Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government
Overview
In Religious Freedom in a Secular Age author Michael Bird argues that religious freedom should not be preserved by churches entrusting themselves to the protection of a Trumpian leader draped in the apparel of civil religion, nor should they consent to allowing religious freedom to be steam rolled by progressive activists with their increasing hostility towards people of faith. What is needed instead is a better appreciation for how secularism can work to create space for people of all faiths and none, to resolve tense relationships between church and state, and come to a fair and equitable settlement when religious liberty and LGBTI+ rights come into conflict. Bird tackles complicated debates about the nature, extent, and limitations of religious freedom with a view to encouraging Christians to stand up for their faith in a post-Christian world, in a way that is humble and gentle, yet also courageous.
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- Explores the tense relationship between church and state
- Encourages Christians to stand up for their faith in a post-Christian world
- Examines complicated debates about the nature, extent, and limitations of religious freedom
- Title: Religious Freedom in a Secular Age: A Christian Case for Liberty, Equality, and Secular Government
- Author: Michael F. Bird
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Pages: 187
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
- Subjects: Freedom of religion; Church and state; Secularization
- ISBNs: 9780310150312, 9780310538899, 0310538882, 0310538890, 9780310538882, 0310150310
- Resource ID: LLS:RLGSFRDMGVRNMNT
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-29T21:50:55Z
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
8/16/2022
I very much appreciated this timely book from Aussie Anglican, Michael Bird. I have much to think about, and have already had opportunity to discuss some of the issues raised with family and fellow pastors. I appreciated the good coverage of the situation in both USA and Australia, though a bit more coverage of other Western nations would’ve been welcomed. I also liked have the Doncaster Declaration included. as it does sit well with the contents of this book - and must admit to my shame, that I hadn’t read it till this book :( “Secular” and “Secularism” are terms that definitely have a lot of ambiguity and misunderstanding associated with them - in the Media, in social discussions, and in the church. I think the book could do a bit more in combating this, or at least suggesting a way forward when it comes to such terminology. I also appreciated that the author doesn’t just talk about the “problems” but does offer his “Thessalonian Strategy”. I was a bit disappointed that there was no Bibliography / Further Reading section at the end. I very much feel that a much bigger book is needed, and would welcome to see more on this topic from this author! Highly recommended for all those seriously interest in Religious Freedom.