https://antiochdeclaration.com/
I’m not sure many Christians are familiar with the Antioch Declaration; I certainly wasn’t for quite some time. I believe it is important for Christians to read it and consider signing. The Declaration is comprehensive and theologically sound. I have signed it and encourage fellow Christians to do the same.
Declarations like the Antioch Declaration hold significant historical importance because they articulate our beliefs and positions on critical issues. Many Christians are not familiar with this declaration; I certainly wasn’t for a long time. I believe it is essential for Christians to read it and consider signing it. The declaration is comprehensive and doctrinally sound. I have signed it myself and encourage fellow biblical scholars to do the same. Such declarations are vital as they clearly communicate our stance on important matters.
The Antioch Declaration is a theological statement. It was released in November 2024. It was created by a group of conservative Reformed, Lutheran, and Evangelical Christian leaders. 1 It aims to address and refute what the authors perceive as “anti-gospel racial categories.” They identify a “reactionary thinking” emerging within their own circles, particularly among younger generations.
Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the Antioch Declaration:
Context and Motivation:
- The declaration appears to be a response to growing concerns about the influence of racial ideologies, including white nationalism and antisemitism, within some segments of the Christian conservative movement.
- The name “Antioch Declaration” references the biblical account in Galatians 2:11-14, where the Apostle Paul confronted Peter in Antioch for compromising the gospel by giving in to social pressure to separate himself from Gentile believers. The authors see parallels between Peter’s actions and what they believe are contemporary compromises of the gospel due to racial biases.
- It’s also seen as a point of contention within neo-Calvinist circles, highlighting a rift between some of the older guard and a newer, more “reactionary” element.
Key Themes and Content:
The declaration is structured around a series of “We deny” and “We affirm” statements. Some of the central themes include:
- Rejection of Racial Superiority and Prejudice: The declaration strongly condemns racism, ethnic partiality, and the arbitrary exclusion of people based on prejudice. It affirms the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of ethnicity.
- Condemnation of Antisemitism: It specifically denies that Jewish people are uniquely malevolent or sinful and rejects the idea that Judaism poses an exceptional threat to Christianity. It acknowledges the historical reality of the Holocaust.
- Distinction Between Patriotism and Racial Ideology: While affirming the existence of nations and a healthy patriotism, it rejects identity politics based on race or ethnicity as the ultimate bond for Christians. The Kingdom of God and the Covenant of Grace are presented as the supreme loyalties.
- Critique of Secular Narratives: The declaration critiques the “neo-pagan secular project” and its influence on Western thought, particularly what it sees as a rejection of religious neutrality and the promotion of globalist cosmopolitanism.
- Emphasis on Biblical Authority: The statement implicitly and explicitly appeals to Scripture as the ultimate authority in matters of faith and practice.
- Rejection of Certain Historical Interpretations: It denies specific interpretations of historical events, such as equating the Kingdom of Christ with political positions during the French Revolution or viewing disillusionment with past lies as sufficient for standing in truth.
Take the time and read through the Antioch Declaration. Share it with your Church and your local faith-based communities. Encourage them to sign it and share it. Approach your pastor. Schedule a church meeting. During the meeting, ensure the declaration is read and discussed. Make this important to you and your Church.
For Social Justice
Almighty God, you created us in your own image: Grant us
grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and help us to use our freedom rightly in the
establishment of justice in our communities and among the
nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ
our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
R-Rated Religion 