Podcast Summary: Ask NT Wright Anything – Episode #230: "I Can’t Shake My Sinful Addiction (Classic)"

Release Date: October 24, 2024

Introduction

In Episode #230 of "Ask NT Wright Anything," hosted by Justin Brierley, listeners delve into the challenging topic of sinful addictions and the struggle to maintain spiritual discipline. This episode brings forward compelling questions from listeners, with NT Wright providing thoughtful, theological insights aimed at fostering practical devotion and overcoming the grips of addiction.

Balancing Intellectual Faith with Practical Discipline

Listener Question from Doug (Arkansas) [03:54]: Doug describes himself as someone passionate about intellectual pursuits and well-versed in matters of faith. However, he struggles with self-discipline and developing consistent spiritual habits, feeling paralyzed despite understanding what he should do. He seeks guidance on transitioning from "idealistic head knowledge" to practical growth and change.

NT Wright's Response [03:54 – 08:50]: Tom Wright empathizes, sharing his own challenges in maintaining prayer and Bible reading despite a strong theological foundation. He highlights the common Western tendency to prioritize practical actions over intellectual understanding, leading to a disconnect between belief and lived experience.

"Jesus expanded or riffed on the Old Testament Deuteronomic idea of loving God with your heart and mind and strength... many people seem to love God with their heart and strength, but the mind has yet to catch up." ([04:50])

Wright emphasizes the importance of cultivating wise habits, such as regular Bible reading and prayer, as the "anchor" that steadies one's spiritual life. He suggests integrating intellectual pursuits with practical actions to create a more holistic approach to faith.

Overcoming Modern Distractions and Addiction

Justin Brierley's Reflection [08:50 – 09:26]: Justin acknowledges the intensified challenge of maintaining discipline in today’s world, fraught with distractions like smartphones and social media. He underscores the necessity of taking spiritual disciplines seriously to counteract these pervasive influences.

NT Wright's Insight [09:26 – 10:04]: Wright recommends seeking guidance from a spiritual director or pastor to identify and avoid the "first steps" that lead toward addictive behaviors. He likens temptations to "wild animals" that need to be decisively dealt with rather than merely tamed.

"With any addiction, there are the signs... the real question ought to be what should I be doing at that point?" ([10:04])

Addressing Sinful Addiction and True Repentance

Listener Question from Tom (Australia) [10:04 – 11:20]: Tom expresses frustration with a recurring cycle of sin despite repentance and a desire to serve Jesus. He questions the nature of true repentance given his ongoing struggles with addiction, seeking steps to break free.

NT Wright's Response [11:20 – 20:39]: Wright connects this struggle to the necessity of early intervention in resisting temptations. Drawing from Colossians 3, he illustrates the need to decisively "put to death" vices rather than attempting to control them gradually.

"Virtue and vice are both about the formation of habits... Virtue says I need to choose the hard decision now to do X and not Y." ([17:40])

He emphasizes the role of daily repentance and the formation of virtuous habits through spiritual disciplines. Wright also acknowledges the physiological aspects of addiction, advocating for a combination of spiritual and practical support systems, such as counseling and support groups akin to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Addressing Broader Social Issues: Homelessness and Mental Illness

Listener Question from Randall (Los Angeles) [20:39 – 21:49]: Randall brings up the issue of mentally ill and substance-addicted homeless individuals in the community, seeking NT Wright's pastoral approach to addressing this challenge compassionately and combating the dehumanization of these individuals.

NT Wright's Response [21:49 – 26:11]: Wright attributes dehumanization to fear and unfamiliarity. He advocates for personal engagement and community involvement as means to overcome fear and recognize the inherent humanity in everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

"When people react in quite different ways... the fear dissipating and realize, actually these are human beings too." ([21:49])

He highlights the church's role in embracing and supporting marginalized individuals, using the example of communities welcoming people with Down syndrome as a model of inclusive and unconditional love. Wright stresses the importance of the church working alongside social agencies to provide holistic support and affirm the dignity of every person.

Conclusion

Justin Brierley wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Tom Wright's insightful responses, reaffirming the importance of addressing both personal struggles with addiction and broader social issues through a compassionate, theologically grounded approach. He teases the continuation of this theme in the next episode, focusing on mental health and medication.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tom Wright [04:50]: "Jesus expanded or riffed on the Old Testament Deuteronomic idea of loving God with your heart and mind and strength... many people seem to love God with their heart and strength, but the mind has yet to catch up."

• Tom Wright [10:04]: "With any addiction, there are the signs... the real question ought to be what should I be doing at that point?"

• Tom Wright [17:40]: "Virtue and vice are both about the formation of habits... Virtue says I need to choose the hard decision now to do X and not Y."

• Tom Wright [21:49]: "When people react in quite different ways... the fear dissipating and realize, actually these are human beings too."

This episode of "Ask NT Wright Anything" offers profound insights into the intersection of faith, personal discipline, and social compassion. NT Wright’s guidance provides listeners with both theological understanding and practical steps to navigate and overcome the complexities of sinful addictions and societal challenges.