Washington Post Lampoons Palin and Pentecostals

When it became known that Sarah Palin grew up as a Pentecostal, it was only a matter of time before the attacks began. Palin and the McCain campaign have been discreet about her faith. And our article in the new issue of Charisma (in the mail now) and in our Charisma News Bulletin (click here to read it) says that she has attended the "evangelical" Wasilla Bible Church since 2002.

It's not uncommon for Pentecostals to be made fun of in the press. It's happened for years--even by other Christians who look down on or disagree with Pentecostal distinctives such as speaking in tongues. But a cartoon at washingtonpost.com by Pat Oliphant went too far and borders on blasphemy. Read more if you want to be shocked.

Also, below is a letter from David Tyree, the New York Giants football player who made the amazing "catch" at the Super Bowl. You'll want to read his letter about how to order his new book. I just read the book, and it is inspiring to see how God has worked in his life. It is also "a good read." I believe you'll enjoy it.

At the end of this e-newsletter is information from Robert Stearns on an important rally being held next Monday, Sept. 22, in New York in support of Israel. Interestingly, vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a believer and advocate of Israel, will speak at the rally. E-mail copies to your friends who may be able to attend.

A segment of our society has made a big deal about Mitt Romney's religion being off-limits, as well as Barak Obama's connection to the Muslim faith through his father and stepfather. Why, then, isn't Sarah Palin's Pentecostal connection off-limits too?

As a journalist I know people want to know about the background of candidates—especially when they aren't widely known, as Palin wasn't when McCain announced his decision to make her his running mate on Aug. 29. Thank God for freedom of the press. It allows us to write about the gospel without censorship.

So this isn't about censorship. It's about poor taste. Thankfully the Washington Post didn't print the cartoon in its regular newspaper. It appeared only in the Sept. 9 online edition. Here is the cartoon. Decide for yourself what you think.

Check it out to see why the Washington Post decided to publish it.

I know the secular press doesn't worry about such things. But this is blasphemy, and it is an insult to anyone who believes in or exercises the New Testament gift of speaking in tongues. It also shows the ignorance of the cartoonist--Pentecostals don't stand in a pulpit and preach in tongues as he has Sarah Palin doing. To top it off, he portrays God the Father in an unflattering way and using profanity. I'm surprised there has been so little outcry about this.

The Washington Post ombudsman, Deborah Howell, said only 350 people objected. But to her credit she said the following in the print version of the Washington Post on Sunday:

"Speaking of overdoing it, a political cartoon by Pat Oliphant that appeared on washingtonpost.com Wednesday prompted complaints from about 350 readers who said he lampooned their faith. The cartoon showed Palin speaking in tongues, an aspect of worship in some Pentecostal churches, and then God telling St. Peter that he didn't understand what she was saying -- 'All I can hear is some dam' right-wing politician spouting gibberish.'

"Readers were right to complain; I will deal with political cartooning in another column. Political cartoons and comics aren't selected at washingtonpost.com the way they are for the Post in print; they are automatically posted."

Perhaps that policy needs to be revisited.

One of my contacts at the McCain headquarters wrote me this:

"This is ABSOLUTELY outrageous even if it only appeared online! One cannot speak ill of someone's Muslim faith or the liberal media and the left have a fit, but take on someone in the evangelical or Pentecostal persuasion and it is fair game with no taste needed. I think certain things are out of bounds campaign-wise, and the way this one was done is way out of line."

I've been bombarded with e-mails since this came out. One friend—an astute political observer--wrote me this:

"The Main Street Media manufactured a firestorm against Sarah Palin before the RNC Convention in Minneapolis, and thereby created the opportunity for her to hit a home run in her speech with a large part of the nation watching. This cartoon will provide an additional engine, thank you Pat Oliphant."

http://wpcomics.washingtonpost.com/client/wpc/po/2008/09/09/

Someone else copied me on an e-mail he sent out urging people to let the Washington Post know how they feel. In case you want to do this, I include the pertinent information below, believing it to be correct. Remember, be kind in what you write. There is no law that says they can't offend us. But let them know it's not considered polite and that they are insulting the 20 million to 30 million Pentecostals and charismatics in this country.

If we don't speak up, then others will assume it's OK to blaspheme what we believe with no repercussions. If you write the Post, be sure to cut and paste your comments into the blog section at the end of this e-newsletter.

If you'd like to submit a letter to the editor, e-mail letters@washpost.com, or mail your comments to:

Letters to the Editor
The Washington Post
1150 15th St. NW
Washington, DC 20071

The Washington Post
washingtonpost.com
Main Number: 703-469-2500
Main Fax: 703-469-2995
P.O. Box 17370
Arlington, VA 22216
Caroline Little--CEO & Publisher CEO CarolineLittle@wpni.com
Jim Brady--Executive Editor executive.editor@washingtonpost.com

----------------------------------------------------------

Be sure to support Israel at this rally next Monday in New York.

Here is a message from my friend Robert Stearns, who is regional director for Christians United for Israel for the area including New York City.

We are living in an hour when terrorists who become presidents of rogue states are welcomed at the UN, even as their anti-Semitic vitriol is broadcast around the world on the evening news. Christian support for Israel is not to be taken for granted, nor is it an absolute. The dividing line over Israel is being drawn today in the nations, and yes, even in the Bible-believing Church. Now is the time to stand up and be counted on the side of God's eternal covenant promises!

I am asking you to adjust your schedule and make whatever sacrifice that you can to be a voice for Israel at this critical hour.

We are calling on you to make your way to New York City this Monday morning, September 22, to join together with Jews and Christians from the tri-state region to declare support for Israel, and to protest the visit of Iran's president to the United Nations General Assembly. Due to Iran's nuclear ambitions and the threat to Israel, our friends in the Jewish community have planned this protest and they have reached out to us as Christians to add our voice to theirs.

I have just received information that vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin, a believer and advocate of Israel, will speak at the rally. We will have signs for you to pick up on-site as a demonstration of support that will be seen by the leaders of the nations coming to the UN, and by the world as they watch on the news. Rarely do we have such a strategic opportunity to show the world that we believe in God's word, and are willing to place our time and our money on the line to be present and counted on the side of Israel!

Come pick up your signs at the corner of 2nd Avenue and 45th Street at 10:45 a.m., and then head over to Dag Hammarskjold Plaza (2nd Avenue and 47th Street) across from the United Nations for the rally which will begin at 11:45 a.m., rain or shine. We will see you soon!

Well, that's all for this week in the Strang Report. Remember to leave your comments below.

All the best,

Steve Strang

Dear Friend,

This year's Super Bowl was a day I will never forget. There will be many stories told of the behind-the-scenes events that led up to that historic game. God moved so suddenly and miraculously there that "David Tyree" has become a household name. And, because of a couple of plays, now people want to know my story.

More Than Just The Catch tells my story. It includes the good, the bad, and the ugly. When you finish it, you will know that its message is about more than a game. It is about a life changed and the One who changed it. God allowed me to be a part of what some people have called the greatest play in Super Bowl history to provide a platform so that He would get the glory. I believe that many lives will be touched by the truth of this.

My motive for sharing my life story is to encourage others to put their trust in God. I want people to know that Jesus is real. I pray that my testimony will release miracles to every person who reads it. I especially want to shout out this promise to the young people who think it is boring to serve God: miracles are never boring!

I also pray that my story will touch the lives of professional athletes who have been distracted and separated from the reality of what success is. When the cameras' flashing lights dim and go out, I cannot be a hero to the world and not be a hero to my children. Success in the eyes of men means nothing to me if I am not successful in the eyes of my wife. There is no great career in the spotlight without a great family life behind the scenes. True happiness extends past the winning touchdown or the greatest catch. Great moments like these mean nothing if there is no peace in your heart.

I pray that everyone who reads my story will get the message behind the miracle. Don't try to figure it out. God don't make sense—He makes miracles!

You can purchase a copy of More Than Just The Catch today everywhere fine Christian books are sold. Or, order online right now at the following online retailers. Buy a copy for yourself and another for everyone you know who needs to hear this essential message. Purchase now and help us drive up the rankings and produce a best seller!

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In Christ, David Tyree

P.S. If you have already read More Than Just The Catch, please consider clicking the above links and writing a short review!