Ask NT Wright Anything: S2E4 – "Salvation for Everyone? Predestination, Free Will and Inclusion Theology"

Release Date: February 2, 2025
Host: Dr. Mike Bird, Premier Unbelievable
Featuring: Dr. Tom Wright

Overview

In the fourth episode of the second season of Ask NT Wright Anything, hosts Dr. Mike Bird and Dr. Tom Wright delve into profound theological discussions surrounding predestination, free will, and inclusion theology. Addressing listeners' questions, the episode navigates the intricate balance between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, challenging traditional frameworks and encouraging a trinitarian approach to understanding salvation.

Key Topics Covered

1. Inclusion Theology and Biblical Alignment
2. Predestination vs. Free Will: Understanding the Balance
3. Trinitarian Perspective on Salvation
4. Reframing Traditional Theological Concepts

Detailed Discussions

1. Inclusion Theology and Biblical Alignment

Listener Question: Kelly Anderson from St. Charles, Illinois, inquires about inclusion theology, specifically its claim that the cross resets human destiny towards universal salvation while allowing free will to reject this gift. She references C.S. Lewis's writings, such as The Last Battle and The Great Divorce, questioning whether this perspective aligns with biblical teachings.

Tom Wright’s Response ([03:14]):

Dr. Wright begins by distinguishing philosophical debates on determinism and free will from theological discussions on God's sovereignty and human responsibility. He criticizes the oversimplified dichotomy often presented in philosophy, where determinism paints humans as pre-programmed entities, and free will suggests randomness without purpose.

“In determinism, we're really all just pre-programmed machines... And free will means we're just like random atoms zooming around...” ([03:50])

He highlights that biblical theology presents a more nuanced picture, emphasizing God’s role as a sovereign creator who collaborates with humanity to fulfill divine purposes. Dr. Wright critiques the concept of inclusion theology for suggesting a "loophole" in God’s sovereignty, deeming it unbiblical.

“The Holy Spirit... differentiates this entirely from a determinism versus free will context.” ([07:35])

Referencing C.S. Lewis, Dr. Wright acknowledges that while Lewis approaches salvation creatively, his portrayal of hell and the new creation differs from traditional medieval views, leaning towards an annihilationist perspective where rejection leads to a stripped-down existence devoid of God’s reflection.

2. Predestination vs. Free Will: Understanding the Balance

Listener Question: Dominic Man Montano from Albuquerque, New Mexico, poses a question on how predestination fits with free will and salvation. He worries that if God predestines some for salvation, it might imply coercion, thereby undermining genuine choice.

Tom Wright’s Response ([15:48]):

Dr. Wright shares a personal anecdote about his young grandson’s innocent yet profound question on God's sovereignty and human responsibility, underscoring the ubiquitous nature of this debate.

“If God is responsible for everything, why does it matter that we should be responsible for anything?” ([16:10])

He elaborates on Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 1, arguing that Paul's discussions on predestination are rooted in Israel’s role in God’s salvific plan rather than deterministic outcomes. Wright emphasizes that predestination is about God’s purposes through humans rather than predetermined individual destinies.

“God's purpose, which is the Israel-shaped purpose for and through Jesus Christ... for the whole of humanity to be people who are some working models of new creation.” ([18:25])

3. Trinitarian Perspective on Salvation

Dr. Wright advocates for a Trinitarian understanding of salvation, moving beyond the binary of predestination versus free will. He underscores the active role of the Holy Spirit in enabling human choice and transformation.

“The Holy Spirit... is God active in the world, God's breath in the world.” ([19:10])

He critiques the American theological landscape for its rigid dichotomies, advocating instead for a holistic biblical perspective that integrates God’s sovereignty, human responsibility, and the transformative work of the Spirit.

4. Reframing Traditional Theological Concepts

Dr. Wright calls for a re-examination of inherited theological frameworks, particularly those stemming from medieval and Western traditions. He encourages embracing a biblical and Old Testament-rooted understanding of salvation that focuses on God’s creation and purpose rather than individualistic predestinarian concerns.

“If we turn it back on ourselves we are bound to end up with this either or which is actually a sterile debate.” ([20:05])

He references his work on Acts and Surprised by Hope, emphasizing that salvation is about God’s new creation and humanity’s role within it, aligning with Isaiah’s servant songs and Paul’s vision of a Christ-shaped community.

“The primary thing... is the creator God doing new creation and summoning and enabling men and women and children to be part of that, that for his world.” ([20:45])

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Tom Wright on Philosophical Dichotomy:

  “In determinism, we're really all just pre-programmed machines... And free will means we're just like random atoms zooming around...” ([03:50])

• Tom Wright on Holy Spirit’s Role:

  “The Holy Spirit... differentiates this entirely from a determinism versus free will context.” ([07:35])

• Tom Wright’s Anecdote:

  “If God is responsible for everything, why does it matter that we should be responsible for anything?” ([16:10])

• Dr. Wright on Romans and Ephesians:

  “God's purpose, which is the Israel-shaped purpose for and through Jesus Christ... for the whole of humanity to be people who are some working models of new creation.” ([18:25])

• Trinitarian Understanding:

  “The Holy Spirit... is God active in the world, God's breath in the world.” ([19:10])

• Reframing the Debate:

  “If we turn it back on ourselves we are bound to end up with this either or which is actually a sterile debate.” ([20:05])

Conclusion

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Tom Wright and Dr. Mike Bird challenge listeners to move beyond traditional, often polarized theological frameworks. By advocating for a trinitarian and purpose-driven understanding of salvation, they emphasize God's active role in creation and redemption, while affirming human responsibility and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The discussion encourages believers to view salvation not merely as a destination but as an ongoing vocation to embody and reflect Christ's image in the world.

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