The New Testament and the People of God Volume 1

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The New Testament and the People of God Volume 1 (Christian Origins and the Question of God #1)

by N.T. Wright

4.40 · rating details · 337 ratings · 40 reviews

In this volume Wright trains a penetrating historical and theological spotlight on first-century Palestinian Judaism. By describing the history, social make-up, worldview, beliefs, and hope of Palestinian Judaism, Wright familiarizes the reader with the 'world of Judaism' as situated within the world of Greco-Roman culture.

Paperback, 535 pages

Published January 1st 1992 by Augsburg Fortress Publishers

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Aug 04, 2011

Jacob Aitken rated it

NTPG attempts a constructive methodology for reading Scripture and doing theology in a post-postmodern age. This book sets the stage for the next two, draws heavily from it, and determines later exegesis. If this book is mastered, much of Wright's later writings is fairly simple.

Overview:
Wright criticizes the Enlightenment's approach to knowledge. He says, in line with Postmodern philosophy, that a tabula rasa is impossible. We do not simply "see" other facts, but recieve those f...more

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Aug 03, 2011

Mark Sequeira added it

Wow! So N.T. Wright rocks my world yet again! Okay, yes, it may be more of the same considering I've already read "Jesus and the Victory of God" (which technically comes after this one I believe) and if I had to, II'd say that one is better but once reading N.T. wright, I want to read more. Big books, slow reading, but boy has it been worth it. Got to be some of the most important reading I have done and I have done a lot of reading from Calvin's Institutes to John Owen to Stanley Gren...more

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Jan 14, 2011

B. Hawk rated it

Shelves: biblical-studies

Much of this book is clearly about introductions: historiography, methodology, and the place of the historian among all of these. Throughout most of this, Wright places himself in relation to his predecessors and others in his field, establishing how his work moves forward in new directions. Of course, he also acknowledges his debt to many of his influences, and those from whose work he has gained much of the background to his own project. In all, the book establishes the foundations of the r...moreMuch of this book is clearly about introductions: historiography, methodology, and the place of the historian among all of these. Throughout most of this, Wright places himself in relation to his predecessors and others in his field, establishing how his work moves forward in new directions. Of course, he also acknowledges his debt to many of his influences, and those from whose work he has gained much of the background to his own project. In all, the book establishes the foundations of the rest of the series, paying particular attention to both the contexts of biblical history and the contexts of his own project.

Beyond these introductions, however, Wright does explicate his underlying arguments. His main approach is “to rethink a basic worldview” of early Christianity (24), and, essentially, “to articulate new categories” of Christian thought (25). Wright seeks to do this by way of literature, history, and theology—all three examined in order to establish the basic worldviews surrounding the New Testament (both Jewish and Christian). Fundamentally, Wright advocates a methodology of “critical realism” that straddles the opposing views of positivism and subjectivity; such a methodology, he proposes, leads to the examination of worldviews as “the grid[s] through which humans, both individually and in social groupings, perceive all of reality” (32).

Even more basic to his methodology, however, is to establish the fundamental “Story” that each worldview and group embraces. In other words, for Wright, “the deepest level of meaning consists in the stories, and ultimately the worldviews, which the texts thus articulate” (66). For second-Temple Judaism, the story is one of exile and exodus “reaching its climax”; and, for Christianity, “it is the same story” (150). For Wright, therefore, the project of “Christian Origins and the Question of God” must be set in direct relation to the basic cultural contexts of first-century Judaism. This is the story out of which Christianity grows. Furthermore, this is the context in which both Jesus and Paul—the two major figures of his project—must be understood. Both were part of the second-Temple Jewish culture, and both worked from a worldview of the story of their god’s interaction with Israel in a series of exile and exodus events moving toward the ultimate exodus.

A notable aspect of the book is Wright’s ability to navigate between the big picture and necessary details. He continually moves between scholarship and his own claims, overviews of the history and case studies that prove his points. While he often claims that many of these issues need further critical attention, he does well to present the material in a coherent manner. No doubt many of the individual issues and details will be dealt with later (Wright himself promises to return to several points in his later volumes), but they work well together without the risk of loose ends ready to fray and unwind his arguments.

Although the work is not perfect—sometimes Wright’s quirky illustrations or self-deprecation (Does he really believe that he is not capable of offering authoritative claims based on his examinations, even though he goes on to do so anyway?) can distract from his study—it does offer a fresh and persuasive way of doing history. Even more, this study presents a holistic and contextual framework for understanding the New Testament and early Christianity within its original milieu, rather than from modern assumptions and misconceptions. This book is an important work, and proves to be influential to future studies—indeed, it seems to have already made such an impact, according to reviews and citations by other scholars—including the subsequent volumes that extend Wright’s project from introductions to more extensive examinations.(less)

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Feb 01, 2012

Chris Griffith rated it

Quite good! In the prolegomena, which takes up roughly the first third of the book, Wright sets out to explain how we go about writing, reading and interpreting history. He then digs his heals into the history of the Jews during the time of Christ, exploring their worldview(s)and the origins of early Christianity. A very well written book. This is the first of what will eventually be a six volume series. I've set a goal to read the first three volumes (all which are currently in print) befo...more

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Feb 02, 2012

Jonathan rated it

This book is more of a stage-setter for N.T. Wright's series, "Christian Origins and the Question of God", than a book meant to be read in isolation. In the series Wright is attempting a wide-ranging historical and theological study of the origins of Christianity. "The New Testament and the People of God" seeks to address the questions that need to be answered before such a study can even begin.

The first 120 pages focus on philosophical questions. How do we evalu...moreThis book is more of a stage-setter for N.T. Wright's series, "Christian Origins and the Question of God", than a book meant to be read in isolation. In the series Wright is attempting a wide-ranging historical and theological study of the origins of Christianity. "The New Testament and the People of God" seeks to address the questions that need to be answered before such a study can even begin.

The first 120 pages focus on philosophical questions. How do we evaluate history? How do we interpret literature? Can we really ever be sure that we "know" something? And do the answers to those questions change when it is the Bible and Christianity that we are talking about? These pages are sometimes a slog, but for someone who is really self-reflective about their faith and takes the roots of their beliefs seriously, it is deep and very helpful. For those who have been interested in the "historical Jesus" controversies, either as a fan, a critic, or both, it is also very insightful.

The next 200+ pages cover Judaism at the time of Christ. In my view this is the real gem of the book. As Westerners heavily influenced by the Enlightenment, Scientific Rationalism, and two millennia of Christian theology, we can't understand 1st-century Judaism just by reading the Hebrew Bible or looking at the 21st-century Judaism of today. Wright uses a large variety of primary and secondary sources, both historical and theological, to really get into what the Hebrew people believed at the time of Jesus, what they were hoping for, and what they were doing about it. I think this section is a must-read for all serious students of Christianity. Without really understanding the people Jesus was speaking too, it is very difficult to understand many aspects of what he was saying to them.

The final 130 pages give an overview of the first century of the Christian church. Wright lays down some theories for how we look at the church in light of the Judaism it emerged from. What were the hopes of the first Christians, what theology were they proclaiming, and how did they go about proclaiming it? Wright puts out some great information about what we can and can't know about the early church, along with an analysis of how we read their stories in light of what we know of the Judaism many of them still saw themselves as a part of. Though there was a lot of good stuff here, I couldn't help but feel that Wright is going to go far more in depth with these themes in the following books in the series.

I read this book because I was being blown away by the insights in "Jesus and the Victory of God", and wanted to go back and read the entire series from the beginning. I wasn't the least bit disappointed, but I want to warn that it is a slow and sometimes difficult read, and that Wright clearly intends for the reader to go on to the next books in the series rather than treating this first book as a stand-alone text.(less)

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Feb 16, 2009

slaveofone rated it

This book functions more like an introduction and scene setter to the later books in the series. It explores epistemology and literary criticism, critiques the history of New Testament historical studies, suggests what may be done to advance the field, and then sets out to do so. A historical investigation of Second Temple/First Century Judaism(s) along with First Century Christianity based on Critical Realism. An incredible scholastic work.

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Feb 04, 2011

Christine rated it

476 pages later I'm glad I read this book (the first of a three volume series). Wright lays the groundwork for his entire project, so some might struggle with the first third of the book. Talk about prolegomena! Wright provides a careful look into first century Judaism(s) and worldviews of folks at Jesus' time. I think I'll take a break before diving into the next volume.

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Nov 10, 2010

Missjgray rated it

Quick re-read of sections. I read this in college and didn't remember much, but I know I liked it a lot. As I go back, I'm really getting a lot out of it. Wright has a way with words and explains himself well. If only I hadn't loaned out my copy of "Jesus and the Victory of God" (or at least if I could remember who I loaned it to...) I would go through that again, too.

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Jun 21, 2009

Chris rated it

Same as my review for Jesus and the Victory of God (vol 2). Wright challenges both revisionist views of Jesus as well as popular Christian conceptions and instead looks into the historical social mileau of Palestinian first century to find the truth on who Jesus was and what was this Kingdom that he sought to inaugurate.

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Jul 24, 2011

Kirk Lowery added it

Shelves: nt

A review and critique of previous critical work on the New Testament, with special emphasis upon the NT in it's first century Judaic context. He focuses upon the "worldviews" of Judaism and Christianity, with a refreshing interaction with hard data. Christianity's "story" is an answer/fulfillment/subversion of the "story" of Judaism.

Finally! A critical approach to the NT with something constructive to say!

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Feb 17, 2011

Glesnertod rated it

Shelves: historical

Though still processing, the book was very good. This is my first introduction to a lengthy study dealing with 'the NT and the people of God" through the grid of History, Literature and Theology. And, having read a ton of articles and smaller books by the author, I had a grasp of much of his conclusions, but not his methodology. So, in terms of how he gets to where he is going and gone, this books is necessary for those who want to understand Wright. I recommend it for someone who wants...more

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Aug 09, 2011

Chauncey Lattimer added it

Wow! I actually started with the second book of the series, Jesus and the Victory of God, and realized at the end of the 144 page introduction that I needed to come back and read this book first. I press on to complete the series. It is just that good!

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Jun 25, 2010

Zachariah rated it

Shelves: history, religion, non-fiction

I took a philosophy of Judaism this last semester in (secular) College, we didn't cover much history, but what was covered in this book didn't diverge too much from what the history I learned in that class. This book is thick material; I had to read pretty slow (10pg/hr) in order to retain/follow what I as reading. I appreciated his dealings with different types of literary criticism and his criticisms of Q.

I'm no expert but it seemed like a solid attempt to put together the milieu o...more

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Jun 14, 2010

Mark Franklin rated it

Tremendous introductory work New Testament theology; also a great resource for anyone who wants an introduction to critical analysis of ancient texts in general. NT Wright's voice is rather more tolerable than most theologians.

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Sep 15, 2011

James Stacey rated it

A useful and fascinating introduction to the Christian Origins series; this paved the way helpfully for the impressive ground to be taken in 'Jesus and the Victory of God' and 'The Resurrection of the Son of God'.

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Feb 17, 2009

wes Goertzen rated it

Shelves: thought

its an interesting read alongside Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Ok that said way back in the day. This was the most interesting introduction to anything i've ever read. I was told that it'd be kinda boring but the needed background for reading Wright's later stuff in the series. It was a fun (dare i say) though challenging read (b/c its scholarly). Since first reading Wright I've like him b/c (partly) of his wit and writing style.

Not being a professional schola...more

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Jul 19, 2011

Jacob McGill rated it

This is an excellent book that introduces Wright's view of interpretation, his narrative approach, second temple Judaism, and general themes he considers vital for interpreting the New Testament.

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Jul 27, 2011

Joseph Sverker added it

This book is so thorough in its research yet so readable and I don't understand how anyone could argue that the gospels are not historically reliable after reading this book.

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Mar 23, 2011

Patrick Doyle rated it

I think this had good content, but was a bit more "scholarly" in terms of presentation and for me often said in 50 pages what could be said in 1.

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Jul 19, 2007

daniel rated it

Shelves: own-it

NT Wright is brilliant. His passion for the topics at hand (the literature, history and theology of 1st-century Judaism and Christianity) makes for really engaging material that could otherwise be pretty dry.

He spends the first 150 pages discussing worldview and epistemology. He tries to forge a path that he calls "critical realism" - neither the "naive realism" of those who believe that they have complete, unfettered access to the Truth (truth about history or ...more

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Jul 03, 2011

Matt Anderson rated it

*Note: Although I read much of this book, I did not read the entire book. I only read what was required by my graduate school.*

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Apr 16, 2009

Jeff Noble added it

The New Testament and the People of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God) by N. T. Wright (?)

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Jul 28, 2011

Simon rated it

Shelves: theology, history

A year and a half later! Phew!

This was really good. An outstanding work of historical theology, history, and a most valuable investigation into the worldviews of the second-temple Jews, and the early church. The book, while acheiving much more, primarily serves as a convincing analysis showing that Christianity fits perfectly well within as a break-away/sect of Judaism, and that its claims were entirely plausible ones to be made within that first-century context. Wright shows that C...more

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Feb 18, 2009

Sung-Min rated it

i'll never finish this book. i quit.

pretty smart b/c it first helps you understand how different ways of understanding impacts what we read and how biblical texts require certain paradigm/approach for readers to understand them correctly. but way too dense for me, and i'll concede N.T. Wright is smarter than I. But, at the same time, his belabored way of preparing readers just might be merely an effort necessary to make the readers overlook the unavoidable problems inherent in the...more

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Jul 22, 2010

Andrew rated it

Interesting but dense. Here's to becoming a real live scripture teacher.

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Mar 22, 2011

Josh rated it

Great look at the historical setting of Jesus Christ

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Jun 10, 2011

Steven Wedgeworth rated it

Still my favorite of Wright's works.

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Nov 30, 2010

Joshua Fink is currently reading it

My Advent reading.

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Jun 14, 2009

Gwen Burrow rated it

Shelves: theology

Glorious.

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May 16, 2007

Mike Curtiss rated it

Shelves: bestofthebest

This book changed the way I read and understand the bible. Gives good epistemological (sp?) foundations for believing that "absolute" truth can be found in the bible provided we are in proper critical dialogue with the text and other people. Also gave me a totally new understanding of Judaism and how Jews lived and what they hoped for in the 1st century.

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About N.T. Wright

N. T. Wright is Bishop of Durham in the Church of England and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He has been featured on ABC News, Dateline NBC, The Colbert Report, and Fresh Air, and he has taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGill, and Oxford universities. Wright is the award-winning author of Surprised by Hope, Simply Christian, The Last Word, The Challenge of Jesus, The Meaning...more

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Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church

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The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is

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