An Open Letter to Sarah Palin…A MUST READ!
There is nothing more that I can add to this…please just READ & REPEAT! (provided to me by an informed supporter in Los Angeles, California)…
October 29, 2008 12:00:00 PM
An open letter to Sarah Palin:
Dear Sarah,
As a former fundamentalist, I’d like to call you on what you are doing.
This is not about disrespecting your private beliefs. But you have a huge conflict of interest
here by running for office and you can’t have it both ways (see Jesus’ words in John 2:15).
You have not been honest about the most important thing about you: the fact that you are a born-again, literal Bible-believing, evangelical Christian. Most people who have never been entrenched in the subculture of fundamentalist Christianity may not understand what this really means, but I do. Like you, I was raised in the Assemblies of God and I was a zealous part of the Jesus Movement. Like you, my life was consumed with seeking God’s will for my life and awaiting the imminent return of Jesus. It’s clear to me that you want to do the Lord’s will, and that is what concerns me. You’ve said and done things like a true believer would. You are on a mission from God. If that is not true, then I challenge you to deny it.
Former fundamentalists like me know that your worldview is so encompassing, authoritarian, and powerful that it defines who you think you are, the way you view the world, history, other people, the future, and your place in the world. It defines you far more than hockey mom, wife, woman, hunter, governor, or VP candidate.
You believe that every bit of the Bible is God’s perfect word. You have a supernatural view of reality where Satan is a real entity. You believe that alongside our material plane of existence, there is a more important spiritual plane where good and evil beings are engaged in “spiritual
warfare” (Ephesians 6:12). As a leader in the war against evil, you believe that God has “called” you and “anointed” you to do his will. This is why you have accepted blessing for office through the “laying on of hands” and prayer to protect you from witchcraft.
So what does this mean for governing? What could Americans expect with you at the helm?
You cannot affirm basic human decency or capability, because according to your dogma, we are sinful, weak, and dependent on God. And so, your decisions would not be based on expert advice or even your own reasoning, but on your gut-level, intuitive interpretation of God’s will. This would allow you to do anything and claim you were led by God.
Your thinking necessarily is black or white. People and policies are either good or bad. After all, Jesus said, “He who is not with me is against me” (Matt. 12:30). Under your leadership, diplomacy and cultural nuance would be less important than not blinking. In a spiritual war, you don’t negotiate with the devil.
Regarding social policy, as a believer in individual salvation, you would have an individual approach emphasizing morality and responsibility, not a community approach emphasizing structural solutions. You would be judgmental and controlling of personal behavior like sex, reproductive choice, and books borrowed from the library instead of addressing global warming, torture, poverty, and world peace. Your belief in eternal hell-fire, your deference to a
literally perfect Bible despite its cruelties, and your indoctrination to disbelieve your own compassionate instincts, may leave your moral core numb. You might recall the verse, “If a man will not work he shall not eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). However, faith-based initiatives would be OK because they would use caring to evangelize.
How about science? As it has in your governorship, your interpretation of the Bible would trump scientific scholarship and findings. You would deny the human role in global warming because God is in control. More importantly, you would not make the environment a priority because you do not expect the earth to last.
International affairs? Since your subculture has identified the establishment of Israel in 1948 as the beginning of the end, you would see war, epidemics, climate change, natural disasters, and water shortage, all as hopeful signs of Jesus’ return. You would be a staunch supporter of Israel and deeply suspicious of countries like Russia identified with the antichrist in the end times literature. (You have publicly said that you expect Jesus to return in your lifetime and that it guides you every day.)
The Christian fundamentalism that has shaped your thinking teaches that working for peace is unbiblical and wrong because peace is not humanly possible without the return of Jesus (1 Thess. 5:2,3). Conflict, even outright war is inevitable, for Jesus came not to bring peace but a sword (Matt: 10:34-37). Like millions of fundamentalist Christians, you may actually find joy in global crises because these things portend His return (Luke 21:28).
But all of this certainty and fantasy in today’s complex world is dangerous, Sarah. There was a time when all of humanity thought the world was flat. Today, the stakes for such massive error are much higher.
My message for you, Warrior Princess for God, is from all of us who know what you are about. How dare you presume to take responsibility for our country and our planet when you, in your own mind, do not consider this home? I mean home for the long haul, not just until your rescue arrives from space. How dare you look forward to Christ’s return, leaving your public office empty like a scene from the movie, “Left Behind”?
What if you are completely wrong and you wreak havoc instead with your policies? If you deny global warming, brand people and countries “evil,” support war, and neglect global issues, you can create the apocalypse you are expecting. And as it gets worse and worse, with worldwide crisis all around you, and you look up for redemption, you just may not see it. What then? In that moment, you and all who have shared your delusion may have the most horrifying realization imaginable. And it will be too late. Too late to avoid destruction and too late to apologize to all the people who tried to turn the tide and needed you on board.
And you, John McCain, how dare you endanger all of us for the sake of your politics? How dare you choose a partner who is all symbol and no substance, preying on the fears of millions of Americans. Shame on both of you.
Leave this beautiful, fragile earth to us, the unbelievers in your fantasy. It’s the only heaven we have and you have no right to make it a hell.
Sincerely,
Marlene
Marlene Winell, Ph.D., is a Bay Area psychologist who specializes in recovery from fundamentalist religion. She is author of “Leaving the Fold: A guide for former fundamentalists and others leaving their religion.” She is the daughter of Assemblies of God missionaries.A longer article about Sarah Palin’s religion, “Sarah Palin, Warrior Princess for God,” is on Winell’s Web site: http://www.marlenewinell.net.
Tags: anointed, apocalypse, Assemblies of God, Bible, Christian, crisis, fundamentalist, Global, governor, inerrant, Jesus, Left Behind, Lord, Sarah Palin, spiritual warfare, VP, Warrior Princess
July 19th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Wow! Just, WOW!!
July 19th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I know…it is hard to find the words sometimes, isn’t it? While everyone is distracted by her tabloid sensationalism…the REAL issue is where the seriousness of this woman’s popularity resides…
You are soooo right! WAKE UP AMERICA!
July 19th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
This is the part about her that has scared me from day one. She and her evangelicals would not like “my kind” – an educated, liberal feminist. All the time before the election when I would hear this garbage I had visions of me ending up living in some old guy’s house waiting for my part in the ritual to make babies a la “The Handmaid’s Tale.” I have no problem with the beliefs – as long as you aren’t trying to force them on me and take my whole country along with you on God’s next great Crusade.
July 19th, 2009 at 12:31 pm
That letter by Marlene Winell was posted October 15, 2008 by Marji Mendelsohn on OpEd News, and posted October 23, 2008 by Valerie Tarico on Huffington Post — and it pretty much went viral at the time.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/An-open-letter-to-Sarah-Pa-by-Marlene-Winell-Ph-081015-112.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/valerie-tarico/an-open-letter-to-sarah-p_b_136907.html
….which isn’t to say it would hurt to re-publish it, re-viralize it…
July 19th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
This is exactly why I keep my eyes on Sarah Palin. I read my Bible on a daily basis, and I know it is wrong for man to profess to know the mind of God. It is also wrong for man not to look out for his neighbor. The Bible also teaches that no man knows when the Lord will return. Having said all this, one of Palin’s major problems is that as a politician, she is predicting, aiding, and abetting the end of time. How she can claim to be God’s representative on earth when she personifies the exact opposite of what Jesus stood for, and can do it with a straight face, is beyond me. It wouldn’t surprise me if she thinks of herself as God’s representative on earth, and come to think of it, I believe she does after reading her twitter message about Trig in which she signed it “God.” Sarah doesn’t realize that Christians should not be mixing politics and religion. This woman is dangerous in more ways than one, and so are her cult-like followers.
July 19th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Karen, thank you for those link references…that makes it even worse. That this was posted – but never picked up. As much of a watchdog as I am, it didn’t come to me until now. We need this to go beyond the net…and with interest growing now about the dangers of Political Dominionism, we may see that happen sooner than later.
Majii…unfortunately the reason why I, and many of my fellow researchers have focused so much on Palin has not been for the same reason MSM follows her. We are not interested in the tabloid sensationalism attached to her. Her Political Dominionist beliefs are profound and she is sincerely obedient to that dogma. We are using her as the gift that she is because this has been going on and building steam for many years…without a popular face to tie it to. Her popularity is what we will make the achilles heel of their movement…and bring them down. They thrive on “flying under the radar” (their terminology, not mine). Your remarks are always very much appreciated!
And Anne…that is a great point to emphasize…that we do believe in freedom of religion and they are welcome to worship whatever version of god they have created that makes them most comfortable…but they will never be happy until they convert and/or eradicate all of heathens…LOVELY, lovely ‘c’hristians…
July 19th, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Leah, thank you for sharing Marlene’s letter to Sarah Palin. And Marlene, thank you. I offer Jesus’ words as well:
Matthew 7:15-23
-Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
-Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
-Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
-A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
-Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
-Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
-Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
-Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
-And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
AND
Matthew 22:36-40
-Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
-Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
-This is the first and great commandment.
-And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbour as thyself.
-On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
AND
John 10:16
-And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
—-
How arrogant of anyone to believe their church doctrine is the only one. Or to believe they have the right to judge or condemn another person for their beliefs. When Jesus said to love thy neighbor, he did not list any exceptions. Playing God while destroying the environment for control and money will not go unpunished.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
anon, excellent! I agree wholeheartedly. I was just discussing that in all my years of reading the Bible and learning about the life of Jesus, nowhere do I remember Him espousing hate and intolerance. This is a man-made version of ‘c’hristianity that turns people away from Christ and gives all Christians a horrible image. Very unfortunate. And the venom from the members of this sect is palpable! I can’t bring myself to post them because they are so ugly and full of intense hatred for all of us heathens that they claim to pity.
I often say, they need to quit asking “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) for they may not like the answer.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I would like to comment, as a lifelong Christian and a scholar, that ALL Christianity is “man-made.”
July 19th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Dr. Something Something said:
I would like to comment, as a lifelong Christian and a scholar, that ALL Christianity is “man-made.”
Actually, ALL religion is man-made, not just Christianity.
July 19th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I stand corrected…I was trying to point out that this one seems to be particularily twisted to benefit the snake-oil salesmen at the top. I am a bit tainted today after forcing myself to watch video of Joel Osteen…and his million-dollar book sales for a book of his that doesn’t even mention God, yet he packs his “church” with 20,000 people weekly.
But, yes…of course your observations are correct. Thank you!
July 19th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
May I just add that I totally support what you are doing with your books and this blog? Thank you!
July 19th, 2009 at 3:03 pm
That is very kind, thank you…I count on all of you to help me grow the discussion and your comments are truly appreciated!
July 19th, 2009 at 5:37 pm
Thanks for re-finding this and hopefully getting it some attention this time around.
July 19th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
You know, it seems at times that SP *was* sent by God, to expose all the false prophets she represents. I honestly pray that this letter, or something like it, manages to penetrate her soul, for her sake and for those who hang on her every word!
Keep up the good work, Leah, it is sorely needed!
July 20th, 2009 at 8:00 am
Thanks for providing us with this compelling view! I’ll be posting this on my blog and linking back. Hope all is well!
July 20th, 2009 at 9:33 am
WOW, thank you for opening my eyes to Palin. I personally am a pagan(no that does NOT mean a satan worshipper) and I believe that the global warming we are currently experiencing is part of a larger cycle of life that we can’t really track( I bring you the evidence of the polar bear, they are actually a product of prior climate change), who are we to believe we are so important that our actions will destroy the world or save it, but I do believe that sustainable living is a good idea anyway, as is being kind to your neighbor, but I don’t need the bible to tell me so. By the way, if you look at the spine of your bible you will most likely see that it is the King James version; (remember I said most likely) now what this means for all uninitiated who are reading this is that long ago and far away somebody got ahold of a copy of the bible and decided what should and should not be allowed to be published out of a conglomeration of other peoples writings, so in essence it is a book some folks wrote and not the indisputable word of a holy being.
July 20th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Pagan is about as understood by the dominionists as ’socialism’, ‘fascism’, ‘terrorists’, and the list goes on. They are taught specific definitions and never question the meanings, nor do they research the meanings independently. They are intentionally told that pagan = satan. But then as far as they are concerned ALL of us who are not ‘born-again’, speaking-in-tongues as a second language types are equally as satanic whether we are Christians or not.
Personally, I think their practices of “Spiritual Warfare”, ceremonies of “casting out demons” and imprecatory prayer (praying for someone’s death and for the death of their families) is about as far from the teachings of Jesus as one can get! I will write about Palin’s spiritual advisor, Mary Glazier & Co. and their little trip to anchor a Christian flag atop Mt. McKinley and cast the demons out of Alaska soon.
As for the versions of the Bible – it is truly a blending of writings and the story of the meetings and who decided which books would be included and which ones left out is a part of history. Revelations was literally an afterthought. You raise a very good point. And the version these people read was re-written in 1973 and published by Zandervon (the same publisher who advanced Palin a ghost writer and money for her upcoming book). On its spine you will find “NIV” for New International Version”, and a finer piece of scripture twisting you will never find!
July 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Verbose,
I actually have a wrap-up chapter at the end of “TheoPalinsm – The Face of Failed Extremism”, titled “A Twisted Debt of Gratitude” for exactly the reason you make. If it were not for Palin’s rise and celbrity status, getting the word out on the Political Dominionism Movement would remain a message that would continue to resemble screaming into a vacuous void.
There are amazing books out there written on this topic (see the link on my side bar to these books), and researchers (albeit less than 10) who have been trying to get the attention of mainstream Americans for 20 years, and until Palin came onto our political landscape – their efforts have been for naught….
You are spot on my friend!