On Tuesday's "Glenn Beck Program", Glenn interviewed author Jonathan Cahn about his controversial book - The Harbinger: The ancient mystery that holds the secret of America's future. While there is a healthy debate over the factual nature of the book, Glenn was interested in it for one reason: the message.
During the interview, Cahn explained that the book delves into many of the parallels between the end of ancient Israel and post-9/11 America. According to the book, both Israel and America are nations that were meant to be a light to the world and were founded with God's word. However, when stricken by tragedy (Assyrians attacking Israel, Al Queda attacking America), the people did not turn back to God as much as they rose up in defiance. Cahn noted that the leaders in both nations discussed the passage from the Bible Isaiah 9:10, "The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars."
"We're going to rise up without God. We're going to rise up without turning our course. Without checking our ways. We're going to get stronger without correcting our course," Cahn said. "It leads to calamity."
Some have criticized the book for the interpretation that America somehow deserved to be attacked on 9/11, but Glenn was quick to dismiss that idea during the interview. Instead, he focused on the role of God and faith in the history of both America and Israel, and the role of faith in response to tragedy. To Glenn, regardless of whether or not you believe the harbingers listed in the book are fact or fiction, the message is still important: As a nation rises from tragedy, it's important for the people to remember God and faith.
At the end of the interview, Glenn encouraged viewers to read the book and look at the message.
"You just read it and see if it rings true to you. And I'm not talking about the facts. Does the message ring true to you?" Glenn asked.
Cahn is scheduled to return to GBTV tomorrow.