Reviews - Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church

I'm not sure how to rate this book. I was very excited to read this as our church's book club reading but I guess it's actually not as good of a book club reading as I thought it would be. It started off extremely confusing and slow-paced and I just wasn't sure what he was trying to say till later in the book. But the point he's trying to make is very interesting and it does make me rethink heaven and earth. Not as good as a literature experience, but valid theology.

swansa10's review against another edition

5.0

Incredible! Wright reorients our worldview back around the historical resurrection. Christ is literally the in breaking of a new world order. He is the first fruits of the marriage between the heavenly and earthly realms. The "transphysicality" of his resurrection body (moving through doors, etc) illustrates the linking between heaven and earth, which are more properly thought of as "dimensions" than fixed spacial locations. We, as Christians, have been indwelt by what is heavenly and empowered to help bring about the completion of this marriage, which will happen when the new heavens and earth are created. Wright seems to hit every aspect of Christian life in this book that is neglected by modern Christianity. It was a joy to read!

jgalt8's review against another edition

DID NOT FINISH: 23%

There were many claims thay he did not justify because he had justified them in other books. I woupd rather read one of the books with the justifications.

whenstephenreads's review against another edition

5.0

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

jallen7773's review against another edition

I enjoyed the logic behind Wright's thinking and the carefully laid path that he provides to explain his conclusions. Wright provides some good food for thought as we consider the mission of the church in today's world.

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