24
Nov
2009

The Gospel and the Manhattan Document

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24 Nov 2009

The Manhattan Declaration is a document that should be given the most serious consideration by all professing Christians. When a group influential religious leaders initiate a movement that would help raise opposition against legalized abortion, homosexual rights, and religious intolerance we should be willing to listen and consider joining in. But, there are other factors that should be weighed carefully in regard to the language, associations, and significance of the document. While there are certainly powerful arguments in favor of supporting the signing of the document, there are theologically driven arguments that should make us stop and think whether or not there is better route. I would personally like to see individuals who care deeply about these issues voice their opinion in a non-ecumenical consortium to bring about change. Why not encourage concerned American (who happen to be be Protestant, Eastern Orthoox and Roman Catholic) to join forces with any other concerned Americans to initiate “Centers for Civil Righteousness?” Why not join forces on a non-eccleciastical, non-ecumenical endeavor to promote ethical reform in America? Why muddy the waters of the Gospel with ethical unanimity on these three issues?

About Post Author

Nick Batzig is the senior pastor of Church Creek PCA in Charleston, SC and an associate editor for Ligonier Ministries. Prior to serving at Church Creek, Nick was a pastor at Wayside PCA on Signal Mountain, TN. Formerly, Nick served as the founding pastor of New Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Richmond Hill, GA and as the editor of Reformation21 and the Christward Collective--sites of the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He frequently writes for Tabletalk Magazine, Reformation 21, He Reads Truth, and the Christward Collective. Nick was also the host of East of Eden, a podcast devoted to the Biblical and Systematic Theology of Jonathan Edwards. You can friend him on Facebook here and follow him on Twitter @nick_batzig

5 Responses

  3. Jared Nelson
    Reply

    I think it would be interesting to see a document that stressed the second use of the law rather than the 1st and 3rd. Seems a bit like the old “cart before the horse” to expect the world to listen to us expound the Law for practical application before expounding the Law in such a way to drive one to Christ and the Gospel.

  4. Nicholas T. Batzig
    Reply

    Just for the record, I do not agree with many of the sentiments expressed here. I do believe that these three issues are weightier matters of the law (if I can borrow the phrase) than those mentioned in the said article. But I still think there must be a more effective, and less ecclesiastical, approach from those who hold these concerns. I would gladly support a movement to unify concerned citizens of this country–whether they are Christians, Roman Catholics, Mormons, Jews Muslims, etc. Just no ecumenical, ecclesiastical statements please.

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