Evil and the Justice of God - by N T Wright (Paperback)

About the Book

An exploration of all aspects of evil and how it presents itself in society today. Fully grounded in the story of the Old and New Testaments, this presentation is provocative and hopefulNa fascinating response to the fundamental question of evil and justice that faces believers.

Book Synopsis

• Merit Award, 2007 Christianity Today Theology/Ethics Book

With every earthquake and war, understanding the nature of evil and our response to it becomes more urgent. Evil is no longer the concern just of ministers and theologians but also of politicians and the media.We hear of child abuse, ethnic cleansing, AIDS, torture and terrorism, and rightfully we are shocked. But, N. T. Wright says, we should not be surprised. For too long we have naively believed in the modern idea of human progress. In contrast, postmodern thinkers have rightly argued that evil is real, powerful and important, but they give no real clue as to what we should do about it.In fact, evil is more serious than either our culture or our theology has supposed. How then might Jesus' death be the culmination of the Old Testament solution to evil but on a wider and deeper scale than most imagine? Can we possibly envision a world in which we are delivered from evil? How might we work toward such a future through prayer and justice in the present?These are the powerful and pressing themes that N. T. Wright addresses in this book that is at once timely and timeless.

Review Quotes

"[A] very practical and thought-provoking composition that addresses the challenges and inherent connection between evil and the justice of God within both a postmodern Western context and a Judeo-Christian context."

"[A] very practical and thought-provoking composition that addresses the challenges and inherent connection between evil and the justice of God within both a postmodern Western context and a Judeo-Christian context."

--Fitzroy Willis in The Pneuma Review, Spring 2008

"[A]n important and refreshing treatment of the problem of evil. . . . [A] gem for any pastor or theologically interested lay person."

"[A]n important and refreshing treatment of the problem of evil. . . . [A] gem for any pastor or theologically interested lay person."

--David Loy, Concordia Journal, July 2008

"[D]eserves careful reading by all who are in any way seeking to understand the modern day challenges of evil. . . . I recommend this book. Its ultimate concern shines through to be pastoral and practical rather than merely satisfying philosophically."

"[D]eserves careful reading by all who are in any way seeking to understand the modern day challenges of evil. . . . I recommend this book. Its ultimate concern shines through to be pastoral and practical rather than merely satisfying philosophically."

--Rodney Stent, The Lamplighter, November 2008

"Bishop Wright inspires us. . . . All Christians can benefit from this well-written book."

"Bishop Wright inspires us. . . . All Christians can benefit from this well-written book."

--George R. Carson for Religious Studies Review, April 2007

"It is helpful to find an author who pushes readers toward a better understanding of evil instead of rushing to provide answers for why evil happens."

"It is helpful to find an author who pushes readers toward a better understanding of evil instead of rushing to provide answers for why evil happens."

--Myka Kennedy Stephens, Congregational Libraries Today, May/June 2008

"Like all . . . Wright's works that I have so far read, this one is quite lucid and enjoyable to read."

"Like all . . . Wright's works that I have so far read, this one is quite lucid and enjoyable to read."

--Bryan, www.zealfortruth.org, January 8, 2008

"N. T. Wright is one of the most influential thinkers in today's church, and his book helps us better understand why evil exists and points us to a day when it will be ultimately defeated. Wright's discussion of the power of the cross makes this excellent reading for pastors."

"N. T. Wright is one of the most influential thinkers in today's church, and his book helps us better understand why evil exists and points us to a day when it will be ultimately defeated. Wright's discussion of the power of the cross makes this excellent reading for pastors."

--PreachingNOW newsletter, January 29, 2008

"The book is well written and easy to read. Wright's purpose is outlined from the beginning and is consistent throughout, providing a practical solution to the problem of evil. We are indebted to Wright for his contribution to this difficult subject of theodicy. An excellent tool for theologians and religion teachers as the book comes to grips with the reality of evil."

"The book is well written and easy to read. Wright's purpose is outlined from the beginning and is consistent throughout, providing a practical solution to the problem of evil. We are indebted to Wright for his contribution to this difficult subject of theodicy. An excellent tool for theologians and religion teachers as the book comes to grips with the reality of evil."

--Augustin Tchamba, Seminary Studies, Andrews University, Autumn 2008

"Wright effectively phrases the believer's questions about such issues and recalls the foundations of faith that sustain one in the midst of suffering and ambiguity."

"Wright effectively phrases the believer's questions about such issues and recalls the foundations of faith that sustain one in the midst of suffering and ambiguity."

--Donald Senior, www.bibletoday.com, May/June 2008

"Wright takes a complex subject and in his usual delightful way provides a readable, stimulating, and profound account. . . . It will help equip believers with a biblical worldview on a matter which directly concerns us all."

"Wright takes a complex subject and in his usual delightful way provides a readable, stimulating, and profound account. . . . It will help equip believers with a biblical worldview on a matter which directly concerns us all."

--Jeff Robertson for Stone-Campbell Journal, Fall 2007

About the Author

N. T. Wright, formerly bishop of Durham in England, is research professor of New Testament and early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the author of dozens of books, including Simply Jesus, Justification, The Challenge of Jesus, Small Faith--Great God and Simply Christian.