Reason, Belief and What We Need to Know

Sir,

Do you understand what an exorcism is? Did the pastor in question drive demons from any person during his prayer over Palin? In fact he rebuked demons and prayed for her protection. He used the word "witchcraft" to be sure, but no exorcism was involved.

Now you have posed an interesting religious test for public office. If a person believes in the supernatural in a negative sense (demons, the occult) they should not hold public office.

As a professor of theology I hope you believe in God. Do you believe in Satan? The bible mentions both him, fallen angels, witches and demons. Why believe in God without the opposition?

Sir, by your analysis you keep from office a significant portion of the United States electorate. Pentecostals, Charismatics and Fundamentalists make up the one part of Christianity that is growing worldwide and in the United States. Should we keep from office all these people? Are elected offices reserved only for those whose beliefs are tepid, watered down and ineffectual?

stephanemot : "Back then, Palin already used canned answers to dodge the key issues : "I don't think there should be a prohibition against debate if it comes up in class. It doesn't have to be part of the curriculum"

If you look at the core of the proposition, it means : stop making this teaching illegal, leave it up to the teacher.

Palin is not a closet evolutionist : she is a hardcore theocon, but a careful one. After the publication of the Discovery Institute's Wedge document, no politician can promote ID without risking his/her career.

Palin perfectly illustrate the new creationist agenda : we have taken into account the failure of our Intelligent Design imposture, and we understand that we cannot be too pushy these days, but our priority is to make sure some door is somewhat opened for the next waves.

The only evolution Palin will ever accept is from democracy to theocracy." October 4, 2008 8:23 PM

Brakes tapered with, statetrooper report completed, keep building my case, thanks

In response to Gladerunner: There is a significant difference between exorcising against witchcraft and the other activities you have listed. That difference has to do with allowing your beliefs to bring harm to others, and that is evoked in the incident of the visiting preacher with whom Palin shared an altar. If i understand it correctly, that preacher has used accusations of witchcraft to drive one or more women out of their village, and to help consolidate his own power and wealth. Belief in the exorcism of witchcraft contributes to the belief that there are witches out their seeking to harm someone, which is conducive to false accusations of witchcraft and to various forms of persecution.

Individuals are entitled to believe whatever they wish. However, it is irresponsible or worse to encourage beliefs that bring harm to others (the accused), particularly when there is no empirical evidence that witchcraft actually has any physical effect.

Personally I am highly suspicious of anyone who would suspend their faith in all of the empirical evidence against the existence of witchcraft and allow themselves to contribute to a culture of suspicion, hate and harm.

In response to 4thwatch's sentence "Only God knows the truth, and in this He promises to Bless those who are falsely accused, reviled, and persecuted for His sake." I hope that this is not intended to mean that it is ok to persecute potential witches because God will then bless them.

The teachings of Jesus clearly indicate that we are to act in a spirit of love, not persecution. While the NT suggests that Jesus did drive demons out, there is no suggestion that he did so for political gain.

Thank you.

"But performing exorcisms against witchcraft, in the United States of America, should not be part of the human being who will be occupying the vice presidency come January 20, 2009"

What about speaking in tongues? Is that too weird? How about burning incense and singing in Latin? What about wearing sacred robes? How about mandated celebacy for clergy? How about fondling beads and chanting? What religious rites are too wierd for prime time and which aren't?

Hello Professor

Why do the press and so many others feel compelled to probe candidate’s prayers?
What’s the end game here, insight or indictment?

Clearly the press and commentators are manipulating the simple innocent act of people praying to their God. This is the kind of partisan politics that even Herod would approve of.

Professor, when you say “ But performing exorcisms against witchcraft, in the United States of America, should not be part of the human being who will be occupying the vice presidency come January 20, 2009.”
My question to you is do you believe in prayer or only certain types of prayers that are acceptable to Dwight Hopkins. Throughout scripture Gods urges us to pray for protection from our enemies,
that is what I saw in the video you refer to.

Professor, Humanity does have an enemy, for this reason the Father has provided us Spiritual armor. Do you want Christians to just dress up in the Spiritual armor as a fashion statement?
God expects us to fight (pray) in this armor.

I question;
Are the attacks upon this woman’s prayers really justifiable?
Do they arise from a genuine spiritual concern, or… are they born and bred out of partisan motivations?

Only God knows the truth, and in this He promises to Bless those who are falsely accused, reviled, and persecuted for His sake.

If you are so inclined please respond.

Regards