Books Quote by N.T. Wright
““In the same way many Christians--whole generations of them, sometimes entire denominations--have in their possession a book which will do a thousand things not only in and for them but through them in the world. And they use it to sustain only three or four things they already do.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Surprised by Hope by N.T. Wright, 2008
People often cling to a sacred text for a few familiar practices, neglecting its broader transformative power.
In simple terms: A book is used only for a few habits, missing its wider impact.
Key Takeaway
Explore the full scope of your faith's teachings.
Themes
faith
tradition
potential
practice
interpretation
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
theological
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal devotion
- community outreach
- social justice
- education
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
Theology
cultural influence
spiritual growth
Questions to Reflect On
- How might you apply the book’s deeper messages today?
- What practices could expand its impact?
A Different Perspective
Limiting a text to narrow uses can stifle growth and relevance.
![“Tom Landry, coach of the Dallas Cowboys football team for most of three decades, said, “The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be.”[5] In much the same way, Christians are called to make themselves, by the Spirit’s…” quote by Donald S. Whitney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/eee/donald-s-whitney-42522_christianity_tom-landry-coach-of-the-dallas-cowboys-f_509636.jpg)
![“I think it was simply word of mouth that made it a New York Times bestseller for more than 60 weeks, over a year. People being moved and changed and transformed by the book [ One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are] and wanting to share that with hurting people all around them.” quote by Ann Voskamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6a9/ann-voskamp-729_book_i-think-it-was-simply-word-of-mouth-that_1834388.jpg)
![“I think it was simply word of mouth that made it a New York Timesbestseller for more than 60 weeks, over a year. People being moved and changed and transformed by the book [One Thousand Gifts] and wanting to share that with hurting people all around them.” quote by Ann Voskamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/efd/ann-voskamp-729_book_i-think-it-was-simply-word-of-mouth-that_1713158.jpg)
![“The greatest compliment of the book [One Thousand Gifts]? Maybe the Muslim man in Iraq who was given the book and came to a saving knowledge of Jesus, wanted to live his life in thanks to God?” quote by Ann Voskamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ef/ann-voskamp-729_book_the-greatest-compliment-of-the-book-one_1210526.jpg)
