Ex-Mormons across the country are decrying Liberty Universitys decision to feature Glenn Beck at their recent convocation ceremony, who invoked the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith and referenced LDS doctrine before the thousands of students in attendance.

I am Mormon and share your faith, the outspoken conservative talk show hostasserted during his spiritually-mixed charge to students, as he stood in front of a large banner bearing the universitys motto, Training Champions for Christ.

As previously reported, Beck was introduced by President Jerry Falwell, who noted that the university presented the political commentator with an honorary doctorate in 2010 as he likewise addressed the students during that time. Beck then took the podium to applause and cheers, explaining that he believed he was given a message from God that day to share with the students.

Are you willing to give your life? Beck asked fervently. What are you willing to do? What is it that means something to you?

Days before Joseph Smith was martyred he was taken out by the sheriff; they tried to tar and feather him several times, he explained. The last time they took him, they said, You owe $25. He said, No, I dont owe a man anything. They said, No, you stole a stoveone of the most ridiculous charges Ive ever heard.

At that time, he reached into his pocket and pulled out his pocket watch, Beck continued, displaying the relic that he said belonged to Smith, considered a prophet of God in Mormonism. He gave it to the sheriff and said, I owe no man nothing. They let him go. They killed him, but on the warrant for his arrest, he wrote on the back of his warrant to his people, Put down your guns. No matter what happens, put down your guns. Put down your guns and trust in the Lord.

He then compared Smiths story to the challenges that Liberty students may face in the days ahead.

You are going to be pushed and challenged every step of the way, Beck said. What is it that you truly believe?

Later in his message, the Mormon talk show host told the students that no one in the Grand Councils sent them to earth just to make a living. Beck was referring to the Mormon belief that human souls pre-existed in heaven, and that a gathering of heavenly beings known as the Grand Councils, send certain individuals to earth to accomplish a special purpose.

You didnt come down for a job. You came to this university maybe thinking, I have to have an education to get a job. You need this education from Liberty University because of your only true job, the purpose you were sent here for, he said.

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Ex-Mormons Decry Liberty University for Welcoming Gospel of Glenn Beck at Convocation