“Christians are hearing something different than what he thinks he’s saying”

Longtime Beck-watchers said he has always made references to his faith journey, his conversion from Catholicism to Mormonism, his crediting God with saving him from drug and alcohol abuse, professional obscurity and “friendlessness.” But in the run-up to Saturday’s rally, Beck talked publicly and privately about God working through him, calling a pre-rally event Friday “Divine Destiny” and lining up evangelical pastor John Hagee and other religious leaders to appear with him.

“I’m a little nervous about that kind of talk,” said Janet Mefferd, a nationally syndicated Christian talk show host who said most callers Monday wanted to talk about Beck. “I know he means well and loves this country, but he doesn’t know enough about theology to know what kind of effect he’s having. Christians are hearing something different than what he thinks he’s saying.”

Although he doesn’t consider Mormons to be Christians, Land said he agrees with Beck’s basic premise that American society must be “rebuilt from the bottom up.” Land accepted an invitation to be part of a group of more than 200 clergy members whom Beck calls his “Black Robed Regiment,” a reference to pastors from the Revolutionary War who stirred up opposition to colonial rule.