N.T. Wright’s Simply Christian is a straightforward and thoughtful look at what it means to be Christian today. He talks about the things we all long for—justice, beauty, love, and a sense of something bigger than ourselves. Wright says these are signs that God is calling us to know Him. This idea feels very Franciscan, as St. Francis also found God in everyday things like nature and in caring for the poor.
Wright explains the big story of the Bible, showing how Jesus is at the center of God’s plan for the world. He brings this to life in a way that helps us see Jesus as someone who is close to us, not far away. This reminds me of how Francis saw Christ in the people around him, especially in the poor and the sick.
The part of the book that really stood out to me was Wright’s idea of how we should live as Christians. He talks about the Church as a community where we are called to show God’s love by working for peace, justice, and helping others. This sounds a lot like the Franciscan way of living—being simple, loving, and serving others as Jesus did.
Overall, Simply Christian is a great read for anyone wanting to understand the basics of Christian faith. It’s easy to follow, but still deep enough to make you think. For those of us who follow the Franciscan way, Wright’s call to live simply and serve others fits right in with what we believe and how we try to live.
Grace and Peace
Vanda
