Statement on Natural Affection: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox_statement | {{Infobox_statement | ||
| image = File: | | image = File:Statement-on-Natural-Affection.png | ||
| location = unknown | | location = unknown | ||
| published_date = November 19, 2024 | | published_date = November 19, 2024 | ||
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| notable signers = | | notable signers = | ||
| topics = | | topics = | ||
| website = [https:// | | website = [https://Natural-Affections.com Natural-Affections.com] | ||
}} | }} | ||
The '''Statement on Natural Affection''' is a 2024 theological declaration authored primarily by Joseph Spurgeon, pastor of Sovereign King Church in Jeffersonville, Indiana. It seeks to provide a biblical framework for understanding and rightly ordering "natural affections"—God-given loves and loyalties toward family, kin, community, and nation—in an era of cultural dislocation and ideological confusion. | The '''Statement on Natural Affection''' is a 2024 theological declaration authored primarily by [[Joseph Spurgeon]]<ref>https://natural-affections.com/</ref>, pastor of [[Sovereign King Church (Jeffersonville, Indiana)|Sovereign King Church]] in [[wikipedia:Jeffersonville, Indiana|Jeffersonville, Indiana]]. It seeks to provide a biblical framework for understanding and rightly ordering "natural affections"—God-given loves and loyalties toward family, kin, community, and nation—in an era of cultural dislocation and ideological confusion. | ||
==Background and Purpose== | ==Background and Purpose== | ||
The statement draws its title and central concern from 2 Timothy 3:2-4, which describes end-times people as "without natural affection" (Greek: | The statement draws its title and central concern from 2 Timothy 3:2-4, which describes end-times people as "without natural affection" (Greek: ''astorgos'', lacking familial or instinctive love). It argues that modern society has eroded these God-ordained bonds through radical individualism, globalism, secular liberalism, the "woke" movement, and certain reactionary ideologies. At the same time, it responds to ongoing debates in conservative Christian circles—particularly those sparked by documents like the [[Antioch Declaration]] - about race, ethnicity, nationalism, and the proper place of natural loyalties in the Christian life. | ||
Released in late 2024 (shortly after related controversies), the document presents itself as a timely, non-exhaustive affirmation of scriptural truths rather than a new creed. Its stated goal is to affirm the goodness of natural affections as part of God's creation order while rejecting distortions that either suppress them (e.g., via cosmopolitanism or anti-family ideologies) or twist them into sinful hatred, vainglory, or racial idolatry. It emphasizes that "good doctrine aims at love" (1 Timothy 1:5) and calls Christians to wisdom in prioritizing duties to God, family, church, and nation. | Released in late 2024 (shortly after related controversies), the document presents itself as a timely, non-exhaustive affirmation of scriptural truths rather than a new creed. Its stated goal is to affirm the goodness of natural affections as part of God's creation order while rejecting distortions that either suppress them (e.g., via cosmopolitanism or anti-family ideologies) or twist them into sinful hatred, vainglory, or racial idolatry. It emphasizes that "good doctrine aims at love" (1 Timothy 1:5) and calls Christians to wisdom in prioritizing duties to God, family, church, and nation. | ||
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==Authorship and Signatories== | ==Authorship and Signatories== | ||
Joseph Spurgeon is the primary author. Initial signatories included several pastors and commentators such as: | Joseph Spurgeon is the primary author. Initial signatories included several pastors and commentators such as: | ||
- Jerry Dorris | - [[Jerry Dorris]], pastor of [[Reformation Church (Shelbyville, Kentucky)]] | ||
- Uri Brito | - [[Uri Brito]], pastor of [[Providence Church (Pensacola, Florida)]] | ||
- Joel Webbon (Covenant Bible Church, | - [[Joel Webbon]], pastor of [[(Covenant Bible Church (Georgetown, Texas)]] | ||
- Tim Bushong | - [[Tim Bushong]], pastor of [[Syracuse Baptist Church (Syracuse, Indiana)]] | ||
- Jon Harris and AD Robles (lay authors and cultural commentators) | - [[Jon Harris]] and [[AD Robles]] (lay authors and cultural commentators) | ||
Other notable additional signers include [[Douglas Wilson]], pastor of [[Christ Church (Moscow, Idaho)]]. As of early 2026, the statement had garnered over 370 signers, including pastors and individuals from various [[Reformed]], [[Reformed Baptist]], and other evangelical backgrounds. The site encourages pastors and church representatives to sign on behalf of their congregations and welcomes individual supporters. | |||
==Reception== | ==Reception== | ||
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*[[The Antioch Declaration]] | *[[The Antioch Declaration]] | ||
==References | ==References== | ||