November 24, 2009 2:20 AM
The Manhattan Declaration - Catholics, Orthodox and evangelicals unite
I reported this afternoon on this amazing development - an affirmation by Catholics, Orthodox and evangelical Christians of our core beliefs, setting boundaries we will not cross. Obedience to Christ before obedience to government.
Just want to say how much hope we can take, as The Manhattan Declaration appears to be growing by 2-3000 new signatures an hour. Tell your family and friends. It is time for the church to unite on the central issues. This is not a political statement but a statement of faith.
Posted in Activism, Obama Nation, Resistance | Permalink
Comments
Do you realize that the notion of "Obedience to Christ before obedience to government" is fundamentally the same thing that Taliban is doing "Obedience to Islam before obedience to government" or that of any extremist, ideologist group? That one decides that *their* interpretation of a specific guideline for life takes precedence to what the collection wisdom of entire population has decided (the government in charge) and that the "god" *they* believe in (essentially their belief justified by being the word of God) can be decisive of the society's faith.
You never publish my comments but I hope at least you read them yourself.
[The difference is we don't kill people for not believing the same thing we do. We give them freedom of religion, dress. morality. There is a difference between a nation founded on Christian principles - which this one historically was - and one in which fanatic clerics actually run the state, dictating every detail of the citizenry's lives. Glad you are reading here, my friend.
Oh, and be sure to watch The Third Jihad.]
Posted by: anar | November 24, 2009 3:55 PM
I don't think it matters what Christians do or don’t at the moment. In principle if one thinks their religion, by nature, takes priority to what a nation through the election of a government chooses then it is a dangerous pattern. It can lead to religious dictatorship which is the most dangerous kind because it is most justifiable.
I know you like to think Christianity is a superior religion to Islam. But extremism in every religion is the same. So many people have set abortion clinics on fire and killed doctors in this very proud Christian country of yours but you chose not to generalize this violence to all Christians. In case of Muslims you chose to generalize very freely.
If the whole country is not in a grip of a minority it is by the blessing of having a powerful enough government that has enough checks and balances built into its system. It is the correct *governmental system* of this country that makes it different than say Afghanistan not that it is Christian.
I am not your friend.
[I guess that's the beauty of it, isn't it? This country was founded as a Christian nation and never turned into a dictatorship. Unlike other countries around the world, our country has eliminated the institution of slavery, and has given everyone the vote - all because it stuck to its Christian principles. Those principles being based on the idea that our rights are God-given and not given by the state. Interestingly, we are now on the brink of a dictatorship because of a leader who is clearly not a Christian.
Yes, I do think Christianity is superior because it is based on laying down your life for others. While I know many Christians do not do live their faith well, there are plenty who do and I hope you meet some and find out what makes them different. True Christianity is about giving up your own desires to help other people. That's why our family has adopted three children with Down syndrome - one of whom had an Iranian father who could not accept him. I don't blame him at all - he was the product of his culture. And Jesse is better off with people who can love him. I thanked his father for giving him to us, and I thank him in my heart today. I have only the kindest thoughts toward him. I can only think it is Christ in me that can create this kind of peace.
Anar, I may not be someone you consider a friend, but you are mine - that's not something you can take away, the love I feel for others. I wish you the very best.]
Posted by: anar | November 24, 2009 6:54 PM
