REVIEW OF SCARBOROUGH’S BOOK: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
by Don Wilkey

Rick Scarborough’s Enough is Enough, published by Jerry Falwell’s Liberty Press, is a work dedicated to promoting theocracy over traditional church/state views. The goal of a theocracy is to supplant people-rule with a type of God-rule. The figure who determines what God wants is an authoritative minister.

The cover of the book carries a picture of a clinched fist. This appears to be a symbol of Scarborough’s approach to Christians and politics. Rick says he grew discouraged at his work as an evangelist and now sees more hope for America in his political activism. The pastor now reflects on his 14 years as an evangelist and sees this work as having less significant impact than political activism.

Rick now sees his calling as being fulfilled in what U.S. Congressman Tom DeLay described as taking over Pearland, Texas’ school board, city and county governments. DeLay concluded this statement to the National Christian Coalition meeting by saying Rick is now going to take over the state of Texas. Tom then admonished the crowd to “take back America for the Lord.”

Several Religious Right figures endorse the work in its forward and back cover. Paige Patterson, Jerry Falwell, Adrian Rogers, and Ronnie Floyd, as well as Jimmy Draper, head of Southern Baptists’ Sunday School Board, are listed as encouraging support for Scarborough’s ideas.

The author uses the term “Christian Nation” to describe America. This terminology is offensive to many in the country. By implication, Jews and other religious sects are not welcome. The concept implies that the U.S. government is to favor the Christian faith contrary to the First Amendment. Rick takes a further step saying that “The separation of church and state is a lie.”

The pastor encourages churches to participate in civil politics because anti- Christians control the country. Rick bragged that Pearland civic leaders consult with local pastors before making decisions in the Texas city. He concludes with instructions on how to take over a precinct. He then announces how his personal founding of a Pastor’s Roundtable has gained political clout in electing officials to office.

October 1996