opinion of this scene

[Purple State]

Phil, you misread the scene as an attack on religion, rather than what it really is, a catharsis.

I thought it was incredible. After what was going on in the previous episodes, this was a culmination of so much pent up energy. It was a sort of catharsis for the president and the viewers. I think it was moving in its own right, rather than a jab at any group.

If you want that then this is the scene you should criticize: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHaVUjjH3EI

Another phenomenal West Wing moment.

[Purple State]

Why is this being episode being read into as a jab at religion? Take it for what it is: a cathartic release of raw human emotion.

Especially when watching the episodes on DVD rather than when they originally aired (as I am doing), you get the buildup of emotion from the previous episodes faster because I don't wait a week between episodes. It just becomes a massive release of emotion. I think it is a great way to just relieve the audience of all the frustration and emotion building to that point.