Reviews

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

hpuphd's review against another edition

4.0

Is the pandemic divine punishment? Chapter 2 shows that the book is not trite or dismissive of human suffering. And chapter 3, on Jesus healing the man born blind as well as other passages, is also straightforward: “Jesus’ answer puts paid to any easy-going vending-machine theology (one sin in, one punishment out).” A book that is both stimulating and comforting.

michellef's review against another edition

5.0

God and the Pandemic is a well-written essay by author N.T. Wright. It is a short book written especially for Christians.

What should be the Christian response to the pandemic? Could this be the sign of the End Times? Is it a moment of opportunity for Christians? Maybe it’s not about a particular group's sin but so that Jesus may be glorified.

Did I really want to read another book on COVID-19? No! However, I appreciate the opportunity in having read it. The author does a wonderful job of bringing scripture to light.

I highly recommend God and the Pandemic to Christian and Secular readers.

God Bless and Thank You for reading.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.”

elundhansen's review against another edition

4.0

I did spend much of my time reading this book wondering whether it was an 80-page subtweet at John Piper’s “Coronavirus and Christ”--but even with that, it’s a lovely little book. As Wright reminds us, Jesus is not one for “vending machine theology” (sin in, punishment out), and we are called to work with God for good: in pandemic times and in all other times.

sloanhepler_'s review against another edition

3.0

“The horror of death–the fact that it sneers in the face of all that is lovely and beautiful–is overwhelming, even for the Lord of life. Especially for the Lord of life.”

“Jesus does not need church buildings for his work to go forward. Part of the answer to the question, ‘Where is God in the pandemic?’ must be, ‘Out there on the front line, suffering and dying to bring healing and hope.’”

rtwilliams16's review against another edition

4.0

N.T. Wright’s short book God and the Pandemic: A Christian Reflection on the Coronavirus and its Aftermath is the perfect response to Christian conspiracy theories about COVID-19. Wright’s central argument is that Christians need a “time of lament, of restraint, of precisely not jumping to ‘solutions’” during these turbulent times. Wright is responding to two conspiracy theories promoted by some Christians that the coronavirus pandemic is: 1. a sign of the End times, or 2. a special moment to have a worldwide revival to convert non-believers. Wright tackles each theory by using the Bible, both the Old and New Testaments. He shows in the Bible where people of faith lamented and took their concerns to God when bad or evil things happened rather than ask whose sin cause this turmoil to occur. He uses the words of Jesus to address whether we are in the End times and whether this is a worldwide event for people to repent. The simple answer is “No” and Wright explains why. This book, in my view, is a big “slow your roll” moment to conspiracy minded Christians. It may not cause these theories to go away but it does end with a call for what Christians are supposed to do in this season. They must do what they are always called to do: help those in need. Wright’s book may only be 80 pages but it is packed with alot of wisdom for Christians to ponder in our current moment.

Review first published on Interfaith Now: https://medium.com/interfaith-now/review-god-and-the-pandemic-by-n-t-wright-43ee3691680d

drewdixon's review

4.0

A brief but thoughtful biblical and theological reflection on the present moment. Wright calls us all to set down our knee-jerk reactions and replace them with the lament and action that God's Spirit leads us in.

docvj89_gmail_com's review against another edition

5.0

Listened to this book. It was amazing. I felt God speaking to me through it. Liked it so much but had a hard time listening. Bought the Kindle book. Looking forward to reading it and seeing if it has the same impact. The impact was much bigger than just the Coronavirus.

pagesbycaroline's review against another edition

hopeful informative reflective tense slow-paced

3.5

turtletrackz's review against another edition

challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

frankydclc's review against another edition

5.0

It took me entirely too long to read this. But I'm very glad that I did read it. Wright is (unabashedly) my favorite theologian to read. But I think that even had this not been written by him, I'd love it just as much. It's full of prayerful wisdom and practicality. A very needed, albeit very slim, volume for the Church in our present moment.