Michael Bird Evangelical Theology

Michael Bird Evangelical Theology. Evangelical Theology is an historically rooted, exegetical, and Reformed theological writing. It differs somewhat from the main stream of Reformed thought in that it often presents figures like John Calvin as the model for the elect in scripture. This is because the main ideas of evangelical Theology are predicated on scriptural truth. Also its often considered to be more “in tune” with the Word of God than more traditional Reformed views.

Evangelical Theology takes its position after the exclusivity of modern liberalism. Bird maintains that there are three main strands of liberalism in scripture – liberal ideas of original sin, liberal ideas of salvation, and liberal ideas of the kingdom of God. He also maintains that these three can be separated and thus liberal theology can exist as a distinct field. In this article I will present some of the insights offered up by Michael Bird concerning the liberal arts.

Bird believes that Calvinism was a reaction against the more liberal Reformed view of scripture and thus was a bulwark against liberalism. The idea that Calvinism opposed liberalism is important because it provides the key to Bird's overall position. The idea that Calvinism is a bulwark against liberalism is important for a number of reasons. First, because liberal thought was a bulwark against the Reformed understanding of scripture, liberal thinkers were often excluded from conversations within the Reformed churches.

Evangelical Theology, Second Edition: A Biblical and Systematic – michael bird evangelical theolog

Secondly, Bird emphasizes that liberal arts degrees have traditionally been seen as being exclusive for only those who are liberal in their political and social opinions. While this was true in the past, Bird argues that this exclusion is not so much a product of age-old racism and sexism but is grounded in the unhistorical thinking that all artists and scholars must make in order to effectively engage with the emerging culture. Instead of excluding the liberal thinker, Bird insists that this new generation should embrace the liberal arts degree in order to understand the textual and cultural currents of our day.

Finally, Bird contends that while there has been some violence towards Christians due to the activities of a few in our society, this does not justify the exclusive privilege that certain groups of liberal thinkers have been afforded. Rather, he argues that Christians must be prepared to engage in intellectual combat against those who would deny the right of every person to freedom of expression.

In many ways, Bird presents the challenge of how one can hold to and defend conservative beliefs while simultaneously developing a progressive worldview. After all, Bird admits that he has “evolutionary views about gender, race, and heaven,” but he goes on to state that he believes these are values that are held in universal conscience regardless of whether one is personally religious or not. 

This means that Bird must either modify his beliefs to meet the desires of a progressive perspective, or else he must simply resign himself to the status of being a liberal thinker trapped in the Republican party. He also claims that in order for a Christian to remain true to his beliefs while making progress, a person must be willing to “imagine a world without the God concept, without Jesus, without sacrifice, without compassion, and without hatred.”

As a result, Bird offers a unique opportunity for those who feel as though they have nothing relevant to say in the way of conservative perspectives. Those who agree with Bird's evolutionary theories but object to his use of “transhumanism” or to the reduction of gender to a mere reproductive organ must essentially come to terms with the fact that their beliefs are nothing more than a product of human evolution and their personal evolution into liberal individualists.

Those who object to Bird's liberal viewpoints on the basis that they do not believe that God is intelligent or that God cares about human evolution must come to terms with the fact that their beliefs are nothing more than a product of human thinking. Bird recognizes that this point is actually rather obvious on its face, but it requires a renewal of faith among those who disagree with his views to fully grasp the logic of his arguments.

This book is filled with some excellent practical advice on how to grow as a person and a Christian and how to stay true to your Christian beliefs while doing so. To borrow a line from the New Testament, it is “not what you think that keeps you living, it is what you do that keeps you going”. This book has numerous applicable examples drawn from the life of Jesus Christ and from the broader themes explored within the larger context of Bird's work. At the end of the day, it is important to remember that those who are willing to put aside their personal convictions and personal comfort in order to follow God's will have truly found their home. And God will never leave them.

While I don't entirely agree with Bird's views on evolution, I am interested in what he has to say about how you must remain a believer while changing your personal views on the subject. As a lapsemaker myself, I found some of Bird's analysis to be quite fascinating and thought-provoking. I'm also a strong believer in the sanctity of human life, including embryos and fetus, and the ability of creation to self-create rather than relying on someone else to do so. I must agree with Bird that one must be open-minded and willing to consider all options if they are to understand why God has given certain people certain traits and why others do not.

If you have ever read Michael Bird's books, you may be familiar with his work on New Testament theology and the Apocrypha. In his newest book, The Lost Tribes of Emelia, he brings this Apocryphal book to life. Some of the stories in this collection are just amazing. We will take a brief look at some of what this author has written about in this latest volume of his Apocryphon series.

In First Coming of Christ, Michael Bird tells the story of John the Baptist, who is considered by many to be the final great Baptist before Christ. In addition to his Gospel, he includes other writings, including letters of St. James and St. Jude. I particularly enjoyed this book due to its entertaining storyline. Although we have heard many legends on the background of John the Baptist, this book provides more evidence of why he became the chosen person. It is certainly interesting, even entertaining, to follow his life for a short time and understand how close his followers were to him.

The story begins almost two thousand years ago. While traveling with his wife across the world, John the Baptist met and fell in love with a young woman from Jerusalem named Mary. We are introduced to Mary as the mother of Jesus, but we do not learn that she was the wife of John the Baptist. This is an unusual relationship for the gospel writer to reveal.

When the book ends, we find that Mary and John are married. While the account does not relate their wedding day, we learn that they had a son named James. While some readers might question how and when the story of James and Mary came to be part of the Apocryphon of James, I find it most intriguing that they actually do match very closely to the accounts in the Bible. Theology is at the forefront of this book and I found myself engaging with all the historical and theological information that was provided.

While I found a few weak points, Bird offers up an interesting and thought-provoking exploration of the faith. He would have done better to have offered a more in-depth look at the Reformation. I also think he could have shed a little more light on the issue of predestination. I found myself wondering how anyone who claimed to follow the Gospel of James could find anything wrong with the Book of James other than its problematic presentation of the Bible.

Bird takes a positive view of the Gospel. He repeatedly emphasizes the fact that God has commanded us to preach the gospel to every man, women and child. The book does not present the same blunt condemnations of Christianity that many other books do. He points out that many people have been killed because of the teachings of the Bible. While acknowledging the seriousness of these faults, he points out that most people have overlooked or just chose to ignore them. This is part of the beauty of his writing.

Bird shows a commendable willingness to accept differing points of view. He admits that there will always be those who will take stands against the Gospel. However, he does not seem to focus too much on their objections. He presents a realistic point of view that can be viewed by all as a matter of common sense. He also admits that some things are simply inexplicable. It takes a bit of effort to explain why some things are seemingly impossible.

Although I did not buy this book at the bookstore, I will likely pick it up at some point. It might even become my favorite of all books on the subject of evangelical theology. It contains very good advice on how to grow in all areas of your life. Having grown in a Southern Baptist family myself, I know first hand how important this book can be to those who want to know more about following Jesus and living out their faith.