Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government [Paperback]

'Michael Bird is an astute and measured voice in today's discourse on religion and politics. This book's global perspective will challenge readers of all backgrounds and beliefs toward better arguments and better understanding.''Rev. Dr. Michael Bird's Religious Freedom in a Secular Age is a book long overdue--religious freedom has been eroding rapidly in Australia since 2017, after the legalisation of same-sex marriage. But this book is also very timely, arriving just as the Victorian state government determines to enact antireligion laws one after another to silence faith communities and just as the Australian federal government seeks to pass new laws to better protect religious freedom. This book will bring the much-needed debate over religious freedom--a challenging topic--to our discussion tables. Bird offers us a comprehensive, unapologetic, honest, and unbiased analysis from a historical, philosophical, biblical, and sociopolitical perspective. It's a must-read book for all Christians, pastors, church leaders, theologians, and seminary students living in this hostile and secular age--because it's not too late to turn the world upside down again, just like the early church did!''With his characteristic wit, Michael Bird demonstrates that religious liberty is of interest not only to Christians but also to the marketplace of ideas that helped deepen faith while simultaneously making room for peaceable difference. With a keen assessment of cultural events and theological dexterity, Bird is now among those doing needed work to retrieve the forgotten ideal that is religious liberty.'Religious Freedom in a Secular Age describes todays complicated debates about religious freedom, suggesting a way forward that neither privileges nor punishes religion. Tackling many complicated topics, this practical book encourages Christians to stand up for their faith in a way that is humble and gentle, yet also courageous.

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