The Newlins were NOT created by Alan Ball. They were created by Charlaine Harris, who wrote the Sookie Stackhouse Books. Just Clarifying That.

They'd love Vampires as long as they gave their stupid Megachurch a big donation.

As far as I know, the bible doesn't say vampires shall not lie with other vampires, so there's no reason for Christians to hate them.

I think the Newlins were just stereotypical ultra-conservative Christians. It just so happens that there are many such couples in the real world.
It was a good find though. I love that the girls have the same crazy hair.

Or, it could be based on any other freakishly cheery tv evangelist couple. They are all scary in their own right.

Absolutely based on them. I knew it the minute they were introduced into the show. Even down to the accents. Can't wait till the new season starts!

I just hope the Newlin's storyline is over and done with.

Well since the Vampire rights storyline on True Blood is an allegory for gay rights I think it's pretty obvious. The Osteen's may "preach nothing but love" except when it comes to gay people. They believe someone can be "cured" of being gay and have contempt for gay people who don't want to be "cured"

I definitely think the resemblance was done on purpose, but not for the reason mentioned in the article. There are a lot of televangelist who preach hate, but I have never seen the Osteens preach anything but love. As a matter of fact, Osteen is one of the most accepting mega church pastors in the world, so I don't think the actions of the Newlins are any sort of critique on the Osteens. However, they are undoubtedly one of the most well known evangelical couples, so their image was probably conjured to evoke the popular image of televangelists.