| Nervously, I walked toward the entrance of the North Charleston Coliseum amid hundreds of conservative Christians, through a maze of tables from which vendors sold books written by the featured minister and by other authors of similar political and religious beliefs. Before entering the arena, I glanced over my shoulder toward a small group of protesters who stood along the sidewalk leading to the entrance; they were carrying signs boldly stating, "Hate Is Not a Family Value." |
| "Hate?" a man in front of me asked his companion. "Do you feel any hate here?" |
| He had a point. Although I felt no hateat least, not yetI sensed an intellectual rigidity, an armor of defense against points of view not easily aligned with those of most of the attendees. |
| Lesleymy partner's niece, who had recently earned acceptance into the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentuckyaccompanied me to Pat Robertson's Christian Coalition rally in the state most receptive to his views, both political and religious. This assertion isn't a rash generalization; it's a fact that statistics easily prove. Whenever the Christian Coalition hosts its annual national conference, South Carolina sends more delegates than does any other state in the nation. |
| My presence at the rally was driven by curiosity. Lesley, who was visiting for an extended weekend, leaped at the chance to see Pat Robertson in the flesh. Grateful for her companionship, I purchased her a ticket. I wanted her to accompany me, primarily because she was comfortable with many components of this particular brand of Christianity. She would help me fit in during the pre-show dinner, catered by the Mormon-owned Marriott International corporationa particular irony, considering many in tonight's audience would not consider Mormons to be "true Christians." |
| As we made our way to our table, I was impressed by the gaudy patriotism of the red, white, and blue banners adorning the coliseumhome of the Charleston Stingrays ice hockey teamas well as the mammoth ceiling-suspended television screen from which George Bush, Rush Limbaugh, Ronald Reagan, Pat Robertson, and other conservative Republicans would speak out against America's liberal scourge. At my circular table seating ten people, I sat next to a pregnant woman who sheepishly greeted me. I |
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