LYNCHBURG, Va. Liberty University is defending its decision to invite Glenn Beck totake center stage to address thousands of students during its annual convocation ceremony, whose speech included references to Joseph Smith and Mormon theology.

As previously reported, the outspoken conservative talk show host, and founder of the news outlet The Blaze, compared Mormonism to Christianity during his half-hour speech-turned sermon last month and cited that the Lord gave him a message of coming back to settle scores.

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

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. Falwell remarked that the Sounds of Liberty also performed at Becks Restoring Honor event that year in Washington, which the university chancellor attended.

I heard him yesterday on the radio, Falwell remarked. He probably didnt realize this, but he was using Libertys versesort of our motto hereWhere the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

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.

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Liberty University Defends Glenn Becks Sermon to Students Despite Mormon Doctrine