Ask NT Wright Anything: Is God Male? NT Wright on Gender and Divinity

Podcast Information:

• Title: Ask NT Wright Anything
• Host: Mike Bird
• Guest: Tom Wright
• Episode: Is God Male? NT Wright on Gender and Divinity
• Release Date: June 22, 2025
• Produced by: Premier Unbelievable

1. Introduction

The episode begins with Mike Bird introducing the podcast’s purpose—to explore NT Wright’s theology by addressing listeners’ questions. The primary focus of this episode revolves around the gender of God, sparked by a question from a listener in Minneapolis.

2. The Bodily Resurrection Debate

Timestamp: [02:07] – [10:18]

The discussion opens with a question from Mark Lee in Lincoln, USA, regarding the significance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. Mark references an exchange between NT Wright and John Dominic Crossan from the Greer Herd forum, where Crossan posits that the resurrection might be more metaphorical than historical.

Key Points:

• Historical and Theological Importance: Tom Wright firmly asserts that the resurrection cannot be merely metaphorical. He emphasizes that understanding the bodily resurrection is crucial for grasping the New Testament’s vision of God interacting with the world.

  “No, we can't. That doesn't work.” – Tom Wright [04:02]

• Resurrection as New Creation: Wright explains that the resurrection signifies God's commitment to new creation, not just a spiritual continuation. It reaffirms the goodness of creation and God's determination to restore it.

  “Resurrection is the reaffirmation of the goodness of God's created world and of God's determination to put his world right.” – Tom Wright [07:15]

• Historical Context: Wright contrasts the resurrection belief with other Judean movements that ended with their founders' deaths, highlighting that resurrection was distinct in its implication for ongoing creation and transformation.

  “The word resurrection never meant spiritual survival at that period. It was never about... something which has happened as a result of which the world is a different place.” – Tom Wright [09:45]

3. The Challenge of Discipleship

Timestamp: [12:15] – [18:58]

A listener from New Zealand raises concerns about discipleship, specifically regarding Christians who prioritize secular pursuits over their faith and whether genuine repentance is necessary for salvation.

Key Points:

• Journey of Faith: Tom Wright acknowledges that discipleship is an ongoing journey for all believers, none being perfect.

  “All of us are on this journey at some stage or another.” – Tom Wright [12:45]

• Confession and Assurance: Emphasis on the importance of regular confession of sins and assurance of forgiveness as central to Christian life.

  “The classic Christian rhythm of life is... confession of sin and you have the assurance of forgiveness.” – Tom Wright [14:30]

• Cultural Influence on Faith: Wright discusses how cultural factors, such as the behavior of Nazi officers, demonstrate the complexity of genuine faith and discipleship.

  “Stepping outside your culture and getting some critical distance... someone has to stand up and say, no, let's go back the other way.” – Tom Wright [17:00]

4. God and Gender

Timestamp: [21:16] – [35:45]

The core of the episode addresses the listener’s concern about using male pronouns for God amidst contemporary understandings of gender.

Key Points:

• God Beyond Gender: Wright begins by affirming that God transcends human gender categories.

  “God is beyond gender. That's one of the first things to say.” – Tom Wright [22:45]

• Cultural Context of Language: He explains how historical and linguistic contexts influence the portrayal of God, noting that terms like "Father" carry deep theological and relational meanings beyond mere gender attribution.

  “If you were able to trace that through into the New Testament, we would see that reinforced again and again.” – Tom Wright [28:30]

• Feminine Aspects of the Holy Spirit: Wright highlights that the Holy Spirit is depicted with feminine imagery in scriptures, such as the Spirit groaning in Romans 8, challenging the notion that God is exclusively male.

  “The Spirit groans in travail within us... that implies something transcending the whole thing about God.” – Tom Wright [29:53]

• Practical Implications in Liturgy: Discussing specific liturgical practices, Wright shares personal experiences where non-traditional language for God’s roles was contested, emphasizing the importance of maintaining theological integrity.

  “We believe in the validity of the intention... That's trinitarian.” – Tom Wright [31:10]

• Balancing Tradition and Inclusivity: Wright navigates the tension between traditional language and contemporary calls for gender-neutral terms, advocating for a nuanced approach that honors biblical descriptions while addressing cultural sensitivities.

  “Let us look at what the Bible actually says about God. And in that light, let us challenge our own thinking and practice.” – Tom Wright [28:15]

• Case Study on Baptism Language: Mike Bird presents a scenario where a church attempted to use non-gendered terms in baptismal rites, leading to conflict with ecclesiastical authorities. Wright responds by underscoring the importance of correct Trinitarian invocation over linguistic innovation.

  “You can't just muck around and invent things. God is God...” – Tom Wright [31:54]

5. Conclusion

In wrapping up, Mike Bird and Tom Wright reiterate the complexities surrounding the discussion of God’s gender. They emphasize the importance of understanding theological foundations while engaging thoughtfully with contemporary issues.

Notable Quote:

“God is known as the self-giving God... redefining the kind of arrogant, older image of the male.” – Tom Wright [25:50]

The episode concludes with an encouragement for listeners to continue exploring these profound theological questions and to engage with the broader community for deeper understanding.

6. Final Remarks

Listeners are invited to subscribe for bonus episodes and to engage with the podcast by submitting their questions for future discussions. The episode underscores the ongoing journey of faith and understanding in grappling with complex theological issues.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “No, we can't. That doesn't work.” – Tom Wright [04:02]
• “Resurrection is the reaffirmation of the goodness of God's created world and of God's determination to put his world right.” – Tom Wright [07:15]
• “All of us are on this journey at some stage or another.” – Tom Wright [12:45]
• “The classic Christian rhythm of life is... confession of sin and you have the assurance of forgiveness.” – Tom Wright [14:30]
• “God is beyond gender. That's one of the first things to say.” – Tom Wright [22:45]
• “Let us look at what the Bible actually says about God. And in that light, let us challenge our own thinking and practice.” – Tom Wright [28:15]
• “God is known as the self-giving God... redefining the kind of arrogant, older image of the male.” – Tom Wright [25:50]

This episode provides a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between theology, language, and contemporary cultural understandings of gender, guided by Tom Wright’s scholarly insights and Mike Bird’s facilitation.