LUCADO SIGNS EVANGELICAL MANIFESTO

CHARLOTTE, NC (JTC Media): Seventy five leaders from the National Association of Evangelicals have attached their signatures to a document billed as the "Evangelical Manifesto." Those signing include best selling author Max Lucado, according to World Magazine in their May 17-24, 2008 issue. Announcement of the signing took place at the National Press Club in Washington D. C. on May 7. The entire document can be read or downloaded from:

www.evangelicalmanifesto.com

Among other points of creedal identification, the National Association of Evangelicals signers pledged themselves to the assertion that salvation is by faith alone ["Salvation (is) God's gift grasped through faith. We contribute nothing to our salvation."]. In addition, the document takes the National Association of Evangelicals into full retreat from previously perceived close identification with the Republican Party, attempting to equally embrace both major political parties in times to come. Those Evangelicals not signing the document include Dr. James Dobson and Chuck Colson, both avid supporters of many Republican leaders. Another missing signature is from Saddleback Church’s Rick Warren, though his “purpose driven” theology appears to be consistent with the entire document. Portions of the document are strikingly similar to Warren’s global inter-religious P.E.A.C.E. initiative.

Five of the National Association of Evangelicals foremost personalities held a news conference for the occasion of rolling out the document. Well known author, Os Guinness, was joined at the lectern by "Christianity Today's" John Huffman and David Neff, public relations man Larry Ross and Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary.

Traditionally, evangelicalism has been closely associated with ecumenicalism, premilenialism, the "Sinner's Prayer" salvation experience and extreme support for the modern day secular Jewish state of Israel. However, during the last several years evangelicalism has become increasingly influenced by the newly evolving "Emergent Church." The “Emergent Church” is a mystic and pragmatic fellowship of both neo-denominationalists and otherwise un-churched people. The “Emergent Church” is driven by the teachings of eastern patristic teachers including Origen, Augustine and Aquinas. Brian McLaren and Tony Jones are leading personalities in the movement. McLaren is slated to speak at this falls “Summit” sponsored by Abilene Christian University.

According to World Magazine, some signers signed as "individuals and not representatives of their organizations." Lucado is identified as one such signer by the magazine.

Preaching for what once was one of the largest churches of Christ anywhere [Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas], Max Lucado and his eldership have in the last several years dropped the name of Christ from their name plate, introduced instrumental music in worship and rejected baptism as being necessary for salvation. [See: Michael Foust, “Max Lucado Transcends Church of Christ Beliefs,” in Baptist Press News, May 9, 2005. Lucado is interviewed by Foust in this article where Lucado speaks candidly regarding his changed views. An internet search using the article title will render it in full context and entirely unedited.]

With his signature permanently attached to the “Evangelical Manifesto,” Lucado is nearly 180 degrees doctrinally from where he was just a few years ago.