When Enough Is Enough!

It is called 'The Manhattan Declaration’ and while its full impact is yet to be realized, its basic purpose is beyond overdue!

On his appearance on the "Huckabee" show, Charles Colson gave a review of what is known as The Manhattan Declaration (MD). The document was drafted on October 20th, and released a month later on November 20th. The MD by definition is said be ‘A Call to Christian Conscience’ and was brought about by a cross-section of Christian leaders as a reaction to their spiritually decaying culture.

The document is not meant to be a theological treatise, even though its basic three-fold purpose is based on generally accepted biblical truth. In other words, while the signers have certain doctrinal differences they are fully united on the goals they hope to achieve.

The MD shares its primary purpose like so:

“We are Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical Christians who have united at this hour to reaffirm fundamental truths about justice and the common good, and to call upon our fellow citizens, believers and non-believers alike, to join us in defending them. These truths are:

The sanctity of human life.
The dignity of marriage as the conjugal union of husband and wife
The rights of conscience and religious liberty.

Inasmuch as these truths are foundational to human dignity and the well-being of society, they are inviolable and non-negotiable. Because they are increasingly under assault from powerful forces in our culture, we are compelled today to speak out forcefully in their defense, and to commit ourselves to honoring them fully no matter what pressures are brought upon us and our institutions to abandon or compromise them. We make this commitment not as partisans of any political group but as followers of Jesus Christ, the crucified and risen Lord, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

During Colson’s brief airing he stated how he and the other signers were willing to commit civil disobedience and even accept jail time, should their strong stand ever bring that kind of persecution. The MD is more than a collection of profound words. It is apparently backed by the willingness for personal action.

This same idea is not at all new. Back in 1981, theologian Dr. Francis Schaeffer authored a book entitled "A Christian Manefesto". It was a best seller. It dealt squarely with the nation's rising plague of secularism and humanism and the possible need someday for civil disobeience by the true church in America. Just imagine what Schaeffer would write some 28 years later in 2009?

In Acts chapter five the apostles found themselves again on trial for their faith. Their opposition was again the continually irritated high priests. The bad blood was caused by constant preaching of Jesus' followers despite being forbidden to do so. Verse 27 describes the rather intense confrontation.

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!"

After hearing this latest round of threat and accusation, Peter came forward as the group spokesman. His powerful declaration came right to the point. Verse 29 reads, “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.”

After much advice and careful consideration, the high priests decided to release the men out of fear for their own safety. This was not, however, before offering yet another severe warning. “And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” (Acts 5:40-42)

Although some may not approve of civil obedience for the Christian, there is certainly a prime example of its use in the New Testament. Others may claim that the Acts incident was different because it involved only the freedom to preach the Gospel and was not just about cultural moral issues.

But the Bible is a moral and cultural book. It declares that faith apart works is dead or useless. And when that is linked with concepts like seen in Ephesians chapter five, it surely appears that Christians have certain biblical rights and duties as citizens of both heaven and earth.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:8-11) “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15)

Scripture teaches that the church is to bring its beliefs to bear on its own society. Christians need to sometimes to speak out. This is especially crucial when their nation's leaders, and the culture in general, turn their backs on God and replace His holy principle with any morally harmful laws of man. For a chilling description of what a culture will eventually become when godly influence is silenced, read Romans 1:18-31. When any society spiritually crumbles, the godly and ungodly alike will share in the painful and dreadful results. Even the quickest review of Israel’s history will clear up any doubts as to the reality of this tragic truth.

The Christian life is not a spectator sport. If it is genuine, it should cause believers in Christ to openly share their faith while attempting to uphold the moral issues that should accompany it. Neglecting either brings about the terribly sad results offered by Jesus' own words and recorded in Matthew's Gospel account.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:13-15)

The Manhattan Declaration has declared its intent and taken a bold stand. Hopefully the church in America will understand the times, before it is too late, and soon do the same!

Bill Breckenridge