Spiritual and Religious

The Gospel in an Age of Paganism

By: N. T. Wright

Narrated by: James Langton

"I'm spiritual but not religious." It's a phrase that's often used to explain why people still feel that life must have some kind of transcendent meaning, even if they don't go to church.

But what does this "spirituality" consist of? In Spiritual and Religious N. T. Wright argues that, whether people realize it or not, they are often simply reverting to forms of ancient paganism that are very similar to those that confronted the earliest Christians.

With his characteristic verve and incisiveness, Wright traces the parallels between the worldviews of the first and twenty-first centuries, and shows how a better understanding of God as Trinity can breathe fresh life into our understanding and preaching of the gospel today.

He concludes this prophetic book with a call to contemporary Christians to make a clear choice:

"Are we to compromise with paganism, to assimilate, to water down the distinctives of Christian faith in order to make it more palatable? Are we to retreat into dualism, into a private 'spiritual' religion which will assure us of an other-worldly salvation but which will leave the powers of the present world unchallenged. . . ? Or are we to worship the God who is Father, Son and Spirit, and to find in that worship a renewed courage, a renewed sense of direction, and a renewed hope for the future?"

Reflection questions can be found in the audiobook companion PDF download.

Focus on the scriptures

He really challenges us to stay focused on what the word of God is and apply it as it was written with the authors intent

Paganism will never unseat the power of our Triune God

As a reader of N.T. Wright for nearly a decade, I always expect to walk away from his books feeling challenged and humbled. Spiritual and Religious delivers on that promise perfectly. This book serves as a wake-up call. Wright draws an unambiguous line in the sand, showing the clear difference between the Kingdom of God and the modern-day paganism that surrounds us.
​This book is a timely encouragement for the modern Christian. It challenges us to stop blending in and start standing tall. Wright reminds us that we are called to be unapologetic co-laborers with God. Our mission is to actively participate in bringing His Kingdom to Earth as it is in heaven. If you want to understand how to live faithfully in today's world, this book is essential.

Well-spoken

The thought of this book was comforting, instructive, and motivating. The narration was excellent. I loved listening and hope to listen again. The Trinity Prayer is inspiring to pray!