After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
This is the book that I wanted to write: A virtue ethics book that incorporates the inaugurated Kingdom. Although Wright does not use that language precisely, he does speak to the new heart, the role of the Spirit, the transformation of desires, and the need for the mortification of the flesh. Call it a combination New Covenant sanctification and Reformed model. I have never read a book by N. T. Wright where I agreed with so much of it. In this book, Wright unfolds a vision for the formation of Christian character, by carefully situating this vision within his understanding of the kingdom of God and new creation, and showing how the NT writers take the classical approach to virtue (such as in Aristotle) and reconfigure it around Jesus and the Spirit, giving prominence to the new virtues of faith, hope, and love. Lots of ground is covered here, touching on theology, ethics, and ecclesiology, and all in very readable prose. There are a few of the usual places where I disagreed with Wright (especially his unbalanced critiques of much post-Reformation Christian thought), but as a whole, this is an excellent book and may be the best pop-level book by Wright that I've read. A good follow-up to Simply Christian and prelude to Surprised by Hope, and my favorite of the three.
What do You think about After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters (2010)?
Fascinating account of character and virtue. And I'm only into the second chapter.
—Issamaeee
Great book with some inspiring concepts, just very hard to read and understand.
—yelowin
This book is basically a treaty on virtue ethics, very fun read.
—jasmarie7
One of the best book on Christian ethics.
—daughter
One of the most pivotal books of my life.
—kath666
