If anyone wants to pick a fight with Glenn Beck, count me in. The television in the lobby at my job runs Fox News uninterruptedly and frankly I'm amazed the man hasn't been carted off to the crazy house. Yet I'm even more surprised at people I normally think of as kind and clearheaded not only follow his show but believe his rants. So I try and try to find under the hyperbole and melodrama a hint of reasoned thought. After all maybe it's just me.
Imagine my relief when I found not one but several blogs on God's politics speaking out against Glenn Beck. Aren't these his people, his core? Beck says Christians should leave churches that believe in "social justice" saying it is code for communism and Nazism. Pastor Jim Wallis asks fellow Sojourners to turn themselves into Glenn Beck as Christians that believe in social justice as justice is a basic part of Christian teachings. Fellow Pastor Michael Hidalgo posts a reply to e-mails he has received questioning what Beck meant by his call to leave 'Social Justice' churches. Hidalgo states God is not a Nazi, Communist, Democrat or Republican and "In fact, God has no political affiliation". He also thanks Glenn Beck for calling Christians to leave their church if they don't want to hear preachers preaching about poverty, human rights, economics and justice because there is no room for people that want to see "justice roll on like a river". Lastly, Ernesto Tinajero, questions Beck's basic understanding of Christian teachings and basic meanings of the words justice and social conjuring an image of Beck "running away from an Ice Cream Social as a closeted gathering of Marxists".
So why do Glenn Beck's statements or the responses expressed on God's politics matter? Because words matter. The motives behind the words matter. A well turned phrase can inspire compassion or an angry mob. What are GB's motives? I cannot say for certain but the results seem to encourage fear and hatred. Emotions that rarely lead to betterment of society and in actuality tear it down. Comments on God's politics show thoughtful engagement for their readers through biblical quotes and examples of social justice in action.
Statements from two of my favorite philosophers that underscore my point of view are…
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
"Remember a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny." Yoda
One final thought…Glenn Beck Attacks YOU!
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