I wanted to give this book 3.5 stars, so I rounded up.I always enjoy reading NT Wright. In doing a senior thesis several years ago on Wright's views, I enjoyed finally reading his book on justification itself. The best critiques of Wright (Moo, Vanhoozer, Gaffin) are balanced, and I largely agree with them. Wright would be better served being irenic than polemic. A majority of his polariyiss don't need to be polarities at all. He constantly bickers against 'old perspective' views even though his own presentation does a fine job establishing the doctrine of imputed righteousness. (Which Wright would vehemently deny.)My main theological critique of Wright is that he does lip service to Paul's theme of union with Christ but fails to adequately draw it out and relate it to justification and the righteousness of God. Again, i love reading Wright. And many have read him wrongly (though such is partly Wright's own fault with his over the top rhetoric). I believe that we both believe in the same Messiah and are justified by Grace through faith and in Christ. Yet, I wish I would speak with Wright about the gospel without being required to speak it only in his dialect and his alone without having a supposed 'deficient' understanding of Paul. Wright poses a very compelling argument, primarily based in a covenant-theology reading of Paul. His response to Piper excels where Piper's stumbled, namely in sound exegesis. The entire second half of the book is a sweeping run through both Galatians and Romans (the primary scriptures that have become battlegrounds over this doctrinal debate), and Wright paints a comprehensive picture of what happens when we are "justified".I highly recommend this book, though I strongly recommend reading both "What Saint Paul Really Said" (also by Wright) AND Piper's "The Future of Justification" first. It is enjoyable enough without them in the background, but reading those texts will significantly enrich your experience with this book.Lastly, though I myself have not read Luther's writing on justification and atonement, those interested should also explore his view, as it is yet another perspective.
What do You think about Justification: God's Plan & Paul's Vision (2009)?
Great content. Sometimes the argument is a little drawn out. Otherwise very thought provoking.
—bill
Very good for the student who wants to get acquainted with the debate
—fate_riddle
Wonderful explanation of Paul's theology, deconstructed from bias.
—olsen17
