Summary
In "Surprised by Hope," N.T. Wright challenges conventional Christian understandings of heaven, resurrection, and the Church's mission, urging a shift from a focus on escaping to heaven to actively participating in God's kingdom on Earth. Wright begins by exposing common confusions about Christian hope in both the wider world and within the Church itself, contrasting these with the vibrant expectations of the early Christians.
The book delves into the historical context of early Christian beliefs, examining Jewish and pagan views on the afterlife to highlight the revolutionary nature of the Christian concept of resurrection. Wright emphasizes that the early Christians saw resurrection as a bodily reality, not merely a spiritual escape, and he explores the surprising character of their hope in light of ancient expectations.
Wright then unpacks the cosmic implications of the resurrection, asserting that God's plan involves the renewal of all creation, not just the salvation of individual souls. He critiques popular notions of heaven and hell, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the intermediate state and the final judgment, firmly grounding his arguments in scripture and historical context.
The final section of the book shifts to practical application, exploring how a resurrection-centered hope transforms the mission of the Church. Wright calls for a rethinking of salvation, emphasizing the importance of justice, beauty, and evangelism as integral components of building God's kingdom in the present. He challenges readers to reshape their understanding of the Church's role, urging them to live as resurrection people who embody and anticipate God's future in their daily lives.
Throughout "Surprised by Hope," Wright invites readers to embrace a more holistic and transformative vision of Christian hope—one that encompasses both the present and the future, the individual and the cosmos, and ultimately empowers the Church to engage in meaningful and hope-filled action in a world desperately in need of redemption.