glenn about his personal salvation – persons extremely well known in Christianity – and they have affirmed (using language evangelicals understand), ‘Glenn is saved,’” Garlow reported. “He understands receiving Christ as savior.”

This is not the first time that Land has muted the differences between Christianity and Mormonism –

Land has called Mormonism one of the Abrahamic religions, next to Judaism (true), Christianity (true) and Islam (false). Simply because you claim to base your foundation on Abraham, doesn’t make it fact. There is also a large difference between doctrinal differences between Methodists, Catholics, Pentecostals, and Apostolics and the divide which exists between Christianity and Mormonism. This is not to take away from Mormonism, not to bash Mormons, but they are wholly different from Christians, and if Mormons would be honest, they would tell you how they see orthodox Christianity. Just invite them into your home and ask. Further, one has to understand why Mormonism is so appealing as a political ally to people like Land and Garlow, Beck and Romney… Because, Mormonism is American Exceptionalism codified into theology. Let me also say, that while I don’t care for Mormon theology, etc… their holiness values are esteemable. This is not about attacking Mormons, but about showing the hypocrisy of people like Land and Garlow, and many others Christians who have spent years preaching against the doctrines and theologies of Mormonism, and yet, finding it politically acceptable now to consider them brothers, and one their vilest members ‘saved.’

I have to wonder… if a Muslim spoke about the ‘atonement of Christ’ would Land consider him or her saved?

For good measure, Al Mohler on Mormonism –

Here is the bottom line. As an Evangelical Christian – a Christian who holds to the “traditional Christian orthodoxy” of the Church – I do not believe that Mormonism leads to salvation. To the contrary, I believe that it is a false gospel that, however sincere and kind its adherents may be, leads to eternal death rather than to eternal life.

Dr. McGrath pointed out an article where the practices of conservatives in excusing the theological differences with Mormonism mirror that of Liberal Christians.

Many conservative evangelical activists argue that evangelicals and Mormons should set aside theological differences to partner on moral and political issues.”

For Christians concerned about Glenn’s faith, I would ask the following questions: What fruit do you see produced by Glenn?” David Barton, an influential evangelical activist who is joining Beck’s rally, wrote on his Facebook page recently. “Good or bad? If you judged Glenn only by the fruits he has produced, would you still hold concerns over his faith?”

“Christians concerned about Glenn’s faith should judge the tree by its fruits, not its labels,” Barton, a former Republican National Committee consultant, continued. “After all, Nancy Pelosi and Bill Clinton openly call themselves Christians… Although these individuals have the right labels, they have the wrong fruits.”

Odd…. that so many who regularly uphold the idea of orthodox Christianity would easily let those things go by the way side for political power…

Oh, and I guess Beck is forming the Black Robe Regiment of preachers….ready to incite a revolution anyone?

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