On Saturday evening I stopped by Border’s for some coffee and a chance to stretch my legs. It is always a little dangerous for me to walk around a bookstore because I never seem to leave empty handed. This time was no exception.

I picked up Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense by N.T. Wright. I was surprised to see the book on the shelves because according to Amazon.com this latest Wright book isn’t supposed to be released until tomorrow (March 14). Well, fortunately for me I now have a copy in hand.

THe book is intended to be a kind of a Mere Christianity for today: a summary of the faith, hope, and love that Christians claim to live in. One of the things that I love about Wright is that on one hand he can write on subjects that are so lofty and complex that they require an advanced degree in comprehension and on the other hand he writes for the Every Man. This book is for the latter.

Bishop Wright divides the book into 3 sections. Part One is entitled Echoes of a Voice. “It is as though,” he writes, “we can hear, not perhaps a voice itself, but the echo of a voice: a voice speaking with calm, healing authority, speaking about justice, about things being put to rights, about peace and hope and prosperity for all.” Of course, this voice is the voice of God speaking to his children about true justice, living spirituality, God-honoring relationships, and this world in which we live. Every human being hears this voice or at least the echo of the voice and we all must respond. That brings us to Section Two. In this section. Staring at the Sun (Lovin’ the U2 reference BTW), Wright tackles the basic building blocks of Christianity: God, Israel, Jesus and God’s Kingdom, Resurrection, and Life by the Spirit. It is only after we understand the story in which we are invited to join that we can begin to live this Christian life to the fullest. Section Three, Refelcting the Image, introduces the reader to worship and prayer, community and fellowship.

I cannot wait to finish this book. If you liked Mere Christianity or if you are a fan of N.T. Wright, pick up a copy of Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense. It might be a good way to help you introduce the concept of Christianity to those around you. Peace.