Hold the platitudes

I have a hard time understanding what the Manhattan Declaration intends to accomplish. In one aspect, Christians, of all kinds, reaffirm their tradition beliefs in the sanctity of life, the preservation of marriage, and the freedom of religious expression.

But why now and why such a simple proclamation?

Historically, when groups are challenged, they seek to define themselves. At the beginning of the Greek Empire, the Greeks sought to establish what made Greeks special in light of their surrounding "barbarians." Similarly, the Hebrews sought to maintain their identity as a monotheistic group in light of surrounding Canaanites, etc.

Defining oneself as a group notes the strength or prevalence of opposition. The call for unity is usually a call under fire.

So as much as this declaration intends to ennoble Christians, it is most likely a sign of the strength of their enemies.