Better questions to ask evanglicals (& Palin) running for office

[metapunditedgy]

Frankly, I think the recent NYT article questioning Palin's religious views has a lot of speculation and not much detail. I think there are much better questions to ask about her religious background/views, and even if she is a regular ol' evangelical, I think her answers would raise eyebrows. (I lived among the evangelicals for some time... it seems like a lot of reporters don't really know much about evangelicalism.)

Here's what I want to know.

Broadly: Do you believe that an Executive should use her power to enforce activities that a significant fraction of Americans would consider to be a matter of religious preference? What issues, particularly?

What specific statements does your religious tradition make about contemporary political figures?

Do you consider any political (economic, military, etc.) leaders to be morally corrupt and/or evil? If so, how do you interact with such people?

What are the essential components of a well-rounded education that students should receive in public schools?


Specifically: Do you hold any religious biases that could be construed as "anti-intellectual?" For example, are you suspicious of seminary (or other higher) education? Have you ever "spoken in tongues?" What is your opinion of systematic theology?

Do you believe non-Christians are destined for Hell? If so, what can you say that would encourage non-Christians to vote for you?

Some people say that evangelism is the top religious priority, while others argue that helping the needy takes precedence. What do you think are the top three priorities for Christians to accomplish in the world?

What specific steps do you think America should take to alleviate the tremendous suffering in America and around the world, especially in developing countries?

Many sections of the Christian Bible promise (or even require) punishments for unbelievers. Do you believe that you have any role in carrying out those divine commands and/or prophecies?

Do you believe that God works through human governments? If so, in what ways specifically would you want to be used by God? How would God use you in ways that he would not use an atheist politician?

<http://metapunditedgytheanticlown.blogspot.com/2008/10/sarah-palins-religious-views.html>

[The Wielding Truth]

1. Have you ever "spoken in tongues?" That one would be great.

[metapunditedgy]

2. Speaking in tongues is very important to pentecostals.

If I remember right, some of them question your salvation if you don't...

[The Wielding Truth]

3. If she denied it the RW would know, If she admitted it the rest

of us would realize how delusional she is.

[Essene]

5. being anointed in the holy spirit is the critical step

merely being born again is not enough, for some of them...

and given her church speaks in tongues, teaches prophecy and has dominionist affiliations, i'd have to say they clearly believe in the full scoop.

the way she speaks in the full video of her at her old church is extremely telling.

she's very comfortable talking about not only getting saved there, and prophecy and knowing god's will was the core of her talk.


regardless of her public denials, she clearly believes she's part of a prophetic revivalism... involving public power in america.

[Essene]

4. I'd start by asking her why she's lied about her pentecostal roots (see videos)

Sarah Palin: Pentecostals, Prophecy and Provincialism
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrD7U-vHCD8

Queen Esther - The Wasilla Prophecy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixGzMhfQtV0

[sunnybrook]

6. this is so funny

you are acting like she would really answer the questions. Great questions, but not for Palin, she would just say, "I'm not going to answer that, but I would like to talk about Joe the Plumber, (Obama as a socialist, fill in the latest idiotic storyline...)

[metapunditedgy]

7. It would be great to have the questions out there.

Even if she doesn't answer them.

Maybe a comic (T-shirt) with a pic of Sarah saying, "Speaking in tongues is good for your spiritual health!" and then quoting one of her wacky interview or debate comments.

[Essene]

8. depends on who asks the questions and how

her comments on faith with that religious guy the other day were pretty extensive and telling.