A MORMON PROPHET IN THE (SELF) MAKING: Glenn Beck from another Angle

Glenn Beck is a phenomenon. I’ve developed what my friends call an odd and masochistic practice of listening to Mr. Beck a bit each day. (I described our “meeting” in an earlier blog posting). Most days I have to fight myself not to hit the scan button, his ranting more than I can bear. I am not one to dismiss an ideological adversary out of hand, and I cringe when an ideological companion declares someone (like Glenn Beck) to be delusional, psychotic, just plain crazy. But it is all I can do not to join that chorus some days. Then again, just last week, as he quietly appealed to his (reportedly vast) audience to be trusting, hopeful and confident in a brighter future, I found myself on the edge of tears. Okay, I am fascinated, to say the least, by this phenomenon!

Let me offer a “lens through which to look” at Glenn Beck – a lens that had me sighing “aha” a day or two ago, and is making more and more sense as I think about it. Beck is a Mormon, a part of the “The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints.” While in clear alignment with evangelical Christianity, proclaiming God’s love and celebrating Jesus as Savior, an official Mormon website adds that “God continues to speak His words and reveal His truth in our day through a living prophet.” (Mormon.org) The president of the Mormon Church is recognized as a prophet. But “On occasion, prophets may be inspired to foretell the future for the benefit of mankind” (Mormon.org). Is Beck posturing and positioning in the Mormon prophetic tradition?

Usually leaning forward, often cupping his chin in his hands, his eyes fixed on the camera, perhaps misty with weeping, Beck will quietly say something like, “Over the weekend some things began to become clear to me. I will be speaking about it in programs this week.” “Suddenly, it is all starting to make sense.” Is he suggesting that some sort of sacred revelation is touching him? That he is recipient of some divine message? Like a prophet? Just as poignantly, as if tears were authenticating, he offers words of assurance and comfort. “Do not be afraid. All will be well. You will be fine. You can live in trust.” The prophet as pastor? Or he offers clear marching orders, instructions about how and when to gather, carefully crafted values and principles to define and motivate the work. The prophet initiating a prophetic movement?

A prophet is defined, as much as anything, by a followership. One may lay claim to a prophet’s mantle, but only a cadre of the loyal, committed and devoted can birth the prophetic movement. Looks like a movement unarguably in formation. Hmmmmm!