Thank you for your conviction, passion, and thoughtful comments. I am not able to speak for all those who have not sign the Man. Decl., but I will respond to your post catagorically from my own personal view point. Thank you in advance for your tolerant respect of my so called aloof perspective.

So, are you all for the issues listed in the Man. Decl.? The answer is probably “Yes” because John said “Yes.” [Yes I support the positions detailed in the document, but I happen to agree with Dr. MacAuthur assertion that the Gospel is "one true and ultimate remedy for all of humanity’s moral ills". Christians should have a fundamental understanding of this, and that only Christ can heal our land.

- This document is not trying to define Christianity as its primary goal. [Agreed.]

- It states costly grace…not cheap grace…reference D. Bonhoeffer. [That is correct and important.]

- I think ecumenicalism…i.e. let’s put down our differences and have group-hug – is dangerous and will drag the faith and gospel down. I assume I’m speaking your language.[Ecumenicalism is fine so long as the Gospel is not subverted, ignored, or compromised.]

- But this document is not trying to unify the faith over the gospel; it is stating there are a few important issues of the day that we are all fighting. Even if you do not sign, you are for it functionally.[That is also true to the extent that I contend for the faith once and for all delivered to the Saints, proclaiming the Gospel, and performing my civic duties when called or as needed.]

- The Man. Decl. is an obvious effort to state to the Government that we “Christians” stand together and will not submit to their authority when pressed on these issues.[I agree again with your presupposition, but there is something missing. Yes the Gospel. We are to claim Christ.]

So what will you do? Will you submit to the powers when they take your take tax money for abortion? Will you quiet yourself and not preach against the sin of homosexuality? [Nope and nope. We Christians should fear no man or government. We will contend for the faith and be ready to preach in and out of season. Preach what? The Gospel.]

You will probably have the same conviction as we signers do and will perform in unity with the Man. Decl. signers. [I do hold the same convictions and will run the race placed before me to oversee the flock by faithfully proclaiming the Gospel not ignoring, abandoning, or subverting it.]

Functionally, you have approved of it because you agree with it and stand aloof in false superiority. Wow! That is not very impressive, helpful or thoughtful.[I agree with the precepts, however I am not aloof in false superiority. I just do not agree in signing a document that does not include the one thing that can truly heal, the Gospel, and it is terrible because that is the most important component, yet the one that divides the most. That is tragically ironic, but we must stand firm to the faithful word and boldy proclaim the Gospel. Thank you again for your tolerant respect of my so called aloof perspective.
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- This document is not trying to define Christianity as its primary goal.

- It states costly grace…not cheap grace…reference D. Bonhoeffer.

- I think ecumenicalism…i.e. let’s put down our differences and have group-hug – is dangerous and will drag the faith and gospel down. I assume I’m speaking your language.

- But this document is not trying to unify the faith over the gospel; it is stating there are a few important issues of the day that we are all fighting. Even if you do not sign, you are for it functionally.

- The Man. Decl. is an obvious effort to state to the Government that we “Christians” stand together and will not submit to their authority when pressed on these issues.

So what will you do? Will you submit to the powers when they take your take tax money for abortion? Will you quiet yourself and not preach against the sin of homosexuality?

You will probably have the same conviction as we signers do and will perform in unity with the Man. Decl. signers.

Functionally, you have approved of it because you agree with it and stand aloof in false superiority. Wow! That is not very impressive, helpful or thoughtful.

How far out …and blind…slip away from your desk a bit.

Argue the gospel all day long on…I’m your side, but your faith is not dependant on unity over this cause.

I believe you’d more amiss to avoid the implications and responcibilities found in this document than demanding the gospel be clearly articulated in the Man. Dec.

If you vote for a candidate-is that your doctrinal faith statement…you copuld have voted for a man who will do all sorts of evil and share your doctrine.

John maybe you could make statement similar and we’ll sign yours instead…can you see that accomplishing anthing?

Keep fighting for the gospel and simultaiously get out of the way of unity over this important cause. You don’t have to join their church.

Cliff