Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Manhattan Declaration--What should we do?

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 7:33 AM

Today I signed the "Manhattan Declaration." It is a declaration prepared by Chuck Colson and others who are not simply annoyed but frightened by the present Administration's limits on freedom of religion in this country. The latest attack has come on the Catholic Church in their stand against the use of contraceptives, requiring them to hire and promote contraception procedures at their hospitals and agencies. This is outright limitation of religious freedom. Even though we as evangelicals may have no qualms about this, Colson asks, "What and Who's next??"

For those who have been following national agendas and politics, there has been increasing limitation on religious liberty in this country. While odd sects and groups have often been targeted for their anti-American or even dangerous terrorist-type tactics, now religious persecution and limitations are being placed on mainline Christian and Judaeo-Christian groups, especially evangelical groups and causes. The fragmentation and demise of our moral values is being united with increasing attacks and open belligerence against foundational evangelical tenets and voices. The gay agenda is winning the day and is being openly promoted in our nation's schools and public places as allowable alternative, even normal, behavior and practice. Gay couples increasingly are given the same rights as traditional couples.

While this behavior and open hostility should surprise no one, I am concerned that evangelical Christians continue to either silently protest or ignore these salvos. We hide behind our first amendment rights, but the meaning and application of those rights are being whittled away day by day. Government interpretation and secular humanism and anti-Christian thought is gaining an upper hand.

So, what should we do? I would invite some critical and biblical thinking about this. Let me know your thoughts and perceptions.