Ask NT Wright Anything: Episode #232 – Making Sense of Adam, Eve, and the Genesis Creation Story (Classic)

Release Date: November 7, 2024
Host: Justin Brierley
Guest: N.T. Wright
Presented by: Premier Unbelievable, in partnership with SPCK and NTWrightOnline
Website: www.premierunbelievable.com

Introduction

In Episode #232 of "Ask NT Wright Anything," host Justin Brierley engages with renowned theologian N.T. Wright to explore the complex themes surrounding Adam, Eve, and the Genesis creation narrative. Listeners pose pressing questions about the interplay between science and scripture, the nature of the Fall, and the implications of evolutionary theory on Christian theology.

Interpreting Genesis: Science and Literalism

Listener Question (George from Mexico, 03:10):
Is it essential for a robust Christian faith to reconcile scientific findings with a literal interpretation of the Bible?

N.T. Wright's Response:
Wright emphasizes that both science and biblical interpretation are fluid and evolving disciplines. He argues against the rigidity of fitting scientific facts into a “literal” biblical jigsaw, noting that:

• Science is Hypothetical: Scientific understanding continuously evolves, exemplified by shifts in theories over generations (03:31).
• Literal Interpretation Issues: The modern insistence on a literal Genesis conflicts with both the Enlightenment's rationalism and the nuanced meaning of biblical texts.
• Cultural Context: The American historical context, particularly events like the Scopes Trial, has unduly influenced the rigid literalism seen today, which is less prevalent globally (06:28).

Notable Quote:
"Science doesn't tell you the way history is going." — N.T. Wright (06:28)

Understanding Genesis Beyond Literalism

Justin's Explanation (06:37):
Wright describes Genesis as multi-layered, akin to poetry, conveying multiple truths simultaneously. He references John Walton’s work on the ancient Near Eastern context, highlighting that Genesis 1 portrays creation as a temple-building act by God, not a sequential, literal six-day event.

Key Points:

• Temple Theology: Genesis 1 outlines the creation of a temple, with humanity as its image (Genesis 1).
• Modern Misinterpretations: British and global Christians typically do not adhere to a strict 24-hour creation period, unlike some American interpretations rooted in historical controversies.

Notable Quote:
"Genesis 1 is the beginning of a project. It's not a tableau." — N.T. Wright (06:54)

The Nature of the Fall and Death

Listener Questions (Malcolm from Surrey, Ada from Romania, Jamie Indabi):

• Can creation and evolution coexist if evolution posits death existed before sin?
• How does evolution’s inherent suffering align with Paul’s teachings on sin and death?
• Does the fossil record’s evidence of suffering imply pre-sin evil, conflicting with a restored Earth?

N.T. Wright's Response:
Wright acknowledges the complexity of harmonizing Genesis with evolutionary theory:

• Different Levels of Death: He distinguishes between natural decay and the deeper, existential death introduced through human rebellion (10:59).
• Narrative Arcs: Genesis 3 is seen within the broader narrative of the Pentateuch, focusing on exile and restoration rather than just biological decay.
• Complexity Over Simplification: Rather than dismissing the conflict, Wright embraces the nuanced layers, suggesting multiple interpretations of death (15:18).

Notable Quote:
"There are levels of death, that God's choice of the humans was in order precisely to bring new life and coherence to the chaos." — N.T. Wright (10:59)

Theological Implications of the Fall

Listener Question (Robin Down Derry):
Why does Western theology emphasize the Fall and the curse, seemingly contradicting the initial creation’s goodness?

N.T. Wright's Response:
Wright critiques the Western focus on sin and curse, attributing it to Augustine’s influence and contrasting it with Matthew Fox’s “Original Blessing” concept:

• Creation as Good and Dynamic: Wright insists that creation was inherently good and always part of an ongoing project rather than a static state.
• Alternate Interpretations: He highlights that rejecting dualistic views leads to monism, which inadequately addresses the presence of evil.

Notable Quote:
"Creation was always wonderful and good. The danger with rejecting the dualism is that you buy into a monism where, as with other forms of monism, like Stoicism, it's very hard to have any critique of evil at all." — N.T. Wright (15:47)

Satan, Rebellion, and the Cosmic Fall

Listener Question (Henry from Texas, 19:22):
Did sin enter the world through Adam, or was there a cosmic rebellion involving Satan prior to Adam's creation?

N.T. Wright's Response:
Wright explores the possibility of a pre-Adamic cosmic fall:

• Angelic Rebellion: References to rebellious angels in Genesis 6 and Psalms suggest an early cosmic conflict (23:50).
• Hermeneutical Humility: Emphasizes cautious interpretation, acknowledging that Scripture may allude to broader spiritual forces beyond human actions.
• Complex Layers of Rebellion: Suggests that the Fall isn't just human disobedience but involves deeper spiritual dimensions (26:00).

Notable Quote:
"Scripture does seem to be doing that. And that doesn't exactly explain why there's a snake in the garden. But I think you have to say something about the freedom of God." — N.T. Wright (23:29)

Free Will and Knowledge of Good and Evil

Listener Question (S. Drummond from Texas, 26:00):
How could Adam and Eve's disobedience be a punishable sin if they were created pure and supposedly couldn't distinguish good from evil?

N.T. Wright's Response:
Wright challenges the presuppositions of the question:

• Experiential Knowledge: He posits that knowledge of good and evil stems from lived experience rather than mere intellectual understanding.
• Moral Awareness: Suggests that the commandment implied a profound, experiential realization of life versus darkness, not just a conceptual advantage (26:47).

Notable Quote:
"The knowledge of good and evil is not just a head knowledge... it's actually a knowing by experience." — N.T. Wright (26:47)

Further Reading and Resources

Recommended Authors and Works:

• John Walton: Insights on the ancient Near Eastern context of Genesis.
• Gregory Beale: The Temple and the Church's Mission – Discusses temple theology and its implications for understanding creation and restoration.
• John Levinson: Creation and the Persistence of Evil – Explores Jewish perspectives on Genesis and theodicy.

Notable Quote:
"The church's mission is to be the temple of God in the world for the world against the day of the new creation." — N.T. Wright (29:18)

Conclusion

In this episode, N.T. Wright provides a nuanced and layered interpretation of the Genesis creation story, challenging both scientific literalism and traditional Western theological emphases on the Fall. By integrating temple theology, acknowledging different levels of death, and embracing the complexity of biblical narratives, Wright offers a framework that harmonizes faith with contemporary scientific understanding while addressing profound existential questions about sin, evil, and restoration.

Additional Resources:

• John Walton’s Works: For understanding Genesis in its ancient context.
• Gregory Beale’s The Temple and the Church's Mission.
• John Levinson’s Creation and the Persistence of Evil.

Visit: premierunbelievable.com for more podcasts, resources, and to access free ebooks mentioned in the episode.

Notable Reminders:

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This summary captures the essence of Episode #232, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive understanding of the discussions, insights, and theological explorations presented by N.T. Wright and Justin Brierley.