Yes, it is too early to offer a fully rounded reflection on Tom Wright's work, however, this is a very valuable book.
I especially like Stephen's focus upon the impact the theology of Tom Wright has had upon the local church. This is where all good theology should impact. Many who read this blog will find the final three chapters of this book helpful and challenging.
In his chapter summarising Tom Wright's theology, under the heading 'Gospel', Stephen writes,
According to Wright, the gospel does not refer to the means by which individuals can be 'saved' and 'go to heaven when they die'. It refers to the royal proclamation that in and through Jesus, declared by his resurrection to be Messiah and Lord, YHWH the God of Israel has become King and begun his processs of putting his world right. Wright shows how this understanding is completely consistent with the original use of the term 'good news' in Isaiah 40:9 and 52:7, with its implicit challenge to that term being used in a similar way by pagan emperors. An integral part of this gospel proclamation is that through the coming of God's Spirit everyone, without restriction, is summoned to be part of this renewed world that he is remaking. (page 48)
I think this is an excellent summary of what Wright means by the 'gospel' and shows how Wright then goes onto rework our Christian hope, our understanding of justification, the implications of creation and redemption. Make no mistake, Tom Wright's theology is a big project, dealing with the big themes of our Christian faith.
Stephen Kuhrt's book is a good one. If you read it I hope it inspires you to go on and read Wright: both Tom and NT!
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