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can uppababy vista convert double UPPAbaby Vista V3 Double Stroller for TWINS + 2 Mesa/Aria Car SeatsUPPAbaby Vista V3 Twin Stroller + 2 Mesa V3 Aria V2 Car Seats Travel System The Uppababy Vista V3 Twin Travel System provides the perfect solution for families with twin bundles of joy. This special UPPAbaby travel bundle provides everything a parent needs for strolling with two little passengers. It includes the incredibly versatile and newly upgraded Vista V3 stroller and your choice of either two (2) newly upgraded Mesa V3 infant car seats or two
UPPAbaby Vista V3 Twin Stroller + 2 Mesa V3/Aria V2 Car Seats Travel System
The Uppababy Vista V3 Twin Travel System provides the perfect solution for families with twin bundles of joy. This special UPPAbaby travel bundle provides everything a parent needs for strolling with two little passengers. It includes the incredibly versatile and newly upgraded Vista V3 stroller and your choice of either two (2) newly upgraded Mesa V3 infant car seats or two (2) of the super lightweight Aria V2 infant car seats, both stylish and full-featured options that provide you with a convenient and tasteful travel system. This particular travel bundle also includes the RumbleSeat which is designed for a second sibling, and the upper adapters which create additional spacing between the two seats so both children can ride comfortably.
What’s Included with this Travel System?
UPPAbaby VISTA V3 stroller including:
- UPPAbaby Vista V3 Stroller
- Toddler Seat Seasonal Seat Liner
- Toddler Seat Bug Shield
- Toddler Seat Rain Shield
- Stroller Storage Bag
- 3-Year UPPAbaby Warranty
Two (2) UPPAbaby Mesa V3 or Aria V2 Infant Car Seats including:
- Your choice of two (2) Infant Car Seats, either the Mesa V3 or the or Aria V2
- Two (2) Car Seat Bases
- Two (2) Two-Piece Robust Infant Inserts
- Limited Lifetime Warranty (up to expiration of car seat)
UPPAbaby RumbleSeat including:
- Lower Adapters
- Bumper Bar
- Bug Shield
- 3-Year UPPAbaby Warranty
UPPAbaby Upper Adapters
- Compatible with all Vista models after 2015.
- For use with all Bassinet models, Vista Toddler Seat, Mesa Infant Car Seats, and Aria Infant Car Seat
UPPAbaby Vista V3 Stroller:
One of the best just got better. Making improvements to arguably one of most popular and in-demand strollers on the market is no easy task, but UPPAbaby was up to the challenge. Introducing the UPPAbaby Vista V3, an upgraded version of the ever-popular Vista V2, designed for the growing family and loaded with new features and improvements.
UPPAbaby has kept everything customers loved about the predecessor Vista V2 stroller and introduced several upgrades and functional improvements that will make the Vista V3 a favorite with growing families for years to come.
UPPAbaby Vista V3 Key Features:
- Offering 30+ configurations to grow with your family starting from birth up to three children in tow
- The Vista V3 will no longer include the UPPAbaby bassinet with purchase. The UPPAbaby bassinet will continue to be offered as an accessory and can be added to the Vista V3 system.
- The Mesa and Aria Infant Car Seats as well as the Bassinet attach directly to the stroller with no adapters needed, creating an easy from-birth solution
- All-weather Comfort Seat with padded insert for cooler days will convert to mesh for warmer days
- Quick-to secure harness system with magnetic buckle and easy-to-adjust no rethread harness
- Enhanced FlexRide Suspension delivers a smooth ride on all types of terrain with either one, two or three little passengers
- Full size toddler seat grows with child up to 50 pounds and accommodates both the parent-facing or forward-facing positions
- Never flat tires for increased durability and smooth strolling on any type of terrain
- Reflective trims on wheels and basket provide increased visibility when strolling in low light or evenings
- Use of RumbleSeat and Piggyback board provides ability to transport up to three children
- Please note that the Piggback board is sold separately and not included in this listing.
- One-handed, multi-position recline allows for comfortable strolls and easy nap time
- Adjustable handlebar allows you to accommodate strollers of different heights with ease
- Front wheel locks with visual indicators for safety and extra piece of mind
- Adjustable footrest positions feet and legs comfortably as they grow
- Extendible UPF 50+ canopy
- Machine washable fabrics
- New all-terrain wheels available and sold separately (4-wheels, $150)
- GREENGUARD Gold Certified
- REACH Certified
- JPMA Certified
The Vista V3 is Available in a Variety of Stylish Options:
UPPAbaby is introducing several new colors to compliment their already impressive stable of fashions. With elegant frame options and several luxurious leather accents to choose from, the UPPAbaby V3 will make a sophisticated and stylish companion.
- OWEN: Mocha Mélange | Carbon Frame | Chestnut Leather
- ADA: Sandstone Mélange | Carbon Frame | Chestnut Leather
- JULIAN: Dusty Blue Mélange | Carbon Frame | Chestnut Leather
- EVELYN: Meadow Green | Graphite Frame | Chestnut Leather
- SAVANNAH: Pearl Gray Jacquard | Carbon Frame | Chestnut Leather
- KENZI: Mystic Aqua | Carbon Frame | Saddle Leather
- GREYSON: Charcoal Mélange | Carbon Frame | Saddle Leather
- JAKE: Charcoal | Carbon Frame | Black Leather
- CALLUM: Stone Blue |Silver Frame | Sand Leather
- NOA: Navy I Carbon Frame l Saddle Leather
UPPAbaby Vista RumbleSeat V3 Key Features:
- Suitable up to 40 lbs.
- Seasonal seat with breathable mesh backing for comfort in warmer climates
- Comfy insert for cooler days is easily removable without the use of tools
- Quick and easy magnetic closure buckle
- Easy one-handed release
- GREENGUARD® Gold Certified to support healthier air quality and low chemical emissions
- Multi-position adjustable footrest aids in child comfort for growing child
- Grow-with-me canopy height adjustment provides extra headspace for child
- Adapters ensure quick, easy, and intuitive attachment to Vista
- Can be positioned forward and parent-facing
- One handed, multi-position recline
- Extended zip out canopy provides even more shade from the sun. Mesh panels also make it easy to peek in while adding airflow.
- No-rethread harness allows the entire harness system to be tightened or loosened in a singular motion for a precise fit for growing babies
Choose The Car Seat That is Right For You:
Pair the versatile Vista V3 with one of UPPAbaby’s popular and adaptable infant car seats to create a travel system that delivers the ultimate in portability and safety. The key features for the UPPAbaby Mesa V3 and the Aria V2 Infant Car Seats are outlined below.
UPPAbaby Mesa V3 Key Features:
- 4th anti-rebound handle position for increased safety in rebound & rear-impact collisions
- Large, adjustable headrest for additional Side Impact Performance and comfortable fit
- Advanced Side Impact Protection that meets FMVSS New 213A regulation and 213B
- Deluxe, full coverage UPF 50+ canopy with mesh ventilation and peek-a-boo window
- Robust Infant Insert designed to optimize fit and body positioning
- No-rethread 5-point harness that adjusts with headrest
- Headrest totals 25 positions to ensure proper fit and ease of adjustment
- Intuitive, magnetic buckle holder to keep the straps out of the way while placing child in seat
- Installation quick and simple by combining our innovative SmartSecure® system, auto-retracting LATCH design, red to green tightness indicator, and four-position adjustable foot
- European Routing for a more secure installation when installing without the base
- Robust infant insert ensures a proper fit and body positioning for infants weighing as little as 4 lbs
- Ergonomic carry handle featuring a one-handed stroller release button
- Two crotch buckle positions for a precise fit
- Removable and washable seat fabric for convenience and easy clean up
- Fabric free from flame-retardant chemicals
- Carrier weighs under 10 lbs
- Car seat base included
- Direct attachment for Vista® and Cruz® strollers
- Convenient adapters available for the Minu® and Ridge® strollers
- FAA certified for aircraft use
- Product Lifetime Warranty
UPPAbaby Aria V2 Key Features:
- Lightest infant car seat on the market weighing in at just 6 lbs.
- Extra-large, UPF 50+ canopy with pop-out sunshade and ventilation for airflow
- Two-piece robust infant insert ensures proper fit and body positioning for preemies from approximately 4 lbs. with ability to fit babies up to 4 months
- SmartSecure® System with red-to-green visual indicator accurately installs in seconds
- Effortless no-rethread 5-point harness for a customized fit as baby grows
- Enhanced safety with Anti-Rebound+ Panel and Load Leg for increased stability and energy absorption
- GREENGUARD® Gold Certified to support healthier air quality and low chemical emissions
-
Direct attachment for Vista® and Cruz® strollers + convenient adapters for Minu® and Ridge®
Specifications:
Vista V3 stroller:
- Suitable from birth with accessories or 3 months to 50 lbs. without accessories
- Dimensions:
- Unfolded: 36” L x 25.7” W x 39.5” H
- Folded with seat attached: 17.3” L x25.7” W x 33.3” H
- Folded without Seat attached: 13” L 25.7” W x 32” H
- Product weight for seat and frame: 27 lbs.
- Product weight for frame only: 20 lbs.
- Product weight for seat only 7 lbs.
- Please note that the Piggback board is sold separately and not included in this listing.
Mesa V3 Infant Car Seat:
- Suitable from approximately 0–1 years
- Suitable from birth (4 lbs - 30 lbs and up to 32” in height) - whichever comes first
- Car Seat dimensions: 17”W x 25.8”L x 23”H
- Car Seat on base dimensions: 17”W x 28”L x 25”H
- Car Seat base-only dimensions: 14.5”W x 21.3”L x 10.3”H
- Car Seat 9.9 lbs
- Base 9 lbs
Aria V2 Infant Car Seat:
- Suitable from approximately 0–1 years
- Suitable from birth (4 lbs - 30 lbs and up to 30” in height) whichever comes first (US only)
- Carrier Weight: 6 lbs (without canopy and insert)
- Base Weight: 12.8 lbs
- Carrier Dimensions 25.8 L x 17 W x 23.7 H
- Base Dimensions 23.9” L x 14” W x 15.2” H
V3 RumbleSeat:
- Suitable for children from 3 months to 40 lbs or 36″, whichever comes first
- Suitable from birth with the SnugSeat Accessory
- Compatible with Vista 2015+ (including Vista V2 and Vista V3)
- Note: RumbleSeat V3 adapters are for use in the lower position only and are NOT compatible with the Vista Toddler Seat, which can only be used in the upper position.
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4.3 ★★★★★
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★★★★★ 5
transformative
Format: Hardcover
In what presents itself as a sequel to his previous HarperOne Publications (
and
), N. T. Wright's newest release challenges theoretical Christianity with the ongoing work of the kingdom, most notably through the oft-debated areas of character and virtue. His own words work best to summarize the book: "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" (ix). That is to say, our lives must reflect the faith to which we cling.
But, of course, many Christians are able to live out the goal of their faith; it is a challenge to make certain that our faith is properly aligned and set to the right goal. And that is why this book makes an appropriate trilogy with the previous two, that understanding how Christian faith is about the restoration and rejoining of heaven and earth, and how our lives are meant to reflect that in this present inaugurated eschatology.
This book then is about the transformation and dedication of human character as the right response to resurrection. It is about the restored humanity which is now possible, though not without its stumbling and searching, as part of the dawning of God's new day. The opening chapter gives a few examples of admirable behavior, where those who were able to instinctively react heroically in certain situations did so because they had lived in certain ways for years before. In like manner, Wright asserts that Christian character is learned and built (and trained) on a daily basis. What am I here for? Transformation! Not just in our own lives, but as agents of God's Spirit to transform the world.
Throughout the book Wright continually points to various character traits which are often regarded as worthwhile and challenges the reader to think of them as transformative for the kingdom. "We've had enough of pragmatists and self-seeking risk-takers. We need people of character" (25). Thus, he believes that character is transformed by three things in particular: 1) aiming at the right goal; 2) figuring the steps to reach that goal; 3) allowing those steps to become habitual (29). He spends a good amount in the second chapter interacting with Aristotle, which may be lost on some people but helps establish his foundation nonetheless.
Perhaps one of the most interesting chapters in the book is the third, "Priests and Rulers." It is here that Wright asserts that transformation must include a return to the imago Dei which was set within humanity at Creation. Our proper role in the world is thus "worshipping and reigning" - we are priests and rulers(78-79). He builds this concept on solid biblical footing, and begins to build his perspective on character from here. If this is true, then it is the community of believers which is given over to the twin tasks of holiness and prayer (91).
From here, the book follows with the implications of being that sort of community. We are to be a people prepared and presently working for the kingdom (he brings in the beatitudes at this point). Wright also asserts that Christian character is not about rules. Rather, it is about freedom to become what we are intended to be, with the parameters of Scripture given as guides along the journey. We are to be transformed by priestly worship, living and working as people of the kingdom on a moment-by-moment basis (cf. 149). This transformation comes through the renewal of our minds, as our thoughts direct us to a new way of living.
The latter chapters acknowledge the difficulty of living in such a way, with Wright asserting that this Spirit-enabled life being possible for us to have in this life. ". . . 'Left to myself, doing what comes naturally, I would fail.' But the point of love is that it doesn't" (183). Love, which Paul repeatedly asserts is the greatest virtue, is the ultimate goal of the believer. Not for self, not even for others . . . but for God alone. If all of our character and virtue are directed to him, then true kingdom work and ministry will happen. Wright includes this as well, "Worship must lead to mission" (225).
One could reflect on so much Christian thought at this point. At times Wright's model for character sounds like Brother Lawrence, John Wesley, C. S. Lewis, and many Jesus-Creeders throughout the centuries, among others. It is clear that this is a book written from a lifelong reflection on Christian virtue. While there are a few areas of the book that I could present minor quibbles, I now decide not to do so because the present need for Christian character is so high in our culture that I do not want to give any discouragement for approaching this book - and they are quite minor quibbles indeed. My review and summary is brief and wholly inadequate in capturing the overall journey which is presented in this book. I greatly encourage all Christians to work through this trilogy of faith and action . . . worship and reign.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2010
★★★★★ 5
Between Legalism and Lawlessness: A Foundation for Understanding Virtue and Holiness
Format: Paperback, Format: Paperback
What happens after you believe?
Since the beginning, there have been two, great, warring factions within Christendom seeking to answer that question.
One demands obedience to a list of rules: legalism.
The other claims that grace makes all rule-following null and void: lawlessness.
And then there is a middle road: the via media.
This isn't the easiest path to take. It's effortless to simply run off into the ditch of legalism or lawlessness.
It would be easier for me to hand out a list of rules when someone comes to faith in Christ: "Do pray, do read your Bibles, do come to church when the doors are open. Don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew. And don't date folks who do. Follow these rules and you'll be A-Okay!"
Or, it would be just as easy to tell those who come to faith: "You're saved and nothing will change that. Even if you completely quit believing in God or become a mass murderer - don't worry. It's all under the blood."
It's easier to maintain the extremes. That's why they're so popular. Unfortunately, neither of the extremes are true - or biblical.
So what is?
N.T. Wright paints a picture of the middle way between legalism and lawlessness in his book, After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. Wright notes the two extremes we've already mentioned and he's upfront throughout that he points to a middle way.
In the very first chapter, he observes that "many Christians have so emphasized the need for conversion...that they have a big gap in their vision of what being a Christian is all about." I couldn't agree more with this sentiment if I tried.
Too many Christians - especially in revival traditions - view the ultimate moment of the Christian life as the moment they first bowed their knee to Christ. But this is like watching baseball and getting all excited - shouting until you're hoarse - the first time your team gets a hit. Hitting the ball is great. But if he's out before he gets to first place - or really, if he's out before he gets home - then all of the excitement and joy is vain.
The ultimate moment of the Christian life isn't the first moment we bow our knee. It's the last breath we take, in union with Christ. It's the moment we cross 'home plate'.
And yet, for most of us, there's a huge gap between that first bowed knee and that last breath in Christ. What happens in that time? What should be taking place?
Legalism says that this time is taken up with keeping all of the right rules (though most legalists can't even agree on which rules are the 'right' rules).
Lawlessness says that this time is taken up with waiting for heaven and, perhaps, telling others about God's great grace.
But is that it? Are those our only tasks on this earth between conversion and death?
God didn't create us merely to follow rules. Neither did he make us to simply enjoy his gifts. When God formed Adam, he gave him a job.
"Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it..." (Genesis 1:28).
God created man as a royal-priest.
As Wright writes, "God placed Human in the garden to reflect his image into the new world he was making - that is, to be the means, present and visible, whereby his own care of the garden and the animals would become a reality" (pg 75). This royal-priestly role for man is found scattered throughout the scriptures - in both Old and New Testaments.
For example, when God delivers Israel from Egyptian bondage, he tells them, "you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). Later, Peter picks this verse up and applies it to the Church (1 Peter 2:9). And Revelation tells us the same thing: "He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father" (Revelation 1:6).
So, to be human means something. It means being created in the image of God, and with a particular task. And ultimately, that's what Christ is redeeming us to.
Jesus' didn't die just so we could go to 'heaven'. He died so that we, as human being, could be what God intended.
This is why Paul writes, "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. Therefore, since we have this ministry..." (2 Corinthians 4:1).
God has restored our capacity to image him rightly. And he has given us a ministry - a service - a task: the role of royal-priest.
A quick aside: I probably should have mentioned this sooner but this book is not filled with 284 pages of practical tips on growing in virtue or holiness. Wright penned this book to lay a theological foundation for understanding why we should want to grow in virtue and holiness in the first place. So if you come to it looking for practical advice, you won't get much. The last chapter is the only place in the book that deals heavily with practice. But that doesn't mean this book isn't worth reading. It is. If you closely follow the argument that Wright constructs, your understanding of the why will be deepened. And as the why is deepened, your desire for the what will grow as well.
"God's future is arriving in the present, in the person and work of Jesus, and you can practice, right now, the habits of life which will find their goal in that coming future" (page 103). This is the heart of Wright's thesis. And I don't know about you, but it excites me.
Jesus has inaugurated the Kingdom. And he's calling all people, everywhere, to enter and live in it today. But how do we become Christ-focused people? Without Christ, we're hopelessly lost in pride and idolatry. And going to an altar - bowing my knee for the first time - doesn't perfect me. Old habits need killing. Unhealthy desires need eliminating. And attitudes that used to be acceptable are not any longer.
We need to learn the language and culture of our new nation: the Kingdom of God.
If Wright uses the first half of the book to explain what we're called to, he spends the second half of the book discussing how we live into that calling.
In these chapters, he examines Paul's understanding of the spiritual-transformation made possible through Jesus' death and resurrection. He sums up many of the ideas here when he compares cultivating the fruit of the Spirit to gardening.
"The key is this: the 'fruit of the Spirit' does not grow automatically...Oh, there may well be strong and sudden initial signs that fruit is on the way...But this doesn't mean it's all downhill from there. These are the blossoms: to get the fruit you have to learn to be a gardener. You have to discover how to tend and prune, how to irrigate the fields, how to keep birds and squirrels away. You have to watch for blight and mold, cut away ivy and other parasites that suck the life out of the tree, and make sure the young trunk can stand firm in strong wings. Only then will the fruit appear" (page 195-196).
Throughout these latter chapters, he highlights the importance of the three Christian virtues (faith, hope, and love), the fruit of the Spirit, and the necessity of unity within the body. These make up the Kingdom of God's primary language and culture. Our life on this earth - between now and eternity - consists of growing in these things.
My own description of the Church as a 'laboratory of love' fits nicely with the way Wright describes the Church in these chapters. We learn Kingdom-culture there. And we practice the things that we will spend an eternity engaged in.
Wright also stresses the twin foci of worship and mission. We need to return to these again and again because we tend to move to one extreme or the other.
Wright ends the book with a chapter entitled, 'The Virtuous Circle'. Here, he delineates the five activities that he believes will contribute to our growth in Christian virtue and maturity.
The five include scripture, stories, examples, community, and practices.
This chapter is helpful and provides a needed practical viewpoint. However, the scripture/stories/examples all sort of flowed into one another. Many of the stories he mentions are stories from scripture. Though he does stress the value in other stories as well - including those that have no Christian background. I tend to agree with him here (though I can imagine others wouldn't). I would also include the telling of testimonies in this category though Wright doesn't explicitly mention that.
Wright's focus on the community of faith is a necessary prescription for the anti-establishment movement that has swept so many people into thinking they can live as Christians alone. The problem isn't 'church'. The problem is that too many churches aren't acting like churches.
Wright makes a valuable statement about what church should be here: "a community that is practicing the arts of being a royal priesthood, a working and worshipping fellowship for whom faith, hope, and love are being learned and exercised in the service of God's kingdom" (page 275). If Christians would all catch a vision like that (and then live into it), people would be clamoring to join in what God is doing.
In his section on practices, Wright notes the basic activities of the Christian life: communion, baptism, prayer, giving, and the reading of scripture. Amen and amen. I can't say more on that front.
There may have been a few things I disagreed with as I read but they were incidental to the main thrust of After You Believe (for example, replacing 'man' with 'human' in many scripture references; nothing wrong with it, it just sounds weird).
A month or so ago, I finished reading Matthew Bates's Salvation by Allegiance Alone. After You Believe is a great follow-up to that book since many of the threads there weave throughout Wright's book as well.
As is usual, I love Wright here. He's a gentle guide who takes your hand and walks you through the scriptures, one thought at a time. Like a pyramid-builder, Wright lays down one idea after another, until he finishes his task. And once finished, the reader comes away with more than just a few tips and tricks for greater spirituality. He comes away with why spirituality is worth pursing in the first place.
God calls us to so much more than mere rule-keeping or basking. He calls us to live in eternity today.
The question for us is, will we answer the call?
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Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2017
★★★★★ 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
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