Well, Slag, semantics can be tricky.

I would think that while "ideology" and "ideologue" may come from the same root, "ideologue" has the implication of a mindless adherent to a political creed, while "ideology" does not necessarily have that same implication of mindlessness. In this thread, both extremes agree that religious belief and socialism are incompatible. Ideologues on both extremes agree that Jesus was a mind-controlling, authoritarian capitalist; and that socialist thought does not allow for those who have religious leanings. As for me, I take a gentler view of religious faith - and of socialism.

One could say that the basis of the American economy is debt; but it is equally true that the basis of the American economy is credit, which isn't so frightening.

-Joe-