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I would laugh at your ridiculous article and the even more ridiculous comments made by readers if your views weren't so tragic. The Assemblies of God is the largest Protestant Church in the world. To describe the AoG as anything other is completely disingenuous on your part. The AoG has many social programs that have worked and affected the lives of many within inner cities, rural areas, drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs, and victims of natural disasters. In fact, they have the # 1 drug and alcohol treatment program in the world. The Presbyterians' Lilly foundation has even reported that the AoG gives more money to social programs and causes than any other organization with the exception of the SBC. And the notion of speaking in tongues has been studied on varies levels in academic institution such as U.Penn with the findings being mainly positive. If you listen to the Governor's speech to a Masters' Commission, which is one of these outreach programs, you would hear a even-tempered message. Governor Palin is simply expresses the classical understanding of the Protestant doctrine of the sanctity of all vocations (taught by Luther, Calvin, et al). She, as the Governor, has something to accomplish (i.e., pipeline, etc.) and these graduating students have something to accomplish in the community. This is what her message is about. Notice that she says that they are going out into the community to affect the lives of hurting individuals. She never says that the Iraq war is God's will; she is saying that we need to pray that it is and that we are doing the right thing. It's really clear (it's absolutely clear) if you listen to the entire message, but since it's 12 minutes, most of you buffoons won't take the time. But you will act as though you are an expert on the AoG or even Governor Palin. You mention the DNC chairwoman in your article. Go look at her church's website if you want to see fringe group. But of course you won't because that doesn't work for your agenda. You people are idiots and you should be ashamed of yourselves. To the author, this is shoddy work at best. Full disclosure here: I am an ordained AoG minister who was educated at an AoG university and who graduated with a master's degree from Princeton Seminary.
