David Sharlet says anti - tax Tea Party shows signs of evolving into religious movement . He says rising conservative Sen. DeMint is gatekeeper for Tea Party candidates to establishment . Price of admission , he says , is fealty to people 's religious views of Tea Party . Sharlet : Putting government in charge of religion tends to mix it with interests of wealthy .
Jeff Sharlet says anti-tax Tea Party shows signs of evolving into religious movement . He says GOP star Sen. DeMint is gatekeeper for Tea Party candidates to establishment . Price of admission , he says , is fealty to DeMint 's religious vision of Tea Party . Sharlet : Putting government in service of religion tends to align it with interests of wealthy .