Simply Christian by N. T. Wright

Non-Fiction: Christianity. Hardback from HarperCollins. Published in 2006. 240 pages. On loan from the Kent District Library.

Every time I have read a book by N. T. Wright, I feel like I should just flip back and start reading it again. Simply Christian : Why Christianity Makes Sense is no exception. I'll have to be honest and admit that I don't really have a good grasp on the first two sections. I really do need to read them again. (And probably make an outline so the info will stick.) The third section, however, was much easier for me to get my head around. His thoughts in Chapter 12 on pre-written prayers seemed spot on to me. The three page section on baptism in Chapter 15 did a better job of explaning the meaning of baptism than the full 12 week class I just sat through. And, as usual Wright also said some things that I am going to have to think on - things that challenge some of the things I've always been taught. But, I like that about his writing.

Publisher's summary:
Why do we expect justice? Why do we crave spirituality? Why are we attracted to beauty? Why are relationships often so painful? And how will the world be made right? These are not simply perennial questions all generations must struggle with, but, according to N. T. Wright, are the very echoes of a voice we dimly perceive but deeply long to hear. In fact, these questions take us to the heart of who God is and what He wants from us.

For two thousand years, Christianity has claimed to solve these mysteries, and this renowned biblical scholar and Anglican bishop shows that it still can today. Not since C. S. Lewis's classic summary of the faith, Mere Christianity, has such a wise and thorough scholar taken the time to explain to anyone who wants to know what Christianity really is and how it is practiced. Wright makes the case for Christian faith from the ground up, assuming that the reader has no knowledge of (and perhaps even some aversion to) religion in general and Christianity in particular.

Simply Christian walks the reader through the Christian faith step by step and question by question. With simple yet exciting and accessible prose, Wright challenges skeptics by offering explanations for even the toughest doubt-filled dilemmas, leaving believers with a reason for renewed faith. For anyone who wants to travel beyond the controversies that can obscure what the Christian faith really stands for, this simple book is the perfect vehicle for that journey.

Online book shopping:
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