Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience

The “Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience,” (http://demossnews.com/manhattandeclaration/press_kit/manhattan_declaration_signers) is an extraordinarily well-written evangelical document. Released on November 20th, this declaration was framed by Robert George, Professor, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence, Princeton University, Timothy George, Professor, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University, and Chuck Colson
Founder, The Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview (Lansdowne, Va.).

This document affirms the following:
1) The profound, inherent, and equal dignity of every human being as a creature fashioned in the very image of God, possessing inherent rights of equal dignity and life;
2) Marriage as a conjugal union of man and woman, ordained by God from the creation, and historically understood by believers and non-believers alike, to be the most basic institution in society and;
3) Religious liberty, which is grounded in the character of God, the example of Christ, and the inherent freedom and dignity of human beings created in the divine image.
Each of these three points is then clearly and biblically articulated through-out the reminder of the document.
Given the moral ambiguity that so permeates our culture, this is a refreshingly strong statement on the value of human life, the sanctity of marriage, and the importance of religious liberty. From the institutionalization of abortion to the ever-increasing drumbeat calling for euthanasia “rights,” our secular culture is descending into the pathos of a “culture of death.” Additionally, the recent and increasingly vehement assault upon the institution of marriage by the homosexual coalition threatens to erode the very foundation upon which any civil society is built, that being the foundation of the family. Further, we are seeing the marginalization (and even outright mockery) of religious thought and ideology as secular humanism tries to exclude theological influence from the marketplace of ideas. Sadly, the evangelical Church in America has been far too passive in contending for the clear teachings of the Word of God on these issues. Happily, this declaration could be a turning point if we would embrace its clarion call.

While I would never be in favor of social or political activism, I am thoroughly committed to a sound and public defense of the faith that was once delivered to the saints. This public declaration is an excellent starting point for such a defense.

Note that men of substantial theological acumen and influence such as J. I. Packer and Dr. R. Albert Mohler are among the initial signees of this Manhattan Declaration. May our God be pleased to advance the truths laid out in this document to His eternal glory.

An unworthy servant of Lord Jesus,
R. Cofield