An Evangelical Manifesto
Major media outlets, including this CNN article, have commented on the recently constructed and released “Evangelical Manifesto.” This “manifesto” was created by a number of prominent evangelicals to address misunderstandings and concerns relating to the identity of evangelicals, as well as the cultural and political interactions of evangelicals in modern America. Warning: Do not rely on the major media outlets in making your judgment about the merits of this document! Read it for yourself. There is both a 20-page full version and a 6-page executive summary.
I must admit, I was skeptical. However, after reading both versions, I must say that I am in general agreement with most every point. I could certainly sign the manifesto as I feel it makes several important points. Mark Roberts, whose opinions I value and with whom I generally agree, has signed the manifesto and has provided the reasoning behind his decision here.
I will not comment in depth other than to highlight a paragraph of the document I appreciate. These are not representative of the entire document as multiple issues are adressed. I hope you are able to read the documents yourself as they are very instructive and remarkable concise considering all the issues covered.
Here’s an excerpt:
We therefore regard reason and faith as allies rather than enemies, and find no contradiction between head and heart, between being fully faithful on the one hand, and fully intellectually critical and contemporary on the other. Thus Evangelicals part company with reactionaries by being both reforming and innovative, but they also part company with modern progressives by challenging the ideal of the-newer-the-truer and the-latest-is-greatest and by conserving what is true and right and good. For Evangelicals, it is paradoxical though true that the surest way forward is always first to go back, a turning back that is the secret of all true revivals and reformations.