There are several reasons, but all come down to this — I believe we are facing an inevitable and culture-determining decision on the three issues centrally identified in this statement. I also believe that we will experience a significant loss of Christian churches, denominations, and institutions in this process. There is every good reason to believe that the freedom to conduct Christian ministry according to Christian conviction is being subverted and denied before our eyes. I believe that the sanctity of human life, the integrity of marriage, and religious liberty are very much in danger at this very moment.
join the movement on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ManhattanDeclaration?ref=mf
If Mohler finds the doctrines of his co-signers so “abhorrent” why did he bother signing? He could have released his own statement and made everyone aware of his theological and moral superiority. His “explanation” diminishes the statement.
I think his explanation enhances the statement. Mohler says the statment is so important that he must sign it even though he greatly differs with some of the doctrines of the other signers. He must sign it even though he is averse to signing such documents. He must sign it rather than develop his own statement because the weight of all Christians is needed behind one document. Further, I gather he signed it because he did not see a way that he could develop a document of his own that is better. I am greatful that a wide spectrum of Christian leaders can sign and support this document that is so critical to our catholic Christian future.
I disagree, Dan (#2). I welcome Al Mohler’s column, explaining why he signed, when he usually doesn’t sign such a political manifesto. The dig at Catholic doctrine may seem gratuitous and offensive, but given his hardcore Protestant constituency as a Southern Baptist, with their knee-jerk anti-Catholicism, I took the slam as simply a wise precaution, guarding his back or flank against any potential accusations that he’s gone soft on Catholicism.
Anyway, I signed the Manhattan Declaration myself earlier today, without reservation. I think it’s great.
But will it fall on deaf ears? Will it have any impact at all??
Time will tell. But I sure hope many people wake up and take notice that we Christians aren’t going to just roll over and play dead.
David Handy+
I too signed the Declaration. I didn’t feel any compulsion to announce to the world that I find certain Baptist and Reformed doctrines “abhorrent”. I am delighted that so many of us across denominational and even political lines can join together to raise such important issues. Mohler’s comments were “gratuitous and offensive”. As for your speculating about why he did it, I have Southern Baptist friends (in Texas no less) who would have refrained from such “gratuitous and offensive” remarks. In the past, Mohler seemed to avoid the cheap shot when he might have been justified making it. My esteem for him has diminished substantially.
RE: “Mohler’s comments were “gratuitous and offensiveâ€.”
I completely disagree. I think his comments makes the declaration all the more valuable as it reveals the urgency with which Mohler is viewing our present situation. And it offers an apologetic for why people who also find deep disagreement with Roman Catholic and Orthodox doctrine and dogma can still nevertheless sign the declaration.
Were Roman Catholic or Eastern Orthodox leaders to make equivalent comments — “The Protestants teach doctrines that I find both unbiblical and abhorrent — and these doctrines define nothing less than the Gospel of Jesus Christ” — I would not find them at all gratuitous or offensive. In fact I assume that they believe precisely such things and more — and have no problem with it.
Contrast Mohler’s clear assertion of differentiation from their theology and his actions, with those who are unable to sign such a statement with fellow Christians, because they do not believe them to be so, and Mohler shines. He does exactly what I wish traditional Episcopalians would do — assert clear differentiation and act strategically.
I understand that Dr. Mohler felt that he needed some cover with his consituents, but the the usage of the term “abhorrent” was unnecessary, and was offensive.
I tried to sign the declaration, but after six failed tries I gave up.