"Michael F. Bird is Academic Dean and lecturer in theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He is the author of Jesus and the Origins of the Gentile Mission, The Saving Righteousness of God, Evangelical Theology, Romans (Story of God Bible Commentary Series), The Gospel of the Lord: How the Early Church Wrote the Story of Jesus, and editor of The Apostle Paul: Four Views. He also runs a popular theological studies blog called ""Euangelion"" and can be followed on twitter @mbird12."
'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.' * <b> John D. Inazu, Sally D. Danforth Distinguished Professor of Law and Religion, Washington University in St. Louis </b> * '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.' * <b> Andrew T. Walker, associate professor of Christian ethics, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, author of Liberty for All </b> * '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!' * <b> Jasmine Yuen, Victorian State Coordinator, Australian Christian Lobby</b> *