Tho' I didn't agree with Glenn Beck on every single issue, his was the only news program I watched with any regularity. His refreshing, not-always-P.C.-views were insightful, engaging and delivered with common sense and humourous aplomb! I am 'thrilled' to read here that he's beginning on Fox in Jan.
(On the issue of FOTF'S interview: who..what..where.. interviewed whom; like whether Warren prays for Mr. President with whom, why, how, whatever: I COULD NOT CARE LESS and I really wish CT would cease and desist from this gossip mongering.)

If Evangelicals don't stop snipeing at Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Catholics, Christian Scientists, etc., the Secular-Progressives will have completely destroyed our culture, and our Constitution with left-wing judges.

Mormons are New Testament Christians, not Creedal Christians. Can't we just acknowledge our differences and draw on the virtue each has to offer. For futher information go to http://www.MormonsAreChristian.blogspot.com

GB's faith is important, and I'm disappointed by his reaction. If he takes his faith as seriously as he says, he would agree that there are huge gaping differences between historic Christianity and LDS. If he's all that concerned about religious tolerance, he should be more gracious about those differences, and concede that LDS has the same misgivings about, the view of the LDS, Catholics and Protestants adhere to corrupted an historically inaccurate Christianity.

LDS, Caths and Prots can play on the same political team, and should. Let's not get wimpy and feel the need to punt on truth, however. Focus was wrong to push Beck's Christmas book, right to pull away, and right to keep working with Beck and LDS on common goals.

With all due respect, a Christian organization's giving relevant information about a person's religion is not gossip mongering. It is extremely important to people of deep religious convictions to understand the background of someone from whom they would accept cultural leadership.

When one listens to Bill O'Reilly (or Shaun Hannity, who I believe is one of the finest young men in America today) on Fox News, it is beneficial to note they are Roman Catholics. Their religion shapes their world-view, the way my faith as Independent Fundamental Baptist shapes my world-view.

Although my understanding of the Bible and Salvation is different from that of Catholics and especially Mormons, there are some cultural (and religious) views we share. For example, Catholic, Mormon, and Baptist doctrine define life as beginning at conception. Also, marriage is defined as between man & woman.

For these reasons, I appreciate being informed as to the religious beliefs of persons who have public platforms from which to speak.

Glenn Beck is amazing...but it had to be said that his base in Mormonism is not scriptural, and hopefully this will bear fruit pleasing to the Lord--as the Church needs to be cleansed and unified by the light of the scriptures and by the events such as those we are encountering today which drive us deep into the scriptures to be like the Bereans...who spent their time searching the scriptures to prove what is true and what is in error. Beck's heart is in the right place, and he loves "truth", so he won't be offended by a scrutiny of the biblical basis of Mormonism. Clearly the FOTF people love and respect him...but they had to say the truth.

Muslims and Mormons have at least one thing in common. They are peaceful and tolerant only when they are in the minority. In strong Mormon communities, Christians don't always get all their mail and are squeezed out of town if they are in business. Both religions have a lot of the same view points with Christians on clean living and it is in our best interests to cooperate in the ballot box when these issues are at stake. But the person who leaves either religion does so at great peril to themselves. I know a girl who became alarmed by reading books written by Mormons. She showed them to her husband and to some converts she had made that were awaiting baptism. He had her dragged into a Mormon court where she was declared insane and they threatened that if she was to ever apply for a job, that evaluation of her mental capacities would be included in the referrals asked for. Then her husband divorced her. I am amazed that Focus is so ignorant as to how Mormons operate. The leadership of Focus should try living among them as Christians (not as neutrals) and see for themselves how tolerant they are of the Christian faith when they are in the majority. I gave food from my own cupboards to a pregnant mother of five because the Mormons had already helped her three times and she had not paid them back. Her pilot husband had been laid off and they were struggling. The woman told me that she was threatened with losing her church membership if she continued to need help.. That way, I guess, Mormons can brag that they are generous with their welfare, but that their own church members are seldom on welfare rolls. With Mormons, perception is everything. Because it is, I'm sure that they are enjoying the acceptance they are getting from Focus. In fact, they can use it as a propaganda tool to gain the trust of unsophisticated people who see them as a clean religion like Christians. It might get them in some doors otherwise closed to them.

GLENN BECK HAS BEEN RIGHT ON WITH THE NEWS. I AM SORRY THAT HE LEFT CNN BUT HIS VIEWS AND MINE ARE PRETTY CLOSE. CNN IS PRETTY LIBERAL! I HAVE LISTENED TO GLENN BECK AND I FEEL HE IS VERY TRUTHFUL ABOUT HS PAST AND I HOPE THAT OTHER PEOPLE CAN RELATE TO HIS DRUG AND ALCOHOL RECOVERY. READ THE BIG BOOK! I WORK WITH ALCOHOLIC AND DRUG ADDICTS IN A CHRISTIAN ORGINATION. GOD DOES DELIVER PEOPLE FROM DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. IF ONE PERSON GAVE THEIR LIFE TO GOD AND WAS DELIVED FROM ALCHOL WITH GLENN'S TESTIMONY IT WOULD BE GREAT. GOD BLESS HIM WHAT EVERY RELIGION HE PRACTICES. I GET HIS NEWSLETTER AND WILL WATCH FOX, GLAD HE IS GOING TO BE BACK WITH THE NEWS. FOCUS ON THE FAMILY SHOULD INTERVIEW BECK.

Focus on the Family is showing its age and growing irrelevance. Sort of like what happened to Moral Majority. Censoring an interview with a popular CNN conservative Glenn Beck because he's gasp, Morman? So is Sen. Orin Hatch! Do we not interview him either? I guess we shouldn't vote for him either if you live in Utah.

And somebody PLEASE educate Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family on what a "cult" is:

"a quasi-religious group, often living in a colony, with a charismatic leader who indoctrinates members with unorthodox or extremist views, practices or beliefs" - Websters New World College Dictionary.

I strongly disagree with Mormonism. It is totally at odds with the historic Christian faith. But to trash them as a "cult?" of all things, esp. when they under under attack by the nut-jobs on the homosexual left on the gay marriage issue, and could use some help from other Christians?

Focus on the Family's focus has been off the last few years. Every once and a while you just wonder what the heck they are doing. What's next? A call to ban Rabbi's from offering prayers in Congress? (oops, they did that already).

Crazy. For goodness sake, report that Beck is a Mormon, but don't pull the interview! I agree that we need to be like soldiers in the trenches---fight along side each other on social issues and don't ask for a litmus test of theology. Most of us know Beck is a Mormon. Regardless, his clarity and honesty make him one of the few people to watch and listen to. Please don't give in to those who do not see the importance of this battle, but rather want to criticize those who they deem "unsaved". God knows the heart anyway! Interviewing this man is in no way an endorsement of Mormonism! Crazy, crazy and foolish.

There is a good, bad, and ugly aspect to this:

The Good: We need to recognize that a person's basic religious beliefs will, if the person is consistent, effect the entire worldview. Unfortunately, many Christians don't recognize this. We also need to recognize that two positions which are diametrically opposed at their core may have their branches touch on other issues. Not recognizing this can be dangerous, and many Christians don't recognize this either. For example, I'm a Libertarian in my economics. If I go to a Ron Paul rally I will meet Ron Paul supporters who are atheists and Ayn Rand Objectivists. Obviously Randriods and atheists are diametrically opposed to Christianity at their core, yet our branches happen to touch. I won't expound why this is the case (though this is worth doing!) but Focus on the Family at least recognizes that Beck's underlying faith and its differences from Christianity are important. That's good.

The Bad: Focus on the Family may not have handled the issue in the best manner. Perhaps it would have been better to have a special segment devoted to the core differences between Christianity and Mormonism before or after the interview. Perhaps it would have been better for FOTF to explore what I talked about above in "The Good:" before or after the interview.

The Ugly: This will motivate the Mormonans and liberal Christians to step up their attempts to redifine Christianity such that it loses all value (i.e., as it does when you stretch it to include Mormonism). Religions like Jehovah's Witness, Mormonism, Christian Science etc. have always tried to use the label "Christian" because it has some established value that they want to cash in on (historical precident, respect in society, people recognize it as harmless if not true etc.). These "religions" would have had a very difficult time getting themselves up and running if it weren't for their vigorous attempts to cash in on the intellectual and social value of being a "Christ-follower."

The fact is that if Mormonism, with all its differences, qualifies as a Christian sect then so does Islam. The only difference would be that most Muslims don't decide to call themselves Christian as most Mormons do. But a rose by any other name?

In not identifying Glenn Beck's religious convictions, Mormonism, Focus's article fostered confusion. For example, our church secretary brought the Citizen article in for me to read. She was convinced that GB was a Christian even though I reminded her of his Mormon faith. I began to understand her confusion as I read the interview. Glenn used words like surrender, and redemption in the interview and if you did not know of his religious choice you might think he was a Christian. I was able to show her his Youtube interview when he talks about how he and his wife were influenced to join the Mormon faith. If you have not seen it you should watch it. It is very instructive on how the Mormon people won Glenn and his family over. It is a powerful reminder to Christian's that Jesus said that others will know we are His followers by the love we display to each other.

We also need to remember that Glenn Beck is a powerful media personality. Therefore what he believes will hold sway with people who listen to his radio program and watch his television program. He has talked about his Mormon faith on the radio program in the past. He was very excited when Mitt Romney was a viable presidential candidate and mentioned their common Mormon faith.

I personally like him and agree with many of his cultural and political positions. However, I hope that at some point he will have the nerve to investigate his faith and to see just how far Joseph Smith deviated from true Christian beliefs back in the 1820s.

I have studied Mormonism enough to know that a Mormon is a Mormon and not a Christian. The Mormon concept of God, Christ and the Holy Spirit for example are fundamentally different from that of Christianity.

However, as mentioned by another contributor, using the "Christian" label has its advantages in societies where Christians benefit from history, credibility and respectability.

I agree too, that while Christians may work together with people of other faiths for a common social or cultural cause, they must not compromise their beliefs in order to do so. If working together means that I cannot respectfully disagree with you, then it may be better for us to agree to work apart.

My final point is that the Webster New World College Dictionary's definition of "Cult" does not end the matter. That definition, which one contributor says defines a cult as "a quasi-religious group, often living in a colony, with a charismatic leader who indoctrinates members with unorthodox or extremist views, practices or beliefs", simply defines a cult by some of its practices.

The definition I accept says that a cult is "any group or system of teaching which claims to be Christian but denies the major tenets of orthodox Christian faith. Among these major tenets are: The tri-unity of God, the diety of Jesus Christ, the personality of the Holy Spirit, thye fall of manknd,salvation by faith alone in Christ alone, etc.

When closely examined, it is evident that Mormon beliefs differ essentially from orthodox Christianity. It must also be understood that Mormons must be judged by what its leaders, paticularly its president and key spokespersons, believe and teach and not necessarily by its literature or public offerings.

Again let me repeat that Christians must and should work together with other religious persons on issues of national and global significance. However, in my view no unity is worth the price of doctrinal or ethical compromise.

Too bad Focus on the Family had to give in to "Underground Apologetics" whoever they are. Another evangelical group that "helps" Christians "defend their faith", that is, the faith as Underfround sees it. What evangelical faith is it you are defending: fundamentalism (funnymentalism!), pentacostalism, the reformed faith tradition, wesley, Salvation Army? Which evangelical faith is it? As one who has spend 50 years in the evangelical realm and seen it all, I'm sick and tired of the arrogance. Here's a shocker for you: Evangelicalism is as much of a cult as Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and the rest. I'm tired of hearing what God or Jesus told you last night (and by implication He's telling me), how you're "closer to Jesus" and again by implication, closer to Jesus than I am. I believe Jesus Christ and INTERPRET it for myself. If you want to know, fine. If your faith is different, fine too. We can agree to disagree but I'm no longer so spiritually snotty and arrogant to tell you that what I believe or my Church or evangelical faith is the final answer. It is not. Just go back and ask the Pharisees, Sadducees and all the rest of them back then.

Bot posts that Mormons are New Testament Christians, and Mike warns us not to trash Mormonism as a cult. While Focus on the Family could have handled this differently, Mormons are not "New Testament Christians." New Testament Christians are the only kind there are; the issue is whether we hold orthodox views on the divinity of Jesus and whether we have been justified by faith in Jesus' atonement. Failure to acknowledge Christ's unique personhood and work is precisely what makes a religion a cult -- in this case, Mormonism's denial of Christ's divine nature while elevating minor issues (the plethora of bizarre, untrue teachings in Mormonism) that they deem salvific.

The bible says that we are not to be unequally yoked, this, I believe those who do not share the central truth of our faith. Mormons may be the nicest, family orinented people in the world, but the problem is that along with JW are cults which does not believe in the central truths of the Christian faith. Yes, Beck, like Marie Osmond and her family may be powerful media personalities and people look up to them. That's fine. But the bottom line is that they are serving the God of Joseph Smith.

Also, FOTF should have equal rime for people like Hank Hannegraff or the other apologists who want to talk about Mormonism's core beliefs as opposed to Bibical Christianity's core beliefs.

I Abdul Sattar Soomro resident of Benarsi Ext.Colony behind apwa girls school Civil Hospital road Khairpur Mirs Sindh pakistan was appointed as clerk cum typist in Municipal Committee, Khairpur Mirs on 01-07-1981 due to to personal enemy on 04-01-2001 the then administrator Muncipal Commttee Khairpur has remove me from service on chrge misconduct due to his personal enemy because he was fight me on 20-12-2000 he was suspended me on 21-12-2000 menioned the charge sheet follows non any charge sheet given by him and in the process of 12 days he was removed me from service only showcause notice basis he has not accept my reply and without any enquirey on 4-1-2001 he has remove me from service only the process of 13 days remove my 20 yearsservice . on 15-07-2008 i was filled my departmental appeal with the Seceretary Local Govt. dept,Sindh at Karachi which is still pending and due to my poornes no any reply given me by the competant authritis the Taluka Municipal Officer also issued letter in my favourable consideration
Karachi which is again still pending
respected sir I am poor christian person belonging little children i can not aford to transportation updown khp to khi my family is in hunger possition i dont understand what can i do i trying 3 time to make suiside but my little childrens showing my eyes kindly help me in this regard to save me and my family godbless you with your whole family
requested to your honour to help help help me
and my family

with regards
Abdul Sattar Soomro
03013411131,pakistan

I Abdul Sattar Soomro resident of Benarsi Ext.Colony behind apwa girls school Civil Hospital road Khairpur Mirs Sindh pakistan was appointed as clerk cum typist in Municipal Committee, Khairpur Mirs on 01-07-1981 due to to personal enemy on 04-01-2001 the then administrator Muncipal Commttee Khairpur has remove me from service on chrge misconduct due to his personal enemy because he was fight me on 20-12-2000 he was suspended me on 21-12-2000 menioned the charge sheet follows non any charge sheet given by him and in the process of 12 days he was removed me from service only showcause notice basis he has not accept my reply and without any enquirey on 4-1-2001 he has remove me from service only the process of 13 days remove my 20 yearsservice . on 15-07-2008 i was filled my departmental appeal with the Seceretary Local Govt. dept,Sindh at Karachi which is still pending and due to my poornes no any reply given me by the competant authritis the Taluka Municipal Officer also issued letter in my favourable consideration
Karachi which is again still pending
respected sir I am poor christian person belonging little children i can not aford to transportation updown khp to khi my family is in hunger possition i dont understand what can i do i trying 3 time to make suiside but my little childrens showing my eyes kindly help me in this regard to save me and my family godbless you with your whole family
requested to your honour to help help help me
and my family

with regards
Abdul Sattar Soomro
+923013411131,pakistan

What is Underground Apologetics afraid of? Sounds like they might have some pretty serious doubts about the faith of the Chritians they say they are trying to protect if they don't want them to listen to the opinions of individuals from other faiths without a disclaimer attached. Truth is Truth - no matter the source. The ignorance about the LDS faith evident in many of the posts here will continue as long as there are groups that want to censor or silence members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by tagging them with demonizing labels like "cultists" or "non-christians." As long as you get your information through the distorted filter of anti-mormon propoganda, you will never really understand the LDS Church nor its members. I dare say that fear of the LDS church and culture is really about the ignorance and insecurity of its detractors.

I'm curious - what other religious groups have been targeted by Underground Apologetics for censorship? I'm sure they will justify their actions by saying that they are only trying to protect themselves and other Christians from the evil influence of the "mormon scourge," just like the Nazi's claimed to be protecting the "motherland" from the "mongrel jew" and whatever other group that did not fit in or march in lock step with the agenda of the "master race." Take care, when others see your example, they may decide they don't want to march with you. Instead of winning souls to Christ, you might just be driving them somewhere else.

Oh well, so much for Christian tolerance.

Elisabeth Elliot once said: "Jesus first caught the fish then He cleaned them".
Just as Jesus taught others by His example,Christians must first "catch" the fish,then worry about "cleaning" them afterwards, not vice-versa. If Christian's throw back every Morman because they don't understand all the Biblical truths immediately, Christians will simply be sending the lost back to be "caught" by mormans, muslims, buddhists or whatever religion will take them in.
Bible believing Christians should accept others as sinners just as Jesus did and teach them thru example,truth and grace.

No we cannot just agree to disagree. Ask any exmormon that question, and stand in their shoes for one hour. The LDS states they are headed for hell as apostate upon leaving their organisation, after being thoroughly infused with such warnings since babyhood. Take a stand against evil. For once in your Christian life. We have. And it cost us everything.

Beck is a ranter, and his growing comments about the doctrines of mormonism are being ignored and accepted as "Christian" by those who know no better to what they are listening to. LISTEN to him, not just hear.