For the last three or four years, I’ve been saying to anyone who cared to listen (and to some who didn’t) that the most important Christian book that I’ve read for ages is The Shaping of Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st Century Church by Frost and Hirsch. Shaping helped me rethink my whole view of the purpose of the church and the nature of Christian mission creating a revolution in my thinking. However, another book has stolen Shaping’s crown, and now the most important book I’ve read of late has to be Surprised by Hope by Tom Wright. In the same way that Frost and Hirsch pushed me to examine some of my preconceptions about the church, Wright causes me to examine my ideas about the nature of Christian hope and its impact on Christian life and mission. Don’t take my word for it: Wright is interviewed about his book in Time Magazine and you can read it here. You will find it stimulating and probably controversial, but don’t dismiss what he has to say on the basis of the interview – read the book too.
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by Frost and Hirsch. Shaping helped me rethink my whole view of the purpose of the church and the nature of Christian mission creating a revolution in my thinking. However, another book has stolen Shaping’s crown, and now the most important book I’ve read of late has to be 
by Tom Wright. In the same way that Frost and Hirsch pushed me to examine some of my preconceptions about the church, Wright causes me to examine my ideas about the nature of Christian hope and its impact on Christian life and mission. Don’t take my word for it: Wright is interviewed about his book in Time Magazine and you can read it
6 replies on “Surprised by Hope”
OK, I’ve ordered it. From your link. I also finally got round to ordering Shaping since you linked to it too. Better be good 😉
If they aren’t good, send me the receipts and I’ll pay for them!
This offer is not open to anyone other than Chris, so Lingamish should put his Amazon order form away.
Thanks. You sure you haven’t had a payrise with your new role? I best tap you for a pint while you’re feeling generous 😉
I’m just quietly confident in these books!
It’s an excellent book, but too long don’t you think. The good bishop is becoming very discursive. You can ‘hear’ him lecturing a lot of this material as you read. What is disturbing is the assumption that most Christians have lived with a ‘folk religion’ view of their future. Must check it out with our congregation.