Sarah Palin Witchcraft Video Stirs Church Controversy

Another Controversial Church Video in Presidential Election 2008

Whether you call it religious whackjobberry (Phoenix New Times) or much ado about nothing, the latest political buzz, besides the economy, is the so-called Sarah Palin Witchcraft Video. As shown on YouTube and reported by the Associated Press, the 2005 church video shows Gov. Sarah Palin being blessed by a Kenyan minister -- to include protection against "all forms of witchcraft."

Filmed at the Wasilla Assembly of God church in Alaska, the Sarah Palin Witchcraft Video depicts Bishop Thomas Muthee praying aloud over a standing, palms-up Palin. The event is rather subdued in comparison to even some TV evangelists programs, lacking physical evidence of fainting and shouting.

Sarah Palin does not speak in the video as Bishop Muthee prays, to include: "Come on, talk to God about this woman. We declare, save her from Satan," and "Make her way my God. Bring finances her way even for the campaign in the name of Jesus." (See the Sarah Palin Witchcraft Video for the full context).

Sarah Palin Witchcraft Video and religious debates

Interestingly, some critics, who profess to protect all religious and fringe freedoms, believe this religious video will be the demise of Sarah Palin. Admittedly, a public display of the laying on of hands is uncommon to the majority of Christian churches, it is far from a fringe ideology. It is estimated that over 20 million Pentecostals live in the U.S. alone., with close to 230,000 churches worldwide.

Additionally, the term witchcraft is used throughout the Christian bible as well as those of pagan origin - denoting various forms of evil and otherworldly practice.

The legitimate debate of any presidential and vice-presidential candidate is how religion affects their world view and politics. Religion has been a primary focus this year, for better and worse, in this campaign, not limited to: Sen. Barack Obama and Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Sen. John McCain and Pastor Rod Parsley, rumors that Obama is a muslim, and the candidates' answers at the Rich Warren Saddleback Forum -- on abortion or otherwise.

Is the Sarah Palin Witchcraft Video nuts?