Simply Christian

By: N. T. Wright

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 7 hrs and 54 mins

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 2,000 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' 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 listener 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.

©2006 N. T. Wright (P)2008 HarperCollins Publishers

Simply wonderful for modern world

One of my favorites. Just re-read in preparation for the sequel. It's easy to get confused and find yourself with a pitch-patched understanding of Christianity based on contrasting ideas common in modern worldviews. To resolve this, Wright presents an easy-to-read, snapshot view of a systematic theology in simple and understandable terms and contrasts it against the worldviews most common in a modern and post-Christian understanding of spirituality. What I appreciate most is the effort with which he ties the history of Israel and the old covenant with the new covenant, which climaxed with the Resurrection of Christ, and how that event (a staple of his teaching) should inform the mindset and actions of Christians since.

Excellent

New and insightful perspective. If, like me, you struggle with aspects of Christianity that don't make sense, read this book. It will help.

Compelling

An engaging breakdown of the Christian faith and why it matters. Thankful for the insights and edification.

A Revelation

The best book covering the entirety of Christianity that I have ever experienced. I have been a believer for 30 years, yet learned incredible amounts from Simply Christian. This is a great book for the new Christian, the seeker, the curious, or the seasoned believer.

A Great Overview of Christianity

In the first part of the book, Wright explains some philosophical underpinnings of Christianity. This part was very similar to the 1st part of Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - he even used some of the same arguments. But then the book goes on to describe more of the story of the Bible in a way that Mere Christianity does not. Like Mere Christianity, it contains valuable advice on how one should actually put Christianity into practice.

One piece of advice in the book that will benefit me greatly is his advice to leverage the prayers that others have written down (including prayers from various Christian traditions, the Psalms, and the Lord's prayer) when you struggle to find the words yourself. Many people think that praying like this lacks authenticity, but this is far from the truth. They can greatly augment & enrich your prayer life and be a great asset in helping to express yourself. This book made me excited to learn more traditional prayers.

Overall, this book is very similar to Mere Christianity, but Wright also brings his own excellent insights and ways of putting things to the table. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who liked Mere Christianity.

Great book!

NT Wright's book Simply Christian although a bit long winded was amazingly eye opening. His explanation of Christ's work of redemption for the whole of Creation or "the Cosmos," as he puts, is spot on. Understanding our role in the Kingdom of God and the need for justice and righteousness in our world are one of the fundamental misses of the post-christian Church. Simply Christian is the call to the church, to get closer to that window and see more than A tree!

Excellent view and explanation of the Christian faith

The book was better than I anticipated. It explains Man’s need for God for religion. Simply Christian describes Christianity as the best for realizing that need but a place where God comes to humanity. It also clearly and deeply describes Christianity, the experience of believers and what Christianity is suppose to be even if some time it is not. Simply Christianity shows how the church is the place where God dwells with His people, where the divine and this world come together, the kingdom of heaven, the new garden of eden where Gods presence is amongst his people and his people are in His presence. This book is worth reading!

Simply Remarkable

I am a born and raised Christian who has read a few theology books in my time. Yet I cannot recall ever being so moved or fundamentally challenged this much by a text before. I even teared up a few times! the narrator does a fine job, and I had to continually remind myself it was not Wright himself!

Can't recommend it enough

Amazing and accessible work from NT Wright. One of the most encouraging contemporary Christian books.

Excellent

I found it to be a very thoughtful overview of Christian reasoning. Thought provoking and insightful.