Republic of Gilead: John Hagee

Last week, Glenn Beck hosted a mass gathering with religious overtones in Jerusalem called "Restoring Courage." According to Beck's website, the gathering was intended to unite people from around the world in the name of Israel, demonstrating that Israel "does not stand alone". Restoring Courage actually consisted of three events, the chief of which took place on August 24th at the Southern Wall Excavations. For U.S. viewers who wanted to watch the event from half a world away, viewing parties took place across the U.S. (see here and www[dot]glennbeck[dot]com/israel/map/).

Unlike his 2010 "Restoring Honor" rally in Washington D.C., the rally received only modest coverage from the American media. Although I could not watch the Restoring Courage gathering in full, I found excerpts of the gathering online that offered a taste of the event.

Mixed messages about ecumenicalism left me puzzled. On one hand, at the 5:02 mark of an excerpt posted at Media Matters, Beck proclaimed that "This plot of earth may be tiny, but it has been large enough for three faiths, and the pilgrims and the faithful who come here. It must be as big as God's heart, and it must remain open to all." In this, Beck came across as ecumenical and welcoming of all Abrahamic faiths in Jerusalem, in sharp contrast to some of his previous statements.

Despite this ecumenical introduction, the Restoring Courage gathering featured several speakers known for their less-than-ecumenical statements. For example, the gathering featured a talk by John Hagee, the founder of Christians United for Israel who generated controversy through his reported anti-Catholic and anti-Islam statements. Also speaking at the rally was right-wing history author David Barton, who has also made controversial statements about non-Christians, according to People for the American Way and the SPLC. Media Matters posted commentary on several controversial speakers at the event, and excerpts of their talks can be seen at www[dot]glennbeck[dot]com/2011/08/22/video-restoring-courage-the-courage-to-love/

Even Beck himself made a statement later that struck me as unecumenical. At the beginning of another excerpt, Beck rejected the idea that Israel was an "apartheid" state, despite criticism of Israel for its human rights record. At the beginning of the YouTube video below, Beck made the following statement.

"Some call Israel an apartheid state. Let us begin here. I reject that, and so the moment I leave this stage, I am flying to South Africa, which is where apartheid actually existed. And I will broadcast from Cape Town tomorrow morning, to remind the world what the evil of apartheid actually looked like." [Applause]

In the same excerpt, Beck mentioned his new nonprofit venture, Mercury One, rooted in the idea that "one man with one God" can make an impact. (See www[dot]glennbeck[dot]com/2011/07/01/glenn-beck-announces-non-profit-venture-mercury-one/). In a theatrical moment, Beck warned his followers of the supposed dangers of following his path at the 1:55 mark.

"It will not be easy for me, and it will not be easy for you. Others, I warn you, will say to you, 'Come! Come this way! Come over the horizon.' But I warn you that horizon is a cliff, and when you don't go along, you will stand out. You will be mocked, and in some cases your life may be in danger. But you must remember, square your shoulders and say lo eira! I fear not."

With the demeanor of a devout preacher, Beck delivered a pro-Israel message at Restoring Courage alongside other speakers, spiced with religious language. The purpose of the gathering, I surmised, was to reach out to pro-Israel Christians by providing a religious revival in the romantic Holy Land.

For an irreverent live-blogging of the Restoring Courage rally, visit this Haaretz link. For additional news and commentary, visit the following links.

CBS News: At rally in Israel, Glenn Beck calls for courage

New York Times: At Temple Mount, Glenn Beck Draws Crowd of Hundreds

The Atlantic: Glenn Beck's Ambivalent Welcome in Israel

Jerusalem Post: Feiglin objects to Beck Jerusalem event

Saturday, August 6, 2011

The Response Rally, Part III (UPDATED)

As the Response rally continued into the afternoon, listeners heard from other political figures in addition to Gov. Rick Perry. In a pre-recorded video for the rally, Florida Gov. Rick Scott thanked Gov. Perry for the Response rally. Unfortunately, my livestream link faltered at that very moment, and Gov. Scott's message was over by the time I reestablished the livestream link.

Next, Gov. Sam Brownback of Kansas spoke live at the rally, citing the Beatitudes as a guide for believers. He led a prayer asking for forgiveness of hypocrisy, judgmental attitudes, lack of mercy, and other sins, urging believers to be humble and at peace in an unstable world.

At approximately 1:55 p.m. Eastern, controversial preacher John Hagee delivered a prayer and talk, starting with Ephesians 1:15-23. "We confess that we are still a Judeo-Christian nation. We confess that we are still one nation under God," he said, drawing cheers from the audience. Hagee prayed that people leave behind their wicked ways and that the U.S. be healed of its division. Furthermore, he prayed to God to guide lawmakers, the Supreme Court, and the president, pleading that the "cloud of chaos and confusion that engulfs that city may be lifted." Finally, he praised Gov. Rick Perry for his courage in calling for a time of fasting and prayer.

The Response schedule featured a prayer for Israel, and at approximately 2:15 p.m. Eastern, a bearded caucasian man (whose name I did not catch, unfortunately) gave a heartfelt talk on Israel and Christianity. Celebrating Israel as "host nation of all host nations," the man claimed that God made a covenant with Israel, promising to bless all nations of the Earth through Israel. None of the nations of the world received a Messiah except Israel, he reminded listeners, and that messiah went on to become the world's redeemer. He lamented that Jews have been persecuted throughout history in the name of Christ, citing tragedies such as pogroms, exile, and the Holocaust. For these wrongs, he asked God to help the church repent. Afterwards, a procession of people came on stage and prayed for Israel.

Throughout the Response rally, there was a conspicuous lack of overt LGBT-related rhetoric until Mike Bickle of the International House of Prayer took the stage. Bickle looked askance at "tolerance" in the churches that is "redefining love," insisting that Jesus alone defines marriage. He also had strong words about non-Christian religions, refusing to acknowledge their validity. (Click here if you're having trouble viewing the video.)

"There's a crisis of truth in the pulpits today in our land that in the name of tolerance, even in the name of love, we are redefining love that's not on God's terms ... All the world religions, they can say what they say. There is no other God besides Jesus ... Jesus alone is the standard of truth. He defines morality. He defines marriage. He defines life. He defines righteousness, and in our allegiance to him, we say what he says."

After a long day observing the Response rally, I decided to sign off early, before the rally concluded. Click here to read parts I and II.

For additional news and commentary, visit the following links.

Los Angeles Times: Rick Perry Offers a Prayer for Obama at the Response rally

RH Reality Check: Kansas Governor Brownback Goes to Texas... To Pray for a U.S. Theocracy

The Wall of Separation: 'Gee, Thanks, but I Have to Wash My Hair": Governors Skip Perry Prayer Rally

Monday, July 18, 2011

Commentary Tidbits

Open Secrets: God's Lobbyists: The Hidden Realm of Religious Influence

My San Antonio: Perry's religious talk stirs debate

Media Matters: On Fox, FRC's Sprigg Says LGBT History Law In California Is "Injecting Pro-Homosexual Propaganda In The Curriculum"

Fbomb: A Teen Feminist Calls the Westboro Baptist Church

Salon: Republican governors: Prayer will solve our problems

A Feather Adrift: Self-Serving Interpretations

Pandagon: When the Mask Slips

RH Reality Check: Bachmanns' Anti-Gay Therapy Practice Takes Page From Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Right Wing Watch: Hagee: U.S. Can't Win Wars Because Of Satan Worship

Religion Dispatches: ‘Republicanity’ — The GOP Transformation is Nearly Complete

Huffington Post: Debt Ceiling Chaos Is a Born-Again Religion Problem

National Geographic: Photo: Evolution Less Accepted in U.S. Than Other Western Countries, Study Finds
(Hat tip to Infidel753)

Thursday, July 14, 2011

News Tidbits

Think Progress: Pawlenty Won’t Sign FAMiLY LEADER’s Pledge After Courting Group’s Endorsement

Politico: Family Leader marriage pledge falters

New York Daily News: Mitt Romney Refuses to Sign Controversial Family Leader "Marriage Vow"

Birmingham Post: Birmingham council leader urged to stop rally by controversial US preacher John Hagee

365 Gay: Ex-gay group ‘delinquent’ with California Board of Behavioral Sciences

Pink Paper: BBC America ends connection with site that funds anti-gay faith groups

ABC News: Bachmann Silent on Allegations Her Clinic Offers Gay Conversion Therapy

Newman Times-Herald: Tea Party told Islam not just a religion

Michigan Messenger: Glenn signs letter warning GOP on Romney

CBS News: New York town clerk quits, citing gay marriage

NewsOK: Group sues to stop Texas governor's prayer day

Ms. Magazine: Toledo Diocese Refuses to Fund Susan G. Komen Foundation

The Advocate: Catholic Charities in Court Over Illinois Adoptions

Pennlive: State denies unemployment pay to Harrisburg employee who claimed mayor created hostile environment

American Independent: NOM, FRC oppose Obama’s international efforts on LGBT issues
http://www.americanindependent.com/193164/nom-frc-oppose-obamas-international-efforts-on-lgbt-issues

Texas Independent: Despite bad science and religious content, Austin LifeGuard’s sex education program remains popular in some districts

Colorado Independent: Influential Focus on the Family affiliate both a critic, former recipient of federal funding for social issues

Florida Independent: ACLU: Legislators ‘misled’ public about repeal of Florida’s ban on ‘taxpayer-funded religion’

Iowa Independent: Gingrich participates in lecture series, but stays mum on marriage vow

Sunday, July 10, 2011

News Tidbits

BBC News: Can religious teachings prove evolution to be true?

Sun Sentinel: One and a half cheers for evangelicalism

The Advocate: Right-Wing Activists: Gays Not “Best and Brightest”

Pink News: MP complains over anti-gay preacher John Hagee's UK visit

Mother Jones: Brownback Taps Lawyer for Anti-Abortion Activists for State Medical Board

Beliefnet: “Normalization of homosexuality” worries bestselling author

NPR: Illinois, Catholic Agencies At Odds Over Gay Adoptions

Michigan Messenger: Glenn: Companies Shouldn’t Hire Gays

American Independent: Bachmann vows to ban pornography, same-sex marriage if elected president

Minnesota Independent: Frank Schaeffer: Bachmann’s theology a ‘liability with the general public’

Colorado Independent: Anti-abortion group delivers report to Congress targeting Planned Parenthood

Colorado Independent: Rick Perry to headline Western Conservative Summit in Colorado

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Perry's Prayer Rally and its Controversial Supporters

The Response Promo from The Response USA on Vimeo.

On August 6th, Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX will be the site of a Christian prayer rally that will beseech Jesus to guide America through its recent troubles. In the above promotional video, men and women list problems such as economic collapse, natural disasters, terrorism, and "perversion" (!) as the burdens facing the American people, necessitating a prayerful response. The Response rally, spearheaded by Texas governor Rick Perry, has attracted media and blog attention because of its controversial supporters.

According to the rally website, the Response leadership team includes staff from the International House of Prayer (a ministry with ties to anti-gay preacher Lou Engle) and the American Family Association (categorized as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center). Also featured on the leadership team is Jim Garlow, a San Diego megachurch pastor who likened gay marriage to an "Antichrist spirit" and claimed that Satan is attacking the institution of marriage, according to Right Wing Watch.

Commentary Tidbits

Religion Dispatches: Teach Your Children Well: Challenging Religion-Based Sexism

San Diego Gay and Lesbian News: Which America Do You Want to Live In?

Truth Wins Out: Will Fundies Procreate the Earth to Death?

Media Matters: Beck Celebrates Courage Of Israel Activism By Pastor Who Called Katrina "God's Judgment" Of New Orleans Gay Pride Parade

Friday, March 18, 2011

Commentary Tidbits

Think Progress: Family Research Council Blames Unmarried Fathers, Postmodernism for Child Sex Trafficking

Think Progress: Jim DeMint's Theory of Relativity: "The Bigger Government Gets, the Smaller God Gets"

Right Wing Watch: Glenn Beck: Religious Right Friend or Foe?

Media Matters: Beck On Japan Earthquake: "There's A Message Being Sent" From God

Religion Dispatches: Jesus Hates Taxes: Biblical Capitalism Created Fertile Anti-Union Soil

RH Reality Check: Anti-Choice Forces Adopt In-Your-Face Tactics and the Danger to Women is Real

Box Turtle Bulletin: Christianity Today: 2009 Kampala Anti-Gay Conference Goals Were “Therapeutic”

Mother Jones: Gingrich Courts Incendiary Pastor Renounced by McCain in '08

Talk to Action: Rushdoony's Theocratic Libertarianism at Work in the Nation's Statehouses

Psychology Today: "E Pluribus Unum" becomes controversial
(Hat tip to Freak Out Nation)

Saturday, March 12, 2011

When Disaster Strikes, the Blame Game Begins (UPDATED)

Recently, I was struck by several articles involving religion and natural disasters. First, in her commentary at Religion Dispatches, Anthea Bulter reflects on religious conversations via Twitter that attribute the 8.9 earthquake in Japan to God's wrath. Second, Right Wing Watch reports that Chuck Pierce described Japan as a "stronghold of spiritism" and its recent earthquake as a message from God. KVIA 7 reports that El PAso city council candidate Malcolm McGregor III said the Japanese earthquake was a possible curse from God. Generals International preacher Cindy Jacobs claimed that God is using the earthquake to pierce the "darkness" surrounding the Japanese people, according to Truth Wins Out. Finally, Pink Paper reports that an American church is preaching that the New Zealand Christchurch quake is God's retribution against gays and lesbians. In the face of disasters, why is it that some observers respond with compassion, while others respond with victim-blaming?

I've noticed that some high-profile fundamentalist Christians have reacted to tragedies by blaming either the victims or a despised group for inciting God's fury. No introduction is needed for the Westboro Baptist Church, whose members cite everything from military casualties to private horrors as evidence of God's disgust with America's alleged immorality. However, other high-profile fundamentalists have blamed victims or despised groups for tragedies, earning them endless controversy.

For example, shortly after the September 11th attacks, Jerry Falwell appeared on The 700 Club and insisted that the ACLU, feminists, pagans, abortion providers, and gays helped the tragedy happen. 700 Club host Pat Robertson concurred. Falwell later backtracked on this statement.

Pat Robertson himself has made controversial statements about disaster victims as well. Following the 7.0 earthquake that devastated Haiti in January 2010, Robertson attributed Haiti's misfortune to a supposed "pact to the devil" that their ancestors made.

"They were under the heel of the French, you know Napoleon the third and whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said 'We will serve you if you will get us free from the prince.' True story. And so the devil said, 'Ok it's a deal.' And they kicked the French out. The Haitians revolted and got something themselves free. But ever since they have been cursed by one thing after another."

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs called Robertson's comments "stupid."