Homework for Week of 11/30 to Dec 7 - due Dec 7

"...something has happened in the last (eighty) years. The freedom that once was founded on a Biblical consensus and a Christian worldview has now become autonomous freedom, cut loose from all constraints. Here we have the world spirit of our age - autonomous man setting himself up as God, in defense of the knowledge and the moral and spiritual truth which God has given. Here is the reason why we have a moral breakdown in every area of life. The titanic freedoms which we once enjoyed have been cut loose from their Christian restraints and are becoming a force of destruction leading to chaos. And when this happens, there really are few alternatives. All morality becomes relative, law becomes arbitrary, and society moves toward disintegration. In personal and social life, compassion is swallowed up by self-interest...when the memory of the Christian consensus which gave us freedom within the Biblical form is increasingly forgotten, a manipulative authoritarian power will tend to fill the vacuum. At this point, the words "right" and "left" (politically) will make little difference. They are only two roads to the same end; the results will be the same. Overwhelming (state power) will gradually force form and order on society so that it will not sink into chaos - and most people will accept it." So are the words and thoughts of Francis Schaeffer, this time in his book, "The Great Evangelical Disaster" Quoting this statement in a recent article, Brannon Howse, president of "Worldview Weekend" concludes, "The chaos is now here, and politicians will seek to make it worse so they can justify bigger government, fewer freedoms for the people, and more power and wealth for the elite ruling class. Are Americans waking up too late? Are the numbers of Americans who understand the threat - or even care - too small? If the answer to these two questions is yes, then the only question left to ask is what will happen to those of us that refuse to accept it? If America's fate is sealed, then this one thing I know: future generations will ask...Where were the people of the churches? Why did they let that happen? Why did they compromise?... In standing for what is just, righteous, and true, we are standing for Jesus Christ because justice, righteousness, and truth are reflections of His character and nature. This is a powerful witness for the unsaved and unbelieving world. Even in the face of death, the world will see that we are so committed to the cause of Christ that we are willing to lay down our lives for Him."

Written project Due Dec 14 - See last HW blog for instructions...

Quiz on Dec 14 on US Constitution - no study guide will be given...You are to rely on your notes for studying, so be diligent in your note taking!!

Catch up on past HW not completed and do Extra Credit!!!

The Manhattan Declaration is a document recently put out by religious leaders concerning Abortion, Marriage, Religious Liberty, and Unjust Laws and Civil Disobedience. Many have signed the document in support, but some Christians have chosen not to sign it.

1. Click on http://manhattandeclaration.org/ Read the intro on the home page, then click on "Download a summary of the Manhattan Declaration on the right side of the page (If you want to read the entire document also, there is a link for that as well) and read the summary.

2. Click on the sites below and read the articles. The first is from a Christian leader who has chosen not to sign the document. The second is from a leader who has chosen to sign. The third is a summary of both sides of the argument.

http://www.gty.org/Resources/Articles/A390

http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/11/23/why-i-signed-the-manhattan-declaration/

http://www.worldviewtimes.com/article.php/articleid-5634/Brannon-Howse/Jan-Markell

3. Write a one page opinion paper (front of one page or more), stating whether YOU would sign the document and explain why or why not. You will be graded not on your choice, but on your ability to express your views and support your choice. Think carefully before answering and use the articles for ideas in addition to what we have discussed in class and your beliefs from your own worldview beliefs.