Evidently so. Mr Beck has said that God has given him a plan for America and, presumably the rest of the world as well. How, we wonder, did this so-called 'plan' arrive to his attention? In a dream perhaps? On the internet? Through a special messenger in the Vatican? Perhaps he got a call from Roger Ailes. Unlikely sources all, but we'd like to know. It is doubtful, though, that he will share this information.
The fact is that Mr. Beck is a fanatic, a term defined as "a person with extreme and uncritical enthusiasm or zeal, as in religion or politics." Since Mr Beck is a fanatic in both religion and politics and has mysteriously been given access to a national audience, his influence is more than worrisome.
In using the term 'fanatic,' I am using a term chosen by Ralph Waldo Emerson in his essay "Spiritual Laws." Throughout the turbulent Nineteenth Century, Emerson was immersed in the religious and spiritual movements sweeping the country. The century had its share of fanatical preachers claiming privileged attention from Divine Providence. Because he was a rational human being who nonetheless had spiritual insights of his own, he was always careful to watch for signs of fanaticism in himself and those who made claims of privileged communication.
In the essay, speaking of the influence of what he termed the Over-Soul, he spoke of those whose egotistical tendencies took hold of some idea or insight and claimed that God was speaking to or through them. Here is Emerson on the subject:
The pretence that he has another call, a summons by name and personal election and outward "signs that mark him extraordinary, and not in the roll of common men," is fanaticism, and betrays obtuseness to perceive that there is one mind in all the individuals, and no respect of persons therein.
Emerson's point was that spiritual insights are never localized -- no mention of Tuesday or Washington or Fox News or, as Mr Beck should know, no individual person. But what about prayers? Does God answer prayers? Obviously many people say yes. But again, how? If a life is saved or a disaster averted, we like to think a prayer is answered to that specific case. But what of those that are not? Are those people then to believe they are not worthy or that God has chosen to ignore their plea? If so why? Such reasoning leads to deep feelings of unworthiness, doubt and guilt.These are serious theological questions that are trivialized by the fanatical likes of Mr Beck. Rational people know these things and are careful not to play fast and loose with the truth and common sense. It is painful to listen to TV evangelists who make irrational and irresponsible claims of communication with their personal god. For example, did God kill John F. Kennedy because he was working towards ending segregation in the South? Fanaticism says so.
It is clear from what we know of Mr Beck's popularity that there are too many Americans who pay attention to fanaticisms of all kinds: God speaking to and through privileged individuals, theories of conspiracies by governments, Communist plots to brainwash the population, secret societies within great universities plotting to take away our freedoms. The list goes on, and they will grow longer unless the voices of fanaticism are drowned out by the voices of reason and truth. In the meantime tune out Mr. Beck.
Follow Richard Geldard on Twitter: www.twitter.com/richgeldard@gma
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I ask what did the devil use has his weapon, tool, to tempt Adam, Eve, Jesus with? Riches, make them rich, creator then God, give them all power , riches, materialism, kingdoms etc. right? The devil also wanted Jesus to prove God existed, right? To get Jesus to sin?
The devil does, he not use money as his weapon, tool to tempt man to sin? Get man to worship wealth as their god? I ask the devil does not need your money or materialism, does he? I ask for the devil knows what is your most valuable treasure, he wants to steal, right?. Your soul?. I ask does not man's greed destroys? The devil, does not create does he? I ask is the devil not out to destroy God"s kingdom?
I ask, has not, man's greed, not destroyed great Empires? I ask has not mans greed, cause more deaths, then all wars put together, since beginning of time? Greed? Feed my sheep?
All disciples mention what St Peter said. Beware of idols materialism, riches?
Remember The devil appeared as angel to Jesus, Jesus knew he was not one of God's angels. Beck which god does he think he is talking to? For Becks words deeds actions are the opposite of all that Jesus was, Moses, saints, disciples never judged no one, nor called anyone names. King Herod did thou, falsely accused Jesus to instill fear mongering among the people, King Herod Jesus called a fox. King Herod had high ratings also, but how did King Herod make out in the end? Remember Caesar told his people and thought he was a god also.
Wake up, people.
Seems so.
Does god speak directly to him in reality? I assume not, but not because I have some arrogant belief what the real god would say to people.
I can't think of anything more arrogant than putting words in god's mouth.....and yes, that includes Beck. But the author of this post is indistinguishable from Beck. He claims the exact same insight/ability.
I certainly wish that he did. :-)
So, God does answer prayers right away - if we ask the right questions.
As to Glenn Beck, If I wanted to know if he knows God's plan I'd ask God, not Glenn.
but I think this is just a tactic for manipulation.
Would it make a difference if your spiritual advisor was a licensed pilot?
Six billion people are deciding your fate every day. Usually you are unaware of it, and their decisions are generally without force.
Update the dollar amounts, and this is all you need to know about Glenn Beck.
Unfortunately, what you think we need to know differs in various ways from what others think we need to know about Glenn Beck, so we are bombarded by thousands of opinions on what we need to know about Glenn Beck.
This naturally serves to keep his name in the public awareness.