Review date: 1999
Reviewed in: Theological Book Review
Reviewed by: Chris Peck, Laity Development Department, Diocese of Liverpool
Those who are familiar with NT Wright's work have come to expect good sense and a stimulating and fresh perspective combined with imaginative and clear expression. This little booklet lives up to expectations. 'Christian Hope' in this context is about what happens when we die and Wright's thesis is that the Christian hope is not simply for 'going to heaven when we die' but for 'new heavens and new earth, integrated together'. In a few succinct sections (the booklet is the transcript of a lecture) he draws out the Biblical basis and implications of his thesis, showing clearly how the verses that appear to put the focus on going to heaven when we die have a different meaning when put in context. The notes give indications of further reading but the booklet could have benefited from a bibliography. That, however, is a minor drawback in a stimulating, useful small booklet on a vital theme.
Review date: April 2000
Reviewed in: The Door magazine
Reviewed by: Celia Mowat, Oxford
Everyone is touched sooner or later by the awesome question of what happens after we die. Canon Tom Wright responds to this human situation by showing that the Bible contains a much fuller treatment of the issue than we sometimes realise. He points out that the New Testament has very little to say about 'going to heaven when you die'. When Jesus promised the dying thief that he would be with him in paradise, he was using the normal Jewish term for the place of rest before resurrection. Beyond paradise stands the assurance of a renewal of our bodily life in the context of a renewed, integrated heaven and earth, in which God comes to dwell. We live in a period which seems increasingly religious but decreasingly Christian. The 24 pages of this clear and stimulating booklet open up a distinctive biblical theology ofheaven, immortality and resurrection, which has the immediate effect of helping to strengthen and articulate the hope that is within us. Not only that, but it encourages and enthuses me to get involved in that process of making all things new which the coming of Christ has already ushered in.
Reviewed in: Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology
Reviewed by: David J B Anderson, Glasgow
This booklet is a concise and stimulating statement of Christian Hope. A merely individualist, escapist notion of salvation is roundly rejected in favour of a broader biblical perspective. Authentic Christianity is shown to be both world affirming, offering a great incentive for radical Christian engagement, and cosmic in scope, involving ultimately the total integration of God's creation in a new heaven and a new earth. A timely integration of God's creation in a new heaven and a new earth. A timely booklet that will raise challenging questions for every thinking Christian.