Part 1
To say that the work of N.T. Wright is a phenomenon is an understatement. Not since Karl Barth has a theologian so excited, frustrated, created controversy and provided so much hope to the Christian community. His writings inspire and infuriate, they are debated with, agreed with and refuted in equal measure. In my opinion there is currently no other Christian writer with as great an influence as Wright (for better or worse). However, unlike Barth, Wright’s theology has predominately the internet to thank for the proliferation of his teaching and the energy for ongoing debate.
I first heard of Wright in 2006 when a friend handed me a flyer to his lectures here in Adelaide. As strange as it might sound I had never heard of him. I was drawn to the blurb on the flyer and went and paid my money to hear him speak. I sat in the lecture hall with a couple of hundred other people. He was funny, charismatic, engaging and very well spoken. I had no idea what he was saying but he spoke with such passion and conviction I was convinced and immediately bought one of his books (Scripture and the Authority of God I believe).
Over the years I have agreed with and disagreed with Wright. So much of what he says, both historically and theologically, sounds correct me yet I lack the knowledge to debate him. I see myself as a student simply learning. I will forever be grateful for his helping me re-engage scripture and provide with a way through the fog when I doubted the authority of Scripture.
If I can pick one flaw in Wright’s work (and it is not his fault) it is his lack of “so what does this mean practically for the people of God?” I have heard this complaint from others as well. I once heard someone say that he lacked Bultmann’s or Barth’s grand vision of the Christian life lived. As a pastor I am interested in the Christian life lived. As interesting as the history and theology might be my main interest is helping people believe in God and then live like they believe in him. As I said this is not Wright’s fault. He is a historian/theologian and to this vocation he is utterly faithful! If only, I have often thought, there was a book which introduced me to Wright’s way of thinking and how his theology might help the local church. Well now there is, Stephen Kurht’s “Tom Wright for Everyone: Putting the theology of N.T. Wright into practice in the local church”
More tomorrow…
the archives near Emmaus 
If I can pick one flaw in Wright’s work (and it is not his fault) it is his lack of “so what does this mean practically for the people of God?” I have heard this complaint from others as well.
I believe he heard it too. I once listened to him and he seemed to admit that part of taking on the See of Durham was to see how is writing worked on that ground. He didn’t use those words, mind. It will be interesting to see if there is a shift in his writing now he has left Durham.
I’m on the edge of my seat Mark – because I have had the same struggles as you. In fact it was the biggest criticism of his ‘Surprised By Hope’ Small Group Study Resource – it lacked the ‘yeah, but how?’ bit.
This book could very well be the ‘babel fish’ we have all be looking for….
I think this book could be very helpful for pastors and local churches. While I can think of how Wright’s work has impacted my own life and understanding of God it does seem that for many this is not an easy bridge to build. It will be interesting to hear your thoughts on it.
Also, since it is for EVERYONE….now you know what to get Jim West for his birthday!
@Will, that does not surprise me. I think he desires it to be so but in his discipline it is difficult. His popular writings have made some headway. However, our congregation is well educated and some of them struggled with his books.
@Brian YES!