Sunday, November 02, 2008

What's Palin have in common with Steven Curtis Chapman?

What does Sarah Palin have in common with Steven Curtis Chapman?

Thanks to Peter Chattaway for pointing this out, originally from 92Y blog.

Q: My final question is: Sarah Palin. Discuss.

A: Sarah Palin is "Becky." That's the industry term for the typical
Christian radio listener --the churchgoing working mom who doesn't want to
think too hard about anything. She wants programming that affirms what she
already believes and that's safe for the kids in the backseat. Nothing
makes it on to the airwaves if it's going to upset or confuse Becky.

Becky likes to say things like, "God has a plan for your life" and "God
doesn't give you more than you can handle." Usually I have no problem with
anyone who wants to believe that, because if it helps them keep going when
they lose their job or get a serious illness, more power to them. My
concern about Sarah Palin is that she really thinks God thinks she's ready
to be vice president, otherwise why would he have put that on John
McCain's heart (to use the Christianese). A more contemplative Christian
might have prayed about this situation and been forced to admit that she
wasn't really ready to be a heartbeat away from the presidency. When Becky
prays, she almost always hears the response she wanted in the first place.

I have always argued Christian radio is aimed squarely at 45-year-old white woman in red state America. They're the ones who listen to James Dobson's "Focus on the Family" and enjoy "safe and encouraging" music by the likes of MercyMe and Steven Curtis Chapman. Never dawned on me that Sarah Palin is that listener. Interesting.

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