Ask NT Wright Anything: Denominational Differences – Anglicans, Catholics, Works, Faith, and The Holy Spirit

Host: Dr. Mike Bird
Guest: Tom Wright
Release Date: January 20, 2025

In the second episode of Season 2, titled "Denominational Differences: Anglicans, Catholics, Works, Faith and The Holy Spirit," hosts Dr. Mike Bird and esteemed theologian Tom Wright delve into the intricate landscape of Christian denominational beliefs and practices. This episode explores the nuances between Anglicanism and Roman Catholicism, the interplay of faith and works in salvation, and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers.

I. Introduction to Denominational Backgrounds

[01:06] Tom Wright:
Tom Wright initiates the discussion by sharing his Anglican heritage, emphasizing his lifelong connection to the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. He reflects on his upbringing within an Anglican family, noting the influence of his family's active involvement in church roles. Wright recounts moments of contemplation about his denominational identity, particularly during his student years when peers urged him to join emerging Baptist free church movements. Despite the allure of these new movements, Wright remained anchored to Anglicanism, valuing its structured rhythm of worship and the centrality of scripture reading and praying.

[03:15] Tom Wright:
"I think it's particularly because the rhythm of worship and the centrality of the reading of scripture and the praying, which is itself scriptural around those readings... They seem such a solid place to stand day by day, year by year."

II. Dr. Mike Bird’s Denominational Journey

[04:07] Dr. Mike Bird:
Dr. Mike Bird contrasts his own denominational journey with Wright's steadfast Anglicanism. Coming from a non-Christian background, Bird embraced faith through a Baptist church in Sydney during his military service. His theological path led him through various Presbyterian traditions in Scotland, eventually finding his way back to Anglicanism through the appeal of the Book of Common Prayer. Bird highlights the fluidity of modern denominational affiliations and introduces a listener’s question that encapsulates the challenges of denominational identity.

III. Listener Question: Navigating Denominational Identity

[07:00] Listener Andrew’s Question:
Andrew, a 45-year-old recent Christian convert, seeks guidance on choosing a denomination. Raised outside of any faith community, Andrew's wife is Roman Catholic, and their four daughters are baptized and participating in Catholic practices. While Andrew feels theologically aligned with Reformed traditions, he faces familial pressures and doctrinal concerns within Catholicism. He worries about making creedal statements that conflict with his gospel understanding and fears that joining the Catholic Church might compromise his faith integrity.

IV. Tom Wright’s Response to Denominational Dilemma

[08:00] Tom Wright:
Tom Wright empathetically addresses Andrew’s concerns, acknowledging the complexity of balancing personal convictions with familial and cultural ties to Roman Catholicism. He shares his own experiences in ecumenical dialogues and emphasizes common foundational beliefs across Christianity, such as the Trinity, Incarnation, and salvation through Jesus. Wright illustrates the cultural differences between Roman Catholicism’s communal and hierarchical traditions versus the more individualistic and doctrinally precise Protestant traditions.

[13:20] Tom Wright:
"One overarching thing, which I would say is this, the Roman world... do things quite differently from the world of Northern Europe, which tends to be more clinical, logical, either or... It’s a parable for me of the way so much of the Roman world works."

Wright advises Andrew to engage in conversations with parish clergy, suggesting that baptism should align with one's conscience and understanding of faith. He encourages joint Bible reading within the family as a unifying practice, underscoring the Bible’s role as a central pillar for faith and practice.

[16:34] Dr. Mike Bird:
Dr. Bird echoes Wright’s sentiments, reflecting on positive experiences within the Catholic tradition and emphasizing the importance of finding a congregation where God's word is central and the community fosters spiritual growth.

V. Intermission: Advertisements Skipped

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VI. Listener Question: Justification and the Role of Works

[18:58] Dr. Mike Bird:
Dr. Bird introduces David’s question, focusing on clarification of Tom Wright’s views on justification, particularly regarding the interplay between faith and works. David seeks to understand whether Wright has adequately addressed what believers can rely on when standing before a holy God.

VII. Tom Wright’s Theological Exploration of Justification

[20:26] Tom Wright:
Tom Wright offers an in-depth theological examination of justification, critiquing the traditional Reformation emphasis on "justification by faith alone." He references Paul's Romans to highlight that justification also involves future judgment and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Wright asserts that genuine faith inherently produces a life of holiness, countering the misconception that works negate salvation.

[22:15] Tom Wright:
"He has to have this work of the Spirit, whose first sign is precisely somebody coming to faith. The work of the Spirit includes, must include what Paul calls the putting to death the deeds of the body."

Wright emphasizes that the Holy Spirit’s role extends beyond initial faith, fostering a life that mirrors Christ’s character. He cautions against viewing justification as a mere status before God, instead framing it within the broader biblical narrative of new creation and the active partnership between believers and the Holy Spirit in manifesting God’s kingdom.

[29:02] Dr. Mike Bird:
Dr. Bird complements Wright’s explanation by integrating Reformation perspectives, highlighting theologians like John Calvin and Augustine. He underscores that good works are not the basis of salvation but are evidence of a transformed life empowered by the Holy Spirit.

[31:48] Tom Wright:
Continuing, Wright addresses pastoral concerns where individuals may misunderstand justification as a one-time event that disconnects faith from ethical living. He warns against the trap of complacency, advocating for a dynamic relationship with God that incorporates ongoing sanctification and active discipleship.

VIII. Concluding Insights

[34:07] Dr. Mike Bird:
Dr. Bird summarizes the discussion by reinforcing the necessity of ongoing spiritual growth and the active role of the Holy Spirit in shaping a believer’s life. He calls for a balanced understanding of justification that honors both faith and the transformative power of works as fruits of genuine belief.

[34:38] Final Remarks:
Both hosts bid farewell, encouraging listeners to engage with the podcast further and explore more conversations on theological topics.

Key Takeaways

• Denominational Identity: Navigating denominational choices involves balancing personal convictions with familial and cultural ties. Anglicanism offers a structured yet flexible framework for those questioning their denominational allegiance.

• Common Christian Foundations: Despite denominational differences, core beliefs such as the Trinity, Incarnation, and salvation through Jesus unify Christians across traditions.

• Justification and Works: True justification integrates faith and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, leading to a life of holiness and good works that reflect genuine faith.

• Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit actively works in believers’ lives, fostering both initial faith and ongoing sanctification, countering any notion that faith and works are mutually exclusive.

• Ecumenical Dialogue: Engaging in dialogue across denominations can reveal shared beliefs and foster mutual understanding, promoting Christian unity as advocated in the New Testament.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright [01:33]:
  "The rhythm of worship and the centrality of the reading of scripture and the praying... such a solid place to stand day by day, year by year."

• Tom Wright [13:20]:
  "The Roman world... do things quite differently from the world of Northern Europe... it’s a parable for me of the way so much of the Roman world works."

• Tom Wright [20:26]:
  "The work of the Spirit includes, must include what Paul calls the putting to death the deeds of the body."

• Dr. Mike Bird [29:02]:
  "Good works demonstrate the integrity of the faith that we profess."

This episode provides a profound exploration of denominational differences and theological concepts surrounding faith and works. Dr. Mike Bird and Tom Wright offer insightful perspectives that encourage listeners to thoughtfully navigate their spiritual journeys while fostering unity within the broader Christian community.