Tom Wright for Everyone - Putting the Theology of N.T. Wright Into Practice in the Local Church

by Stephen Kuhrt

Tom Wright for Everyone addresses the reticence of many evangelicals to engage with what Tom Wright has been saying for some time. The book looks at key theological questions awaiting an answer and gives an enlightening summary of the theology of Tom Wright, arranged around terms like 'Covenant' 'Heaven' 'Kingdom' 'The resurrection of Jesus' and 'justification' Then, in perhaps the most valuable part of the book, Stephen Kuhrt describes in detail the difference putting Tom Wright's theology into practice has made in his own parish church, pastorally and in terms of mission. The book ends with a clear statement of Tom Wright's challenge to the Church in the second decade of the twenty-first century.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Church

162 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Donner Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas Tom Wright (NTW) is recognizably one of the most influential biblical theologians of our time. His fresh proposals for reading Jesus and Paul and some of the key biblical doctrines such as biblical authority, resurrection, eschatology, salvation, holiness and mission and so on have been nothing short of breathtaking. Yet, his proposals have also stirred up no small amount of storms among detractors on the one hand and a dismissive wave of the hand on the other. Stephen Kurht, a fellow British pastor seeks to help bridge the divide and coax people out of their nonchalance. Whether we agree with NTW or not, his is a voice we ignore at our own loss. Whether we lean towards the left or right of the age-old divide between liberals and conservatives, here is a thoughtful and serious scholar who might be charting a path beyond the old impasse in things biblical and controversial.

So, Stephen Kurht takes us through some biographical materials concerning Wright as well as the questions raised by Kurht's own evangelical background and the key concepts of his theology in the first half of the book. It is presented in a very accessible way, and reads at times like an 'NTW for dummy' book. This is immensely helpful for those who have been raised up in a different paradigm in which the biblical terms are understood and for those who are lost sometimes with the wordiness that we find in Wright's own writings. Kuhrt himself of course may not agree with the latter comment, being a respectful and ardent fan himself, but frankly Kurht's clear, concise overview of Wright's thoughts will be much appreciated by those who need a handle in gaining access into NTW's prolific and sometimes dense writings.

In the second half, using his own church as the ground for testing out Wright's theology, he shows us how his theology impacts, reshapes and even revamps the church's posture in its various contexts - pastoral, missional and sacramental. This is the part that i enjoy the most and i resonate with much of the challenges as well as rewards in commending NTW's vision to people who have been formed in a different way in their understanding of the christian hope and calling. Kurht also thoughtfully teases out the practical implications of Wright's theology that are not immediately obvious even to those who have a better grasp of his ideas. This is 'rubber meets the road' stuff. Would that more of such applied theology books be written to bridge the divide between serious scholarship and the daily walks of the ordinary followers of Christ.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll give 4 stars to this book because I believe the author has achieved what he set out to do. He has first of all given a clear, succinct and accurate summary of N. T. Wright's biblical theology. This alone is worth the price of the book. Don't neglect reading Wright for yourself but know this book fairly summarizes in one chapter what Wright has done over a number of years. He then goes on to share how his church in the UK is attempting to live into this understanding from a pastoral, missional and church life pov. The final chapter explores the significance of Wright's work for evangelicalism, post-evangelicalism and post-liberalism.

[Sandy McFadyean · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting, but not as interesting as Tom Wright would have written it.

[Dayo Adewoye · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a brilliant introduction to the theology of N.T . May the church take this seriously and be
transformed in how it understands God, creation, redemption, and the new heaven and new earth.

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit when I first purchased this book I thought it was a Biography of Tom Wright, rather than an Apologetic for his Theology. Not that I have a problem with that.

I have read a fair bit of Tom Wright's books, and thus don't need to be convinced of the value of his arguments, even the ones I don't fully agree with have good value. However, I did find this small book (at least compared to some of Wright's large works) to be a good summary of the theology - and I do like the practical / pastoral approach where the Author shows how they have applied Wright's theology (in the context of their UK Evangelical Anglican background).

I think the Author has given a fair account of the challenges they faced, and I appreciated that he also shared some areas in which he disagreed with Wright - as well as admitting that all the goals were not yet achieved...

Well referenced - the only thing I would suggest if another edition were to be produced is to add a chapter on the man himself - the first chapter on his career was very brief, and that could be nicely expanded to incorporate this :)

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theology shapes practice. Here Stephen Kuhrt, a vicar in New Malden, has shown how Tom Wright's theology has shaped his church. His aim in this book is to 'encourage a greater engagement with Tom Wright's theology'.

This book works on many levels: it is an excellent introduction to the largely pietist contemporary evangelicalism in the UK (ch 2); it is a great bird's-eye summary of Tom Wright's career (ch 1) and theology (ch 3); and it shows how the latter can change the former with positive results (ch 4-7).

Kuhrt has written before briefly of sssh-free church and the impact Wright's ideas have had on that. Here he shows further how Wright's ideas have shaped his church's approach to pastoral care, mission and church life. Ideas really do have legs!

For ordinands this book will be a God-send. Not only does it introduce them to one of the most stimulating theologians of our age but it shows how theology can really shape practice with positive results. May the lessons Kuhrt has gleaned from Wright shape other congregations for the better.

[Michael Clevenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a great little book! Chapter 3 alone was worth its weight in gold with an overview of N.T. Wright's theology. Loved seeing how Stephen Kuhrt is putting the new heavens eschatology into practice in his local church. Will be referencing back to Chapter 3 often. :)

[Michel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives a great, practical introduction to N.T. Wright’s theology. I like the combination of a summary of Wright’s theology with a practical description of how this theology has shaped the beliefs and practices of an existing church.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great application insights from a local church perspective to the theology of N.T. Wright.

[Michiel]

Mooi naslagwerk/ achtergrond info + voorbeeld van toepassing