This biography portrays its subject chiefly as a theologian, whose thought, work, and life were rooted in a firm personal faith, an obedient discipleship to Christ, and a vigorous commitment to sharing the Gospel with people of other beliefs. Newbigin is here proposed as an exemplary model for the exercise of theology and as a substantial exponent of classic Christianity in varied cultural contexts. This talented and graced man emerges with a status and scope comparable to the early Fathers of the Church, "an ineluctable presence in his era." Newbigin's demonstrated attractiveness to a rising generation of theologians presages his continuing influence in the next century, even though he himself would have been content to leave some modest signs of hope for God's kingdom amid "the rubble of history."" "Himself a distinguished ecumenist and theologian, author Geoffrey Wainwright draws on thirty-five years of personal and literary acquaintance with his subject and on a thorough examination of the Newbigin archives, which include much hitherto unpublished material.
