Take a listen to this Bible verse Beck and his co-host cite and then we'll discuss how they are completely misrepresenting it.
Literal interpretations of the Bible are often very dangerous to use within the context of political arguments. That is no different in the case of Glenn Beck's program. Also, leaving out relevant context ( the versus immediately proceeding and following a particular verse ) should be taken into account, as overall meaning can easily be misconstrued.
Let's take a look at versus 6 through 12 to get the full picture.
V.6. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
V.7. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us; for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you,
v.8. neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught, but wrought with labor and travail night and day that we might not be chargeable to any of you;
v.9. not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an example unto you to follow us.
V.10. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
V.11. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
V.12. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
In this book of the Bible, Paul is speaking to the Thessalonians about how they are to act if they want to be part of "God's church". The word "work" is used in the abstract. This "work" if for the church, as a way to obey "God's will". The phrase stating that no one should be allowed to "eat" if they don't "work" clearly means that if a person does not do their part for the church, then they should reap any of the rewards the remainder of the congregation takes in.
However, this also works against Beck in a way he may not realize.
He's using the context of Paul's dictation of how a church should behave in order to justify conservative ideals of how they think the country should operate. Beck is telling his audience that in order for them to actually benefit in life, they HAVE to believe as he does, act as he does, and react as he does. But what is the benefit? What is the reward for believing in the failed ideology of conservativism?
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