Works of James Cone

There are those on the political right that make rational, consistent arguments; Glenn Beck is not one of them. If there is anything consistent about him, it is that he consistently preys on the worst fears of humanity – a consistency that certainly cannot be applauded.

This last week he took aim at Union’s own James Cone and the tradition of Liberation Theology. It was a surreal moment for those of us that saw it and are close to Dr. Cone. I respect and admire the influence of Liberation Theology, but most of us that study Liberation Theology recognize that it is not as prominent as it once was. It’s emphasis was destabilized by neo-liberal and post-modern theological critiques. Liberation theology was born out of the liberal school, pointing up the importance of experience and particularity as sources of spirituality that remain relevant to Christianity. After that, particularity continued on and on ’til metaphysical normativity became a passe thought of the Western world. All was finally contextual (as it always was), and universal truths had to be written in the ink of their historical, cultural and personal particularity. Most of us understand that Christianity and any religious expression comes into contact with historical contexts. Glenn Beck doesn’t.

I won’t spend this time arguing with his simplified, antiquated form of Christianity he learned from the Acton Institue and its Anthony Bradly. What I will say, as I have before to Mr. Beck, is THANK YOU. Thank you for introducing Dr. James Cone to his widest audience ever. Dr. Cone is an amazing theologian, and there is a sadness that he had to be introduced to such a wide audience by the likes of Glenn Beck in such a crude fashion; but what’s done is done. We can’t go back or shove the misguided, vitriolic words back in Beck’s mouth.

We can only hope and pray that Beck lives [some of] the words he spoke. Chrisitanity is about a change of heart, he said. “Works are a demonstration of our faith…” Then he stopped, realizing what he was saying, his polemic falling to pieces around him. You could see the wheels turning. “Does that mean I should change my heart about poverty, immigration or health care? Should I work toward the well-being of all God’s creatures rather than simply my vested interests?…” Time stood still for a moment. His heart beat grew faster, but not larger. That was only reserved for the Grinch’s redemption. Unfortunately, Beck’s remained ice cold and two sizes too small.

“We want to concentrate on Liberation Theology…” he started over, regaining his composure. I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe God’s grace and intervention. God was probably too busy weeping, though – as many of us were. Not for Beck’s sewage. I don’t know about you, but I’ve grown accustomed to it popping up in news feeds here and there. What we cried for was for the number of people that listen to his opinions for direction. His words are fingers pointing toward dead-ends, which only lead to anger and more polemic. Those that know the heart of the Gospel, like James Cone, know about compassion and grace. May Beck also have that conversion.

Tell Somebody!