Michael Bird on the Challenges of Evangelical Theology; Plus Giveaway Winners

As we've mentioned elsewhere, Michael Bird's new Evangelical Theology is a real canonical, credal tour de force, combining the acumen and depth of a biblical scholar and systematic theologian with the care and sensitivity of a pastor. This is due in large part to how Bird deftly confronts challenging areas for evangelical theology.

According to Bird, what's the most challenging area? Ecclesiology, the doctrine of the Church.

"Evangelicals tend to be ecclesiology light," Bird says. He humorously shares that he heard someone quip that for many evangelicals "the Church is just the weekly meeting of Jesus' Facebook friends." Unfortunately, evangelicals tend to have a low view of the Church, which Bird says is impossible because, in the words of Bonhoeffer, "you can't have a Churchless Christianity anymore than you can have a Christless Christianity."

This is why Bird tried to "beef-up" the ecclesiology section as much as he could. In the video below, Bird shares a powerful word about the beauty and grandeur of the Bride of Christ, explains some of what he has to say about the Church in his book, and outlines some ways evangelicals tend to neglect ecclesiology.

Can't see the video? Watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2grAx3jvUc&

Also, last week we had a massive giveaway for Bird's new book Evangelical Theology, and we are pleased to share with you the winners of our contest (names listed are those provided in the comment):

• Chris Nyland
• Brian
• Matthew G.
• Salvador Gomez
• Keith
• Michael Lewis
• Brian Fulthorp
• Mike Crowe
• Glenn Davis
• Corey
• Chris McElmurray
• Kenneth Litwak
• Timothy G. Harris
• Sara Bibb
• Jason
• grae_bird
• Daniel Motley
• Michael Helfield
• Johnny Fiecka
• Allen Hutchison
• CGS
• John M. Henderson III
• Trevor Hamaker
• David Fetrow
• Kathy S. Johnson

Congratulations to the recipients! If you didn't win, grab your own copy of this new, vital theology resource.