Ask NT Wright Anything: Does Tom Wright Consider Belief in the Bodily Resurrection of Jesus Essential to Christian Faith?

Release Date: April 27, 2025
Host: Mike Bird
Guest: N.T. Wright (Tom Wright)
Producer: Premier Unbelievable

Introduction

In this episode of "Ask NT Wright Anything," host Mike Bird engages in an insightful dialogue with renowned theologian N.T. Wright, exploring the significance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus in Christian faith. The conversation delves into various theological and practical aspects of church membership, the nature of worship, and addresses poignant questions concerning faith amidst global conflicts.

1. Formal Church Membership: Biblical Grounds and Practical Implications

Timestamp: [01:43] - [07:54]

Discussion Highlights:

• Question from Derek Wilson: Challenges the necessity of formal church membership, noting a trend towards informal fellowship.
• N.T. Wright's Response:

  • Expresses skepticism about the biblical necessity for formal membership structures, such as electoral rolls, questioning their New Testament basis.

  • Emphasizes that the church's primary mission is to advance the Kingdom of God and serve the wider world, rather than focusing solely on internal organization.

  • Quote:
    "The whole point of the church is to bring the kingdom of God into the wider world."
    — N.T. Wright [04:15]

  • Argues that baptism serves as the New Testament equivalent of formal membership, integrating individuals into the body of Christ.

  • Acknowledges that practical needs for organization and responsibility within a growing church may necessitate some formality.

  • Advises that any formal membership should ultimately support the church's mission rather than serve as an end in itself.

Mike Bird's Commentary:

• Relates the discussion to personal experience, mentioning his daughter’s upcoming church membership class.
• Highlights the importance of understanding membership as a means to facilitate effective service within the church community.

2. The Bodily Resurrection: Essential to Christian Faith?

Timestamp: [08:20] - [18:02]

Discussion Highlights:

• Question from Craig Beard: References a past statement by N.T. Wright suggesting some Christians may not believe in the bodily resurrection, causing controversy.
• N.T. Wright's Response:

  • Clarifies the context of his earlier remarks, explaining that exceptions like Marcus Borg represent "muddled Christians" rather than orthodox believers.

  • Quote:
    "But there are many people who are earnestly seeking Jesus and acclaiming him as the light of the world or as their Lord, for whom that penny hasn't dropped yet."
    — N.T. Wright [10:05]

  • Stresses that the bodily resurrection is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, integral to understanding Jesus' identity and the promise of new creation.

  • Differentiates between being a follower of Jesus and holding heretical beliefs, indicating that lack of belief in the bodily resurrection challenges one's orthodox Christian identity.

  • Mentions that doctrinal clarity is essential for roles within the church, such as ordination, referencing Archbishop William Temple’s commitment to bodily resurrection beliefs before ordination.

Mike Bird's Commentary:

• Draws parallels with other theologians like Rudolph Bultmann, discussing the broader implications of doctrinal integrity on salvation and church teaching.
• Raises concerns about the balance between theological precision and salvific grace, questioning where essential beliefs delineate orthodox faith from divergent interpretations.

3. Worship: Divine Requirement or Human Response?

Timestamp: [20:51] - [27:15]

Discussion Highlights:

• Question from Gail Cassande: Questions whether worship is a divine demand or a genuine human response to God's grace, expressing discomfort with the idea of God requiring perpetual praise.
• N.T. Wright's Response:

  • Distinguishes between worship as demanded flattery and worship as an expression of genuine gratitude and transformation.

  • Quote:
    "It's sheer gratitude, overflowing. And that's at the heart of it."
    — N.T. Wright [22:45]

  • Compares worship to applauding a captivating concert, emphasizing that it results naturally from being profoundly moved and grateful.

  • Highlights that worship shapes and transforms individuals, aligning them with what they worship, thereby reinforcing the necessity of worshiping the true God.

  • References Peter Schaeffer’s observation: "Without worship, you shrink." to underline humanity's inherent need to worship.

Mike Bird's Commentary:

• Resonates with Wright's analogy, sharing personal reflections on teaching children about the inevitability and transformative power of worship.
• Emphasizes the moral responsibility tied to worship, as it shapes one's character and priorities.

4. Faith Amidst Conflict: Lament and Hope in Gaza

Timestamp: [27:15] - [40:46]

Discussion Highlights:

• Question from Lydia El Sayega: A Palestinian American Christian from Gaza asks how followers of Jesus can bring heaven to Gaza amidst severe conflict and genocide, expressing feelings of God's absence.
• N.T. Wright's Response:

  • Acknowledges the profound suffering in Gaza and connects it to historical injustices, such as the Holocaust and ongoing antisemitism.

  • Emphasizes the Christian duty to lament—expressing grief and sorrow over injustices and suffering.

  • Quote:
    "Lament is a central feature of biblical religion."
    — N.T. Wright [35:20]

  • Advocates for active response through ministries of help and healing, illustrating God’s presence through acts of compassion and support.

  • Critiques the simplistic ideological support from some Western Christian communities, urging a more nuanced understanding and action.

  • Suggests looking towards models like South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission to foster dialogue and healing.

  • Highlights the importance of churches no longer remaining silent and engaging in meaningful reconciliation efforts.

Mike Bird's Commentary:

• Adds personal insights on avoiding echo chambers and encourages listening to Palestinian Christians to broaden understanding.
• Advocates for balanced support, emphasizing the importance of prayer and active efforts for peace without endorsing extremist actions.

5. Conclusion: Embracing Orthodoxy and Active Faith

Timestamp: [40:46] - [42:57]

Discussion Highlights:

• Final Remarks by Mike Bird and N.T. Wright:
  • Reinforce the episode’s key themes: the importance of core doctrines like the bodily resurrection, the nature of worship as gratitude, and the role of lament in faith during crises.
  • Encourage listeners to submit their questions for future episodes and engage with Premier Unbelievable's ministries.

Closing Quote:

• N.T. Wright:
  "This is, I think, how we can approach this biblically." [40:30]

Key Takeaways

1. Formal Church Membership: While not explicitly mandated in the Bible, formal membership can support the church’s mission by fostering accountability and organized service.
2. Bodily Resurrection: Central to Christian faith, it distinguishes orthodox belief and underscores the promise of new creation.
3. Worship: Viewed not as a divine imposition but as a natural, transformative response of gratitude and alignment with God.
4. Faith in Conflict: Encourages active lament and compassionate action, reflecting God’s presence and working towards reconciliation and healing.

Notable Quotes

• N.T. Wright [04:15]:
  "The whole point of the church is to bring the kingdom of God into the wider world."

• N.T. Wright [10:05]:
  "There are many people who are earnestly seeking Jesus and acclaiming him as the light of the world or as their Lord, for whom that penny hasn't dropped yet."

• N.T. Wright [22:45]:
  "It's sheer gratitude, overflowing. And that's at the heart of it."

• N.T. Wright [35:20]:
  "Lament is a central feature of biblical religion."

• N.T. Wright [40:30]:
  "This is, I think, how we can approach this biblically."

Conclusion

This episode of "Ask NT Wright Anything" offers a profound exploration of essential Christian doctrines and their practical implications. Through thoughtful dialogue, N.T. Wright articulates the importance of foundational beliefs like the bodily resurrection, redefines worship as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, and addresses the complexities of maintaining faith in the face of global suffering. Listeners are encouraged to engage deeply with these themes, fostering a more robust and active Christian faith.