No...I don't mean the creed they follow. Heaven knows there are many many many more than two of them. No, here's what I think the difference is (at least to my eyes).
There are the "tshirt slogan" christians....and the "internalized" christians.
Here's what I mean. The "tshirt slogan" christians, while fine folk with strong beliefs, feel that they must advertise their "christianity" to any and everyone. I've seen these kind of folk throughout the world. You know the type and can "see" them in your own mind far better than I can describe them. Take Mr. Perry for exampe. Today, he's holding a political rally poorly disguised as a "prayer meeting". If you want to spend the time, take a look at the guest list! Showy....all about "christianity" while raising funds for a political campaign. IMHO...very poor judgement. One can only wonder why the good Gov. hasn't done one of these before. Why this one in particular comes at this particular time. Ah well, again, IMHO, very poor judgement...and gives me a terrible feeling of mis-trust in the guy. The phrase that keeps popping into my head is "all for show".
Now...the other....the "internalized" christians. There has been one and only one true saint alive - at least of whom I am aware - in my lifetime. And that is Mother Theresa. Yes...we all saw occasional pictures of her in her nun garb...usually when she was out and about trying to raise money to help her in her work. What we saw very little of was the day to day activity of this remarkable woman. A woman who let her chrisianity shine by busting her butt for the poores of the poor in sections of India where animals couldn't even live. No preaching...no "symbology", no praying...just vast amounts of very hard, very dirty work.
No I am not going to compare Mrs. Palin to Mother Theresa...except to say, that Mrs. Palin "wears" her christianity on the inside (as did Mother Theresa and countless millions of others do today). She lives by it. If asked about it, she will answer directly, truthfully (I honestly believe that if that lady every tried to lie, her tongue would snap out of her head!)...and then go back to doing her business. She leads by her life...and if that example convinces someone to become a christian or to follow a christian lifestyle, all well and good.
Give me the "internal" christian over the "tshirt slogan" christian any day. For the simple fact of the matter - at least for me - is this. I trust implicitly Mrs. Palin. What I "see" is exactly what I get. Take it or leave it. Scarce "grey" area. She is what she is.
As to Mr. Perry...I've no idea what is there. I get the queasy, uneasy feeling that - given the moment - he'll use his "tshirt slogan" christianity smoothly as a club, an inducement, or a reward...depending on the situation. But what is he like internally?? I have no idea. Worse, if he tried to tell me, I wouldn't believe him for a second. In short, Mr. Perry is a politician...and as far removed from real, "on the street" people as a politician can get.
So...if ever there comes a time to vote between these two, you now know for whom my vote will be cast. Take it or leave it.
Of course, IMHO.