Surprised by Scripture: Engaging Contemporary Issues

Brief Description: A thoughtful and provocative collection, in the vein of the intellectual spiritual classic The Weight of Glory, from N. T. Wright, the influential Bishop, Bible scholar, and bestselling author widely regarded as a modern C. S. Lewis. An unusual combination of scholar, churchman, and leader, N. T. Wright hailed by Newsweek as the world s leading New Testament scholar is not only incredibly insightful, but conveys his knowledge in terms that excite and inspire Christian leaders worldwide, allowing them to see the Bible from a fresh viewpoint. In this challenging and stimulating collection of popular essays, sermons, and talks, Wright provide a series of case studies which explore how the Bible can be applied to some of the most pressing contemporary issues facing us, including: Why it is possible to love the Bible and affirm evolution Why women should be allowed to be ordained Where Christians today have lost focus, and why it is important for them to engage in politics and why that involvement benefits everyone Why the Christian belief in heaven means we should be at the forefront of the environmental movement And much moreHelpful, practical, and wise, Surprised by Scripture invites readers to examine their own hearts and minds and presents new models for understanding how to affirm the Bible in today s world as well as new ideas and renewed energy for deepening our faith and engaging with the world around us."Review Quotes: "Reading anew for new times and exploring how the Bible might illuminate issues of contemporary concern is at the heart of N. T. Wright's "Surprised by Scripture.""--"Publishers Weekly"Review Quotes: "N. T. Wright is the most prolific biblical scholar in a generation. Some say he is the most important apologist since C. S. Lewis. . . . Perhaps the most significant praise of all: When Wright speaks, preaches, or writes, folks say they see Jesus, and lives are transformed."--"Christianity Today"Review Quotes: Pithy prose and compassionate and serious biblical interpretation. . . . To reveal some of Wright s conclusions would be like leaking cinematic spoilers; such is the inventive and surprising way that Wright brings the Bible to bear on current, and vexatious, affairs. --"Publishers Weekly""Review Quotes: Reading anew for new times and exploring how the Bible might illuminate issues of contemporary concern is at the heart of N. T. Wright s "Surprised by Scripture." --"Publishers Weekly""Review Quotes: "Pithy prose and compassionate and serious biblical interpretation. . . . To reveal some of Wright's conclusions would be like leaking cinematic spoilers; such is the inventive and surprising way that Wright brings the Bible to bear on current, and vexatious, affairs."--"Publishers Weekly"Table of Contents: Preface -- 1. Healing the Divide Between Science and Religion -- 2. Do We Need a Historical Adam? -- 3. Can a Scientist Believe in the Resurrection? -- 4. The Biblical Case for Ordaining Women -- 5. Jesus Is Coming-Plant a Tree! -- 6. 9/11, Tsunamis, and the New Problem of Evil -- 7. How the Bible Reads the Modern World -- 8. Idolatry 2.0 -- 9. Our Politics Are Too Small -- 10. How to Engage Tommorrow's World -- 11. Apocalypse and the Beauty of God -- 12. Becoming People of Hope -- Acknowledgments -- Scripture Index. Review Quotes: N. T. Wright is the most prolific biblical scholar in a generation. Some say he is the most important apologist since C. S. Lewis. . . . Perhaps the most significant praise of all: When Wright speaks, preaches, or writes, folks say they see Jesus, and lives are transformed. --"Christianity Today"" Review Citations:

Publishers Weekly 05/12/2014 (EAN 9780062230539, Hardcover)

Library Journal 10/01/2014 pg. 71 (EAN 9780062230539, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:  Wright, N T N. T. Wright is the Chair in New Testament and Early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the former Bishop of Durham in the Church of England and is a prolific author and noted New Testament scholar. His books include "Scripture and the Authority of God", "Surprised by Hope", "Simply Christian", and "Evil and the Justice of God".