Western Christians have imagined that, at the end of the day, God is going to throw the present space-time universe into a trashcan and we'll be sitting on clouds playing harps. The ultimate future that we're promised is much more interesting than that. It's new heavens and a new Earth with new bodies to live in.

In this quote, N. T. Wright critiques the traditional Christian view of the afterlife, which often imagines a future where the present space-time universe is discarded and replaced by an ethereal existence of sitting on clouds, playing harps. Wright challenges this simplistic and, in his view, misguided interpretation of the Christian promise. Instead, he presents a much more dynamic and exciting vision of the future—one where there are new heavens and a new Earth, accompanied by new bodies to inhabit.

Wright’s argument emphasizes that the Christian promise is not about escaping the physical world but rather about renewing it. He envisions a future that transcends the idea of disembodied existence and points toward a future where both the material world and human bodies are redeemed and transformed. This vision suggests that the ultimate future for Christians involves a restoration of creation, where heaven and Earth are brought together in a renewed state, rather than existing in isolation.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Wright’s theological work, particularly his views on Christian eschatology. As a prominent New Testament scholar, Wright has written extensively on the nature of the Christian hope for the future, challenging commonly held views about heaven, the afterlife, and the role of the physical world in God’s ultimate plan. His perspective is shaped by a deep understanding of biblical texts and a desire to offer a more holistic view of the Christian faith.

Ultimately, Wright’s words aim to encourage a more hopeful and integrated understanding of the Christian future. Instead of focusing on escapism or an otherworldly paradise, he invites believers to consider a vision of the future where the physical world is not discarded but rather renewed and redeemed, offering a richer and more meaningful hope for the future of both creation and humanity.