Podcast Summary: Ask NT Wright Anything #224 – Is the World Doomed? Global Justice and Climate Change (Classic)

Podcast Information

• Title: Ask NT Wright Anything
• Host/Author: Premier
• Episode: #224 Is the World Doomed? Global Justice and Climate Change (Classic)
• Release Date: July 4, 2024
• Description: This weekly podcast connects listeners to NT (Tom) Wright’s thought and theology by addressing questions submitted by the audience. Presented by Premier Unbelievable! in partnership with SPCK and NTWrightOnline.

1. Introduction

The episode begins with a brief promotional message from Rico Tice about a free ebook titled Does It Make Sense to Believe in God? However, the main content focuses on Justin Brierley welcoming listeners to a replay of Ask NT Wright Anything, setting the stage for a deep dive into the pressing issues of global justice and climate change.

2. Understanding First-Century Questions and Modern Misconceptions

Justin Brierley opens the discussion by highlighting NT Wright’s dedication to helping Christians understand the first-century world to impact today’s society effectively.

Tom Wright emphasizes the importance of framing contemporary issues within their historical context to avoid anachronisms. He states:

“Unless we make that effort the whole time, then we are going to be committing what we call anachronisms.” [03:03]

Wright contrasts the modern Western focus on individual salvation (“how do I go to heaven?”) with the first-century Jewish perspective centered on God’s creation and the renewal of the world.

3. Climate Crisis and Global Justice: Current Challenges

The conversation shifts to the climate crisis and global justice, with references to movements like Extinction Rebellion and figures such as Greta Thunberg.

Justin Brierley presents a listener question from Jonathan in Phoenix, Arizona, concerning the state of human history amidst challenges like artificial intelligence, global warming, and population growth.

Tom Wright responds by asserting God's sovereignty over creation and the importance of human responsibility:

“God the Creator is sovereign over the present and the future as he has been over the past.” [07:30]

He cautions against a panicky response to climate issues, advocating for a balanced approach that includes prayer, scientific study, and responsible action.

4. The Intersection of Faith and Environmental Responsibility

Justin Brierley introduces Prescott’s question regarding President Donald Trump’s dismissive stance on climate change and Greta Thunberg’s activism. Prescott seeks clarity on how God’s sovereignty aligns with environmental degradation.

Tom Wright addresses the theological tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility:

“God wanting to bring heaven and earth together… that it's about God wanting graciously to come and live with his human creatures.” [05:34]

He critiques extreme theological positions that either dismiss environmental concerns or assume divine intervention will prevent ecological collapse. Wright advocates for proactive stewardship of the Earth as a Christian duty.

5. Assessing Western Civilization's Role and Influence

A significant portion of the discussion examines Western civilization's roots in Christianity and its contributions despite recent criticisms.

Grant from San Diego raises a pertinent question about Christians disparaging Western civilization while recognizing its Christian foundations.

Tom Wright reflects on the duality of Western progress and its Enlightenment-induced arrogance:

“The Enlightenment has tried to get the fruits of that long, long civilization while cutting off the roots and saying, we don't want the Jesus bit, we don't want the Jewish bit.” [27:44]

Wright acknowledges both the positive contributions of Christianity to Western society and the problematic aspects stemming from Enlightenment secularism.

6. Addressing Global Economic Imbalances

Raheel from Arizona inquires about resources addressing massive global economic imbalances, particularly unpayable Third World debt.

Tom Wright recommends Christian Aid as a primary resource and highlights the importance of movements like Jubilee 2000, which successfully advocated for debt remission:

“One of the high points, and this is 20 years ago now, was the Jubilee 2000 movement, which did succeed in getting some of those huge unpayable debts remitted.” [30:20]

He underscores the indivisibility of morality, emphasizing that addressing economic injustices is crucial for the well-being of vulnerable populations worldwide.

7. Resources and Recommendations

Throughout the episode, Tom Wright points listeners toward organizations and movements actively working on these issues, such as Christian Aid, which tackles both climate poverty and economic injustices. He encourages engagement with these resources to foster a well-informed and compassionate Christian response to global challenges.

8. Conclusion

The episode concludes with Justin Brierley thanking Tom Wright for his insights and wisdom. Listeners are encouraged to explore further episodes and resources available at premierunbelievable.com.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright: “Unless we make that effort the whole time, then we are going to be committing what we call anachronisms.” [03:03]

• Tom Wright: “God the Creator is sovereign over the present and the future as he has been over the past.” [07:30]

• Tom Wright: “God wanting to bring heaven and earth together… that it's about God wanting graciously to come and live with his human creatures.” [05:34]

• Tom Wright: “The Enlightenment has tried to get the fruits of that long, long civilization while cutting off the roots and saying, we don't want the Jesus bit, we don't want the Jewish bit.” [27:44]

• Tom Wright: “One of the high points… was the Jubilee 2000 movement, which did succeed in getting some of those huge unpayable debts remitted.” [30:20]

Summary:

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Justin Brierley and guest Tom Wright delve into the intricate relationship between global justice, climate change, and Christian theology. Wright advocates for understanding first-century perspectives to avoid modern misconceptions, emphasizing God's sovereignty intertwined with human responsibility. The discussion critiques both apocalyptic panic and dismissive attitudes towards environmental stewardship, urging a balanced, informed approach grounded in faith and scientific inquiry. Additionally, the conversation explores the profound impact of Christianity on Western civilization, acknowledging both its contributions and the challenges posed by secular Enlightenment values. Addressing global economic imbalances, Wright highlights the moral imperative to rectify systemic injustices, recommending active engagement with organizations like Christian Aid. Throughout, the episode underscores the necessity of integrating theological insights with practical action to navigate and address the complex issues facing the world today.