Many in the evangelical community are not fans of John MacArthur. He seems to have the attitude that Christians should not challenge the government officials who are corrupt.
Hi SeaHawkFan! “Seahawk” Are you from Seattle by any chance? Familiar with Mark Driscoll’s Ministry?
Anyhow: yeah, I totally understand those sentiments and to this day I disagree with a few of John Macarthur’s statements on things. History calls to mind “civil disobeyers” such as Christian Evangelist William Wilberforce, who was the prime mover of Britain’s Slave Abolition Movement.
I think what Macarthur is weary of is the “Religious Right” movement which started in the 80s under the oversight of Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson. Macarthur observed that an unhealthy mingling of politics can often dilute the faith and the CHristian witness to a dying world. People, particularly unbelievers begin to associate “Christ” with the Republican Party and the same pro-life movement and pro-marriage movement that Mormons, Catholics, Jews, and secular humanists are a part of.
This can be damaging and obviously would not model itself after the ways of the early apostles and Christians—who did not challenge Caesar. This is not to say CHristians shouldn’t involve themselves in the political process or taking part in cultural renewal—but that those things shouldn’t take precedent over the Gospel.
You might also be interested in reading why Al Mohler, a very close friend of Macarthur’s DID choose to sign it:
http://www.albertmohler.com/2009/11/23/why-i-signed-the-manhattan-declaration/