Few issues are more central to the Christian faith than the nature, scope and means of salvation. Many have thought it to be largely a transaction ...
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Aug 09, 2011
A recurring part of my theological training was an emphasis upon interpreting Scripture by means of Scripture. Difficult/vague passages were to be interpreted by those that were more easily understood. And, in keeping with Wright’s quoting of Kasemann, there was to be “an inner logic” to the text. I say all of this because N.T. Wright’s book, Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision, is a work that approaches an understandably difficult topic (justification) from the perspective of God’s ove
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Aug 04, 2011
This is Tom Wright’s response to John Piper’s recent work on justification, and we can think Piper for writing that work: without his work Wright would not have written this one. As most know, Wright has been accused in the past fifteen years of denying justification by faith, attacking the Reformed tradition, and probably microwaving kittens. Granted, most accusations that Wright has “denied the gospel” are meaningless (for when is the gospel not at steak for Reformed bloggers?). However, there
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Feb 07, 2012
Ryan
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Though this felt like I was reading one side of an argument I didn't entirely understand, Wright is funny and clear as he explains his views of Justification vs. those of John Piper. This was Book #1 for our theology book club.
Favourite passages:
God is rescuing us from the shipwreck of the world, not so that we can sit back and put our feet up in his company, but so that we can be part of his plan to remake the world. We are in orbit around God and his purposes, not the othe More...
Favourite passages:
God is rescuing us from the shipwreck of the world, not so that we can sit back and put our feet up in his company, but so that we can be part of his plan to remake the world. We are in orbit around God and his purposes, not the othe More...
Sep 05, 2011
Mitchell
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If you intend to read this an introduction to the New Perspective on Paul, as I did, be forewarned that Wright extensively references earlier works by both himself and others. This work is not meant to be an introduction to Wright's theology of justification, but is rather a part (and thus far, the final part) of a conversation between himself and Piper.
That said, I found it a very rewarding read. A bit of research around the web, plus contextual hints in the book, allows one to outlin More...
That said, I found it a very rewarding read. A bit of research around the web, plus contextual hints in the book, allows one to outlin More...
Aug 03, 2011
Justification is one of the core doctrines of the Christian faith, and in both evangelical and more mainline circles, it has been contested territory for a generation or more. N. T. Wright's Justification is truty a book to be reckoned with. It is a comprehensive (though, as the author admits, not exhaustive) statement of the place of justification in Paul's thought. Much has been written about this highly anticipated contribution from one of today's most noted scholars, both in appreciation and
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Apr 23, 2011
Ben
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A couple years back, John Piper wrote The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright as a response to N.T. Wright's view on Justification (read my review here). Justification is Wright's counter primarily to Piper but also to his other Reformed minded critics.
It's obvious throughout this book that Wright is somewhat frustrated at needing to write a response such as this. He feels his position has not been understood properly by his critics. I empathize with his position and a More...
It's obvious throughout this book that Wright is somewhat frustrated at needing to write a response such as this. He feels his position has not been understood properly by his critics. I empathize with his position and a More...
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Oct 14, 2010
Donovan
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There are times when I wish I lived during the era of saints and heretics. As orthodox Christianity developed, people fought over differing theological positions and often resorted to name calling. It is best to view N.T. Wright’s book in a similar fashion. In short, Justification reads as an extended letter snappily written to John Piper in defense of Wright’s position on Paul’s view of justification in Romans.
The backdrop behind this book is the longstanding debate of the “Old Perspe More...
The backdrop behind this book is the longstanding debate of the “Old Perspe More...
Apr 11, 2010
Ejkotynski
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Wright's book is a much better expression of his view of Paul's doctrine of Justification than anything I've read from him in the past. Much of his lack of clarity was cleared up here. I can't really give him even four stars for the following reasons: 1) he doesn't quote context or scripture very well 2) his footnotes are not comprehensive 3) as one other critic has said, he tells people what the reformers said without seeming to actually know what they said - footnotes of primary sources woul
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Nov 05, 2009
Whew! What a book! One goes up and then down while reading this book. There's much to be said about Justification that simply cannot be said in a book review. It would give away too much.
Let it simply be said that the New Perspective on Paul is under fire. John Piper fired a huge round when he wrote Counted Righteous in Christ and The Future of Justification. Piper is no light-weight expositor, but should be taken seriously. Wright has done so in many ways. This is Wright's respons More...
Let it simply be said that the New Perspective on Paul is under fire. John Piper fired a huge round when he wrote Counted Righteous in Christ and The Future of Justification. Piper is no light-weight expositor, but should be taken seriously. Wright has done so in many ways. This is Wright's respons More...
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Apr 16, 2010
David
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Wright's book is a response to John Piper's critique of his views on justification. Unlike Piper's book, this is not a point by point rebuttal to Piper as his was to Wright. Instead it is an attempt by Wright to be as clear as possible on his understanding of the issue. Like Piper, he writes with humility and respect.
This book is an enjoyable treat. Wright firmly sets his interpretation of Paul's letters in the context of the bible's grand narrative. He works to clear away tradi More...
This book is an enjoyable treat. Wright firmly sets his interpretation of Paul's letters in the context of the bible's grand narrative. He works to clear away tradi More...
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May 11, 2011
Tim
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Wright offers this book as a response to Reformed critics, especially John Piper, who have consistently misunderstood and misrepresented his ideas. As such there is a bit of polemic here, which I have no general problem with as Wright's argument is solid and his opponent's are thick, but it does distract from Wright's exegesis. Wright is exceptional in his opening up of Scripture and I frankly would have loved even further explication at points. I appreciate his Scripturally and historically
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May 12, 2011
Mark
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This is a fantastic book, though be warned: it is not for the faint of heart. Over half the book is the exegesis of Pauline epistles, and thus is not exactly easy reading; it also assumes you have a Bible handy, as Wright does not always directly quote the passages he is working on, just gives references then dives in. I actually appreciated this space saving tactic, as it got more content into a thinner book. Despite the dense exegesis, this is the clearest articulation of Wright's theology I'v
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Feb 11, 2010
Mark
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John Piper's response to N.T. Wright's book What Saint Paul Really Said is a gracious yet firm response to Wright's version of the New Perspective on Paul. When I heard that Wright was responding to this book with his new book Justification: God's Plan and Paul's Vision I was very excited to see how Wright would deal with Piper's humble critiques. Unfortunately, Wright's response is nothing but confusing and jumbled rhetoric. As one critic put it, all Wright manages to do is "hover a foot a
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Jul 07, 2009
A. T.
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Really, really good. Occasionally Wright will overstate his case, and I agree with Rev. Wilson that there are a number of problems with Wright's rejection of imputation, especially since Wright has to then provide his own form of imputation. We can't escape the concept of imputation (properly understood) because there is no hope for the sinner except that Christ takes on our sin and we are given the crucified and risen Christ.
It was nice, however, to hear Wright criticize a number of More...
It was nice, however, to hear Wright criticize a number of More...
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Apr 21, 2011
Jason
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Theology is by default a dry subject. That's not a bad thing - theology is heavy and despite what some say critically important - and so it should be slow moving. It should be precise - one of my professors pointed out that my wife (a lawyer) went to school for 3 years to be precise about language because it really matters in the law, and in his mind, how much more does it matter here - and it should be entered into soberly and humbly because we're discussing things so big and at some level so
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Aug 06, 2011
Christopher
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I was extremely interested in becoming more familiar with the discussions taking place regarding the so-called "new perspectives" on Paul. This is my first real exposure to the most famous of this perspective's champions, and I came into his book extremely cautious. However, I came away pleasantly surprised, for the most part. N.T. Wright is truly a friend of the Gospel, and his teaching tirelessly seeks to put God and his purposes at the center. I found his style engaging and his
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Oct 27, 2011
M Christopher
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I am surprised to find myself giving this book a relatively low rating. I've heard Bishop Wright speak and read others of his books and found those experiences tremendously thought-provoking and positive. He is clearly one of the finest New Testament scholars and theologians writing today.
But this book suffers from a serious flaw. It was written in response to Wright's critics, especially John Piper. The first half of the book, in which Wright outlines his approach to the subject o More...
But this book suffers from a serious flaw. It was written in response to Wright's critics, especially John Piper. The first half of the book, in which Wright outlines his approach to the subject o More...
Jul 19, 2011
Jacob
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This book is worth the 4 stars for 2 reasons: it clearly states his position on Pauline Justification and his winsome rhetorical skills. Those who say that Wright is confusing in this book cannot have entered into Wright's world, and those who think he comes across as crass have either not read much scholarly works, and/or not be familiar with Wright (listen to his last lecture at the 2010 Wheaton Theology Conference and keep in mind that Piper blasted him only a few days before). His chapter on
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Feb 01, 2011
Dmcconkey
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You may agree or disagree with N. T. Wright, but to disagree without reading his works is to your disadvantage and loss. Too often we talk about being People of the Book, but spend little time in the Book. Our arguments are based on other people’s thoughts and theology and sometimes even our own. Far too often it is not from the Scriptures and time spent working through from beginning to end. It resembles more a hunt and pick for that which supports our belief or argument and ignore the rest
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Aug 22, 2011
Angus
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I doubt I understood half of what this was about, but it was worth reading nonetheless, I think. The direct nature of the critique of Piper was unusual for a theological book, but welcome: pretending conflicting views don't exist serves no-one.
I felt the book was relatively readable despite the long sentences and long words needed to address the topic properly. The re-setting of the reformer's question regarding the nature of justification is correct I think; Paul wrote to an audience more entr More...
I felt the book was relatively readable despite the long sentences and long words needed to address the topic properly. The re-setting of the reformer's question regarding the nature of justification is correct I think; Paul wrote to an audience more entr More...
Aug 09, 2009
Adam
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A great deal of this book was over my head. It's way more academic (seminary) that the other two I've read (Surprised by Hope / Simply Christian). It's a great exegetical walk through Paul attempting to show how Wright's perspective is a mix of the "New" and "Old" perspective and ultimately the correct Pauline perspective. I haven't read Piper's book, which this one is a reply to, so I entered half-way into the conversation, which may explain some of why it was over my hea
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Feb 20, 2011
Drew
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When I bought this book, I was completely unaware of the current debate on Pauline scholarship which, of late, has become increasingly heated. However, this book, at times strongly polemical, is actually a response to John Piper's "The Future of Justification: A Response to N.T. Wright." I was surprised at how it doesn't pull any punches--Wright doesn't hesitate to criticize Piper's approach to exegesis and Biblical scholarship in general. But the deliberate definitions of terms, the b
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Oct 15, 2009
Chris
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N. T. Wright has written a lot about Paul and the things Paul said, and he has attracted a bit of criticism from some quarters. Most notably he has been criticized by pastor and author John Piper, who wrote a book against Wright's viewpoint. Wright, along with others of the "new perspective on Paul" (with whom he sometimes agrees and often differs) have argued that the post-reformation west has had a simplified and even incorrect/tainted view of Paul's understanding of justification,
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Jan 17, 2010
Nick
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While reading Wright's book What St. Paul Really Said, I thought I understood where he was coming from in terms of "justification" and it's implications. This book proved to me that I did not fully understand his understanding of covenant community and the marks of those in that community and how this tied into works. I found this book to be very enjoyable and informative, pushing me time and again to go back to the Scriptures to read with fresh eyes. The title constitutes a double en
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Aug 06, 2011
N.T. Wright does a great job of describing justification and righteousness as it was understood in its Jewish context and differentiating it from the "imputation" of righteousness theology that has become so popular. It makes much more sense of Christ's work and how it applies to us. He also emphasizes God's one plan through Israel showing what Israel's role was, how they failed, and how God fulfills his promise through Jesus. God's faithfulness to his plan is his "righteousness"
Jul 27, 2011
Really disappointing - especially from Wright. Doesn't answer Piper's key arguments. Doesn't add anything to what he's already said, and doesn't address clearly THE key objection to his proposal. Namely, that justification is God's declaration that a person is in the Covenant. Really not worth reading - especially if you are already familiar with what Wright has already said about all of this.
Aug 17, 2009
Ken
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The illustration says it all in the first page or two - the anecdote about trying to introduce new data that challenges a paradigm [geocentric universe:]. Wright does a magisterial job of laying out the overwhelming evidence for a paradigm of reading the New Testament without "imputed righteousness" and all the baggage it entrains. How satisfying to the conscience as well as the intellect!
Sep 22, 2010
This is a long overdue book that Wright needed to publish to make more clear his views of justification. It took Piper to help push him to more clearly articulate what he has struggled to make comprehensible to people, especially in the United States.
Aug 11, 2010
Chris
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A must read for anyone interested in the subjects of Soteriology, Ecclessiology, or Eschatology; in other words anyone wanting to know how they fit into this community called, "The People of God" ought to read it!
Aug 03, 2009
One of the most compelling books that I have read on Saint Pauls Letter to the Romans! N. T. Wright is quickly becoming one of my favorite New Testament scholars, right up there with Raymond Brown and Archibald Hunter!
