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Pentecostal Questions Haunt Palin

McCain may be avoiding pastor attacks to avoid focus on Palin's beliefs

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2008 6:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – John McCain has so far avoided attacking Barack Obama's controversial pastor in what may be a strategy to keep Sarah Palin's preachers out of the spotlight, Time reports. Palin officially left her Pentecostal church before campaigning for lieutenant governor but has made many return visits—including one in 2005 when a bishop prayed to protect her from witchcraft.

Palin's presence has energized evangelical Republicans, but they might cool quickly to the candidate if they find she retains Pentecostal beliefs, observers say. Evangelicals and Pentecostals share many beliefs—including those involving the apocalyptic "End Times" of the world—but tension exists on some theological issues. Pentecostals place great emphasis on the Holy Spirit, which they believe can manifest itself through healing and speaking in tongues.

[Images (5)]

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A sign for the Wasilla Bible Church marks the church in Wasilla, Alaska. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

A sign marks the Wasilla Assembly of God church in Wasilla, Alaska. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Sarah Palin's Wasilla Bible Church. (AP Photo/Al Grillo)

Sarah Palin speaks at a rally near Wilmington, Ohio, this week. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

A pastor prays over Sarah Palin to ward off withcraft in one of the candidate's controversial prayer meetings. (csmovieman)

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Sarah Palin takes part in an anti-witchcraft ceremony. (csmovieman)

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Pentecostal Questions Haunt Palin