Ask NT Wright Anything Episode #234 Summary: Is the Bible Anti-Women? Does God Hear the Prayers of Agnostics?

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Host: Premier
Hosted by: Premier Unbelievable in partnership with SPCK and NTWrightOnline
Episode Title: Is the Bible Anti-Women? Does God Hear the Prayers of Agnostics? (Classic)

Introduction

In episode #234 of "Ask NT Wright Anything," host Premier delves into two profound questions submitted by listeners grappling with their faith. The discussions center around the Bible's portrayal of women and whether God hears the prayers of agnostics. NT Wright provides thoughtful theological insights, drawing on Scripture and Christian tradition to address these complex issues.

1. Is the Bible Anti-Women?

Listener's Concern: Ruth from California

Ruth voices a significant concern regarding the Bible's treatment of women, articulating a perception of misogyny inherent in its texts. She points out specific passages that seem to demean women, from the creation narrative in Genesis to the depiction of women in Revelation. Ruth struggles with reconciling these passages with her faith, leading her to question the Bible's stance on women and contributing to her waning involvement in Christianity.

Key Points from Ruth's Question:

• Perceived negative portrayal of women throughout the Bible.
• Women depicted as more prone to deception and transgression.
• Specific reference to Revelation's 144,000 not being "polluted by women."

NT Wright’s Response:

NT Wright acknowledges the depth of Ruth's concerns and emphasizes the importance of a holistic reading of Scripture. He highlights that both men and women are flawed in the biblical narrative, pointing out that men often exhibit toxic behaviors and perpetuate sin. Wright underscores that women in the Bible, such as Sarah, Ruth, Deborah, and Hannah, are portrayed as figures of faith, prayer, and leadership.

Notable Quotes:

• “Genesis 1 where male and female together are reflecting God's image.” (03:36)
• “Jesus' welcome of women and his commissioning of women to be witnesses of the resurrection are absolutely central.” (03:36)
• “Christians have abused Scripture in order to abuse women. It's time we stopped doing that.” (03:36)

Key Insights:

• Balanced Representation: Scripture presents both men and women with strengths and flaws, challenging the notion that the Bible is inherently anti-women.
• Jesus' Affirmation of Women: In the New Testament, Jesus elevates the role of women, granting them significant positions and responsibilities.
• Cultural Context: Some problematic passages may reflect ancient societal norms rather than divine intent, necessitating careful interpretation.
• Call for Comprehensive Reading: Wright advocates reading the entire Bible, focusing on the teachings and example of Jesus to understand the intended view of women's role.

Additional Recommendations: Wright suggests exploring works by female biblical scholars such as Beth Allison Barr and Paula Gooder, who offer valuable perspectives on these issues.

2. Does God Hear the Prayers of Agnostics?

Listener's Concern: Tima from Finland

Tima, an agnostic sympathetic towards Christianity, shares his experience of praying about the war in Ukraine without holding firm belief in God. He feels frustrated and powerless, questioning whether his prayers are heard or meaningful, especially when his faith is uncertain. Tima wonders why, despite prayers from believing Christians, the conflict persists.

Key Points from Tima's Question:

• Praying for peace and justice amid the Ukraine conflict.
• Uncertainty about God's responsiveness to his prayers due to his agnostic stance.
• Frustration over the continuation of war despite widespread prayers from believers.

NT Wright’s Response:

Wright addresses Tima's heartfelt and humble question by affirming that sincere prayers, even from those struggling with belief, are significant. He draws parallels to biblical instances where individuals express doubt or unbelief in their prayers, suggesting that God honors the genuine pursuit of understanding and connection.

Notable Quotes:

• “God is celebrating that as well. To be people who stand in prayer at the place where the world is in pain.” (12:36)
• “This prayer of unknowing seems to me actually right on the map for the New Testament theology of trinitarian prayer.” (12:36)
• “We are being conformed to the image of the Son. We are sharing the suffering of Jesus.” (12:36)

Key Insights:

• Inclusive Prayer: Wright emphasizes that prayer is not limited to those with unwavering belief; genuine seeking is valued.
• Trinitarian Understanding: He explains that in Christian theology, Jesus intercedes on behalf of humanity, suggesting that all prayers reach God through Him.
• Shared Suffering: Engaging in prayer, even amid doubt, aligns believers with the suffering and hope embodied by Jesus.
• Perseverance in Faith: Wright encourages Tima to continue his sincere prayers, viewing them as meaningful contributions to global healing and justice.

Supporting Theological Concepts:

• Intercession of Jesus: Jesus acts as an intermediary, ensuring that all prayers, regardless of the asker's certainty, are heard by God.
• Corporate Prayer: The collective prayers of Christians worldwide contribute to a larger divine purpose, even if immediate outcomes are not visible.
• Human Agency in Divine Plan: Wright suggests that human prayers are part of a participatory process in seeking God's intervention and fostering change.

Conclusion

In this episode, NT Wright thoughtfully navigates through the challenging questions posed by listeners Ruth and Tima. He dismantles the notion that the Bible is inherently anti-women by highlighting the complex and balanced portrayal of both genders in Scripture. Additionally, he offers reassurance to agnostic individuals like Tima, affirming the value of sincere prayer and its place within the broader Christian understanding of God's responsiveness. Through these discussions, Wright provides a compassionate and intellectually robust perspective that encourages deeper engagement with faith and Scripture.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• “It's time we read the whole Bible, focusing on Jesus and on his acceptance of and commissioning of women.” – NT Wright (03:36)
• “This prayer of unknowing seems to me actually right on the map for the New Testament theology of trinitarian prayer.” – NT Wright (12:36)
• “How the Spirit can utter the groaning of creation in order that the Father may hear it and that the world may be healed.” – NT Wright (12:36)

Resources Mentioned:

• Female Biblical Scholars:
  • Beth Allison Barr – The Making of Biblical Womanhood
  • Paula Gooder

For more insights and discussions, listeners are encouraged to visit Premier Unbelievable’s website at premierunbelievable.com and explore additional resources provided by NTWrightOnline and SPCK.