Beck sets religious tone for rally: "It has everything to do with God almighty" (WP)

[mike r]

http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/undergod/2010/08/beck_sets_religious_tone_for_restoring_honor_rally.html

Beck sets religious tone for 'Restoring Honor' rally
By Elizabeth Tenety

Glenn Beck kicked off his 'Restoring Honor' weekend Friday night with an event at the Kennedy Center that was more religious revival than political rally. "We are 12 hours away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America," Beck said, adding, "It has nothing to do with this city or politics. It has everything to do with God almighty."

Beck, a converted Mormon, welcomed a host of Evangelical leaders, as well as one Catholic and one Jewish leader, to the stage at the center's concert hall. The speakers were frequently interrupted by shouts of praise and 'amen!' by the audience, most of whom lined up Friday morning to obtain the free ticket. Among the speakers were Evangelical minister David Barton and Gloria Copeland, Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA), actor and activist Chuck Norris, and pastor John Hagee.

Beck set a spiritual tone for Saturday's rally, saying "This is the beginning of the great awakening of America." In an exchange with Barton, Beck elaborated, saying his mission was not to mix religion and politics, but to "teach in our churches the principles" that will inspire politics. "We cannot mix those two, but we must give voice to what God says we must do." Beck's emphasis on the separation of church and state seemed at odds with the statements of several speakers. Barton insisted that "We don't want our country to become secular" and Hagee prayed for America to overcome the "politically correct fog" and the idolatry of 'pluralism.' Norris paraphrased George Washington's farewell address, quoting, "Providence has connected the permanent happiness of a nation with its virtue," to insist that public morality cannot be maintained without religion. Copeland told the audience, "Our job this weekend is to raise up the shield of faith for America"

Despite many of the speakers' political overtones, Beck used his address to emphasize the spiritual nature of his challenge to America. "My message to you tonight is stand where He wants you to stand and trust in the Lord. If He tells you to do it, do it. If you can't figure it out, He will. Just do it."

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Yep. The Exalted Reverend Glenn will now lead you into his 100-year kingdom.

[coti]

1. It's turning into a cult.

There is something foreboding and Jonestown-ish about this.

[TygrBright]

2. Google "Father Coughlin" n/t

[DCKit]

4. I'll bring a bucket of Kool-Aide....

Just to set the proper tone, of course.

[eShirl]

7. yikes

I remember that day... late 70s...

[mmonk]

9. Turning? Seems full fledged to me.

[LiberalAndProud]

3. It's an old fashioned revival meeting.

That way we can't call it rabble rousing. They're stirring up dangerous emotions, and it's not a comfortable feeling I'm feeling.

[global1]

5. If He Tells You To Do It, Do It. If You Can't Figure It Out, He Will. Just Do It.......

Do what? This sounds ominous. It's either ominous or a Nike commercial.

[eShirl]

6. then what's Palin there for?

hmm

[ladjf]

8. It appears that Elmer Gantry is back. America, can you get any

dumber? nt

[nc4bo]

10. Did any one know that Dr. King's neice is also speaking at this event?

I had no idea until I saw the "news" this morning. I also did not know her political leanings.

Nice find Mr. Beck.

[hobbit709]

11. If "God Almighty" is defined as money grubbing self-aggrandizing would-be demagogue.

[eppur_se_muova]

12. As I said before -- Beck is positioning himself to become a televangelist.

It looks that way more and more, and quite a few DUer's have made the comparison. GMTA indeed.

[jobycom]

13. I believe it. I say "God Almighty" every time I hear that idiot speak.

"God Almighty, is that racist still on the air?" "God Almighty, does anyone really believe that bozo?" "God Almighty, if there was a God there wouldn't be a Glenn Beck."

Stuff like that.