I have been asked in a lot of emails and through a lot of Facebook links to participate and sign the Manhattan Declaration that was released in November 2009. The Manhattan Declaration was written by a wide range group of individuals from various faith denominations of the “Christian” faith. The declaration seeks to make a stand that Christians are united and in support of legislation that supports three specific areas: the sanctity of life, the union of marriage belongs exclusively to a man and a woman, and the right to religious liberty. The document was presented by some famous Christian leaders such as Chuck Colson and Albert Moler. In the time of my writing this over 250,000 individuals have signed the Manhattan Declaration agreeing to the entire seven page document.
Here is the link to the official Manhattan Declaration
I think it is important that I first say that there is a lot written within the Manhattan Declaration that a follower of Jesus Christ must agree with regarding the ethical stances that are taken. In addition, I also do believe without a doubt that very powerful and dark forces are at work in this world under the banner of secularism. They are moving more and more rapidly using keywords such as “social advancement” and “equal rights”. This powerful group make no mistake has every intention of destroying the Christian worldview. Evil men and women do hold today huge positions of authority and power within our culture. The timeless truth also exists that a true Christian witness will always enrage those who love darkness (John 7:7). I do also want to share that as I look at the various leaders behind the Manhattan declaration, I confess it is comforting and encouraging that the exact concerns that I have are shared by others that includes a large community of various belief systems.
But as I am reading through the Manhattan Declaration I was forced to ask myself a question, Where did the Apostles pass around an “Ephesian or Roman Declaration” for all the followers to sign? If the Manhattan Declaration is so monumental and important why do I not see something like this in Scripture. I am a Bible-believing Christian and I believe everything the Church needs as far as example and instruction is found within the pages of Scripture. I do believe in Sola Scriptura.
I also believe that the Gospel is the only message that Church has been given that has the ability to change hearts and change societies. While I think the Manhattan Project overall supports causes that I firmly agree with it falls short because it misses the mark in several areas and offers no real solutions.
I want to share briefly three key reasons why I cannot sign The Manhattan Declaration. I could make a longer list but I want to share three key areas that really convicted me as I read through this ecumenical, neo-evangelical document.
1. Will Not Sign On With Those I Have Major Disagreements With Over the Nature of The Gospel
I am not comfortable signing a document that declares ‘my faith’ and that of other either liberal or unorthodox groups/churches as equal and similar. I do have disagreements with some groups that have joined that I do believe they teach a false gospel that is not the Biblical gospel. The Declaration assumes that all signers are of the same faith but just come from different ‘faith communities’. The differences according to the declaration are painted with a broad stroke as ‘ecumenical’ differences but rather as doctrinal differences over the essentials of the Christian Faith.
2. It makes the Gospel secondary and social issues primary.
This is what I often refer to as neo-evangelicalism. This is where the Gospel of Jesus Christ is replaced with the Gospel of Love, which is a half gospel and thus no gospel at all. The document presents the Gospel as something secondary, in fact the declaration never defines the Gospel in the first place. It does however go in-depth in defining the three specific areas that they are wanting to raise and show support for, again which I do believe are important but not at the cost of lowering the Gospel to second place when in fact the only solution is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
This is the new evangelical. By showing unity by never defining the Gospel or explaining Truth and standing up for the popular social issues of the day. It strips the gospel of its power. I am asked to put in 2nd place, the person and work of Jesus Christ, I’m told not to worry about preaching repentance and faith and so forth.
Instead I choose to believe in the Gospel, it is the power of God for the salvation for all who believe. When the Gospel is primary and at the forefront of the Church, by the power and grace of God, hearts will be changed and souls will be saved.
3. Stresses Legalism to change society and not Conversion
I have to ask this question: When did being morally good ever bring anyone salvation? It is as if to say it is possible to be both truly moral and good? Instead of grace through faith the document points more towards salvation through legalism. I have to be honest and suggest that I believe America has ‘enough laws’. Yet is that making a holier society? Holiness only occurs through Christ alone, you cannot get anywhere near the Holiness of God apart from Christ.
While I confess I do hate to see the secular society growing so fast all around me but something larger is at stake. When I convince myself to join a common cause with a wide range group of individuals, some of whom have a false faith, in order to highlight social concerns I am offering less truth and hope. Only God can change hearts so why compromise the only message of hope God has ever given the Church with the hopes of wishing ‘people act better’. I would much rather see souls saved over creating a new yoke of legalism that is impossible to follow.
Conclusion
I do affirm the right to human life, the right of marriage between one man and one woman, as well as religious liberty. But I hold to those beliefs because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I must always present the full gospel as well as live the Gospel as the Holy Spirit enables and leads me. There are more reasons why I do not choose to sign The Manhattan Declaration. I do not look down on anyone who has signed the document in fact I do know of some that I hold in high regard as my brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ that have signed it, but for my own convictions and purposes I cannot sign The Manhattan Declaration.
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