What do you think?
Rate this book
The Millennium Myth
Wright argues that getting ready for the millennium does not mean getting ready for the end of the world as we know it, and shows that the millennium hype is masking a deeper problem in our culture. By following some ancient words on hope, Wright outlines a practical way for creating a better world as we move into the coming age.
128 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1999
2 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
Tom Wright
119 books246 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
He also publishes under N.T. Wright.
He also publishes under N.T. Wright.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 26, 2019
A very interesting book to look at as a kind of retrospective to the advent of the Millennium, twenty years ago this week.
What were the concerns of the time? How have they changed?
Wright looks at all sorts of dating systems, showing how artificial and arbitrary the so-called Millennium really was/is. He notes in passing the fear caused by the "Millennium Bug", a computer dating glitch that, in the end, was a non-event.
The thrust of the small book is towards justice for the world and the desire of many Christians at the time to proclaim a jubilee and see a complete remission of the debt burden for the poor nations of the world. Many of them had paid the original debt over several times in interest but were, in fact, deeper in debt to the richer nations than ever.
Nothing much has changed in that regard.
Interesting that, until the late sixteenth century, the New Year was celebrated in the West on 25 March.
What were the concerns of the time? How have they changed?
Wright looks at all sorts of dating systems, showing how artificial and arbitrary the so-called Millennium really was/is. He notes in passing the fear caused by the "Millennium Bug", a computer dating glitch that, in the end, was a non-event.
The thrust of the small book is towards justice for the world and the desire of many Christians at the time to proclaim a jubilee and see a complete remission of the debt burden for the poor nations of the world. Many of them had paid the original debt over several times in interest but were, in fact, deeper in debt to the richer nations than ever.
Nothing much has changed in that regard.
Interesting that, until the late sixteenth century, the New Year was celebrated in the West on 25 March.
November 29, 2007
This book again challenges the things that I've taken for granted for so many years. It compels me to think about God's action in time right now, not simply the future. A good counter for those struggling with premillennialism.
January 28, 2009
Really good.
February 5, 2009
Good, except for some Jubilee 2000 wierdness. N.T. comes across like a postmillennialist, but one who thinks Third-world debt forgiveness is the way to gospel success.
June 1, 2023
Wright offers a critique of the postmodern world in light of the culminating second millennium since Christ's birth in the year 2000. In this short book, Wright explores common misconceptions, critiques modern culture and ultimate calls Christians and non-Christians alike to action.
Though it is dated (published in 1999, focused on 2000), the message, like that of the Bible, is timeless.
Though it is dated (published in 1999, focused on 2000), the message, like that of the Bible, is timeless.
August 10, 2018
I read this book almost 20 years after it was written - which is not normally an issue - except that one of the main themes of the book is the upcoming year 2000 ;-)
However, I enjoy reading Tom Wright and much, if not most, of this small book is still quite good. The Historical and Theologicial examination of the Millennium is worthwhile - and I was quite pleased at the nice examination of post-modernism. This latter discussion is probably even more relevant 20 years later.
Wright aims with his push for a worldwide Jubilee are noble, but I think even tougher now than back then - which is sad...
However, I enjoy reading Tom Wright and much, if not most, of this small book is still quite good. The Historical and Theologicial examination of the Millennium is worthwhile - and I was quite pleased at the nice examination of post-modernism. This latter discussion is probably even more relevant 20 years later.
Wright aims with his push for a worldwide Jubilee are noble, but I think even tougher now than back then - which is sad...
September 17, 2010
Jubilee--forgive 3rd world nations' national debt. That might really make a difference in the world.
Good definition of postmodernism, no, metanarrative is a metanarrative itself. . . "wielding its tyrannical axe to chop the ends off everyone else's stories." Powerplay is bad, relativism is good. The Bible resists deconstruction. It's not controlling. God created out of love. Action will be the 21st c. way to tell the story of the Christian faith.
Good definition of postmodernism, no, metanarrative is a metanarrative itself. . . "wielding its tyrannical axe to chop the ends off everyone else's stories." Powerplay is bad, relativism is good. The Bible resists deconstruction. It's not controlling. God created out of love. Action will be the 21st c. way to tell the story of the Christian faith.
March 10, 2013
This is an easy ready by a preeminent NT scholar dealing with the year 2000 craze among believers. The book explores the Christian dating system, the fanatical "apocalypticism" as compared to the apocalyptic genre, and an exploration of jubilee as found in Leviticus 25 as a model to make a meaningful impact at the dawn of a new millennium.
April 18, 2010
Great critique of apocalyptic fever and postmodernism, though the last chapter on the re-establishment of the Jubilee was... odd.
October 14, 2021
Interesting and enjoyable read, though the premise is a bit outdated
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews