book data
118 ratings, 4.25 average rating, 16 reviews
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published
October 1999
by InterVarsity Press
binding
Hardcover, 202 pages
isbn
0830822003
(isbn13: 9780830822003)
description
"We cannot assume that by saying the word Jesus," writes N.T. Wright--Canon Theologian of Westminster Abbey and formerly Dean of Lich...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 188)
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Read in December, 2007
This was a great book, one of the best theologically-oriented books I've ever read. The idea behind it is to look at how the things Jesus did and said would have challenged his 1st century audience and then from that discuss how Christians are called to follow in His footsteps today. There was a lot here that was enlightening, including how the resurrection functions as a symbol for the renewal of the Covenant between God and His people, the significance of the temple in the Gospel, and in what ...more
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Read in September, 2007
This book, as the title would suggest, is a challenge, for a couple of reasons. First it is a challenge because Wright's intense historical analysis leads him to say some unexpected things about Jesus and early Christianity, casting doubt on the traditional understandings of certain passages in the bible, and on some aspects of how the church understands Jesus. Wright, for his part, insists that what he is doing is worth it, and I am inclined to agree on that point. You may not agree with all...more
Read in November, 2005
An excellent resource for understanding the basics of the life and times of Jesus. Wright goes out of his way to show that terms like "son of god" do not refer to the deity of Christ as much as his kingship and messiahship. In so doing, Wright reveals a deeper and truer Christology, that Christ embodies the return of God (YHWH) to Zion and the forgiveness of sins. In this way Christ is acting on behalf of God and thus God himself. He reframes the evangelical understanding of redemption...more
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Though it took me months to get through this book. I am so glad that I continued reading. The chapters are heavy with history and Wright's writing is sometimes difficult to follow. The last 2 chapters of this book left me feeling a new desire to pursue that which God has created me to do. As Christians we must "learn to be symbol-makers and story-tellers for the kingdom of God. Learn to model true humanness in your worship, your stewardship, you relationships."
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"...traditional form-criticism of the Gospels has grossly overplayed its hand by suggesting that the Gospels reflect the life of the early church rather than that of Jesus. There are many matters of vital concern in the early church that remain unmentioned in the Gospels--circumcision, for instance, or speaking in tongues--and many matters that loom large in the gospel narratives but that do not seem to have been otherwise prominent in the early church."
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Read in September, 2007
I'm finding this interesting although it's not what I was expecting. Did Jesus think he was God? What did he see as his mission, and how did he think it would end? I'm finding Tom Wright's answers to those questions a little surprising. I think I was hoping for a more sophisticated version of "Simply Christian," but it's not that. It does have a terrific explanation of postmodernism, though.
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recommended to Kendra by:
SPU President Phil Eaton
Historical and exegetical look at the life of Christ and the theological implications in 1st century Israel.
A refreshingly challenging and approachable text about theology. Wright addresses the historical context of the Jewish life in Jesus' day to more accurately interpret the impact of the life of Christ. I will be reading this again soon.
A refreshingly challenging and approachable text about theology. Wright addresses the historical context of the Jewish life in Jesus' day to more accurately interpret the impact of the life of Christ. I will be reading this again soon.
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Read in January, 2002
Chapter on Easter is one of the best apologetic treatments of the resurrection of Jesus. That chapter alone makes the book. The last chapter, where he gets into practical implications in today's world, is less profound.
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Those interested in Jesus' first century Jewish context
Looks fun so far. Many of the things he points out do not seem as controversial or new as he seems to think they are (but maybe that's just me), while other things are pleasantly surprising and interesting.
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Read in June, 2007
just started, so there isn't anything TOO earth-shattering, yet, but I imagine that as I keep reading, there will be some amazing revelations. plus, I really like NT Wright anyway...
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what i'm learning: jesus wasn't speaking elliptically, he was speaking in within a linguistic/metaphorical paradigm that jews around him would have understood.
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I like the historical emphasis and his last chapter on how to minister in a postmodern world.
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pretty much everything this guy writes I enjoy. this was one i soaked up a lot from.
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