[amplexus]

Now that Cersei has restored the High Septon's right to bear arms, what role will this group play as the posturing for power continues? Does Littlefinger have a plan to deal with this possibly unforseen blunder by the old girl? I find myself wondering about the reasons Mr. Martin could have had for introducing this piece in the puzzle, and figure it must play a key role since the power that gives the Faith is enormous.
Thoughts?

[Eperitos]

This is actually one of the things that concerned me about the book. I know that GRRM is pretty liberal and that he is not a big fan of Bush, so he might go and use this plot point to simply bash religion, which I would find rather annoying.

I may be a little paranoid, but I just really hope he doesn't turn it into a really big plot point. I remember after Bush won the '04 election he used his space about updating his progress on AFFC to voice his disapointment in the election outcome.

I hope that he didn't add the whole sub-plot about religion after that. The thing that worries me is that the religion never played a major part in the series before AFFC. I mean religion was there and some religious criticism was there (Davos about Melisandre), but it was relatively low-key.

One reason why I like Fantasy more than SF is because it doesn't shove leftwing ideology down my throat quite as often. So I hope that GRRM does not go all crazy on what has been, up to now, my favorite Fantasy series.

[The Other]

I think the Faith will support Dany whe she comes to Westeros. Right now they are not officially aligned with Cersei, and Dany's rightful claim on the Iron throne might make them go over to her side.

[Eventine]

Does she actually follow the faith though?
I can see her being looked upon as a heathen.

[JIF]

This is actually one of the things that concerned me about the book. I know that GRRM is pretty liberal and that he is not a big fan of Bush, so he might go and use this plot point to simply bash religion, which I would find rather annoying.

He doen't seem to have used the faith militant to "bash religion" so far. Afterall, the only major action the faith has taken so far is to bring down Cersei, that seemed like a very positive act to me.

Also, historical prescedent would argue that faith should resurge during civil war (Confucianism rose during China's warring states period, etc.). So by incluiding the rise of the faith militant Martin, IMO, is increasing the realism of his world

[Eperitos]

He doen't seem to have used the faith militant to "bash religion" so far. Afterall, the only major action the faith has taken so far is to bring down Cersei, that seemed like a very positive act to me.


I didn't say that he did bash religion. In fact I think I went out of my way to say that he didn't. Its just a concern of mine thats all.

[amplexus]

so, nobody really thinks anything akin to the crusades is in the works then?--lol

[ValarMorghulis]

Actually, a tie in to the crusades was the first thing to come to mind for me. I really enjoyed this last book, there were some real plot twists and more than enough fodder to keep me wondering how things are going to go.