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Because I’m one who thinks the government has no business in people’s bedrooms or churches, I’ve not had a lot to say about Sarah Palin’s religion. But the more I learn about that, the more it looks like she doesn’t agree and indeed would do all she could, given the chance, to counter — thwart — override — people who share my stance. So this post introduces what I’ve been reading at a site that neffable (who’s become an invaluable resource in helping me begin to grasp the Evangelical/Fundamentalist movement) recommended. It didn’t take me long to suspect that some here may want to see this too.

What neffable provided is a two-parter from Talk to Action, a website whose statement of purpose identifies it as “a platform for reporting on, learning about, and analyzing and discussing the religious right — and what to do about it. …” The site as a whole looks like a great resource.

Part One is a thorough and well-written history of Christian Fundamentalism and Pentecostalism; Part Two (much shorter) explains their relationship(s) to Sarah Palin’s theology and worldview. The piece begins:

Part One
History and Theology of the Third Wave

Sarah Palin has refused to acknowledge belonging to any specific denomination or any particular religious stream.  However, it is now well documented that she spent her youth in an Assembly of God church and has regularly attended another AoG church, as well as two Independent Churches. At least three of four of these churches have close ties to prominent organizations and leaders in the Third Wave movement, also known as the New Apostolic Reformation.

This is a worldwide movement so completely ignored by the press that there is no single accepted term that has been coined for the identification for the group. In addition to Third Wave and New Apostolic Reformation, it is also referred to by the names of some of its more extreme theologies, such as Joel’s Army and Manifest Sons of Destiny. Its roots are in a revival of the manifestations and beliefs of the New Order of Latter Rain which has been repeatedly condemned by the General Council of the Assemblies of God since 1949.

Palin’s refusal to define her denominational background has resulted in much speculation about her religious beliefs and their impact on her worldview.  An enormous amount of misinformation has resulted, since many of the writers lack the benefit of knowledge of these diverse theologies. Writers who are knowledgeable about the Third Wave movement have posted similar information on this site. However, this post is intended for use as a history and theology reference for the material in Part Two. …

At the end of Part Two is a just-under-10-minute YouTube that may make more sense after you’ve read what leads up to it. I don’t suggest that pre-reading makes this video any less disturbing, however (in fact, to the contrary).

I just have to wonder whether John McCain understands what he’s opened his campaign to. No doubt, he’s a user of Sarah Palin — but does he get that he’s an even bigger usee?