SURPRISED BY HOPE

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

The man Newsweek calls "the world's leading New Testament scholar" takes on the controversial topic of life after death and revels how most Christians get it wrong--and why it matters.

I am reading N.T. Wright's excellent book, Surprised By Hope--Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church for the second time. I have read sections of it several times.  I feel the need to carefully study this book.

Rob Bell said, "This is N. T. Wright at his finest; dismantling the tired old theologies of escapism and evacuation to help a whole generation of us more clearly grasp a Jesus revolution for here, now, today."

I also like what Richard Foster wrote about this book, "I heartily commend to you Surprised By Hope. Without compromise or apology Wright lays out a bold and vigorous articulation of the 'blessed hope' of the Christian witness. Grappling with a vast array of controversial topics, this book is sure to surprise you and will no doubt fill you with hope."

If you are positive that heaven is out there someplace in the wild blue yonder. If you know without a doubt that hell is a place where sinners are going to burn for eternity without being consumed. Then, this book is not for you. Please do not read it. It will only disturb you.

If on the other hand, you have an open mind on issues around the future and hope and resurrection--then you will be blessed by reading, studying, questioning and learning from this book.