Surprised by Scripture
Engaging Contemporary Issues
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
A thoughtful and provocative collection, in the vein of the intellectual spiritual classic The Weight of Glory, from N. T. Wright, the influential Bishop, Bible scholar, and bestselling author widely regarded as a modern C. S. Lewis.
An unusual combination of scholar, churchman, and leader, N. T. Wright—hailed by Newsweek as “the world’s leading New Testament scholar”—is not only incredibly insightful, but conveys his knowledge in terms that excite and inspire Christian leaders worldwide, allowing them to see the Bible from a fresh viewpoint. In this challenging and stimulating collection of popular essays, sermons, and talks, Wright provide a series of case studies which explore how the Bible can be applied to some of the most pressing contemporary issues facing us, including:
Why it is possible to love the Bible and affirm evolution Why women should be allowed to be ordained Where Christians today have lost focus, and why it is important for them to engage in politics—and why that involvement benefits everyone Why the Christian belief in heaven means we should be at the forefront of the environmental movement And much more
Helpful, practical, and wise, Surprised by Scripture invites readers to examine their own hearts and minds and presents new models for understanding how to affirm the Bible in today’s world—as well as new ideas and renewed energy for deepening our faith and engaging with the world around us.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The prolific theologian Wright (Surprised by Hope) tackles several critical contemporary issues such diverse subjects as women's ordination, science and religion, biblical ecology, the problem of evil, the resurrection of Jesus and examines them in light of Scripture. Each question is attended to in broad strokes, but with pithy prose and compassionate and serious biblical interpretation that not only puts forth novel ideas, but also deconstructs dangerous old ones (for example, misunderstandings about the Second Coming). Though he teaches at the University of St. Andrews, Wright does not write from an ivory tower. This book is meant for theologians, interested lay people, and even skeptics, who might find something unforeseen in Scripture and look at modern concerns in a new light. In each case, Wright aims "to allow the biblical writers to set the agenda rather than forcing on them a scheme of thought that does not do them justice." To reveal some of Wright's conclusions would be like leaking cinematic spoilers; such is the inventive and surprising way that Wright brings the Bible to bear on current, and vexatious, affairs.
