Surprised by Hope summary

The Misunderstanding of Heaven

In Surprised by Hope by N. T. Wright, we are taken on a journey to re-evaluate our understanding of heaven. The book starts with a critique of the common Christian belief that the ultimate destination for the saved is a disembodied existence in heaven. Wright argues that this belief is not only contrary to the biblical narrative but also detrimental to the Christian mission in the world today.

Wright points out that the biblical view of the afterlife is not about going to heaven but about the resurrection of the dead and the renewal of all things. He emphasizes that the Christian hope is for a new heaven and a new earth, where God's kingdom will be fully established, and where the physical and spiritual realms are fully reconciled.

The Resurrection of Jesus

Wright then focuses on the resurrection of Jesus, which he sees as the central event in Christian history. He argues that the resurrection was not just a one-off miracle, but the beginning of God's new creation. Jesus' resurrection inaugurated the new age, and the Christian hope is to share in this resurrection life.

According to Wright, the early Christians did not think of life after death as a disembodied existence in heaven, but as a temporary state before the final resurrection. They believed that, at the end of time, God would raise the dead, transform the world, and establish His kingdom in a new creation.

Living in the Light of the Resurrection

Having established the biblical view of the afterlife, Wright then explores its implications for Christian living. He argues that the belief in the resurrection should transform the way we live in the present. The hope of future resurrection should motivate us to live lives of love, justice, and creativity, working towards the renewal of the world.

Wright also addresses the problem of evil and suffering in light of the Christian hope. He suggests that the resurrection gives us the confidence that evil will be defeated, and suffering will be redeemed in the new creation. This hope enables us to endure and resist evil in the present.

Restoring the Christian Hope

In the final section of Surprised by Hope, Wright discusses the implications of restoring the biblical hope for the mission of the church. He argues that the church is called to be a sign and foretaste of God's new creation. Instead of focusing solely on saving souls for heaven, the church should be engaged in the work of renewing the world, addressing social, environmental, and political issues.

Wright concludes by challenging the church to reclaim the fullness of the Christian hope and to live in light of the resurrection. He believes that restoring the biblical vision of the afterlife will not only transform individual lives but also inspire the church to be a positive force for change in the world.

In Conclusion

In Surprised by Hope, N. T. Wright presents a compelling case for rethinking our understanding of heaven and the afterlife. He argues that the Christian hope is not about escaping this world but about God's redemption and renewal of all creation. This hope, rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, should shape our present lives and the mission of the church. Ultimately, Wright invites us to be 'surprised by hope' as we embrace the fullness of the Christian message.