Bonnie

Great analysis, Cheryl, you’re absolutely right. I think what was (and is) going on is attempt to save a dying tradition, that CBMW folk honestly believe was the “right way.” They see cultural acceptance of sexual immorality as well as secular feminist disregard for men, and think notions of biblical equality are related. Their concerns about societal immorality are valid, but they are striving for the wrong corrective.

In Palin, they merely see political victory, that’s why they can “justify” their support of her. (Their support of her is also quite utilitarian, when you get right down to it.) Then, of course, they must invent a reason why such justification is justifiable :-). Which is this supposed separation of church from the rest of society. I agree that it’s inconsistent. It’s inconsistent because of what’s truly motivating them — a desire to “right” the world, and use whatever means they can. I am certain that if there were a male candidate with Palin’s values, they would have supported him over her.

“Even though the Bible reserves final authority in the church for men, this does not apply in the kingdom of this world.” –CBMW

I would have to ask, as you do, WHY? When they say it’s because the church is eternal and this world is passing away, they are misunderstanding the eternal/temporal split, and seeing it somewhere where it’s not. The form of the church will not continue into eternity, though the souls of the saved (the real church) will. There will be a different order altogether in the Kingdom of God. (The temporal church is by no means “pure”; it is tainted by worldliness as well.)