Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, The Resurrection, And The Mission Of The Church

Wright argues that “orthodox Christian belief” about life after death is little known to society at large, even to Christians. Why is this? What is the basis of the distinction that Wright draws between orthodox and popular beliefs, and why have the two diverged?

Why, in Wright’s analysis, is the belief in bodily resurrection a rebuke to those who wield power unjustly?

Wright argues that the church has a responsibility to evangelize (preach the gospel) and also a responsibility to improve life on earth. How are the two goals related, for Wright?

Why, according to Wright, is evolutionary optimism (or “the myth of progress”) unable to deal seriously with evil? How does Christianity succeed in addressing evil?

In what way, according to Wright, does Jesus’ resurrection challenge history and science, and how can this intellectual challenge be resolved?

For Wright, what does it mean for Christians to be (in St. Paul’s phrase) “citizens of heaven”? How does this concept relate to the bodily resurrection?

In Wright’s scheme, how does the idea of vocation fit in with the resurrection and God’s future kingdom?

How does Wright evoke his personal experience as a pastor as a way of supporting his positions? Choose three instances of this and analyze their use of rhetoric.