Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright

 N.T. Wright is a bishop in the Episcopal Church in England and a foremost contemporary Christian theologian.  In this book he makes a case for the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ and sees it as the foundation for Christian hope.  He also asserts that the common Christian idea that after this life we can look forward to returning to be with God and living with him in Heaven, is incorrect.  Instead, he claims, in the end times Christ will return to Earth, bringing with him his kingdom, the Earth will be renewed, and become the dwelling place of the faithful.  He concludes that this knowledge of the resurrection and the renewal of the Earth is the basis on which we can place our hopes and focus our Christian service. It is the job of Christians to help with this renewal by following our own Christian vocation and reflecting God's image in righteousness and love. 

I checked out this book because one of the religious podcasters I listen to recommended it. It was interesting and different from anything I have listened to before.  Of course, I have listened to hundreds of hours of lectures on Christian theology, but they have mostly been by people of my same religion. It was interesting to see many of the same topics explored extensively by someone from a different Christian sect. I thought a lot of what he said was insightful and thought provoking.  He has come to some of the same theological conclusions that my religion holds which is validating. The way that he is different from speakers I have heard in my religion is that is openly criticizes other ministers in his faith because they fail to understand and teach about the resurrection that way that he sees it. I had never thought about it before, but the leaders of my church never openly criticize other church leaders, nor do they often criticize the beliefs of other sects.  They might point out how they are different than our beliefs but they do it in a very respectful way.  N.T. Wright's criticisms were mostly couched in polite language, but there was often an edge of derision underneath the words.  He is clearly brilliant, and has thought a lot about the topic and believes he is right, but he is not very humble about it. I am glad I listened to the book, and I gained new understanding from it, but I don't know if I will recommend it to many people. (2018, 352 p)