Deseret News | Mormon Media Observer on MormonTimes.com: Focus on Family pulls Glenn Beck article

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Mormon Media Observer on MormonTimes.com: Focus on Family pulls Glenn Beck article

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Re: eric |10:00 | 10:54 p.m. Dec. 27, 2008

Amen Brother. Lets start with ward members slandering nieghbors, lets move to members slandering non-members, and finally slander of other religions. The Church is great at this, it is part of the mormon culture. I am sad for this part of our culture but it is what it is.

Mandy | 11:36 p.m. Dec. 27, 2008

Re ROB and eric,
I have been a life long member of the LDS church, and I must say to you fellers that some members do slander one another and to the point of running some completely wonderful people right out of the church, unfortunately it's true and it's quite sad. Telling lies about someone is the best and fastest way to run someone off for good. Some people do not no how to keep confidences and I have learned this for myself.

IT'S ALSO TRUE THAT- WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND!

Back to the subject! | 11:42 p.m. Dec. 27, 2008

Glen's book is great! I wonder how many who have commented here have actually read it.

Comments continue below

Aric | 11:56 p.m. Dec. 27, 2008

Mormons don't claim to have a monopoly on light and truth. We are better people because of truths shared with us by people of other faiths, including Dr. Dobson and others in the Focus on the Family organization.

If certain Evangelical Christians feel that truth can only come from those who believe exactly as they do, that is their right and their profound loss.

Beverly | 12:04 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Re 11:24 PM, Who cares about Glen Becks book? People write books to make money. I suggest that you go check Deseret Book store out if you want to do some serious reading. There are people in the church who think they have something to write about and put it into a book. Some books are ok but most are down right stupid and boring to read. However, there are isles and isles of books written by church members at Des/Book who would like to make a buck or two, SO I will suggest to you once again to go check it out.

Been them all. | 12:07 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

As one who experienced a few of the religions, I can say that only one drew me closer to Christ then all of them put together. I was born into the Assebly of God faith and then moved on to the Baptist church when my uncle became a pastor for that faith....When my brother married a seventh day adventist girl, my mother along with my four brothers and 2 sisters united with them. It wasn't long before we were again united with the methodist in a area. When I fist read the Book of Mormon along with my Bible back in 1992, I felt a love and closeness to Jesus that only he could give me. I've been a member of his true church ever since....the Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.

For those concerned... | 12:57 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

When the Mormon missionaries come to the door and do their "gospel" presentation, they mention an apostasy and the need for a prophet, their prophet, to restore the true Teachings of Jesus. Of course, these ï¿½restored' teachings are completely false.
Nevertheless, the Mormon church clearly condemns other religious systems. Those Mormons who complain about poor treatment should familiarize themselves with their teachers' words.

Roger | 1:10 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I had no idea that Glenn Beck was LDS.

All this time I thought his deluded views were his own. He behaves unlike LDS, sorry - but he does.

and no, The Mormon Church is not a cult -- to those of view who may view it as non-mainstream Christian. It is non-mainstream, but not a cult --- is speaking out of not knowing the parameters of what a cult is:

Jonestown to mind.
Heaven's Gate --- now those are cults.

Glenn Bleck, LDS, I will be darn --- he certainly does not show it ---. Too callous --- sorry, but he is.

Fan of the Book | 1:13 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Beck's book was great. Loved it. This will probably just give it a little more publicity.

It always amazes me that "Christians" who should be spending their time leading people to Christ are so eager to seperate others groups of people entirely from him with their words (ie: you are not a "real" Christian). Glad the Christ I know about allows everyone to come to him... even the non-Christians.

Oh well.

Let them choose | 1:41 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Eric's message at 10:00 pm and many others have good short points to say. I would not presume to know God's will, or Christ's, or any other deity. What we have are words written by man in of few books we deem as sacred.
We should never think we have it all, or think that we know what's 'best' for this life. We've heard people state so strongly in their faith, and be so sure in what they believe. And yet, these same people make mistakes- in which person to vote for, which mutual fund to invest in, which occupation to study, or which person to marry.
If we can make so many mistakes in our everyday lives. Why are we so sure about our faith? Why are we so sure about what people wrote about so long ago? Why do we hold it over each other? Do you really think Noah saved all the animals in a boat? That all languages happened in a single punishment from God? That God would ever put all His eggs in one basket. That we could ever get the whole truth in one small man made church or book?

winks | 7:39 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Re: Beverly....LOL! that was funny!

Ann | 7:43 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

And we Mormons were so excited when James Dobson congratulated us for the church's involvement in the prop 8 fiasco. I said it then and I'll say it again--the Christian right is no friend to the LDS church and it's so sad that we want to curry favor with these people.

Dave | 8:36 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I'm glad the article was pulled for the simple reason that Mormons should quit "casting their pearls before swine." Hard to believe that in the 21st Century such bigotry as demonstrated by the FofF can exist.

Ronnie Bray AZ | 8:41 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

It is sad that few are polite on matters of importance to all Christians - LDS or not.

LDS believe the facts of secular & ecclesiastical history demonstrate a universal apostasy & Protestant Reformations underline this.

No Latter-day Saint who knows & understands LDS-Church teachings speaks pejoritively ofanother denomination/faith.

19th-Century Mormon leaders said harsh things about their Christian persecutors, but it is now the 21st-Century and our Christian brothers have abandoned the awful physical depredations rape/murder/theft/maimings/etc they once visited on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Yet anti-Mormons continue to publish misinformation about Mormonism that has been shown to be false for more than a century.

Whilst that is sad, it does not make non-LDS-Christians our enemies, even when they view Mormons as their enemies.

Mormons do not seek approval or favour from other Christians, neither have Mormons changed their clothing since 1830 to make Mormons 'look and sound like Christians.' No one who knows the history and teachings of Mormonism will make that statement. Mormons have always worshipped the God of the Bible in the name of JesusChrist.

Mormons teach the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of mankind as Bible truth.

Here we stand...........wir-kann-nicht-ander!

sandy | 8:56 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Focus on the family is a great ministry, as well as many LDS ministries. ALL christians do not hate LDS, nor the opposite is true. There are major differences, we can all agree on that.I have been outcasted because I am not LDS, but I do not form an opinion to thinking ALL behave that way.I make friends because they are my neighbors,coworkers, not because they go, or don't go to my church. Don't let a few negative comments stop us all from loving each other as a whole. Focus made a decision, get over it. Just as the LDS makes decisions that they too feel is best.

TrollAlert | 9:40 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

As you read these comments, try to pick the Internet Trolls

"He certainly does not show it?" | 9:45 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Roger:

Glenn has said many times that he hopes other people outside of his faith don't judge the LDS Church based on his example, but it is precisely because of that attitude that I think he is the perfect example of a member. Who among us isn't trying to get better with our vices, our language or whatever? Granted most of us don't do it on National radio and TV, but I suspect that if we did you could say the same thing about each of us that you indicated about Glenn.

Thankfully we don't all fit the same mold. I'll tell you one thing, I'd love to be in Glenn's Sunday School Class.

Robert - St. George | 9:55 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

To JB's comments: This makes me very sad. I grew up in Utah surrounded by Mormons who hated gay people. I never understood how people who claimed to be Christian could hate so deeply. Thank heavens not all Mormons hated gays but most did.

By the fruits ye shall know them. And also, what goes around comes around. Christians hate Mormons. Mormons hate Gays. Gays hate Mormons and Christians after Prop 8. When does the hate and finger pointing end???

Mountain TROLL | 10:54 a.m. Dec. 28, 2008

To TROLL ALERT!
You are definitely the number ONE troll on here. You are the most common daily troll that I see. Thank you for your troll alert advise. I think it's so wonderful that their are troll alerts nowadays on Deseret News. Happy TROLL'S New Year, and to all the other trolls as well.

Gift Idea | 12:24 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Every Latter-day Saint should buy several of Glen's books and give them as gifts to their "Christian" friends next Christmas. Anyone who has read the book can easily see that it is not "tainted" by hidden and pernicious "Mormon doctrines." I really don't understand what the reaction to this book is all about other than either hate or fear on the part of these evangelicals.

Super Gossip | 12:45 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Rob, Mandy, Aric, etc and all those who complain about gossiping in wards - welcome to the biggest gossip repository in the world, an internet message board.

See any irony in your participation here?

Gilbert | 1:11 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Mormons have burned too many bridges to gain any fellowship in the Chrisitian community or in society at large. Brash, arrogant, and false messages seem to rub people the wrong way. I can't believe mormons are set aside when everything comes full circle.

Read Hebrews | 1:55 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

For those Bible-believing good Christian people who are bothered by some aspects of LDS doctrine, I suggest a careful reading of Hebrews, King James version of the Bible. The New Testament has been part of my daily scripture reading for a good while, and I recently began to re-read Hebrews--Paul speaking to the Jews of his day about the teachings of Christ and of His being the fulfillment of prophecy of the long-awaited Messiah. You may be surprised to find many elements of doctrine that modern-day Christians of some other demoninations consider to be uniquely LDS and unBiblical.
As for Mormons hating gays, this LDS mother of a lesbian daughter certainly doesn't hate gays--never has, never will. But I still support the definition of marriage as Christ did--a man leaving his family and cleaving to his wife. The LDS church has been very careful to explain that the support of Prop 8 or 102 doesn't imply any hatred of its opponents, nor does it seek to deny the exercise of domestic partnership agreements with inheritance rights, hospital visitation rights, etc.
If my daughter and I can lovingly accept each other's opposite points of view, it is possible for others to.

Chris in Texas | 1:58 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Dr. Dobson and his FOTF are hypocrites. Dobson appears on the Glenn Beck Show during the whole Prop 8 incident, but FOTF won't air the Christmas Sweater interview on their web site because he's LDS!?! Wow, that's hypocrisy. What a shame too, because FOTF loses a valuable ally when they go down the "you're a cult" road, because the LDS are about as pro-family an organization as you're ever going to find.

Perhaps, the good doctor needs to fly to SLC or pick up a copy of the Proclamation on the Family. Then, he'd see what he's missing. Oh well, his loss. I wasn't going to buy Beck's book, but I will now. And, speaking as a marriage and family therapist, I will not plug the wares or services of FOTF. Go Glenn, you rock!

Pauliji | 2:47 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

The LDS and the Christianists are only in agreement when it comes to hating homosexuals. As soon as they get down to any other specific issues, they are doomed to disagree. Neither side can bend one bit to reach consensus, because they both believe the other side is tragically wrong and that only their own church is right. Both sides have resorted in the past to physical violence in furtherance of their causes. Both sides think THEY are the true religion, and BOTH ignore the facts, science, reason and moral right that is obvious when it comes to treating American citizens as second class citizens of a secular government because of their mutual religious prejudice. And both sides lie to further their homophobic attempts at legislating morality as defined by their deluded mythological superstitions.

Anonymous | 3:09 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

How can you Mormons criticize FOF for removing a Mormon link from their website?

How many FOF links do you find on the LDS.org website?

Answer: NONE!

You hypocrites!

Shame on us all | 3:16 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Within the family of believers in Christ, far too much bigotry and hatred thrives. How unlike our Savior is that! In fact, I will go so far as to say it is due in large part to this very bigotry and hatred within the family of professed believers that the White House will in a matter of days be controlled by the so called "pro-choice" abortion crowd. How truly tragic is that when our own bigotry and hatred is to blame. If you want to see what true believers can really accomplish when bigotry and hatred are cast aside, you have to look no farther than the results of prop 8 in California. There we saw a community of believers link arms and as one family voted unitedly for the family. What we saw was Christian faithful, who not only talk the talk as the saying goes, but who truly walk the walk. I do not live in Cali. But I have a son in Orange County and a sister in Butte County who worked tirelessly to pass prop 8. On prop 8 you saw hatred and bigotry cast aside for the truly greater good.

Deseret Dawg | 3:21 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Let's not over-react. Focus On The Family pulled Glenn Beck's article, and reiterated their doctrinal disagreements with us, but in their public statement, did NOT refer to Mormonism as a cult. This represents some progress.

FOTF has worked hard to confront and combat elective abortion and the promotion of homosexuality. They worked with us on Prop 8. Let's not throw that all away on this one issue. FOTF are not the bad guys.

The real bad guys are Underground Apologetics. Like most apologetics, they spend their time waging war against other Christians than against sin. And they not only criticize Mormons, but have also slandered other pastors such as Rick Warren and Franklin Graham. Apologetics are the real enemy here.

True Friendship | 4:00 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

To Gift Idea,

Give Glen Beck's book to your evangelical friends as a gift, and you will find that you have fewer friends.

If you are truly a friend, you will not try to force your religion down their throat!

If you are friends with people ONLY as a "missionary tool", then you are a manipulative deceiver and not a friend at all!

Brett | 4:13 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Mormons pray for and welcome the victimization. It is what fuels our culture. If we don't have truth, at least we can be victims and use that to build our Church. Thanks for the hatred, it will build our Church ten fold.

re: Definitions | 4:41 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I appreciate the way you spelled this out for us. I have often wondered about this.

When you say the word "Christian" has been around for hundreds of years after a meeting/conuncil. If you are refering to the Niasin (sp) council then you would be correct. This from my understanding (of many years off and on researching this) is where a king called men to a council (there were actually more then one) these men then got together and formed what to them made up a "Christian" and then formed a state church and made everyone else believe as they had decided.

If you look in Acts 11: 23 you will find out that the Word "christian" has been around a lot longer then just a few hundred years.

Help me out someone - I am thinking of a scripture that says that says that anyone who is baptised in Christ's name is then a Christian - know where it is found - am having a gray haired moment here.

I am a Christian by Jesus Christ definition - and that is good enough for me!

I am LDS | 4:48 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I live out in the middle of the country and have lived among the evangelicals all my life. I have been a member of the LDS church all my life. I read articles in the papers saying we are not Christians. The ministers of those other churches stand before their members and say all manner of lies against LDS and I pray for them and try not let it get me all upset. It hurts my feelings that neighbors of mine would listen to these untruths against the LDS and believe it. I know Heavenly Father will settle all this in His own time and I need to keep above the fray. I need to set a good example and do the best I can in loving others and teaching the gospel by showing love for others. Sometimes it is hard but after all these years -81- I try my best. I have relatives who believe the lies that are spread about. I still try to give them the gospel as much as possible.

Danelle | 4:48 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Re: Super Gossip, The blah, blah kind of gossip on these posts is not the same as singling out any one certain person as do some ward members. I suppose you are offended because you are a GOSSIP and probably run others out of the church. Myself, I always make it a point in my ward not to participate in the gossiping clickish crowd. I find usually that those who participate in church gossip have extremely "LOW" SELF ESTEEMS.

Back to the subject...I don't ever listen to Glen Beck.

re: billy6 | 5:02 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Your right! I DO have the right to believe as I choose.

I choose to believe in a God that is my Heavenly Father. A God that I can visiualize - That makes sense to me. I choose to believe that Christ is my Spirit Brother and that He loves me! That He was born, lived, died, and was resurrected and lives again.

I believe that God loves His children so much - that he would not shut the door on them and say I don't want anything else to do with you. Deal with what I have given you and thats it! I choose to believe if a LOVING INVOLVED GOD who still cares about me is involved in my life - through modern day prophets and revelations.

As you said, I have the right to choose. and this is my choice. I respect your right to believe as you do - and would hope that you would be as considerate in allowing me my right of choice also without slurs and put downs.
JanSan

re: For those concerned | 5:39 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

As a return missionary I can truthfully say - you make no sence at ALL!

You are truly a sad person.....

@True Friendship | 5:41 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

You're typical of the people making this criticism -- none of you have actually read the book. I guess you are all too afraid that Satan might have more power than God and be able to snatch you away. There is nothing in the book unique to the LDS religion -- nothing at all!

How is "letting your light so shine" and "putting your candle on a hill for all to see" in any way construed to be "forcing" someone?

I do not "use" my friends by "preaching the Gospel in all the world." They respect my belief system and know that I will be acting as Christ commanded. They seem to like me despite all this Christian zeal. You could learn a lot by reading more about Peter, Paul and the other Christians in your Bible. It's a very instructive book! Can any real Christian shoot for something less than the example they gave?

Definition of cult | 6:36 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I read the definition of cult in the following well know and respected dictionaries: Merriam-Webster , Random House and Webster's New World College Dictionary. The LDS church doesn't fit in those definitions. Mormons are not even mentioned there or other online dictionaries. However, I can say that evangelical religions use such term to put down other religions who don't agree with them. (they are afraid of losing members or money in their congregations) If LDS church wanted, it could use the same term to refer to other religions, but LDS church don't do that. You know why? Because LDS are "real" Christians.

I've always enjoyed... | 6:51 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

...James Dobson's Focus on the Family and the values it proclaims. I am always happy to hear from others who hold beliefs in common with my own. I'm sorry he cannot see past the false evangelical rhetoric that insists that Mormons are not Christian. Just because someone said it a million times in their evangelical circles does not make it a fact. It takes no intelligence to repeat lies. One read-through of The Book of Mormon and no one can deny this is a Church with Jesus Christ at the helm and forefront of our belief system.

No Mo Trolls.... | 7:52 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

The Mo Trolls are out in force and know not of which they speak. Focus On The Family is right and just in their actions.

Think about it | 8:17 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

The LDS Church does NOT have a paid ministry. Volunteerism is found throughtout the church. Members give of their time freely, not for worldly rewards but knowing that, our Heavenly Father wants to bless us, all of us. The Universal Laws are the same for all. If you give to the poor and needy, if you love your neighbor, if you do unto others as you would have others do unto you. If we serve others, and If we Love God and love our neighbor as ourselves, which is the greatest of all of Gods commandments,and if we keep the very basic commandments ALL TEN of them we would have no contention among any of us. When we think of others before ourselves we would have no room for hate, no room for intolerance, we would not have the evils of the world all around us, we would have love and peace. We would not have time in our lives to fight against good. The LDS church as well as other churches, and organizations all have good people who just want to serve their fellowmen. We ARE ALL children of God, EVERYONE of us!!! Isn't that wonderful.

Anonymous | 8:40 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Anciently:
John stated: perfect love casteth out all fear. As we all celebrate his birth in christendom, may we ponder over these 240 plus comments of people seeking after excellence of some sort for a better world. We will never be perfect in this life perhaps but we can love. Only the best of feelings should exist in our circle of christian society. This way the spirit of the Lord is not restrained by our fears. Fear therefore is the only obstacle we have need to fear.

BYUBLU | 8:45 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

So sad to see such hatred in the year and country and state we all live. I am glad as a chuch we try our best to be accepting of EVERYONE reguardless of their affilitation. So, to anyone in any religion, happy New Year!

Glenn | 9:04 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

There are sure some kool-aid covered glasses on this one. Happy new year and catch a little reality. Neither side is right and neither side is wrong, you are all to caught up in religion to see your own faults.

Amen | 9:09 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

"Amen" to "Think about it" @ 8:17pm on 12/28!!

Well said!!

Sarah Nichole | 9:26 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Confidence in your beliefs is not arrogance. Refusal to listen to somebody else of a different faith, and grant them respect for their beliefs even when they differ from yours, however, IS arrogant.

Also, when people trot out the "chosen people" argument against the LDS, claiming that's arrogant, they're failing to realize what that actually means. It means chosen to bring Christ's full gospel to the world. It means being missionaries, whether we're extended a formal call from SLC or not. It means sharing the gospel with those around us - not pushing it on people, but offering to share it to those who are interested. It also means more responsibility and more accountability. It means that those who have knowledge of Christ's restored gospel need to work that much harder in a miniscule attempt to try to even the score with Christ than others do. It's a blessing, but it's also going to count against many of us in the end, because we didn't try to live up to that calling. It does NOT mean we believe we're better than anybody else. If you do, you need to do some serious repenting.

That is very different to being arrogant.

Chino Blanco | 10:27 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

And here is Glenn Beck's response:

"Whatever your beliefs about my religion, the concept of religious tolerance is too important to be sacrificed in response to pressure from special interest groups, especially when it means bowing to censorship."

Glenn doesn't sound too happy about the situation. I wonder if Dr. Dobson intends to defend himself against Glenn's charge of censorship? Not to mention Glenn's accusation that the article was pulled due to pressure from "special interest groups" ... that doesn't sound like a very friendly description of the folks who persuaded Dr. Dobson to pull Beck off the CitizenLink site.

Oh yahoo-- Merv | 10:49 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

I smell a TROLL!!!!!

Re: Chino Blanco | 10:27 p.m. | 10:56 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Amen. Sounds like Glenn Beck feels there is some religious intolerance going on among a lot of the other christian churches against the LDS church.

Where is the religious tolerance Baptists? Methodists? Presbyterians?

I believe the reason they hate our church so much is because the LDS church sends out missionaries, and converts so many of their members.

Whether you like the LDS church or not, at least you can know they believe in Christ, which is better than a lot of other religions.

One of my favorite Book of Mormon scriptures to share with those who think the LDS church is not christian is from 2 Nephi 25:26=
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

Read that and tell me it isn't true and that mormons don't believe in Jesus! The Book of Mormon is Another Testament of Jesus Christ

Call It Like It Is..... | 11:59 p.m. Dec. 28, 2008

Article quote from an unidentified Focus on the Family worker in Colorado: "You are correct to note that Mr. Beck is a member of the Mormon church, and that we did not make mention of this fact in our interview with him. We do recognize the deep theological difference between evangelical theology and Mormon theology, and it would have been prudent for us at least to have pointed out these differences. Because of the confusion, we have removed the interview from CitizenLink." End quote.

Puhhhh-lease. Let's get real. The article link wasn't removed because of any "confusion" over more widely-known, traditional Christian doctrines and "Mormon" doctrines.

The link was removed because some Focus on the Family representatives somewhere (was it Dr. James Dobson himself?) got SCARED that they were going to somehow be seen as promoting LDS teachings.

True, LDS teachings do not fully agree with what is taught today as mainstream Christianity (thank the Lord for that!) but please, call a spade a spade and don't hide behind semantics.

Too Bad.... | 12:07 a.m. Dec. 29, 2008

Wow. I've listened to more than a few Focus on the Family radio broadcasts and they are often 100% in-line with LDS doctrines, particularly when it comes to family matters....involved parents who have a responsibility to teach their children about God, right from wrong, work, responsibility and the beauty of love.

And yet, for some reason, Focus on the Family is afraid of a message from a Latter-day Saint who is trying to share his message of the power of love. A message he learned from his mother.

Oh, the horror!!!!!!!!! ; - )

Oh well, instead of being angry at Focus on the Family, I think we should pray for their employees and others who do not yet understand our wonderful message of the Savior and His restored church.

The Lord revealed through Joseph that there are many who are kept from the truth only because they don't know where to find it. This is surely the case.

THE CARAVAN MOVES ON!

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