Podcast Summary: Ask NT Wright Anything (#226) Title: Why Bother Improving the World? Can Christians Attain Perfection? (Classic)
Host: Justin Brierley
Guest: Tom Wright
Release Date: August 8, 2024

Introduction

In episode #226 of Ask NT Wright Anything, hosted by Justin Brierley, Tom Wright delves into profound theological questions posed by listeners. This episode explores the motivations behind improving the world from a Christian perspective and examines the possibility of attaining Christian perfection. Through thoughtful dialogue, Wright provides insightful answers grounded in biblical theology and historical context.

1. The Purpose of Improving the World

Questions Posed:

• Stephen from Toronto: "Why wouldn't God just skip the earth bit and go straight to the new heavens and the new earth? I can't see how it would be just for our learning or growing..." [Justin Brierley, 00:52]
• Sam from Vancouver: "If there will eventually be a grand resurrection and a perfect new Earth, what's our motivation to lean into and engage with our physical and immediate world?" [Justin Brierley, 00:52]

Tom Wright’s Response:

Wright begins by acknowledging the depth of these questions, noting their basis in a biblical understanding of God's plan for a new creation. He explains that the apparent delay in God's plan is a testament to divine patience and the value placed on human agency.

"God wants humans to be involved in the work. Humans are not just decoration... God has created us to be responsible agents within his world." [03:04]

Wright emphasizes that our present actions are integral to God's overarching project of restoring creation. Drawing an analogy, he likens human efforts to that of a stonemason working on a cathedral—each stone may not reveal its place individually, but collectively, they form a magnificent whole.

"We are building for the kingdom." [03:04]

He further reassures that every action, no matter how small, is woven into the fabric of God's future creation. This perspective underscores the importance of striving for improvement in the current world as a meaningful contribution to God's divine narrative.

2. The State of the World: Better or Worse?

Question Posed:

• Marshall from Boise, Idaho: "Is the world getting better or worse? How should we think about the future of the world for Christians and all people?" [12:09]

Tom Wright’s Response:

Wright addresses Marshall's concern by exploring historical shifts in Christian thought regarding the state of the world. He contrasts the 18th-century Christian optimism—exemplified by works like Handel's Messiah—with the 19th-century pessimism, which saw a decline in gospel influence and an increase in secularism.

"In the early 18th century... many believed the world was getting better and better under the influence of the gospel." [13:10]

However, Wright notes a significant cultural shift by the late 18th century, where secular ideologies began to dominate, leading to a perception that the world was deteriorating and that the church's role was diminishing. This change was exacerbated by historical events and intellectual movements that challenged the influence of Christianity in public life.

Despite this, Wright highlights the enduring impact of the Christian gospel on modern secular values, such as human rights and international aid, which are rooted in Christian ethics. He cites contemporary responses to disasters, like the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, as reflections of these values.

"The impulse of the Christian gospel... has made enormous impacts on the way that people think." [18:58]

Wright argues that Christian optimism remains relevant, as the gospel continues to inspire efforts toward justice, healing, and the betterment of society. He encourages Christians to actively engage in transforming the world, rather than succumbing to a narrative of inevitable decline.

3. Christian Perfection: Possibility and Reality

Question Posed:

• Justin from Chattanooga, Tennessee: "Can Christians attain perfection? John Wesley believed it was attainable through God's sanctifying grace and our participation in the new Kingdom. What are your thoughts on Christian perfection?" [20:18]

Tom Wright’s Response:

Wright begins by providing context on John Wesley's views, clarifying Wesley's allegiance to the Church of England despite founding Methodism. He appreciates Wesley's desire to transform the church from within rather than creating new denominations.

"John Wesley... advised you all to do the same [remain within the Church of England]." [21:21]

Addressing the concept of Christian perfection, Wright references St. Augustine, who grappled with the tension between the ideal of holiness and the practical challenges of human imperfection. He acknowledges the aspirational nature of attaining perfection through the Holy Spirit while maintaining a realistic understanding of human limitations.

"We are not told, 'Oh, well, it's all right. Just make a bit of an effort and that'll be okay.'" [25:00]

Wright also recounts an anecdote involving Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who dismissed claims of sinless perfection as unrealistic, emphasizing the importance of humility and continual striving rather than boasting about unattainable holiness.

"Spurgeon said... his perfection did not seem to remain very long after that." [21:21]

He concludes by advocating for a balanced approach, where Christians aim to grow in holiness and align more closely with Christ's example, while recognizing their ongoing struggles and the necessity of divine grace.

"We have to hold before ourselves the model of the complete holiness of Jesus and pray for his Spirit that we may approximate more and more to that while being realistic about who we are and where we are." [26:17]

Conclusion

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright provides nuanced and theologically rich responses to listeners' questions about the Christian imperative to improve the world and the possibility of attaining perfection. He underscores the interconnectedness of present actions with God's future promises and encourages a hopeful and active engagement in societal transformation. Additionally, Wright offers a realistic perspective on Christian perfection, advocating for continuous growth and reliance on divine grace rather than unattainable ideals.

As the discussion wraps up, Justin Brierley hints at continuing the exploration of kingdom work and its practical implications in future episodes, promising further insights into how Christians can live out their faith in today's world.

Notable Quotes:

• "God wants humans to be involved in the work... He might himself come in the person of His Son and become the agent within his world." — Tom Wright [03:04]

• "We are building for the kingdom... even small gestures like that will be taken up and woven into the great tapestry of God's new creation." — Tom Wright [03:04]

• "The impulse of the Christian gospel... has made enormous impacts on the way that people think." — Tom Wright [18:58]

• "We have to hold before ourselves the model of the complete holiness of Jesus and pray for his Spirit that we may approximate more and more to that while being realistic about who we are and where we are." — Tom Wright [25:00]

• "We are told if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, then you will live." — Tom Wright [25:00]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, providing clear insights into Tom Wright's theological perspectives on improving the world and Christian perfection. It serves as an informative guide for both regular listeners and newcomers to the podcast.