Surprised by Scripture: Engaging Contemporary Issues

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 more

Helpful, 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.

Bishop, Bible scholar, and bestselling author N. T. Wright here provides a series of case studies on how to apply the Bible to the pressing issues of today. Among the topics Wright addresses are the intersection of religion and science, why women should be allowed to be ordained, what we get wrong and how we can do better when Christians engage in politics, why the Christian belief in heaven means we should be at the forefront of the environmental movement, and many more.

Wright fearlessly wades through the difficult issues facing us. Readers will find new models for understanding how to affirm the Bible in today's world as well as encouragement and renewed energy for deepening our faith and engaging with the culture around us.

“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

“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

“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

Praise for N. T. Wright and Surprised by Scripture: “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