Yes, Kristen from Sacramento, there are Americans out here who are worried about the possibility of Sarah Palin becoming the Vice President.

As I watched her interview with C. Gibson, I was amazed that I had more knowledge of American domestic and foreign policy than she did. Americans, beware!

Deborah , Chapel Hill, USA

Isn't anyone out there concerned that this unenlightened, woman "of God" could be the one individual with her finger on "the button" to end the world as we know it? It may seem as if it is her duty, as she herself states that she feels that the end of days will happen in her lifetime

Kristen, Sacramento,

Am I alone in wondering how many US presidents have actually been atheist (or agnostic) but have acted as Christians to keep the electorate onside? They lie about other things, why not their religious beliefs?

Graham, Swindon, UK

As for Stalin...
It is a mystery how a seminary student could think that his dogma would have answers of how to make a paradise for believers, especially in the face of contradictory evidence.
No idea where that one would come from.

Sean, Kobe, Japan

How can the British talk about the U.S. having troubles seperating Church and State when Im also reading here how the Archbishop of Canterbury feels regarding immigration? Where do you think we got these hair brained ideas from in the first place?

Leila, Orlando, USA

Religion is defined as an association of the weak-minded. As Marx says, it is the opium that corrupts the mind. Yet, religious fanatics find it easier to make their way to the White House. She makes a good match to the president who is waging the first 'divine-approved war' in the history of mankind

mathew, Mumbai, India

Liberal blogs buzz with questions over whether she accepts the constitutional separation of Church and State.
--------
Ummm ... there is no constitutional separation of Church and State. You need to do some homework, and listen to less MSNBC and CNN ... and BBC for that matter.

Adam, Rockford,, United States

Read about the Rapture at goldieshouse.piczo.com under the "Rapture" heading.

youtube.com/goldieshome

rich, pittsburgh, pa, usa

If Sarah Palin believes in the end of times prophecy, the central question is what does she believe her role is in facilitating it? What will she do when she has her hands on the American President's nuclear football? Will she initiate WWIII? One can be guided by faith, but not this kind.

Kumar, Madras, India

Atheistic leaders have a poor track record (Hitler, Stalin). Even if you regard religion as a myth, there are practical advantages in having leaders who believe that a higher power is looking over their shoulders. The leader who worships a god is less likely to try to become one.

John Hardy, Redditch, UK

Everyone calm down. Believing Creationism should be allowed to be taught in schools WITH evolution, as a means of respecting the wishes of a community, is not the same as believing the world is only 6000 years old.

Richard , London,

The Queen is the head of the Church of England, so formally there is no constitutional separation between church and state in the UK. Fortunately our head of state is also powerless so we are able to get along fine without the bishops interfering with secular business.

Roger Penny, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I should have added that whether Palin or other Protestants return to the Catholic Church depends on God's will, not man's. So God willing she will - she'd make a great Catholic!

Mike, Rome, Italy

James from Los Angeles, do you not think it's freaky to be run
by a government of Godless-atheists who think man is his
own God, don't believe in any morality or boundaries and rule
over a crime ridden society, full of selfish people doing what
feels good for them, a society falling apart GREAT

Roger, Weymouth, UK

Everyone, don't worry so much about the religious aspect. Americans rely on our Constitution, a separation of church and state. And how about not using labels and mean words to describe people unknown to you? Re creationism, read something by one of your own, Laurence Gardner.

Mary Lorraine, Saint James, USA

If I read the Bible correctly, the Jews came out of the desert, and destroyed cities because their God told them too.
So what's wrong with the American view "Who put our oil under their ground?".
Notice how the President and his minions always end with "God Bless America". Which God, particularly?

Mal, Edmonton, Canada

I so look forward to the day when our nation is mature enough to accept an atheist for high office. Religion will always provide security to those in pain, and to those who would rather cling to ancient superstition than science, but I can only hope I never have to hear "God Bless America" again.

Edward Hodges, Santa Barbara, USA

Praying for the completion of a $30 billion pipeline in church has echoes of Temples and prayers being usurped by a den of thieves: cash issues should be outside church walls. Rapture politics and the end-of-times obsession is worrying, hopeless, and Old Testament. It's not about Christian love.

Titania, Wells, Somerset, UK

It's not that having a faith is freaky (even if it does not say anything good about a person's critical thinking skills), but rather that having such an extreme faith, and forcing the views suggested by that faith onto the populace is general, is freaky. Christian views on morals are not universal.

James, Los Angeles, USA

I assume Belief and IQ have a direct, but inverse, correlation. It's an shocking thought that should Palin become head of state (due to the old boy dying in office), the most powerful person on the planet wants creationism taught at school. Please, all sane Americans, dont let this happen.

Simon, Geneva,

I heard that the PM of New Zealand is agnostic and so was her chief opponent. WHAT a relief it would be not to have politicians waving their beliefs in our faces and trying to stuff them down our throats! I don't care who your Invisible Friend is; keep it to yourself.

Tina Rhea, Greenbelt Maryland, US

I highly commend Sarah for joining a BIBLE Church. Our nation needs more leaders that are rooted in the Bible and its true teachings. And yes, I do hope that they invite a "Jews for Jesus" speaker back again. John McCain and Sarah Palin have MY vote and the votes of all of my Christian friends.

Donna Sue Fraley, East Liverpool,

For all of you who wish for a leader who doesn't believe in "fairy tales", we have seen them before......Stalin, Mao, etc.

MIke, Houston, US

Phil your welcome to your beliefs but thats just what they are beliefs!

eddy, Bolton,

Be very, very scared of this woman. McCain's choice is an insult to the intelligence of every voter. Those of us who have intelligence. Let the culture wars recommence with renewed vigo(u)r. Ken McRatty and born-again Barbie must be stopped.

Keith, Milwaukee, WI, USA

Here in the U.S.A., the President serves as our 'Pope', as we continue our sojourn in this great land and our outward thrust in the world to protect our sovereignty. That's why we'll never have a non-Christian to lead us as we're descendants of Puritan stock. The Church is the State!

Henry, Warrenton, Missouri

I believe in Santa. Can I please be president?

Johan, Stockholm, Sweden

anyone who believes creationism is possible should not be allowed to vote let alone be in charge of a nuclear arsenal.

why is is that only in america out of all the industrialised nations are beliefs like this still prevalent? it can't all be explained by their poor education standards.

cameron, london,

A religious fanatic with anti-semitic and homophobic sympathies, who also believes in the use of 'creativity' in the claiming of gubernatorial expenses. Mrs Palin can also justify Alaskan independence, under age sex, and abuse of authority. I too shall pray to my god for an Obama victory.

Donovan Wright, Reading, Berkshire,

So the Republicans have chosen a creationist for VP. It is good to see that they still value the ability in their leaders to dismiss the evidence and ignore the facts in favour of their personal beliefs. That tendency took Bush into Iraq. Where will it take McCain-Palin

John, Brussels,

Richard,
Your believe in climate change. A total act of faith as there is no scientific evidence for it. At least none for human driven climate change. The sun and seas vary and our climate and temeratures rise and fall. Do some research and you will find out the truth for yourself.

Dan Carruthers , Boise Idaho , USA

If Palin ever becomes president we all better start praying!

Here's hoping the World sees its 6020th birthday - that's 8 years from now according to Sarah!

Jonathan, Oxfordshire, England

I cannot see how the devout should hold public office. Anyone who believes that Creationism is true is so warped by blind faith that they are incapable of making an objective decision based on facts rather than prejudice. TRUTH is what can be proven by facts, not what one wants to believe.

Phil, London, UK

God how I wish all believers could be whisked away - taking their tomes of idiocy with them - to leave Earth for the rest of us ...

david, london, england

Yes we are living very near the "predicted end time" that is clear to anyone who understands and uses his/hers bible.
As for "the separation of state and church" it is completely misunderstood. The founding fathers intended to protect churches from the state, not the state from morality....!!

Andrew, Sacramento, USA

So why is having a religious faith suddenly deemed freaky? People have been committed Christians for 2000 years. They have never stopped believing that God made the world (whether in 6 days or 6 billion years) or that Jesus will come again. These are historic orthodox beliefs.

giles, London,

In the bible speaking in tongues meant everyone whatever their language could understand you. In Christianity today it means babbling away in an manner incomprehensible to anyone. That the people doing it are too stupid to spot the differnce is a clear message whatever your language.

Tom, Aldershot, UK

It is amazing that a belief such as creationsim still exists in the minds of so many well educated Americans. Mrs Palin's candidacy has highlighted a deep rooted religious conservatism in America, which unfortunatey will influence voters as opposed to viewing the actual policies of each party.

Charles , Dubai, UAE

America was hit by 9/11, Katrina, Gustav etc.. Are these God 's acts against the sinners? No. These religious nuts sent Bush to the White House rather than McCain last time. He is now playing the religious card through Palin. He wants to be president at all cost. 'county first' slogan is hollow.

gary smith, LONDON, UK

The constitutional separation between church and state is not designed to keep religion out of politics. In fact, it meant to keep politicians out of religious freedoms. To understand it the other way around is to actually violate the UN declaration of Human Rights on religious liberty.

Tom Price, Chertsey, UK

To Mike in Rome

That is exactly the sort of intolerance that religion breeds, your words show the reason exactly why state and church need to remain seperated for the good of ALL!

richard, norwich, uk

It's never a good idea to mix politics with religion, specially when a politician claims that his/her missions or ideas come directly from God, without obviously the possibility of a confirm...

I'm very scared if this concepts become the paradigm of the United States Government...

Simone, London, UK

Reading these comments, all I can say is: what a bizarre perception non-Americans have of America. That the international press is largely responsible for these ignorant opinions as stated above goes without saying.

MJ, Orlando, USA

Reading the comments by the religiously minded Americans on this blog brings makes me wonder whether there was a valid reason for us persecuting the Pilgrim fathers in the first place….

aaron, london,

The USA should be left to do whatever it wants if it doesn't impact on others, unfortunately their lust for oil means we are all at risk. Add to this people in positions of power with strong religious convictions, and we could have a self fulfilling prophecy, scary times ahead.

j whiteside, Lytham, Lancashire, England

I wish these brain washed zealots would stop presuming to talk for God! As Thomas Aquinas, once the prince of Catholic theologians, said, "About God we can say this much - we do not know what (s)he is."

And yet man, who cannot make an earthworm, makes God's by the dozen!

John Watson, Halifax, Canada

As a Catholic, I know the communist/ freemasons infiltrated the chruch during late 19th and early 20th century. Vatican II is a testement to thier agenda. All religions are now controlled by evil forces as Christianity has suffered the most, and western civilization is being destroyed as we speak.

james, venice, fl, USA

Wake up you loonies - god is just superstition.

greg, wigan, England

Imagine theres no heaven.....

J. Lennon

Warren, ft. lauderdale, USA

Those interested in avoiding talk about Obama's religion and religious associates should not open discussion on Palin's past experience and religious views. You're lighting up your glass house like a beacon.

JD, Rochester, USA

I am not a religious person but if I were I would be on my knees praying to God to save the world from the McCain-Palin duo. If elected, their decisions will affect the lives of millions of people who do not deserve to suffer the results of their decisions and policies.

Matilde, London,

If you don't believe in Darwinism, you will be sent to a New Labour Camp for re-education.
Everyone knows Darwin was right, never mind that there's not one iota of fossil transition forms between species, we know he was right and that's good enough for us.

Mardo, London,

It is a Crazy House but not Elections. And the farer it goes the funnier it becomes. Two sides are fighting each other and both have a problems with God. Hithens ;)
I like it.

Peter, Vladivostok, Russia

How can any sane person follow someone who says such ridiculous load of nonsense like "Scripture specifically mentions oil instability as a sign of the Rapture" . I would like to know where abouts 'specifically' does it mention oil instability in the bible. Dont people ever learn from past mistakes?

Heath, Surrey, UK

Good on her. Strong enough to believe in the truth and not ashamed to say it.

james, Blackpool,

America is so full of indoctrination and ignorance that they'll be voting Ted Haggard for Pres one of these days.
WAKE UP AMERICA before you destroy civilisation in the name of religion. You know nothing about god, only your church which can be proved to have no connection to god by it's lies.

Matt, Antibes, france

I believe Palin to be a backward looking woman riddled with personal prejudice and completely unsuited to a life in politics, which itself is based on pragmatism. If she becomes vice president American diplomacy will suffer greatly.

Tony Makara, Manchester,

I would strongly advise anyone intelligent and curious to quickly read the story of Edgar Cayce. Are we living at the end of another age? Probably. Have there been advanced human civilisations of which we know nothing? Quite likely. In which case the Bible picks up from the last disaster. Oh dear!

Chris, London,

Oh for some intelligent open-minded candidates who can think for themselves, and not these ignorant religious types who seem to be under the spell of their smooth-talking pastors. It's no wonder much of the civilised world views the antics of the USA with amusement and horror.

Chris K, Cheltenham, UK

The irony is that Palin apparently isn't bright enough to understand climate change, which is the one thing that really could bring about the "end of days" - at least for civilisation as we know it.

Richard Milne, Edinburgh,

Ms Palin is playing the role she was chosen for: coaxing the Ev Protestant Right and the Jews to vote for McCain. It's come down to Protestant vs Catholic again with Biden & the Kennedys vs Palin & McCain with race as a sideshow. God help Obama: Daniel in the lion's den of US presidential politics!

Dr David Green, Athens, Greece

When I hear would-be world leaders talk about any god in their decision-making I tend to reach for my tin hat. The average simple American can spout fairy tales but I prefer my presidents to be sane pragmatists with a grasp of reality.
Simply believing in something doesn't make it a fact.

Strictly Secular, Eastbourne, UK

Another prophet of the impending apocalypse. Yawn! You'd think people would have grown up a little bit over the past couple of thousand years. The sooner we drop our blind "faith" in this mythical saviour and start looking after ourselves, the better.

Phil, Baar, Switzerland

Having heard her talk about Iraq being akin to a holy war or quest it is frightening to think that the US would believe WW III would be further away if this 'ticket' were elected.

Be careful for what you wish for - nightmares as well as dreams can come true.

Paulo, London,

I wish separation of church and state would actually have some truth to it!! There are too many different religions, beliefs, values, cultures, etc. in the States to try and enforce one all-encompassing, aggressive gospel (aka Palin/McCain) on the entire country. I'll pray to my 'god' for Obama!

Caitlin , West Palm Beach, FL, USA

Born Again Jews for Jesus, are among the Jewish State of Israel's strongest supporters. It is not implicitly inconsistent to believe that Jews should accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and to support the zionist state of Israel. All Jews need a safe place to call home.

David Erlichman, Norristown, PA

I am in Hong Kong, watching the drama of the election and I am filled with terror. What is the matter with Americans? How can you equate 5 years as a prisoner of war and coming out at the bottom of his class with being Commander in Chief? A vice president candidate who calls herself a "pitbull'?

Torun Chakrabarty, Hong Kong, China

Constitutional separation of Church and State? Huh? Last time I looked, it wasn't in the Constitution.

Justin, OKC, OK, USA

Palin did not say that the troops were on a task from God. She said that they need to 'pray that they are on a task that is from God." Not the word "pray." She is hoping that what they have done is God's will and that His will is done, but she is not claiming that it was in fact His will.

Dan M., Morgantown, WV, USA

"..., religious culture and a great many other things are almost mutually incomprehensible among large segments of the British and U.S. electorates."

But these and a great many other things are clear to you, EAG, down there in the Maritimes. Everyone pontificates, but it sounds like bar talk.

DAV, Montreal, Canada

She said to a quest. by a reporter if intel. design should be taught in school or evolution she said "both, the more info the better'" From this simple statment stupid comments from clueless Britions about creationsm in Alaskan schools. Her father was a science teacher that taught evolution.

DJ, Philly,

George W Bush never had a Presbyterian background. He was raised an an Episcopalian, then became a United Methodist later in life.

Matthew Christian Wayne, Toledo, Ohio, USA

Trish Hunt, Canberra, Australia -- Thank you, well said.

To those who do not understand religion in the US, read the US
Constitution. It states that the government can not make laws
restricting or supporting religion. Thus, the US has produced quality leaders such as M. L. King, T. Jefferson, etc.

john, placentia, california republic

It has always struck me that the religious believe in an incredibly lazy god. If "god" wants a pipeline built or "his" enemies slaughtered why doesn't he do it "himself"?

I mean what is the point of an omnipotent god that can't do simple chores "himself"?

Colin Wilson, Lower Hutt, New Zealand

I don't know why the media always portrays members of Assembly of God Churches as on the fringe of society. The AG is the fifth largest christian denomination in the world with 48 million members. They have members from all demographics. There are thoudands of non-AG churches who believe the same

Jayson, Hobbs, USA

Why do so many Americans still embrace the party whose leaders sold their birthright, pillaged the treasury, and shipped their children off to fight an illegitimate war. You'd think this time they'd elect leaders who actually graduated at the top of the class. Hmmm.

Robert, Vancouver, Canada

Mrs Palin's candidacy gets more and more bizarre.

Wolfgang, Boulder, CO, USA

I think we're seeing the beginning of the end for the US as a superpower here. They're losing it.

Peter, Sydney, Australia

Creationism is a largely discredited theory in the US, despite what you may read. On the other hand, pro-life and gun-rights views are shared by most, not all, Americans, regardless of their religion. Palin's views align her with 60% of Americans, the other 40% can't stand her. I'm with the 60%.

Jamie, New Hampshire, USA

Church is no place to tell people how to vote.I change church
because of it. I am saved I am not a Republican the church should not claim a tax exemption when they bring politics into it. Republican use fear tactic like 911 and the preachers that support them use Hell if you don't do it their way.

Faye Hudson, Jay, USA

What is religion with out Faith? and what is a Church but a point of gathering? But to be a true leader TO LEAD people in time of trials one must have bin lead them selfs. Palin knows how to Lead because she knows how to follow.
One Must say GET OVER THE RELIGION!

jhon, NY NY,

>>>Mike, Rome, Italy

Catholicism is not true church of Christ, Orthodoxy is. Although Catholicism is far close to Christ than protestants.

Alexey, Ural, Russia

Palin has a right to believe in what she wants It's highly amazing to me how for ex. homosexuals can get up, and talk about their sexuality, and they get a standing ovation meanwhile someone of faith can stand up, and talk about what they believe in, and now they get crucified SICKENING I TELL YA!!

Al, Chicago, USA

Ah more barking mad Americans in a position of power. The world has little future as long as people like this get elected to public office. Didn't the Americans learn after putting Bush and Cheyney into the White House?

lawson B, london,

Wow, the more I hear about Gov. Palin the more I like her. She doesn't beleive in killing babies; she believes in heterosexual marriage; she believes in the Creator; therefore, I as an Americans have inalienable rights. She is just what the doctor ordered for the health of our nation.

John Mac, Pennsylvania, USA

Obama, McCain, Biden and Palin are all creationists - they are all declared Christians and thus of necessity believe in "God the Creator". The question is the extent to which they regard the Bible as a literal account of the creation. It's not about faith, not about creation: it's about the Bible.

AGB, Dallas, USA

Actually, the Protestant faiths all came from the Catholic faith, which itself was established at the same time as 4 other churches by an edict from the Roman Emporer.

The Orthodox Church and the Coptic Church were established at the same time as the Catholic Church, from the original Christians.

Trish Hunt, Canberra, Australia

Ann, if you stress freedom OF religion, and deny freedom FROM religion, do you mean that everyone in America HAS to have a belief, but that the government has no say in what that belief system is? The point of freedom OF religion is that everyone has a choice. Some people choose LACK of a deity.

Ashe, Chicago,

Separation of Church and State doesn't mean promoting atheism. It means no specific church can become the Official State Church - like the Anglicans in Britain, Catholics in Germany, etc. And, Mike, the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt is older the the Catholic Church. So maybe we should all join it?

Liz, LA,

I spent 2 years living with a highly religious group of American farmers & their families in 1970s, and these people were amongst the best I have known in my life. They holidayed in Alaska!

Infinitely better than the left wing intellectuals whom I worked with as a consultant to world governments.

Richard, Bucharest,

Speaking as an atheist, no matter what her religious beliefs are, she has a right to them as long as she does not proselytise and try to force her belief system on others.Almost all national leaders have belief systems of some kind be they Muslim, Hindu or whatever, few have faced such criticism.

Dr Andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada

There is something deeply, deeply strange about the mixture of politics and religion in the US. It is something most Brits find either uncomfortable or just plain amusing.

Derek, Swindon,

There really is a lot of common ground between evangelical right wing Christians and fundamentalist Muslims. Neither wants to see it, but i feel as alienated and a at a loss to explain either group.

Tim, Seoul, Korea

It amazes me that some from outside the US (UK, Australia, NZ, etc.) fail to understand a fundamental truth: that we do indeed have freedom OF religion here, not freedom FROM religion. Our country was begun by people with strong beliefs but who fled other countries with state religions. Thank God!

Ann, McAllen, USA

Its always the same on the blog enteries...US people support the Evangelical stance, defend Creationism, are happy to look past issues such as anti-abortion (because she's a strong woman!?). The rest of world look on in disbelief that a country like the US can even consider her a viable option.

AT, Sydney,

Am I the only person who is confused by the fact that the American constitution totally seperates the State and religion;
( so no compulsory RK etc in public schools) and yet the electorate insist on politicians wearing religion on their sleeve?

Judith, New York/London,

I thought Australia was rapidly becoming as barmy as Lala land, but these comments seem to suggest "not so"
I'd not be surprised if Palin announced that the World was created by a giant prawn called Boris! Too much interbreeding ( not enough sheep!) That's the main problem here in USA!

john Wood, Uxbridge, UK

It seems to me that this is the crux of the McCain strategy: take an unknown hockey mom from Alaska, tell everyone she’s a reformer, lie about her record in order to convince people of it, then keep her sequestered from the press when they start asking questions. God help her in debate vs. Biden!!!

Joe, London, UK

First Governor Palin has NOT supported "the teaching of Creationism in schools" as either a mayor or as Governor of Alaska. Second, political culture, religious culture and a great many other things are almost mutually incomprehensible among large segments of the British and U.S. electorates.

EAG, Maritimes, Canada

“I’m just looking at the turmoil of the world, Iraq, other places – everywhere people are fighting against Christ.”

And I thought that Dubya, Blair & co. were fighting their crusade FOR Christ.

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

McCain does NOT care what happens to America and the world as long as he gets into the Whitehouse with the help of Palin. And God help America and the world if the woman with snow in her brainbox ever gets into the Whitehouse.

San Ying, Montreal, Canada

Kindly reread the letter we sent you 232 years ago. It says, "... that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...". I like having a president who thinks freedom is the default state instead of a gift from him.

Joseph, New York City, USA

Dear Mike, I think I will stay a Lutheran, but thank you for the offier. Sarah Palin needs to be reminded that the teaching of creationism in public schools is prohibited by the 1st amendment. I believe in Evolution because God continues to create.

Marlene, Alexandria, VA, USA

Oh for a leader of the free world who doesn't believe in fairy tales.

j, adelaide, australia

My goodness... Thanks America for inflicting these series of nutcases upon the rest of the world.

They make Obama's former preacher look sensible in comparison.

MK, AU,

I want a non-religious president :-/

Keith B, Denton, United States

Like all creationists she should be given a white jacket, padded cell and some soothing medicine and never be seen from again... unfortunately history tells us Americans will give her the keys to the world and wars in the name of god will increase... long live democracy

Dean, Christchurch, NZ

I don't agree with Palin's religious views, but so what? I shake my head at those who think her beliefs will become the law of the land if McCain-Palin are elected. But I do admire her values concerning the constitution and self-reliance and anti-socialism. This is what counts to me.

lawhite, Idaho, USA

Are there more and bigger earthquakes now than before?
It seems that last year and this year there's a 6 or 7 size earthquake somewhere nearly every day. Is it just that the instruments are more sensitive? Or are the prophecies being fulfilled?

Kent Quaid, Port Ambrose, USA

The woman's a half wit.

Paul, Milton Keynes, UK

Sarah Palin's conservative views are a relief! Biblical authority will stand against honest and intelligent scrutiny, so intelligent people better get use to those who follow it and have it as their foundation for their political opinions. History shows this as the fvery oundation of America.

cynthia, Hollywood, USA

Is there anyone on the Presidential ticket who ISN'T from a slightly iffy church?

Obama has 'it's ok to be racist in context' Wright, Biden's a member of a Megachurch and Palin's pastor has been reading WAY too much revelations.

John Swaine, Malta, Malta

She should return to the faith of her forebears and become a Catholic - the true and authentic Church of Christ. As should all Protestants.

Mike, Rome, Italy