The Crown and the Fire: Meditations on the Cross and the Life of the Spirit

During the last decade N. T. Wright has often thought through the meaning of Jesus' death, resurrection, and gift to his people of the Spirit. Whether approaching these central events of the church's faith from within an academic setting or through the act of preaching. Wright has wrestled with what it means to be Christian in the modern world. This volume of thirteen powerful meditations and sermons challenges readers to reassess their own responses to Jesus' death, his resurrection, and the continuing influence of his Spirit on those who follow him today. In Part One Wright considers not the customary seven last words that Jesus spoke from the cross but, rather seven words that people spoke to the cross - people like Mary and the Roman centurion, who witnessed the crucifixion, and Pontius Pilate, who helped to instigate it. Part Two contains five sermons and one biblical exposition on such themes as the meaning of the resurrection, the call of God, and the nature of the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.