There is also a mindset of a certain type of religion-spouting Christian that emphasizes the "personal relationship with God". They appear to look down on the idea that a community of believers lead by persons who have studied the texts in a formal way is necessary or even beneficial. It is another side of the anti-intellectual coin. They do not need others telling them what their God means or thinks is right, they know.

I wish Molly Ivins were around - I always do, but I'd love to hear her take on this whole thing.

msbelle says it better than I could wrt the personal relationship thing. Also* keep in mind that in Fundie theology just as in Fundie politics, having the right beliefs is far more important than paying too much attention to the correct rituals. Saying that someone has to show membership papers might as well be Papist.

* is anyone else feeling awfully self-conscious about that word this morning?

Diagramming Palin's sentences: [link]

I thought an interesting part of the debate was when they agreed on the issue of gay-marriage/civil unions. It may have been my imagination, but I got a vibe of "that can't be right" from Palin.

I thought that too. I'm assuming she's not the one that pushed for same-sex benefits (or whatever it is that they have) in Alaska.

I keep hoping that after the election the Obama "gay marriage" position will turn out to be "That's right, I don't support "gay marriage", but rather marriage equality for all." A girl can dream.

Toddson, there's a wonderful article at Salon today by Anne Lamott about how much Molly would have loved this campaign season.

msbelle and amych, of course you are right. Ugh.

I thought an interesting part of the debate was when they agreed on the issue of gay-marriage/civil unions. It may have been my imagination, but I got a vibe of "that can't be right" from Palin.

I thought that too.

Did y'all notice that she was about 2 syllables away from saying "I have a gay friend!" ? I seriously thought she was going there.

I would have peed. my. pants.

she did go there in the Couric interview.

There is also a mindset of a certain type of religion-spouting Christian that emphasizes the "personal relationship with God". They appear to look down on the idea that a community of believers lead by persons who have studied the texts in a formal way is necessary or even beneficial. It is another side of the anti-intellectual coin. They do not need others telling them what their God means or thinks is right, they know.

Without the anti-intellectual part, this is a good definition of Gnosticism. Which was frowned upon (to say the least) by the early Christian church. They were religious "mavericks" who felt that they could become closer to God through self-study of the biblical texts and the writings of Jesus. A hierarchical church structure was often anathema to their understanding of their faith.

Of course, they read stuff. Which I don't think Bush or Palin are even capable of doing. At least, in Bush's case, not above the level of "My Pet Goat".