Reviews

God and the Pandemic: A Christian Reflection on the Coronavirus and Its Aftermath by N.T. Wright

caaleros's review

3.0

As one would expect from a book written quickly at the beginning of a global catastrophe, God and the Pandemic is not a particularly profound book, nor did it address the wider social implications that arose because of the virus. That being said, the author writes in a conversational and accessible way while discussing passages from the bible that help our understanding of how to think of and live through hard times—such as the Coronavirus. Although this book addresses the pandemic by name, it really is applicable to any catastrophe. As Wright points out, this is the only global pandemic that we have lived through, but humans have short memories and we tend not to consider those things which happened before we were alive. Wright’s book will be helpful for those looking for comfort during this time by simply exploring scripture and dismissing apocalyptic theories, but I imagine we’ll have to wait until the Coronavirus has played out to a get a book that explores it in depth.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

bookwoman1967's review

3.0

Mostly I liked his concept of a time of lament. And the constant reminder to be charitable in our thoughts to others and to "get on with" what we can do rather than bogging down in blame, attribution of God's intention, or silly superstition disguised as religion. As well he always keeps in mind the situation of those less fortunate than most of his readers.

adammuly's review

4.0

A quick and insightful look at the COVID-19 pandemic from a Christian perspective. Wright largely emphasizes the role of humanity in caring for the world, especially its poor, weak, and marginalized groups, in such a crisis as the coronavirus pandemic. He does not attempt to confront the problem of evil (theodicy). He asks what we are to do in the face of these uncertain and sometimes tragic times rather than why these unfortunate times have come about in the first place. Some may consider this an avoidance, but I see it as a self-aware undertaking—one that acknowledges a human’s inability to satisfactorily answer the questions of why a pandemic came upon the earth. Therefore, Wright sticks to the question of “what?,” the question that Christian leaders have focused on in times of crisis even as early as the events of the book of Acts.

mighty_mary's review

4.0

N.T. Wright explores the story of Christ through the lens of a pandemic and how God's promises remain true.

gjones19's review

5.0

Wright is one of my favorite theologians and authors, and he’s written a wonderful word to Christians in the Covid-19 pandemic. Every Christian leader should read this!

keelypowley's review

3.0

While there were some really insightful points made about christians role in the pandemic, this book felt a bit scattered. I think they rushed to have it published to be a tool for Christian leaders during the pandemic, when it may have been more valuable to take the time and publish it a few months later.

benrogerswpg's review against another edition

4.0

Enjoyed this one! Great perspectives during this crazy time.

Lots of good information. I'd recommend it!

4.2/5

mybookislit's review against another edition

5.0

Great take aways from this work including the importance of the cross as the divine sign to call us to repentance not pandemics per say, Acts 11 as a model of how the church should respond, a helpful section in avoiding Romans 8:28 syndrome during tribulation, and a call to cultivating lament.

jeffsmith907's review

4.0

I put off reading this one because I felt like it was too early for Wright to know enough to properly reflect on the “aftermath” of the pandemic. I certainly think that waiting to publish would have been helpful, as some of the reflections on how the church can live in the present seemed a bit premature. Nevertheless, the book was a worthwhile read because the overall challenge to center our response to suffering around the kingdom and the cross, and to remember the way God uses his kingdom-people to respond to the suffering of the world, is a timeless truth and is relevant no matter the specific suffering addressed.

waveycowpar's review

5.0

I don't always agree with N.T. Wright's theology (usually it's a little earth focused), but this is a great time to be earth-focused. I think the insights Wright brings out are powerful, and his emphasis on the way of power for the Church being lament and sacrifice are spot on, fresh to me as I've never heard some of the Scriptures he interprets in the way he does, and inspiring for what church in a pandemic looks like.

His balanced view on opening the church buildings, for the right reasons, and keeping the church buildings closed, for the right reasons, is powerful.
I think it's more likely that a lot of the churches we do see reopening their buildings are not doing it for the reasons he would advocate as being the right ones, but it was nice to see someone who is on neither side of that fence, but just attempting to speak wisdom into that situation.