The Christian Exodus movement is the Religious Right's machine to take over a state, particularly the state of South Carolina. The movement has been growing, and it has caused concern for even some clergy.
Some are worried about Christian Exodus’ suggestion that the church should use the power of the state to enforce biblical morality, said Dan Olinger, a professor in the seminary at Bob Jones University in Greenville.
"We want to be good citizens and participants, but we’re not really interested in using the iron fist of the law to compel people to everything Christians should do," Olinger said.
Bob Marcaurelle, interim pastor at Mountain Springs Baptist Church in Piedmont, said the Middle Ages were proof enough that Christian ruling groups are almost always corrupted by power.
"When Christianity becomes the government, the question is whose Christianity?" Marcaurelle asked.
I am surprised a professor at Bob Jones would come out against this movement. I honestly though they were in league.
Since I haven't monitored the Christian Exodus in a while, I decided to check out their site. What I discovered was frightening as they are well on their way with Phase 1.
The first move of ChristianExodus.org members has commenced. Our Supporting Members voted and selected a County for Phase One. We believe we can reestablish constitutionally limited government in this county with the relocation of 100 dedicated Christian activists. That number of activist émigrés, when combined with the present Christian electorate, will enable constitutionalists to win the city council, the county council, elected law enforcement positions, and elected judgeships. We will then be able to protect our God-given and constitutionally protected rights within our local community.
CE members moving to South Carolina, but unable to live in or near our Phase One county due to considerations such as employment, are still encouraged to act during our first Phase. You will be laying the groundwork for future phases in other counties, and South Carolina's small geographical size will enable you to participate in political activism statewide.
Initial goals:
1. 100 new activists in or near our Phase One county in time for the 2008 primary elections.
2. Work several local campaigns in 2008 & win a majority on the council of our Phase One county (additional election goals set at that time).
3. Complete goals for Phase One county by end of 2009.
Although they do not specify which county they are currently pursuing, The State's article indicates that it is Anderson. This is truly sad, as it is currently the front line in the battle to remove the blue laws. However, if Christian Exodus succeeds, there are worse things to worry about. Elected law enforcement officials with a debt owed to Christian Exodus will likely enforce antiquated moral codes that violate everyone's rights. Lawrence vs. Texas; whatever?! The police will be monitoring your bedroom once again, in the name of 'Christian' morality.
I'm glad some unlikely people are standing up to this theocratic takeover of local government. However, the only way to stave off the impending election of theocrats is to become actively involved in Anderson's '08 elections. A South Carolinian such as myself working the presidential campaign makes almost no sense aside from phone banking. So, I know where hitting the streets next year.
Fighting back is the only solution.