Mouse reported over a year ago about the Manhattan Declaration. The statement of belief that was drawn up by conservative Christians in the US to put down a marker ahead of the presidential election has since drawn almost half a million signatures. Mouse suggested at the time that it was rather narrow, and that inclusive language used was really code for an anti-abortion and anti-gay agenda, which leads to a very narrow understanding of what the gospel is about. Mouse really doesn't understand why a discussion about gay sex would be part of a statement of core Christian beliefs.
Since then, the folk behind the declaration thought it would be a good idea to create an iPhone app which allows users to read and sign the declaration, and share it with others. The app was duly created and released in the iTunes App Store, with a rating of 4+, meaning "no offensive content".
This drew criticism from many campaigners who believe that the declaration is "anti-gay", in that it denies gay marriage is legitimate and describes gay sex as "immoral"and "wayward". This drew the attention of a number of leading tech and other publications in the US, and a campaign of writing to Apple CEO Steve Jobs and a petition emerged.
The latest news is that the app has disappeared from iTunes. The Manhattan Declaration people say on their website that they are "perplexed". However, it is known that Apple has previously supported gay equality charities, so it shouldn't be a surprise.
The Westminster Declaration was a UK version of the Manhattan Declaration, although it has drawn significantly less attention. It will be interesting to see whether this is targeted by gay campaigners now.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
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Yep I agree with the sentiment which laments our faith constantly being defined in terms of sexuality. It certainly does lead leads to a very narrow understanding of what the gospel is about and reveals the fixation of some Christians.
ReplyDeleteThese declarations become very negative and are written in terms of what some do not approve, or object to.
A positive affirmation of Gospel truths would be far more effective.
"A positive affirmation of Gospel truths would be far more effective."
ReplyDelete"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (King James Version, 1 Co 6:9-11)
Well, you did rather ask for that, Stuart :)
ReplyDeleteI am split on this; the libertarian in me says Apple can do what they like with their censorious application store, however Apple is being incredibly stupid and control-freaky in this move to appease an objectionable and vocal minority.
ReplyDeleteAs for the rather "narrow" intent of the Declaration, no it's not. It clearly defines the battleground where illiberalism and militant secularism (and compromising "Christianity", for that matter) are waging their skirmishes. It is right to set expectations and place a stake in the ground that's consonant with historic orthodox Christianity.
As for me, Apple have just lost a potential customer. Pity. I was quite looking forward to a 120GB classic iPOD.
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ReplyDeleteI'm a blogger for Manhattan Declaration. We really appreciate you covering this story. Every Christian should see that this is about more than loosing an iPhone application--it is about being viewed fairly and being given equal access to voice our opinions. While Apple certainly has the right to remove the app, we do not believe it to be a prudent decision.
ReplyDeleteChurch Mouse, you don't see why the dignity of marriage is an important core belief in Christianity? Marriage is the foundation of every health society, after all.
We are sharing updates of this story via Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ManhattanDeclaration) and Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/ManhattanDec) if you're interested in sharing your thoughts.
Come tell us what you think.
Great to see that Manhattan Declaration organisers are fighting back! Using the same weaponry as was used to get it removed, too. Good on you, Billy.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.anglican-mainstream.net/2010/11/30/manhatten-declaration-apple-pulls-iphone-app/
Billy
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the debate here. To answer your specific question, I do think marriage is important, but I question its place as a cornerstone issue. It is certainly not one that is in any of the historic creeds of the church, for example.
When Christ was asked about priorities, he answered that they were to love God and love your neighbour, so if I were drawing up some kind of declaration (which I would not) it would be based around how we could live that out.
Funny that,I also see marriage as a cornerstone issue. That's why I want it to availble for gay couples too.
ReplyDeleteAs for allowing both sides of the issue their say, I sincerley hope that this anti-gay propaganda will eventually be as unacceptable as racism - and you couldn't imagine Apple supporting a racist App.
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ReplyDeleteKudos to Apple for continuing to stand by ethical principles. While I detest their business model (keeping everything proprietary to such an extreme extent that they are far worse than Microsoft), I applaud them for consistently standing up for human rights and not giving in to (to quote this article) a small but very vocal and very objectionable minority who seem intent on equating Christianity with inhumanity.
ReplyDelete