After You Believe

Why Christian Character Matters

By: N. T. Wright

Narrated by: Antony Ferguson

Length: 10 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

From the author of the acclaimed Simply Christian and Surprised by Hope comes a book that addresses the question that has plagued humans for centuries - what is our purpose?

As Christians, what are we to do with that ambiguous time between baptism and the funeral? It’s easy to become preoccupied with who gets into heaven; the real challenge is how we are going to live in the here and now. Wright dispels the common misconception that Christian living is nothing more than a checklist of do's and don’ts. Nor is it a prescription to “follow your heart” wherever it may lead. Instead, After You Believe reveals the Bible’s call for a revolution - a transformation of character that takes us beyond our earthly pursuit of money, sex, and power into a virtuous state of living that allows us to reflect God and live more worshipful, fulfilling lives.

We are all spiritual seekers, intuitively knowing there is more to life than we suspect. This is a book for anyone who is hoping there is something more while we’re here on Earth. There is. We are being called to join the revolution, and Wright insightfully encourages readers to find new purpose and clarity by taking us on an eye-opening journey through key biblical passages that promise to radically alter the work of the church and the direction of our lives.

©2010 Nicholas Thomas Wright (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Good book but the reader doesn't know how to read scripture references

The content of this book is excellent! However, Harper Audio did not train the reader or select a reader with prior knowledge of how to read scripture references.

1 Corinthians is not read as First Corinthians but a One Corinthians for example.

This makes it hard to take the book seriously.

A fresh perspective on character

NT Wright, as always, does a fantastic job on shedding new light on a topic readers might think they have all figured out. I read this book with a study group of guys and the discussion was great.
Wright balances being highly readable to the uninitiated and writes with a depth that seasoned readers of Christian literature will still reap greatly from. Loved this book. I recommend it highly!

The need for Christian Character Matters!

A Wonderful exploration of why Christian Character and Virtue is so very important to us

Helpful

This book was so helpful. It breaks down the importance of why Christian character matters indeed. I’m ready to put into exercise the virtues and build Godly habits. Highly recommend this book and I will be listening to it again. Thank you

True Spirituality

Definitely a challenge theologically, though in non-technical words. I thought this was deja vu: riding on my mountain bike on San Juan trail and listening to Tom Wright instead of Dallas Willard's "The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life In God." They both reinterpret the beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount to move from legalism to grace. They both are intellectuals, theological and devoted to correct thinking as a key to transformation. They have both transformed my life, my spirituality, my understanding of Agape. But Wright's theology is broader and more significant than Willard's. He integrates so many themes that neatly weave together: Kingdom ethics vs legalism, eschatology (study of end times) as Hope, and Love.

Wright's most profound theological explication is that we are not to become moral, but to empty ourselves as Jesus did--to live for the purpose of God's Kingdom only--not our own desires. Even Jesus had to "learn" to do this as he was fully human, and felt the temptation for self satisfaction, but continuously and "perfectly" (telos) resisted. He was not an example of moral virtue primarily (though he was), but an example of one fully yielded to God. And now we too, through his resurrection, by the Holy Spirit (holiness & prayer), can participate not only in the Kingdom to Come (telos), but now, in the Kingdom that has now Come in Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Wish this theme had predominated, because it is the basis of spiritual transformation.

Another motivation for living spiritually and not legalistically is because of the Hope we have in the renewal and transformation of this present world, where we will participate with holiness and power. Looking forward to reading his book on Hope next.

While Wright and Willard are strong theologically, they both lack the everyday relational wisdom that properly integrates the intellectual, spiritual, social, emotional, "imaginational," and behavioral dimensions into a whole.

Get a paper copy to reread

Performance was serviceable. Ideas presented will take reflection and revisiting - worth getting in print.

Not his best, but NT Wright is always great

This book is not nearly as deep and didactic as Surprised by Scripture, but is far more practical and applicable, especially for newer Christians. It started kind of slow, but gets more and more meaningful and convicting as it progresses.

Thought Provoking

The Christian West has really fallen down on the issue of properly formed character and personal integrity. N.T. Wright confronts this issue and offers options for further growth as a Christian person.

Thoughtful and lacking in simple antidote

As I get older I notice how many of the popular authors often dress up church dogmas and antidotes in cheerleading outfits to excite the crowd. I appreciated the explanations in “after you believe” as to why the specific virtue or virtue in general should be sought. I generous merging of scriptural focus with truly human insights.

Love Wright, but...

I am now listening to the Pope's latest book and I know why I like it so much. I LOVE reading Wright but it's too much work for this lowbrow American to process the British accent. Benedict XVI was wise to get a narrator who speaks American.