A brief review of N.T Wright’s Evil and the Justice of God

Prof Wright addresses the most problematic question we face as Christ-followers. What is God doing about evil in the world? First, he discusses the various ideological and religious viewpoints on the Problem of Evil. Second, Prof Wright uses the Biblical paradigm –the story of Israel ending in Jesus’ crucifixion– to examine the problem in depth. Third, he shows us how, in Jesus’s death and resurrection, God’s justice decisively dealt with evil. God allowed all evil to do its worst on Jesus’ body. 

 

In his response, Jesus absorbed all the evil thrown at him. Instead of yelling angry retaliatory rants at his crucifiers like the Maccabees martyrs, Jesus forgave his enemies. This act of forgiveness, more powerful than any retaliation, made evil void of all power. Jesus rose again on the third day, claiming all authority over the heaven and the earth (Matthew 28), which was once the domain of the accuser (Luke 4). Evil will be no more in the age to come when God will resurrect his family (Revelation 22). 

 

Finally, Prof Wright demonstrates how to live out what Jesus has offered us–Corporately and Personally–by being led by His Spirit. Forgiveness is the best way to tackle evil done to us or by us. He thinks a paradigm of forgiveness and reconciliation would help us sort out problems ranging from ethnic/racial disputes to dealing with the debts of underprivileged countries to criminal justice reforms. Overall, it is a comprehensive study of evil, its effects, and the Biblical solution. 

 

Prof Wright’s teachings not only equip us with a deeper understanding of the problem of evil and the justice of God but also emphasize our integral role in the solution. We are not mere observers but active participants in the ongoing narrative between the cross and resurrection, between the present world and the new world. God has called us to unite these two realms through prayer, holiness, and action. This call to action underscores our value and importance in the divine plan, instilling a sense of purpose and responsibility in us.