Over the last several months, I have been seeing different religious manifestos come across my desk or my computer.  Now a manifesto is, according to the Oxford American Dictionary a “public declaration of policy and aims.”  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary has a slightly different take, which is “a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of it issuer.”  Lastly, the American Heritage Dictionary states that a manifesto is “a public declaration of principles, policies, or intentions.”  Now you might be wondering why I would give you three different definitions of the word manifesto.  I actually have a reason that I will hopefully make clear by the end of this note.  However, as you read this pastor’s pen, think about how God, NOT THE DEVIL is in the details.

The first manifesto that I read came from the retired Episcopal bishop, John Spong.  On Thursday, October 15, Spong issued “A Manifesto!  The Time Has Come!”  Essentially,  Spong’s manifesto states that it is his intent, aim, and motive to never argue the point that is contrary to his belief that homosexuality is a wonderful gift from God.  He believes that ALL the evidence that it is God’s manifested intention for all those who engage in that lifestyle that they continue to do so, feel proud for their lifestyle choice, and to continue to seek full rights in all aspects of human endeavor.  Spong states that he will no longer even tolerate those who believe it is NOT God’s intention, and he declares that “I have made a decision.  I will no longer debate the issue of homosexuality in the church with anyone.  I will no longer engage the biblical ignorance that emanates from so many right-wing Christians about how the Bible condemns homosexuality, as if that point of view still has any credibility….the battle is over.  The victory has been won.”  Now for those who feel offended that Spong will no longer argue the point, because he is convinced that the battle is over, rest assured that just because an individual who has previously declared as settled that Jesus said virtually nothing that the Bible says he said, should have no anxiety or fear.  The fact that he believes something or states it as a certainty doesn’t make it so.  For those who care to read his manifesto, you will soon note that it is based solely on his opinion and not on any objective truth.  In fact, he is correct that the issue is settled, and the battle is won, but only for all those who use Scripture as their authority.  Spong might think that he has influence to promote his political and social agenda among Christians because he says he is a Christian, but without the objective truth of Scripture to back him up, his influence is meaninglessness and has nothing to do with Jesus Christ.

However, the second religious manifesto that I read comes is called “The Manhattan Declaration: A Call of Christian Conscience.”  It was drafted on October 20, 2009, and comes from Roman Catholic and evangelical Protestant clergy, theologians, and lay folks who not only affirm Jesus Christ as Lord, but base their declaration on Scripture.  The differences between the two manifestos are striking.  Focusing largely on promoting life and marriage, this manifesto validates it’s claims by referring to Scripture as its authority.  Once again, just because the quarter of a million folks who have signed on to this manifesto believe it to be true, doesn’t make it so, BUT, by using Scripture, it compels any reader to logically process whether or not they accept the same authority and if so, whether or not their words correctly interpret what Scripture says.  I would commend that second manifesto to you as something worthy to read and it is in the lobby.  Spong’s manifesto is strictly self-serving and is only subjective opinion, but to compare the two might interest some, so it is also something you might want to read.

Now the point of this note, as well as the three different, albeit slight, definitions of the word manifesto, and the manifesto’s themselves is that God calls us as Christians to NOT focus on opinion and commentary, but to understand His divinely inspired words as given to guide, lead and teach us in our Christian walk.  God is in the details, and we must go to Scripture individually and collectively to understand exactly what God is saying and not believe that our opinion has any merit outside of ourselves UNLESS we base it on the objective truth of Scripture.  That is way I would recommend everyone who reads the Bible to get a new version.  If you commonly read the New International Version, get a English Standard Version, or if you read the English Standard Version, get a New American Standard Bible, or if you are feeling adventurous, get a parallel Bible that has several versions and read and compare them.  99% of the time it will be spot on, but you will be surprised at some of the differences.  Personally, I preach from the English Standard Bible, and would highly recommend it.  If you are looking for a gift for someone or wanting a new Bible for Christmas, The English Standard Version Study Bible is great.

Christian friends, sometimes definitions are very different, but how we read and understand Scripture is very important.  As we move into 2010, let us focus on the meaning of God’s Word and NOT the opinion and commentary of others. 

In the Love of Christ, Pastor Bob