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After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters

by N.T. Wright

4.17 · Rating Details · 1,690 Ratings · 159 Reviews

From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries—what is our purpose? As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It's easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the ...more

Hardcover, 307 pages

Published March 1st 2010 by HarperOne (first published January 1st 2010)

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May 28, 2011 Cathleen Falsani rated it it was amazing

Last winter, while on a trip to Southern California, theologian N.T. Wright spent some time strolling through Laguna Beach, the seaside village I happen to call home.

He wandered into one of our many charming boutiques -- he called it, perhaps more accurately, a "junk shop" -- and saw a sign that piqued his interest theologically. It read:

"There are times I think I'm doing things on principle,

But mostly I just do what feels good.

But that's a principle, too."

"Doing what feels good" would be "ea ...more

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Dec 08, 2010 Mark rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: Every Christian

This is an extremely helpful, understandable, and practical book on the Christian life. Wright wants readers to understand that God wants Christians to be changed in their very character and that this change, while a gift, is not effortless. This had a powerful impact on me especially because I listened to Proverbs several times while reading it and that book amplified Wright's message.

If you were to only read one book by N. T. Wright I think it should be this one. I love some of his other works ...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Brian rated it really liked it

Shelves: spirituality, ethics

In this book, Wright unfolds a vision for the formation of Christian character, by carefully situating this vision within his understanding of the kingdom of God and new creation, and showing how the NT writers take the classical approach to virtue (such as in Aristotle) and reconfigure it around Jesus and the Spirit, giving prominence to the new virtues of faith, hope, and love. Lots of ground is covered here, touching on theology, ethics, and ecclesiology, and all in very readable prose. There ...more

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Sep 24, 2010 David rated it really liked it

Shelves: theology, bible-new-testament, christian-spirituality-beginning

The central question this book seeks to answer is, what is the purpose of the Christian life after you first believe? (Hence the title!) This book serves as a sort of third part in a trilogy following Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope. Wright's answer to the question is that we live as followers of Christ with the goal of having a distinctly Christian character formed within us.

Before getting to how this works, Wright dispels two false notions of the Christian life. First is the idea that f The central question this book seeks to answer is, what is the purpose of the Christian life after you first believe? (Hence the title!) This book serves as a sort of third part in a trilogy following Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope. Wright's answer to the question is that we live as followers of Christ with the goal of having a distinctly Christian character formed within us.

Before getting to how this works, Wright dispels two false notions of the Christian life. First is the idea that focuses on rules: Jesus died to forgive us for not following the rules well enough, now we are forgiven and should follow the rules again. Second is the idea, very common in our culture among both Christian and secular people, that we need to be true to ourselves. Here the focus is on feelings: how you feel is who you are so be authentic by following your feelings. For Christians, the assumption is that we are filled with the Spirit so our feelings are directed by the Spirit and thus we follow them. Wright argues that while both of these two ideas have some truth in them, the biblical truth is different (and better).

Wright argues that after we believe we are supposed to experience a transformation of character, becoming the true humans we were created to be (and in this, becoming more like Jesus who is the quintessential human). It is important to note that Wright in many places emphasizes that everything he says in this book assumes the empowering of the Holy Spirit and grace. If read shallowly or not closely, or if the point of the book is missed, or simply if the reader has an agenda, the accusation of a "works-righteousness" may be made. Yet Wright is very clear that without the help of the Spirit, without being saved by grace, the transformation of character is not possible.

Wright shows how developing Christian character is both different and similar to Aristotle's ideas of virtue, popular during the early Christian movement. Echoing early Christians who saw Greek philosophy as preparing the Greeks for Christ, Wright states that if confronted by Aristotle's work the apostle Paul would have said that, like the Law, it was good for its time and what it was trying to do, but it does not go far enough. The goal is the same, developing human flourishing, becoming truly human. The difference is that Christian character looks outside oneself and puts others first, including things like humility and self-sacrifice which were unheard of to the pagans.

Wright grounds his work deeply in scripture, spending chapters looking at God creating humans to rule over creation, Israel as a kingdom of priests, the kingdom of God and so on. This may be a difficult section of the book for some readers but it is necessary for providing background and foundation to the more practical chapters on creating Christian character.

Overall, Wright argues that Christian character is developed bit by bit, little by little over the course of many years through effort (strengthened by the Spirit) and decisions to live in the way of Christ. So rules may have a place, as we need instructions on how to live in specific situations. But of course, there are situations for which no rule has been written which shows rules are not enough. As living this way becomes more habitual, second nature, we can truly trust our feelings and live by the Spirit as we have become conformed to the Spirit. Wright emphasizes that this does not just happen, just as we cannot sit down with no experience and play Bach so we cannot simply live with Christian character without working at it. Over time though, it becomes easier.

There is a lot more to say about this book. If you want to boil it down, perhaps we could say it is a theological foundation for spiritual disciplines. Wright does not go into practices as Richard Foster did in Celebration of Discipline. But he does show how practicing disciplines can form a distinctly Christian character, making us into the people God created us to be and pointing us towards the people we will become in the new creation. ...more

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Apr 27, 2013 Oliver Pierce rated it it was amazing

Shelves: sanctification, missiology

N.T. Wright is author I have been meaning to read for a long time. I've heard a lot about him especially his book "Jesus and the Victory of God" (which is probably next on my list) and I'm an anglophile at heart so I'll give any british writer/theologian a chance. When this book came on sale for the Kindle I immediately got it and I am very thankful I did. Admittedly the book was much more theological and philosophical than full of "practical advice" but it gave me a lot of meat to chew on that N.T. Wright is author I have been meaning to read for a long time. I've heard a lot about him especially his book "Jesus and the Victory of God" (which is probably next on my list) and I'm an anglophile at heart so I'll give any british writer/theologian a chance. When this book came on sale for the Kindle I immediately got it and I am very thankful I did. Admittedly the book was much more theological and philosophical than full of "practical advice" but it gave me a lot of meat to chew on that I believe will lead to much practical action. Passion that lasts comes more often from knowing deep down something is true. What we believe determines how we act. Anyway, the book does start off a little slow with Wright's talk about Aristotle's view of virtue and the idea of virtue out in the world. They were some good anecdotes demonstrating how virtue is something developed beforehand that reveals itself in difficult situations, ex. one of the pilot who landed the plane in the Hudson river recently, but I wasn't completely drawn in to the book yet. However, I was sucked in once I hit Chapter 3: Priests and Rulers. The eschatological idea that Christians are going to be priests and rulers in the new creation is something that I often completely lose sight of. It's rarely taught in churches I've been too and it was incredibly intriguing to see Wright lay the biblical foundations for it. As he showed how the theme appeared through out the whole of scripture it was another "ah-ha!" moment for me as the Bible came together once again as coherent connected book that I really can trust. Also I learned a lot from Wright's elaborations on the idea that virtue is really just the character of the new humanity. So when God is calling us to act a certain way it is in light of the future, how things will be in the new creation. This really revolutionized the way I think about my character and is incredibly practical and encouraging. Act this way because that's how things are meant to be and will be! Its not just some random rules that God coming up with; it's the character of the new humanity which was ushered in by Jesus. Wright ends the book with a little more practical chapter, The Virtuous Circle, detailing five practices that help us develop virtue: scripture, stories, examples, community, and sacraments. My only criticism is sometimes the book is a little repetitive. Wright really wants to drive home the point that virtue is something that is a choice but its not just about following certain rules. He again and again shows how it is not legalism or spontaneity that is the solution. We make the choice to renew our minds with the scriptures and do what the scriptures command and slowly our character is changed and virtue comes more naturally. While I certainly will remember this he could have shorted a few passages and still had the same effect. In conclusion, if you are looking for a book that will give you great biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations for what you are supposed to do as Christian on earth this is the book for you. ...more

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Mar 10, 2010 Carrie rated it it was amazing

The title of this book--*AFTER YOU BELIEVE: WHY CHRISTIAN CHARACTER MATTERS--is what drew me to it. As N.T. Wright acknowledges within these pages, there is very often an either/or factor among Christians. We either live our lives trying to legalistically adhere to a bunch of rules (though the rules vary from person to person), or we give very little thought or care to how we live, knowing that "God's grace is sufficient" (which is true). But how we live between our conversion and our funeral ve The title of this book--*AFTER YOU BELIEVE: WHY CHRISTIAN CHARACTER MATTERS--is what drew me to it. As N.T. Wright acknowledges within these pages, there is very often an either/or factor among Christians. We either live our lives trying to legalistically adhere to a bunch of rules (though the rules vary from person to person), or we give very little thought or care to how we live, knowing that "God's grace is sufficient" (which is true). But how we live between our conversion and our funeral very much does matter, and it is not found in either of these approaches. Wright reminds us that God will one day fully combine Heaven and Earth, but the process has already begun. And so has the transformation of character, or virtue.

Wright explains that "virtue is what happens when wise and courageous choices have become 'second nature' . . . Those who follow Jesus can begin to practice, in the present, the habits of heart and life which correspond to the way things are in God's kingdom--the way they will be eventually, yes, but also the way they already are because Jesus is here . . . But virtue is always the result of work and cost" (pgs. 21, 105, 216).

Having virtue does not mean that we are to be sinless (not that we ever could be), nor is it simply a matter of following someone's example--even Jesus' example! Rather, we are to engage in what Wright calls "The Virtuous Circle"--which involves scripture, stories, examples, community, and practices--and our character will thus be transformed. Our thoughts, words, and actions will begin to reflect our love for God and for other people, and it will just be "second nature," not our pursuit of following a list of rules.

Wright states, "The key is this: the 'fruit of the Spirit' does not grow automatically. The nine varieties of fruit do not suddenly appear just because someone has believed in Jesus, has prayed for God's Spirit, and has then sat back and waited for 'fruit' to arrive . . . The point of using the term 'fruit,' after all, is that these are things which grow from within rather than being imposed from without" (pgs. 195, 206).

I had never read any of N.T. Wright's books before this one, but I am anxious now to read his previous works. Although I was a bit intimidated to dive into this Bible scholar's teachings, I found that this book was challenging but not arduous, complex but not insurmountable. Truthfully, the only negative aspects of the book, in my opinion, are that it becomes somewhat repetitive and that Wright continually tells the reader of things he is going to talk about later in the book. (I'd rather he just let me know when I get there.)

Overall, this is an excellent book and one that I recommend every Christian read.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the product mentioned above for free by The Ooze Viral Bloggers in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ...more

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Dec 09, 2012 Bryon rated it it was amazing

Author: N.T. Wright
New York, HarperCollins, 2010
Number of pages: 284

Landing an airplane on the Hudson River in the middle of winter and everyone walking away with nothing more than cold wet feet is a miracle. That's what the media called it when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger set US Airways flight 1549 down on the river across from New York City.

For you or me, this was a miracle. For Sulley, this was a natural course of events in response to an emergency. Skillful, yes. Amazing, no doubt
Author: N.T. Wright
New York, HarperCollins, 2010
Number of pages: 284

Landing an airplane on the Hudson River in the middle of winter and everyone walking away with nothing more than cold wet feet is a miracle. That's what the media called it when Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger set US Airways flight 1549 down on the river across from New York City.

For you or me, this was a miracle. For Sulley, this was a natural course of events in response to an emergency. Skillful, yes. Amazing, no doubt. Bit probably not a miracle.

Tom Wright opens his book After You Believe with this story. Wright isn't debunking miracles; far from it. He's illustrating, rather, the stupendous results of skillfully applying oneself to a task and a craft. "Yes, maybe airline pilots and other people need to practice their skills and learn to keep a cool head, but does this have any significance beyond a purely pragmatic one, that certain tasks demand that some people develop certain abilities?" says Wright as he makes a case for Christian virtue.

Virtue what you work on after you experience the grace of God. "Worship and stewardship, generating justice and beauty: these are the primary vocations of God’s redeemed people," he writes.

Is the Christian life just about getting saved? What happens next? Are we trying to earn God's favor by doing good work? Is it grace? What's the point if no matter what we get heaven? Many Christians get caught up in rule-keeping, keeping just enough rules to get by or hang on until the end. Wright says that there's a bigger purpose to living well: virtue. "Most art requires massively hard work; so does most moral living," Wright says.

Theologians through the centuries have grappled over the idea of virtue. Some say it's a pagan concept originating with Aristotle and Seneca. These men promoted the concept of a "self-made man," yet they in their own lives were hardly successful Martin Luther was even known to thumb his nose at the idea of human virtue.

Yet Paul, Wright points out, says “Yet it was not I, but the grace of God that was with me” (1 Corinthians 15.10). "Daytime people, in Paul’s perspective, are people who are making the choices in the present, developing the character in the present...," Wright reminds his readers.

In Wright's book, Christian living supported with a theological backbone. This book is for any Christian or any God-seeker. A life lived well for God not only makes sense in this life, but it prepares you for the world to come. It's the next logical step in becoming a better person, God's image bearer.

http://mondokblog.blogspot.com/2011/1... ...more

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Mar 08, 2013 Hilary rated it liked it

Shelves: read-for-class

I'm giving this a grudging 3 stars because I think it has a fairly good argument that a lot of people probably need to hear, because the last two chapters had a few good parts that helped redeem the book for me (even as other parts of those same chapters produced more of a face-palm response), and because Goodreads won't let me give it 2.5 stars. My actual reading experience hovered around 2 stars, with definite 1-star moments where I wanted to throw it at the wall and scream "YOU SAID THAT ALRE ...more

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Mar 14, 2010 Adam Shields rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Short Review: At the end of the day I found this a very helpful book to think about developing Christian character. That being said, this is the third time I have started the book and I think the main reason I finished was that I listened to it on audiobook from Scribd instead of reading on my kindle. Like most everything Wright, he connects the development of character to Jesus and the kingdom and I think that is helpful. The central idea is that we have a role in developing character and it is ...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Alex Stroshine rated it liked it

Shelves: christian-living, for-regent

N.T. Wright offers a detailed account of how Christians should practice virtue. Virtue does not come spontaneously and it may not feel sincere immediately, but believers need to practice patience, hope, mercy, love, etc...nonetheless, just as a piano player does not become a virtuoso overnight.

Personally, I don't find I learned a whole lot from this book. I already agreed with Wright's assertions about the need to practice virtue. He could have written more succinctly. Also, many of Wright's "po ...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Sean rated it it was amazing

NT Wright does a great job of writing about the purpose of a Christian after they come to belief. What is the point of our life? How does Christian virtue become second nature, etched in the strings of our DNA. Wright looks how we practice Christian life in anticipation of God's kingdom. Scripture, community, stories, examples and practices are all incorporated into a circular look at the relation of Christian living. A very convicting read that we should be actively pursuing all fruits of the s ...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Frankie rated it it was ok

Shelves: owned, regent-reads

This book has some wonderful nuggets in it - alas, they are buried in a sea of words. If trimmed, this could be a gem, as Wright's perspective on virtue is a welcome one in a landscape of trite prescriptions and post-modern truisms. I am excited to read more from him, as my respect grows with each book. This one just didn't totally work for me on an editorial level.

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Sep 03, 2011 David rated it it was amazing

Recommended to David by: Pat Krayer

This was a great book detailing ever so clearly the importance of what Christian character is and how it is developed in our hearts and lives. It stresses the need to be free from our cultural enticements if we are going to be images of God and display the Gospel message to the world.

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Aug 17, 2013 Trey Herweck rated it it was amazing

Of the three in this series, this was far and away my favorite. Surprised by hope was incredible to rethink the resurrection but this took the implications of that and gave a beautiful picture of life and ministry as a result of the resurrection.

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Aug 12, 2016 David added it · review of another edition

Only on page 31 and so far so GREAT

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Sep 01, 2016 David rated it it was amazing

Loved it. Answers huge questions that every fledgling believer wants to know in incredible scholarly detail and makes it so accessible at the same time. A real gift.

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Oct 15, 2014 Luuya rated it it was amazing

It's the one of my favorite book on the Christian ethics. NT Wright skillfully answers the difficult question of how to live as an effective Christian!

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Jan 27, 2011 Allison rated it did not like it

I only found one or two clear premises. The writing was overly wordy and the content kept repeating itself. If you must read the book, reading the first chapter will contain all the information.

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Sep 28, 2012 Garrett Behrends added it

good book. Wright can be tough to read at times, but he always makes me think.

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Mar 15, 2017 Beejai Richardson rated it really liked it

OK. I believe. What next?
NT Wright uses that question and the illustration of Captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger to launch into this excellent book of why the development of Christian virtue is an essential part of the believer's life. This is the third in a series following up Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope. I would strongly recommend both books but they are not necessary for reading this one for all it is worth.
Getting back to Sully, you or I would say that his emergency landing of OK. I believe. What next?
NT Wright uses that question and the illustration of Captain Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger to launch into this excellent book of why the development of Christian virtue is an essential part of the believer's life. This is the third in a series following up Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope. I would strongly recommend both books but they are not necessary for reading this one for all it is worth.
Getting back to Sully, you or I would say that his emergency landing of a 747 on the Hudson River was nothing short of miraculous but NT Wright correctly argues that for the Captain, it is simply the natural product of decades of learning to do the right thing in the right order at the right moment. In a sense, he spent his entire life preparing for that one "miraculous" landing. In the same way, the only way we will be able to do the right thing when all the chips are on the table is if we have consistently and regularly practice Christian virtue daily and regularly in our lives until it also becomes second nature to us.
The practice of these virtues is not a legalistic "follow the rules" type of obedience but rather learning to live out the Kingdom as we follow Jesus. (NT Wright ties everything he writes into the twin concepts of Christ and the Kingdom and no review could ever adequately explain how expertly he does so) This practice is also not a "follow your heart" type of obedience many churches in our post modern world seem to espouse through deep sounding words like "authenticy". Just like practicing the piano, at first the practice of virtue will seem both counter-intuitive and unnatural. Wright also shows how Christian virtue is something much deeper and broader than the traditional ethics given to us through Socrates, Plato and Aristotle.
In all, this is an excellent book on the subject, probably one of the best I have read. I do give it four rather than five stars because he does seem to get a bit more long winded here compared to some of his other works. Also, I think he did not balance the theoretical with the practical as well as I might have liked for a book on virtue (too heavy on the former). On the other hand, in addition to his own excellent work, Wright left me with a great bibliography and I fully intend on adding quite a few from it to my reading wishlist.
Now, if only I could be caught in some sort of Groundhog Day type time warp so I could knock a few hundred books off that list. ;) ...more

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Dec 16, 2016 Jonathan rated it liked it

Some great stuff here. It explains very well the relationship between Aristotelian virtue ethics / teleology and the writings of Paul, and the relationship of works to faith and grace, and why works are still important in light of those things, even if they don't necessarily secure your (already secured) salvation. But it is very repetitive, so much so that I stopped reading 3/4 of the way through, having felt that I had very much gotten the gist of it. I have utmost respect for Wright, so I'm w ...more

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Jul 07, 2017 Chelsea rated it it was amazing

So good that as soon as I finished I promptly started over from the beginning!!

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May 17, 2017 Dan Glover rated it really liked it

Shelves: theology-church-discipleship

4.5 stars. This was a very good study on the Christian life - that Christianity is not merely about what we are saved from but what we are saved for. Highly recommended.

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Jul 15, 2017 Jonathan rated it really liked it

Solid introduction to Christian ethics.

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May 28, 2014 Mark rated it it was amazing

On page 3 of the opening chapter, N.T. "Tom" Wright- the former Bishop of Durham- captures the essence of much of what is askew in modern Western Christianity. It's actually a quote from a colleague and I've abbreviated it some here-

**
"Many Christians have so emphasized the need for conversion, for the opening act of faith and commitment, for the initial statement of that faith ("believing that Jesus died for me" or whatever) that they have this big gap in their version of what being a Christian On page 3 of the opening chapter, N.T. "Tom" Wright- the former Bishop of Durham- captures the essence of much of what is askew in modern Western Christianity. It's actually a quote from a colleague and I've abbreviated it some here-

**
"Many Christians have so emphasized the need for conversion, for the opening act of faith and commitment, for the initial statement of that faith ("believing that Jesus died for me" or whatever) that they have this big gap in their version of what being a Christian is all about."
"If we're not careful, wrote my friend, this opening act of belief can become simply a matter of assent to a proposition (Jesus is the Son of God, etc.) with no need for transformation".
**

Today, so much of what passes for Christianity seems to be exactly this- an assertion to a proposition that, once affirmed, offers the "newly minted" Christian admission into an elite club; one that too often emphasizes anti-intellectualism and discourages true introspection and therefore offers no real theological framework to its practitioners whatsoever. This version of Christianity is rendered in a loosely cobbled system of beliefs, based primarily on cultural influences and the most superficial of theologies and therefore simply adopts, by proxy, the legalism of both the Old and New Testaments as its primary bylaws.

The real draw of this type of Christianity, whether it is manifested in the prosperity gospel movement, in Sunday morning television programming or in the quasi-political realm of the "culture wars", is that it doesn't really cost the practitioner anything- no transformation is required. They may continue along their way with the same character flaws, the same prejudices, the same belief that those who don't share their views are somehow beneath them; and all the while these very worldly and unChrist-like traits not only go unchallenged by this superficial brand of Christianity; they are ultimately codified within it. This is the "cheap grace" so often mentioned in the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

In this book, Tom Wright poses the question "What Am I Here For?" and emphasizes the need for an authentic transformation of character that goes beyond merely "trying to do the right thing" (whatever that is) and rather (re)opens the view of the world to the practitioner through the eyes of Christ. Wright goes on to pose that even such a fundamental transformation of character, however, can be fleeting and may soon succumb to the demands of the world if it does not also adhere to a system that follows true Christian virtue.

Wright then uses much of the book to flesh out, through both illustration and exegesis, these two key concepts- Christian Character and Christian Virtue. Rather than following a roadmap of legalism on the one hand, or the aimless wanderings of unstructured, personal spiritual experience on the other; Wright proposes a third way based essentially on a Christian moral compass that, self-correcting in nature, continuously seeks to apply the filter of Christ to its view of the world. This allows for adherence to doctrine while also encouraging proactive compassion, forgiveness and empathy.

This book, the third in a series, is the capstone for an arc emphasizing the development of Christian Character that begins in and carries through the first two books- "Simply Christian" and in particular "Surprised by Hope". This is not merely a spiritual exercise; Wright goes into great detail around such pertinent topics as the psychology of habit formation as it relates the development of character. All of Wright's writings eventually do, however, hearken back to his one central theological proposition- that we do not earn our way "into" heaven by being good or even by doing good in God's name; but rather should be sufficiently transformed by the spirit HERE and NOW that we covet and are allowed to participate in God's ultimate plan; the binding together of a new heaven and a new earth as described in scripture.

This book is first and foremost a description of that participation and, while I don't always agree with every one of Wright's conclusions, I do believe he continues to offer us one of the best working hypotheses out there around the "Nature of Things" and God's expectations for us as Christians- here on this earth and now at this moment.

...more

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Mar 29, 2014 Matt Simmons rated it liked it

Bishop Wright provides us with another very strong work, with excellent purposes and a real importance for the Church; nevertheless, the work is somewhat limited in its effectiveness by its execution.

Building off of previous work, Wright again reminds us (correctly, I would assert) that the purpose of Christian life is not just "going to Heaven" (though that is certainly part of it), but doing the work of the Kingdom, of doing the work God calls us to in being a part of His setting Creation to r Bishop Wright provides us with another very strong work, with excellent purposes and a real importance for the Church; nevertheless, the work is somewhat limited in its effectiveness by its execution.

Building off of previous work, Wright again reminds us (correctly, I would assert) that the purpose of Christian life is not just "going to Heaven" (though that is certainly part of it), but doing the work of the Kingdom, of doing the work God calls us to in being a part of His setting Creation to rights. The Church is to be priests and rulers, Wright tells us, and he goes into real detail with both the story of Eden and man-as-caretaker-ruler, and of Israel, and its priestly vocation of exhibiting Divine Truth, and how both of these find manifestation and further explication in Christ and his teachings. To live in this way--to live as Christ, and as what Christ and his Father desire us to be--we must cultivate virtue. Virtue is set against legalism on one side, a blind, unthinking, unreflective insistence on "rules" which limits us by making us unable to live in accordance with our principles and faith in situations which are not covered by "the rules." On the other side, virtue is set against a desire for a life without limits, in which we, in the name of "authenticity" or "spontaneity" attempt to only do "what comes naturally." As this is a self centered vision, it cuts us off from others, and thus limits us as well. Virtue, then, is a middle path that allows for full human flourishing.

This sounds like Aristotle, of course, and Wright admits as much, and spends time discussing Aristotelian ethics. Christian virtue, he says, has much in common with pagan virtue--but with radical differences. Pagan, Aristotelian virtue exists to find a means for human happiness, while Christian virtue exists for God's perfect grace to shine through us, and to work through us. Christians also make virtues of things, like chastity, the pagans found quaint, at best. After discussing Aristotle, Christian virtue's differences, Wright gives us discussions of the examples of virtue from the gospels and the Pauline letters, in order to create a theory of Christian virtue and sketch out what Christian virtues are. Wright does a fine job of all of this, and he reminds us that Christian virtue is based in Scripture, needs community, and comes through practice and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through us and show us means of practicing and inculcating virtues to make them second nature.

I was deeply challenged and compelled by this book, then, both to find ways to live out virtue, and to return to the Scripture and see the kinds of virtue being promoted, and the ways being encouraged to practice those virtues. Bishop Wright is to be commended for that. However, Wright's work is limited by two things: one, his focus is very heavy on Paul and Paul's teachings, and does not focus nearly enough on the ways in which we see virtue being practiced and taught in the gospels. Of course, Christians should not fall into the trap of reading Paul vs. the Gospels, something Wright would certainly agree with. Yet I cannot help but feel this very Christian work of thinking needed, well, more Christ. But perhaps the biggest problem of the book is Wright's attempt to pen a book that combines both complex concepts that need robust, careful unpacking with stories and bite-sized lessons for the layman. While both are good and strong impulses, and Wright (unsurprisingly) shows real talent at both, they seem to exist messily in this book, and After You Believe reads in a way that is often confused and confusing. This is not to say that Wright's thinking is confused or his theology is heterodox; to the contrary. But the lay reader looking for a straightforward introduction to Christian virtues will likely find himself bewildered at points.

Nevertheless, Wright gives us a strong, theologically rich work that reminds us both how incredible, and how incredibly demanding, following Christ is. A work to be studied and thought over in churches and small groups, and a message that ministers and Christian educators should take seriously and begin to bring to their congregations. ...more

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Jun 21, 2017 Scott Firestone rated it it was amazing

I loved this. Wright is sick of people who come to know Jesus, and then just sit back and wait. "Someday I'll go to heaven and be with Jesus, and won't that be grand?" But what about the 40, 5o, or 70 years in between? I've met plenty of people who are just fine doing nothing and waiting, but Christians are called to LIVE those intervening years--as priests, practicing our vocation now in anticipation of serving in the world to come. And Wright gives us direction in doing so. I believe every Chr ...more

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Sep 09, 2016 Bridget Jeffries rated it it was amazing

Shelves: theology-religion

If C. S. Lewis had been in favor of women’s ordination and a Bible scholar (two things which naturally belong together ;-)), he would have been N. T. Wright. They were/are both Anglican, English, taught at Oxford, and have/had a preponderance of fondness for being known by their initials. Wright also, like Lewis, possesses a keen ability to reason from the Scriptures in a simple yet logical manner and a creative command of useful metaphors and analogies to bring his points to life. His *Simply C If C. S. Lewis had been in favor of women’s ordination and a Bible scholar (two things which naturally belong together ;-)), he would have been N. T. Wright. They were/are both Anglican, English, taught at Oxford, and have/had a preponderance of fondness for being known by their initials. Wright also, like Lewis, possesses a keen ability to reason from the Scriptures in a simple yet logical manner and a creative command of useful metaphors and analogies to bring his points to life. His *Simply Christian* (which I haven’t read) has been compared to Lewis’s *Mere Christianity,* with obvious similarities in the titles. No word on whether or not Wright shares in Lewis’s fondness for cigars, but I digress.

*After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters* is a sequel to *Simply Christian,* but I can attest that you don’t have to read the first to understand and be edified by the second. As the subtitle suggests, *After You Believe* is about the development of character and what that means, a call for Christians to return to the pursuit of virtue. Central to Wright’s message is a breakdown of what the “Royal Priesthood” is: that Christians are meant to be both rulers *and* priests, and that this life is but the small opening part of a much longer existence (there are echoes of deification in this theology, although Wright does not use that term). The pursuit of virtue is not a matter of salvation, Wright is clear, but something we should seek earnestly in anticipation of and preparation for what God means for us to be. Wright makes the case that virtue is not something we are automatically given by the indwelling of the Spirit, but something that we must make a conscious effort to build up and pursue—with the Spirit’s help, of course.

The text is rich with references to the Scriptures, especially the writings of Paul, wherein Wright delves into the teachings of pagan ethicists who were popular in Paul’s day and demonstrates how Paul emulates, transforms, and contrasts with their teachings. Wright compares the pursuit of virtue which he is advocating to the pagan concept of *eudaimonia* (εὐδαιμονία), sometimes translated “happiness” or “well-being” but more appropriately translated “flourishing.” Wright’s goal is that Christians would flourish in their walk with God and their pursuit of holiness.

Where I most appreciated Wright was in how he applies his teachings to chastity and adultery. Chastity, he says, is a virtue, rather than an arbitrary rule or law. It is something that should be pursued and built up over time just like gentleness, self-control, humility, honesty, faithfulness, and other Christian virtues; it should not be expected that Christians will be perfect at it from adolescence, nor should Christians give up on it in shame or frustration every time they fail at it. I feel like viewing chastity in this manner—as a virtue that one builds up, rather than a law wherein a person is spoiled as soon as they break it once—might assuage the angst and guilt of any number of Christians, especially young Christians.

Likewise, in regards to adultery, Wright discusses the example of an ecclesiastical leader caught in an ongoing affair and whether or not that leader should be restored (a subject I have strong feelings on). Wright points out that the issue is not that a seemingly arbitrary rule has been broken, nor is it the case that one shouldn’t have compassion for the individual. The issue is what the ongoing affair says about that Christian’s character and whether such a person should be in leadership—can the congregation ever put their trust in such a person again? I wanted to stand up and cheer when I read that.

I’m embarrassed to say that it’s been years since I read anything by Wright, but I expect this book will have helped me in my Christian walk with God more than anything else I have read this year. Given that, I look forward to reading more of him in the near future. ...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Annette rated it it was amazing

This is the second book I've read written by N.T. Wright.
Link for previous review:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.c...
The previous book I read entitled Following Jesus, was also on discipleship and Christian living.
I did not know when I first began reading the current book (for this posted review) that it is considered book three in a series. The previous books are Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope.
In After You Believe N.T. Wright addresses the question of "what now?" After we've become This is the second book I've read written by N.T. Wright.
Link for previous review:
http://awell-wateredgarden.blogspot.c...
The previous book I read entitled Following Jesus, was also on discipleship and Christian living.
I did not know when I first began reading the current book (for this posted review) that it is considered book three in a series. The previous books are Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope.
In After You Believe N.T. Wright addresses the question of "what now?" After we've become a believer in Christ Jesus, how should I live a life of Christian character, and does it really matter?
I appreciate an author writing a preface (or introduction) that contains all the needed information to set the tone and pace and theme of the book. I felt the preface was written eloquently, precise, and addressed what the book meant to achieve and what it will not contain.
Wright refers to character as a bridge. It is a bridge that extends from the moment of belief until eternity with Jesus in heaven.
Wright's definition of character is:
"The pattern of thinking and acting which runs right through someone, so that wherever you cut into them (as it were), you see the same person through and through. Its opposite would be superficiality: we all know people who present themselves at first glance as honest, cheerful, patient, or whatever, but when you get to know them better you come to realize that they're only putting on, and that when faced with a crisis, or simply when their guard is down, they're as dishonest, grouchy, and impatient as the next person." page 17.
The "next person" is not what Christ Jesus has called us to be. He has called us to be a people who are set apart. The question would be "set apart" for what? We are told for "His purposes." Yet, what are those purposes? Wright explains that "we are bit-part players in God's great drama." In a theatrical drama, each actor, or make-up artist, or stage hand, or gripper, or audio technician---each of them have a part in the drama. Some of those parts are behind the scenes, and some of them are in the forefront. Yet, each are important. Jesus has called us to be His image bearer on earth. That people will see Jesus reflected in our attitudes, voice, actions. We cannot submit to a thought pattern that believes it does not matter how we live, Jesus has said it matters greatly. Jesus loves us just as we are, yet that does not give us an excuse to live frivolous superficial lives.
"We are called to be genuine, image-bearing, God reflecting human beings." page 71.
One of my favorite teachings from the book was on virtue.
"Virtue is when doing the right things is done automatically. When wise and courageous choices have become second nature." page 20.
My question would be to you. What are you doing automatically in your life that is second nature?
Later in the book Wright gives practical applications for living by using what he has entitled the five elements.

This is an outstanding book!
At times Wright is long on explanations, but I believe this is his writing style, and also the way he makes sure we have grasped the concept he is trying to teach.
He is an excellent teacher, expressing himself soundly and understandably.
It is obvious he is well-read. He uses quotations and thoughts from various authors, for example: Aristotle, Cicero, Anthony Trollope, C.S. Lewis, and Shakespeare.
He has applications for living out the teachings in the book. These applications are not just for the advanced Bible teacher or a person who has been a Christian a long time. These applications are for a person of any level past the basic teachings of Jesus. ...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Mark rated it liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, theology, spirituality

In English theologian N.T. Wright's view, most Christians approach the challenge of how to live a Christian life in two basic ways: the one group, more conservative, believes Christian living is about following the right set of rules. The other, more liberal, believes that the Christian life is a matter of following your heart, of being spontaneous and authentic. He agrees with neither, and tries to address the longstanding Protestant reliance on being saved through God's grace (and the concomit
In English theologian N.T. Wright's view, most Christians approach the challenge of how to live a Christian life in two basic ways: the one group, more conservative, believes Christian living is about following the right set of rules. The other, more liberal, believes that the Christian life is a matter of following your heart, of being spontaneous and authentic. He agrees with neither, and tries to address the longstanding Protestant reliance on being saved through God's grace (and the concomitant idea among some that it is wrong to promote any program of moral effort because it amounts to "works salvation").

Wright believes that what the teachings of Jesus and the writings of Paul and the other epistles really call for is a persistent, committed effort to learn how to live lives filled with love, joy, peace, great-heartedness, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (the ninefold fruits of the spirit, as he paraphrases them from Paul).

And the key difference between the Christian path to virtue and the Aristotelian one, he says, is that Aristotle wanted the endpoint of virtue to be an ideal political leader -- a moral superstar -- while Paul and other early Christian leaders wanted people to become a "perfect" community -- one that lived as if God's kingdom were already here.

This ties in with another of Wright's big ideas, liberally quoted in a recent cover article on heaven in Time -- that heaven is not a distant diaphanous world in which souls will have nothing to do but bask in divine glory -- it will be the perfected kingdom of God on earth and the souls who live in it will have continuing work to do as the priestly rulers of God's realm.

I found this to be a provocative book, much of which I agreed with. While it is clear that Wright gives more of a break to the conservative rule-followers than the liberal do-what-feels-right Christians, I didn't mind that so much, because he did such a good job of marrying the idea of Christian living and the need for humans to work at forming good (Godly) habits, and his last chapter suggests very concrete, if somewhat traditional, approaches for how to get on that path.

I had two qualms, though, that downgraded the book for me. For one thing, Wright -- known not to support gay ordination -- threw in an ill-reasoned single paragraph asserting that because Jesus spoke of the value of heterosexual marriage in his condemnation of divorce, he necessarily was saying that marriage is meant to be only between a man and a woman, which I think the logicians would call the fallacy of overgeneralization. I thought it was unworthy of the noble themes he was sounding for him to use one throwaway graph to ride a controversial hobby horse.

And more broadly, I knocked a star off this because -- as with NEARLY EVERY RELIGION BOOK I READ -- this was a brilliant long essay that was padded to become a book. He made the same points over and over again, particularly in the middle portion of exegeting Paul's writings, and it was only when he reached the end and began describing how his approach to moral growth might work did the book begin to redeem itself.

I wish there were a high-class Cliff Notes version of this for everyone, but I still recommend it for its ideas. ...more

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About N.T. Wright

N. T. Wright is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England (2003-2010) and one of the world's leading Bible scholars. He is now serving as the chair of New Testament and Early Christianity at the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews. He has been featured on ABC News, Dateline NBC, The Colbert Report, and Fresh Air, and he has taught New Testament studies at Cambridge, McGi ...more

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Books by N.T. Wright

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

Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense

Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters

The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is

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

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“Someone who is determinedly trying to show God how good he or she is is likely to become an insufferable prig.” — 20 likes

“Virtue is what happens when someone has made a thousand small choices requiring effort and concentration to do something which is good and right, but which doesn't come naturally. And then, on the thousand and first time, when it really matters, they find that they do what's required automatically. Virtue is what happens when wise and courageous choices become second nature.” — 11 likes

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