Dear Friends:
In recent months, I've become friends with Glenn Beck, one of the few conservative commentators on CNN who also hosts his own national radio talk show. You may have heard me discuss current events with Mr. Beck on a few occasions in the past. I appreciate his firm grasp of the values we hold dear and his ability to use humor to address some very serious issues...."
This is part of James Dobson's April 2008 e-mail newsletter that he sends out each month. This particular month he lets us know once again that he does not believe in Biblical separation from those who openly sin. Glenn Beck says that he is a Christian, yet on his radio broadcast daily he curses often. He is also nasty at times. I'm not questioning Glenn's Beck salvation or his heart; I am questioning James Dobson's affiliation with Mr. Beck however. When a "brother" is in open sin, we are not to fellowship with him if he will not repent of the sin. Some of you are saying, "What's the big deal? He only says a few "minor" curse words." The fact is those curse words associate him with the world. Jesus never cursed, so neither should we. Neither Jesus nor his disciples were known as those who use such language. I can prove this. When Peter was pointed out as one of Jesus’ followers, he said I am not. Again, someone points him out, and he said I never knew him. Just denying Jesus did not prove he was not one of Jesus Disciples. Using everyday language didn't do it. Then again someone’s says with certainty that this is one of them. In order to prove that he was not one of them Peter began to curse like the world, so he could be identified with the world. He curse, he didn't quote verses, or speak a parable that Jesus had taught him. In order to save his own neck, he spoke like the world. When he spoke like the world, then and only then, did they know that he certainly was not one of Jesus’ disciples, for they would never curse. It's a pitiful shame but I know of "preachers" that curse and are proud of it. They say they are trying to become "all things to all men." This is not what the Bible is telling us to do. This is not a free pass to ignore Bible doctrine in order to win sinners.
James Dobson is wrong to endorse such men as Glenn Beck, Dave Ramsey (doesn't believe the Bible, drinks wine, etc.), Chuck Colson, Larry Burkett, and others. The Bible commands that we separate from heretics and Christians that live in sin and will not repent.
