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gear rock dachzelt test GEAR ROCK BanffGEWINNSPIEL Kauf bis 01. 07. 2026 ein Dachzelt und nimm automatisch teil. Ein Kufer bekommt den gesamten Kaufpreis zurckerstattet. Keine Anmeldung, keine Bedingungen. Der Gewinner wird per E Mail verstndigt. Dein Dachzelt bekommst du so oder so. Fr mehr Infos, Updates & exklusive Aktionen folge uns gerne auf Instagram Verfgbarkeit: Lieferbar voraussichtlich ab Mai 2026. GEAR ROCK Banff Hybrid Dachzelt GEAR ROCK die Dachzelt Marke fr alle Wildnis
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Kauf bis 01.07.2026 ein Dachzelt und nimm automatisch teil. Ein Käufer bekommt den gesamten Kaufpreis zurückerstattet. Keine Anmeldung, keine Bedingungen. Der Gewinner wird per E-Mail verständigt. Dein Dachzelt bekommst du so oder so.
Für mehr Infos, Updates & exklusive Aktionen folge uns gerne auf Instagram 📲🔥
📦 Verfügbarkeit:
Lieferbar voraussichtlich ab Mai 2026.
Lieferbar voraussichtlich ab Mai 2026.
🏔️ GEAR ROCK® Banff Hybrid Dachzelt
GEAR ROCK® – die Dachzelt-Marke für alle Wildnis-Abenteurer. Robuste Bauart trifft auf höchste Funktionalität zum autarken Unterwegssein. Aus der Praxis entwickelt, fließen die Ansprüche echter Overlander in jedes Detail.
Overlanding unter rauen Bedingungen und bei allen Wetterlagen – entwickelt von Canada Gear in Zusammenarbeit mit Partnern in Nordamerika.
⚡ Konzept & schneller Aufbau
Das GEAR ROCK® Banff ist ein 2-Personen Hybrid Dachzelt mit Scherenöffnung. Die starken Gasdruckfedern und die Einseitenbedienung ermöglichen den Aufbau in nur 90 Sekunden. Die ausklappbare Bodenplatte bietet extra Liegefläche in Hartschalen-Dachzeltgröße.
- ⏱️ Aufbau in nur 90 Sekunden
- 🪜 Einseitenbedienung – Öffnen und Schließen von einer Seite möglich
- 🛏️ Ausklappbare Bodenplatte für große Liegefläche (140 x 205 cm)
- 🏕️ Ideal für 2 Personen, Overlanding und autarke Touren
🧵 Zeltstoff & Klima im Zelt
Das Zeltstoffmaterial besteht aus einem Baumwolle/Polyester-Mischgewebe (320 g/qm), welches Ripstop-verstärkt und somit besonders reißfest ist. An der Innenseite ist es mit einer dunklen PU-Beschichtung versehen, welche die Helligkeit zu 95% absorbiert und gleichzeitig das Weiterleiten von Feuchtigkeit verhindert – ein wirksamer Schutz vor Schimmelbildung.
- 🧵 320 g/qm Baumwolle/Polyester-Mischgewebe
- 🧩 Ripstop-Verstärkung → besonders reißfest
- 🌑 Dunkle PU-Beschichtung innen → 95% Verdunkelung
- 💧 Verhindert Feuchtigkeitsweiterleitung → Schutz vor Schimmel
- 🪶 Besonders geräuscharmer Zeltstoff bei Wind
🛡️ Hartschale, Rahmen & Exoskelett
Die Oberschale besteht aus ABS-Kunststoff und wird durch einen seitlich umlaufenden Aluminiumrahmen verstärkt. Integrierte Doppel-Führungsschienen ermöglichen die Anbringung von Zubehör sowie der Gasdruckfedern. Besonders starke Scharniere aus 3 mm gepulvertem Stahl bieten eine außergewöhnlich stabile Verbindung mit der Unterschale aus Aluminium-Honigwabenplatte, die Wetterextreme trotzt.
- 🧱 Oberschale: ABS-Kunststoff mit umlaufendem Aluminiumrahmen
- 📐 Integrierte Doppel-Führungsschienen für Zubehör & Gasdruckfedern
- 🔩 3 mm pulverbeschichtete Stahlscharniere – extrem robust
- 🪶 Unterschale aus Aluminium-Honigwabenplatte – leicht & stabil
Durch das starke Aluminium-Exoskelett ist das GEAR ROCK® Banff zusätzlich mit zwei Oberschalen-Querträgern ausgestattet. Frei verstellbar in der Führungsschiene, bieten diese während der Fahrt eine zusätzliche 30 kg Lastaufnahme.
- 📦 2 Oberschalen-Querträger (abnehmbar)
- ↔️ Frei verstellbar in den Führungsschienen
- 🚙 Bis zu 30 kg zusätzliche Lastaufnahme während der Fahrt
🌦️ Perfekt anpassbar an jedes Wetter
Für die perfekte Anpassung an jede Wetterlage können alle Eingangs- und Fensteröffnungen durch Spannstangen aufgestellt werden. Für weniger Windangriffsfläche sind die halbrunden Seitenöffnungen auch aufrollbar. Das GEAR ROCK® Banff besitzt zudem eine große Ventilationsöffnung an der Seite.
- 🌬️ Spannstangen an Eingängen & Fenstern → aufstellbar
- 🌀 Halbrunde Seitenöffnungen → vollständig aufrollbar
- 💨 Große seitliche Ventilationsöffnung für bessere Luftzirkulation
🪜 Teleskopleiter
Die Teleskopleiter ist auf 2,30 m ausziehbar (optional bis zu 3,20 m Länge) und abnehmbar (Sicherungsstift).
- 🪜 Teleskopleiter bis 2,30 m (Standard)
- 📏 Optional: bis zu 3,20 m Länge
- 🔒 Abnehmbar mit Sicherungsstift
🎒 Schuhtasche, Organizer & Wetterschutz
Ausgestattet mit abnehmbarer Schuhtasche und Organizer (gleichzeitig Leiterschutz), können diese beliebig in der Kedernführung platziert werden. Der überspannende Rainfly schützt den Eingangsbereich und bietet die Nutzung bei jedem Wetter.
- 🥿 Abnehmbare, wetterfeste Schuhtasche (frei platzierbar)
- 📁 Organizer (gleichzeitig Leiterschutz) – variabel positionierbar
- 🌧️ Überspannender Rainfly für geschützten Eingangsbereich
😴 Innenraum & Schlafkomfort
Im Inneren ist das GEAR ROCK® Banff mit einer 5 cm starken Schaumstoffmatratze ausgestattet, geschützt in einem wasserabweisenden (Unterseite) und anschmiegsamen Velours-Schutzbezug. Zum Standard gehört ebenfalls ein 10 mm starkes 3D-Meshgewebe als Matratzenunterlage.
- 🛏️ Schaumstoffmatratze High Density, 5 cm Stärke
- 🧺 Matratzenbezug mit wasserabweisender Unterseite
- 🪶 Velours-Oberseite – weich & angenehm
- 🌬️ 3D-Mesh-Unterlage (10 mm) für bessere Belüftung
Zum weiteren Zubehör gehören 2 Innentaschen, die Platz für z.B. Powerbank & Co. bieten. An der Innenseite der Oberschale ist ein großer Organizer mit unterschiedlich großen Tascheneinheiten und Tabletfach integriert. Zudem ist ein LED-Lichtstreifen installiert, der mit Touch-Dimmer in verschiedene Licht- (Warmweiß oder Kaltweiß) und Helligkeitsstufen eingestellt werden kann (mit USB-Anschluss).
- 🎒 2 seitliche Innentaschen (z.B. für Powerbank, Smartphone)
- 📁 Großer Organizer an der Oberschale mit mehreren Fächern & Tabletfach
- 💡 LED-Lichtstreifen mit Touch-Dimmer
- 🌡️ Lichtfarben: Warmweiß oder Kaltweiß
- 🔌 USB-Anschluss für flexible Stromversorgung
🧣 Outdoor-Daunendecke & maximale Aussicht
Ein Highlight bei der Ausstattung des Banff ist die 300 g Daunendecke mit wasserabweisendem Bezug. Mit einer Größe von 180 x 210 cm kann sie im Dachzelt oder auch genauso im Freien verwendet werden.
- 🧣 Füllung: 300 g Daune
- 📏 Größe: 180 x 210 cm
- 💧 Wasserabweisender Bezug
Möchte man einen kompletten 360° Rundumblick haben, so kann problemlos der gesamte Zeltkörper abgezippt werden. Mehr Aussicht geht nicht!
❄️ Thermo-Inlay & 4-Jahreszeiten-Paket
Zum GEAR ROCK® Banff gehört ebenfalls ein Thermo-Inlay (4-Jahreszeiten Paket), welches bei Bedarf im Zelt angebracht werden kann. Dadurch wird das Banff auch in der vierten Jahreszeit uneingeschränkt nutzbar.
- 🔥 Thermo-Inlay zur zusätzlichen Isolation
- ❄️ Ideal für Herbst, Winter & kalte Regionen
- 🧳 Inklusive Transporttasche
📐 Merkmale GEAR ROCK® Banff
- Abmessungen außen: 155 x 132 x 25 cm (L x B x H, ohne Querträger – diese tragen nochmals 8 cm auf)
- Liegefläche: 140 x 205 cm
- Gewicht:
- 88 kg (mit Teleskopleiter)
- 82 kg (ohne Teleskopleiter)
- jeweils ohne Querträger (7 kg)
- Farbe:
- Schalenkörper: Schwarz
- Zeltstoff: Anthrazit/Schwarz
- Material:
- Hartschale: ABS / Aluminium
- Zeltstoff: Baumwolle/Polyester Mischgewebe, 320 g/qm, PU-beschichtet
- Schräg öffnende Oberschale mit Scherenscharnier
- Aluminium-Exoskelett mit seitlichen Führungsschienen
- Besonders starke Gasdruckfedern von Stabilo (kein Arretieren nötig)
- Zwei Oberschalenträger (abnehmbar) für 30 kg Lastaufnahme
- Bedienung (Öffnen/Schließen) von einer Seite möglich
- Robuste Materialien und Scharniere für extreme Wetterbelastungen
- Seitenöffnungen mit Spannstangen aufstellbar oder aufrollbar (halbrunde Öffnung)
- Teleskopleiter (abnehmbar) in 2,3 m Länge mit Transporttasche
- 2-Lagen Stoffmaterial an allen Eingängen: Moskitoschutz + Zeltstoff mit Reißverschluss
- Besonders geräuscharmer Zeltstoff bei Wind
- Abnehmbare, wetterfeste Schuhtasche und Organizer (frei platzierbar)
- Schaumstoffmatratze High Density in 5 cm Stärke
- Matratzenschutzbezug mit wasserabweisender Unterseite und Velours-Oberseite
- Meshgewebe 3D als Matratzenunterlage beigefügt
- Innenhöhe: 110 cm (einstellbar durch bewegliche U-Stange)
- Abzippbarer Zeltkörper (Oberseite)
- 2 seitliche Innentaschen (z.B. für Powerbank)
- Organizer-Tascheneinheit mit unterschiedlich großen Fächern (z.B. Tabletfach)
- LED-Lichtstreifen mit Touch-Dimmer (mehrere Lichtstufen) und USB-Anschluss
- Besonders starke Verdunkelung (95%) durch extra schwarze PU-Beschichtung
- Thermo-Inlay zur zusätzlichen Isolation inklusive Transporttasche
- Outdoor-Daunendecke (300 g Füllung) in 180 x 210 cm mit wasserabweisendem Schutzbezug
- Aufbauzeit: 90 Sekunden
📦 Lieferumfang (4-Jahreszeiten Paket)
- Hybrid Dachzelt GEAR ROCK® Banff in 140 x 205 cm Liegefläche
- Dachgepäckträger (2 Stück) für die Oberschale inkl. Montagematerial
- 2 abschließbare Verschlüsse
- Teleskopleiter (2,3 m Länge ausgezogen) mit Transporttasche
- Leiterhalterung mit Schnellverschluss
- 6 Spannstangen
- 1 Shoebag
- 1 Organizer (gleichzeitig Leiterschutz)
- 1 LED-Leuchtstreifen (abnehmbar) mit Berührungsdimmer und USB-Kabel
- LED-Leuchtstreifen ca. 100 cm Länge
- USB-Kabel ca. 50 cm
- Matratzenunterlage (Meshgewebe 3D) in 140 x 205 cm und 10 mm Stärke
- Outdoor-Daunendecke (300 g Füllung) in 180 x 210 cm, Farbe Anthrazit
- Thermo-Inlay mit Transporttasche
- Befestigungsmaterial für Dachträger und Zubehör
📦 Lieferumfang (inkl. Daunendecke)
- Hybrid Dachzelt GEAR ROCK® Banff mit 140 x 205 cm Liegefläche
- Dachgepäckträger (2 Stück) für die Oberschale inkl. Montagematerial
- 2 abschließbare Verschlüsse
- Teleskopleiter (2,3 m Länge ausgezogen) mit Transporttasche
- Leiterhalterung mit Schnellverschluss
- 6 Spannstangen
- 1 Shoebag
- 1 Organizer (gleichzeitig Leiterschutz)
- 1 LED-Leuchtstreifen (abnehmbar) mit Berührungsdimmer und USB-Kabel
- LED-Leuchtstreifen ca. 100 cm Länge
- USB-Kabel ca. 50 cm
- Matratzenunterlage (Meshgewebe 3D) in 140 x 200 cm und 10 mm Stärke
- Outdoor-Daunendecke (300 g Füllung) in 180 x 210 cm, Farbe Anthrazit
- Befestigungsmaterial für Dachträger und Zubehör
📦 Lieferumfang (Sommer Edition)
- Hybrid Dachzelt GEAR ROCK® Banff mit 140 x 205 cm Liegefläche
- Dachgepäckträger (2 Stück) für die Oberschale inkl. Montagematerial
- 2 abschließbare Verschlüsse
- Teleskopleiter (2,3 m Länge ausgezogen) mit Transporttasche
- Leiterhalterung mit Schnellverschluss
- 6 Spannstangen
- 1 Shoebag
- 1 Organizer (gleichzeitig Leiterschutz)
- 1 LED-Leuchtstreifen (abnehmbar) mit Berührungsdimmer und USB-Kabel
- LED-Leuchtstreifen ca. 100 cm Länge
- USB-Kabel ca. 50 cm
- Matratzenunterlage (Meshgewebe 3D) in 140 x 200 cm und 10 mm Stärke
- Befestigungsmaterial für Dachträger und Zubehör
🔧 Montagehinweis
Zur Fahrzeugbefestigung werden 2 Dachträger benötigt. Bitte einen Mindestabstand von 75 cm beachten!
🚚 Lieferung & Abholung
Wir bieten auch Lieferung direkt zu Ihnen nach Hause oder Abholung/Montage in 4844 Regau nach Absprache an.
📞 Kontakt
- 💬 WhatsApp: 0677 6447 6643
- 📧 Email: [email protected]
Kontakt · Lieferung & Abholung
So erreichst du uns
📧 E-Mail: [email protected]
📲 WhatsApp: 0677 644 76643
Wir melden uns schnellstmöglich und beraten dich gern zu Kompatibilität, Zubehör & Montage.
🚚 Lieferung – bequem zu dir nach Hause
- 📦 Zustellung direkt an deine Adresse – sicher verpackt
- ⏱️ Lieferzeit — je nach Verfügbarkeit. Schreib uns einfach, wir geben dir gerne Auskunft!
- 🔍 Tipp: Prüfe vorab die Dachlast deines Fahrzeugs und dein Trägersystem
📍 Abholung & Besichtigung – 4844 Regau
- 🤝 Abholung auf Wunsch nach Terminvereinbarung möglich
- 🔧 Zubehör & Kleinteile vor Ort verfügbar
- 🏕️ Besichtigung auf Anfrage – schreib uns per WhatsApp oder E-Mail
- 🛠️ Montage mit Einschulung — gerne möglich im Showroom Regau.
Wir kontaktieren dich nach Bestellung für einen Montagetermin.
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4.6 ★★★★★
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★★★★★ 4
"Being Transformed In the Direction of a World Without Death"
Format: Hardcover
[ This review originally appeared in
THE ENGLEWOOD REVIEW OF BOOKS - Vol 3, #12 - 02 April 2010 ]
N.T. Wright's newest book, After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters, follows in the footsteps of two of his other recent books 2006's Simply Christian -- which makes a case for Christianity in a fashion not unlike that of C.S. Lewis's classic Mere Christianity -- and 2008's Surprised by Hope -- which explores in depth resurrection and the biblical concept of heaven. Wright describes the trajectory of the three book in this new volume's preface: "Christian life in the present, with its responsibilities and particular callings, is to be understood and shaped in relation to the final goal for which we have been made and redeemed. The better we understand that goal, the better we shall understand the path toward it" (ix). All three of these books are excellent, but this newest volume is most relevant to the sort of holistic Christian faith that we regularly advocate for here in the pages of The Englewood Review. Wright's case for the significance of Christian character is based on the philosophical concept of virtue, which he traces back to the Greek philosopher Aristotle, although he emphasizes that for the Church, the Aristotelian concept of virtue must be reinterpreted through the lenses of Scripture and the tradition of the Church. His locating the focus of Christian ethics -- for that in a nutshell is what After You Believe is about -- in virtue is much endebted to the work of Roman Catholic philosopher Alasdair Macintyre and noted theologian Stanley Hauerwas, whose work relies heavily upon that of Macintyre. However, although Wright does believe that the church is essential to the redemptive work of God in the world, After You Believe seems to evade the strongly communitarian themes that drive the work of Hauerwas and Macintyre. For instance, for the first half of the book, Wright addresses virtue in almost completely individualistic terms and only in the second half of the book does he begin to explore the role of the Church in the development of virtue. Finally, in the last chapter he gets around to making the crucial point that "[O]ne of the primary locations where, and means by which, any of us learns the habits of the Christian heart and life is what we loosely call the church" (272), noting that this is not a book on ecclesiology. Although Wright is a bit reticent on the role of the Church in the development of virtue, we should be clear that he is also not a thoroughgoing individualist. For instance, he drives home the point early in the book that:
Christian virtue isn't about you -- your happiness, your fulfillment, your self-realization. It's about God and God's kingdom, and your discovery of a genuine human experience by the paradoxical route -- the route God himself took in Jesus Christ! -- of giving yourself away , of generous love which refuses to take center stage (70).
Despite his overall minimization of the Church's role in the development of virtue, After You Believe is an excellent book and makes a strong case for virtue as the demonstration of the Holy Spirit's "transformation of character" in us.
The road to virtue travels, Wright observes between the all-too-well-known polarities of a black-and-white legalism in which rules are either kept or not kept and in which the transformation of character is incomprehensible and an individualistic obsession with a sort of authenticity in which "any attempt to force yourself to keep particular moral rules and standards which seem alien to you is a denial both of God's free acceptance of you and of your own authentic existence" (30). As alluded to in Wright's summarization of the aim of this book stated at the beginning of this review, having a keen sense of the telos, or end toward which God is guiding creation, is essential to understanding our mission as God's people in the present. The scriptural story teaches us that the end of creation is the reconciliation of all things in creation and that this reconciliation has already been secured in the death and resurrection of Jesus and now is being worked out "through human beings for the whole world." With this story firmed planted in our hearts and minds Wright argues, we begin to get a sense of how our lives should be arranged now in order to set us on a course toward these ends. Wright's work here thus could be understood as an introduction to Christian ethics for the missional people of God. Fundamental to Wright's concept of ethics is the notion that the Church is called to be priests and rulers, "a royal priesthood" as Peter described it in his first epistle. Ultimately, humanity will reign with God over all creation; however, as we seek to discern our calling in this direction it is crucial for us to realize that the way in which we will rule creation is not the authoritarian and oppressive manner in which rulership is typically understood. Wright observes:
If you want to see what it looks like for God's renewed people in Christ to be "royal" ... don't look at the fourth and fifth centuries , when Roman emperors first became Christians. ... Look, instead at what the church was doing in the first two or three centuries, while being persecuted and harried by the authorities -- and announcing to the world that Jesus, the crucified and risen Messiah of Israel, was its rightful Lord. That is what it means to be "rulers" in the sense we're discussing here: to be agents of that King's reign, the reign of the Prince of Peace, the one through whom tyranny itself... was overthrown with the destruction of its most vital weapon -- namely, death -- and the one through whom therefore was brought to birth a new world in which order and freedom at last meet (225-226).
Central to Wright's account of virtue is the scriptural reality that transformation of our character comes within the context of the renewing of our minds in worship. His case for the significance of worship here is reminiscent of Jamie Smith's recent -- and excellent -- book on worship and transformation, Desiring the Kingdom (see our review here). Wright surveys the New Testament witness, making a case that by actively participating in the worship of the church, our minds are renewed, which over time leads to the transformation of our whole character. The primary virtues that are nurtured in us as we are transformed in this way, Wright argues, are the familiar triad of I Corinthians 13: faith, hope and love. Furthermore, we see signs of the development of these virtues in us by the familiar "Fruits of the Spirit" that Paul names in Galatians 5. Additionally, God's transforming work in the midst of the church community nurtures the corporate virtue of unity. Although Wright is certainly correct to name unity as a virtue that God is cultivating in the church, his distinctions between individual and corporate virtues seems a bit artificial, a result no doubt of his minimalization of the Church in his account of virtue.
The book's final chapter holds one of its finest gems, "the virtuous circle," the following cycle which Wright maintains desrcibes the development of Christian virtue (imagine, if you will, these terms laid out in a circle):
scripture >> stories >> examples >> community >> practice >> scripture
Most of these terms are familiar to us, with the possible exception of "examples." By examples, Wright is referring to a specific sort of story of virtue manifested in people that we deem worthy of imitation. However, he is quick to add that these sort of examples are more than "mere imitation," but rather inspirations that through the leading of the Holy Spirit, "can be a means toward something quite new" (270). It would be exciting to see churches reflecting on this cycle of virtue and maybe even beginning to form their lives together more intentionally in this direction.
After You Believe is perfect reading for the season of Easter in the Church. As we remember the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Wright's fine theological reflections here shed much light on what it means for us to be a people being transformed in the direction of a world without death. May we be encouraged by Wright's work and may the virtue of Christ our resurrected Lord be continually nurtured in our midst.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2010
★★★★★ 5
What is the chief goal of man?
Format: Hardcover
What is the chief goal of man?
This is the question that prolific scholar N.T. Wright addresses in After You Believe. According to Wright, the goal of human existence is to "become genuine human beings, reflecting the God in whose image we're made, and doing so in worship on the one hand and in mission, in its full and large sense, on the other; and that we do this not least by following Jesus." [Page 26]
After You Believe is the conclusion to the trilogy of Simply Christian and Surprised By Hope. In the preceding works Wright expounded on the subjects of why Christianity made sense, and subsequently on proper Christian hope for the future and afterlife. After You Believe represents the culmination of that series, dealing directly with the issue of putting into proper praxis orthodox Christian faith.
For Wright, the goal is virtue, which comes through a transformation of character. This transformation must be understood in terms of proper understanding of the eschatological nature of the promise and work of God. Through Jesus God has enacted a worldwide redemption plan, which transcends the simplistic, and dualistic understanding of salvation as merely heaven when you die. Wright persistently draws the readers' attention back to the idea that the work of God is transforming the entire cosmos. This transformation does not lie in the distant future, but rather is has been inaugurated in the life and death of Jesus.
Christians long for the day of glorification, when we shall be released from our bondage to sin and decay, however, it is important to recognize that the transformation process from depravity to glorification has already been enacted. This is the eschatological dimension of Wright's work. The Christian life is meant to be lived in anticipation of this future event, and evidence of that event is to be manifested in the here and now.
Wright contrasts the Aristotelian goal of virtue, with the Christian goal of virtue. One is accomplished in a Pelagian sort of manner, and leads to active service in ones polis, while the other results in the manifestation of Christian virtues in the life of the Christian results in being formed to more closely reflect the image of God.
The transformation of character, which leads to virtue, is not an instantaneous experience. Rather, it is the long drawn out process of making many small, important decisions about reflecting the image of God which leads those engaged with this process to make the right decision when faced with a crisis.
We are called to be rulers and priests. Wright surveys the vast, but often times overlooked Biblical passages that speak of the human race one-day ruling with Christ. Our calling is one of great privilege and responsibility, to be rulers and priests is a high calling, and one that we should be working out in the present in anticipation of that future vocation.
One of the most brilliant chapters of the book is the section on 1 Corinthians 13. Because of familiarity some passages require a fresh reading with new eyes. We have so often heard the passage read and expounded upon, that we miss the intensity of what love really is. For Wright, love is the chief of all the virtues. Love is not something that can be gained overnight, or that can be exercised without much learning. To obtain the true virtue of love is to partake in the long arduous process of transformation of the mind.
In this book Wright characteristically exegetes Biblical passages, his style is both readable and challenging. Fans of his work will enjoy his characteristic interpretation of the Scriptures. However, what sets this work apart from his voluminous other works is the tying of that exegesis to attainment of virtue, and right Christian action. In this book Wright closes out the circle of his trilogy by taking proper orthodox Christian belief and hope and connecting it with proper Christian praxis.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2010
★★★★★ 5
My Favorite N.T. Wright To Date
Format: Hardcover
In this third book of N.T. Wright's popular series that began with Simply Christian and was followed up by Surprised by Hope he continues with the theme that he believes was basic in Early Christianity. The theme of the creator God, through a process that was inaugurated by the Incarnation, crucifixion and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ, to restore Creation and bring Heaven and Earth together. As followers of Christ, Christians are to play a key part in this renewed Creation.
I've read a number of Wright's books, and I must say that I found this latest publication to be the best that I've read to date. After You Believe is not nearly as heavy on theology as it is on practical reasons why living a life of Christian virtue matters. Wright illustrates why virtuous living matters not just for the life to come when Christ's followers will co-reign as Rulers and Priests, but it also matters in the here and now as we ready ourselves for the glorious future that God has in store for us.
Wright lays the groundwork with the question "what am I here for?" He looks at two common contrasting views about virtue within Christianity. The first view is that of the person who feels that they must be "authentic" and therefore they disregard attempts at virtue for fear of being hypocritical and phony. On the flip side of the coin are those that are constrained by all of the "rules and regulations" that they find in scripture and are hopelessly chasing their tails trying to be "good enough for God." Wright considers both views to be anachronistic and spurious.
Wright holds that our goal is to be "truly human" in the way that God originally intended for us to be. Living out a life as a complete human means living a Spirit led life in which all of the fruits of the Spirit are exhibited and the three main Christian virtues of Faith, Hope and Love begin to flow naturally.
But Bishop Wright warns that it is not an automatic thing that happens after one accepts Jesus as Lord and joins in the body of Christ. This is a common fallacy that many in Western Protestantism fall for. Using examples like that of Captain Sullenberger, who made the miraculous landing on the Hudson River on flight 1549, Wright illustrates that building genuine Christian character is a process that takes many years of making thousands of tiny `correct decisions', so that when a serious test of Christian character arises, the response is "automatic."
Toward the center of the book, Wright spends a good deal of time doing what he does best, exegeting the Pauline corpus to explain the "how and why" of developing Christian character. He discusses the coming Kingdom and how we should begin preparing for the Kingdom by the "renewing of the mind." He then moves on to 1 Corinthians 13 and provides one of the best expositions of the "love chapter" that I've read to date.
He sums it up toward the end of the book by giving fairly clear (for N.T. Wright) instructions on how to carry the whole thing out. He uses a "grace" circle that incorporates scripture, stories, examples, community and practice. Again, he reiterates how Christian character doesn't "just happen" but is rather a lifelong process that one must work toward every day.
Throughout the book I was reminded of the earnestness of John Wesley and the warmth of C.S. Lewis. Of all of Wright's books that I've read to date, I found this one to be the most practical and helpful. I've come away from some of Wright's books feeling a lot more educated, but a little puzzled on how to apply what I had read to my personal Christian walk. With After You Believe however, I found much that I felt that I could take away to help me become a more mature Christian. I would encourage this book to everyone, and especially to those who might be asking the question "what do I do now that I've become a Christian?"
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Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2010
★★★★★ 5
17 – “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit
Format: Paperback
Everyone should read this book! A very important redirection for Christians today. Though I wanted to address something I disagreed with Wright about, and that is COMMANDMENTS. I want to address the intriguing notion by Wright that the commands given by Paul and others in the NT are more or less guidelines to get them started on the right path of what Wright calls “habits of the heart” (198). Wright also sees the commands in the NT to be concerned with some imminent threat or immoral practice he sees about to happen in the church and puts rules in place (200). He would also say rules are more for the immature or newbies.
I am intrigued by it because I have thought that this might be true of what Paul is trying to say as well. Though now I am not so sure. If one reads Psalm 119 one sees that one should seek for God’s salvation and keep his commands. Verse 166 – “I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I fulfill your commandments” (NRSV). 1 Corinthians 7:19 says that keeping the commandments of God is everything! But key to what is happening with Paul I believe is that 1 Cor. 7:19a says that circumcision is nothing! So obviously Paul is not here referring people back to the OT law. What is true of all believers is that we are “bought with a price”. Psalm 119:166 applies no matter what covenant we are under. It is the apostles who have authority and keys of the kingdom.
Wright underplays the authority of the apostles in this instance. The commandments of God are now, apostolic teaching. We can find in many places where obedience is a theme. “Romans begins and ends with the theme of ‘the obedience of faith’…Paul’s message has to do with obedience from the heart (Romans 6:17) to the truth (Rom 2:8, Gal 5:7), the gospel (Rom 10:16, 2 Thess. 1:8), or Christ (2 Cor 10:5,6)” (Rosner 129).
Wright does not need to talk about the idea of the commands in the NT being only guidelines, because for Paul if the “obedience under the old covenant was meant to lead to life, obedience under the new is the fruit of new life in Christ” (Ibid 130). All Wright needed to say about the difference between the old and new was what he said earlier on pages 46 and 47. The OT law was “designed to be restrictive”. It is just the opposite for the NT law. It is designed to be freeing. Gal 5:1 – “For freedom Christ has set us free”. Paul says this because some in the church wanted to run back to being slaves under the OT law. In fact Paul uses “obedience” to describe what they were doing right. Gal 5:7 – “You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth?” (NRSV).
The OT law is summed up by loving God and loving neighbor as well as the new, but the difference comes in the new maturity wrought by Christ. This new teaching has transformed the thinking. The Spirit is on all God’s people. So it is not “guidelines” versus “rules”, it is “liberating rules” vs “restrictive rules”. Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace…”(NRSV).
Rosner, Brian S. Paul and the Law, New Studies in Biblical Theology (Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press 2013).
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Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2015
★★★★★ 5
Rethinking Christian Character: Virtue as the Future Character of Priests and Rulers of God's New Creation
Format: Paperback
N.T. Wright is author I have been meaning to read for a long time. I've heard a lot about him especially his book "Jesus and the Victory of God" (which is probably next on my list) and I'm an anglophile at heart so I'll give any british writer/theologian a chance. When this book came on sale for the Kindle I immediately got it and I am very thankful I did. Admittedly the book was much more theological and philosophical than full of "practical advice" but it gave me a lot of meat to chew on that I believe will lead to much practical action. Passion that lasts comes more often from knowing deep down something is true. What we believe determines how we act. Anyway, the book does start off a little slow with Wright's talk about Aristotle's view of virtue and the idea of virtue out in the world. They were some good anecdotes demonstrating how virtue is something developed beforehand that reveals itself in difficult situations, ex. one of the pilot who landed the plane in the Hudson river recently, but I wasn't completely drawn in to the book yet. However, I was sucked in once I hit Chapter 3: Priests and Rulers. The eschatological idea that Christians are going to be priests and rulers in the new creation is something that I often completely lose sight of. It's rarely taught in churches I've been too and it was incredibly intriguing to see Wright lay the biblical foundations for it. As he showed how the theme appeared through out the whole of scripture it was another "ah-ha!" moment for me as the Bible came together once again as coherent connected book that I really can trust. Also I learned a lot from Wright's elaborations on the idea that virtue is really just the character of the new humanity. So when God is calling us to act a certain way it is in light of the future, how things will be in the new creation. This really revolutionized the way I think about my character and is incredibly practical and encouraging. Act this way because that's how things are meant to be and will be! Its not just some random rules that God coming up with; it's the character of the new humanity which was ushered in by Jesus. Wright ends the book with a little more practical chapter, The Virtuous Circle, detailing five practices that help us develop virtue: scripture, stories, examples, community, and sacraments. My only criticism is sometimes the book is a little repetitive. Wright really wants to drive home the point that virtue is something that is a choice but its not just about following certain rules. He again and again shows how it is not legalism or spontaneity that is the solution. We make the choice to renew our minds with the scriptures and do what the scriptures command and slowly our character is changed and virtue comes more naturally. While I certainly will remember this he could have shorted a few passages and still had the same effect. In conclusion, if you are looking for a book that will give you great biblical, theological, and philosophical foundations for what you are supposed to do as Christian on earth this is the book for you.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2013