Ask NT Wright Anything - Season 2, Episode 5: "Did Jesus Claim to Be the Son of God? Tom Wright Responds to Bart Ehrman and Other Questions"
Release Date: February 9, 2025
In this engaging episode of the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast, host Dr. Mike Bird and esteemed theologian Tom Wright delve into profound theological discussions sparked by listener questions. The episode primarily explores the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, responds to critiques by scholar Bart Ehrman, and examines the role of the Eucharist and the Ten Commandments in contemporary Christian life. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Did Jesus Claim to Be the Son of God?
- Eucharistic Adoration
- The Ten Commandments and Sabbath Observance
- Old Testament Law and Its Application Today
- Conclusion
Introduction
Dr. Mike Bird opens the episode by introducing the primary topics based on listener inquiries, including the divinity of Jesus, the Eucharist, and the applicability of Old Testament laws today. Tom Wright joins as co-host, bringing his profound scholarly insights to the discussions.
Did Jesus Claim to Be the Son of God?
Responding to Bart Ehrman
The conversation begins with a question from listener Teneta Schneider, challenging Tom Wright to address Bart Ehrman's assertion that Jesus did not claim to be the Son of God. Both Dr. Bird and Tom Wright acknowledge their past debates with Ehrman, setting the stage for a robust theological discussion.
Historical Context of "Son of God"
Tom Wright delves into the historical and cultural context of the term "Son of God" within Judean society. He explains that in the Old Testament, especially in texts like Psalm 2 and 2 Samuel 7, the title "Son of God" was primarily associated with the Davidic Messiah, the prophesied king who would embody God's presence and reign.
Tom Wright [07:30]: "The phrase Son of God had a particular meaning, which was Messiah...the true Davidic king, the true heir to the throne of David, and hence the true king of the world."
Theological Implications
Wright argues that Paul's writings in the New Testament synthesize the Messiahic expectations with the incarnation, presenting Jesus as both the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the embodiment of God's saving love. He asserts that Ehrman's critique overlooks this rich interplay of historical and theological elements.
Tom Wright [08:50]: "We are able with complete integrity as well as faith to say Jesus was and is the one in whom the living God was and is personally embodied, for which part of the biblical language is Son of God."
Notable Quotes
- Tom Wright [09:14]: "Jesus did claim to be the Son of God. You see that in the parable of the tenants..."
- Dr. Mike Bird [11:26]: "Bart Ehrman has not really looked at all those things. He just wants to reject a rather simple form of traditional Western Christianity."
Eucharistic Adoration
Listener's Question
Melanie Lynn, raised in a Puritan heritage, inquires about Eucharistic adoration and whether she is missing out on its richness by being unfamiliar with high church practices.
Tom Wright's Perspective
Wright explores the historical backlash against medieval Roman Catholic Eucharistic practices by Puritans, who sought to purify worship away from what they perceived as ritualistic excesses. He emphasizes the importance of liturgical tradition in honoring Jesus' sacrifice and maintaining communal worship.
Tom Wright [13:29]: "To have a proper liturgy...is a way of honoring the great tradition."
He clarifies misconceptions around transubstantiation and urges discernment to ensure that adoration remains focused on Jesus rather than the elements themselves.
Dr. Mike Bird's Addition
Dr. Bird adds that many churches downplay the significance of the Eucharist to the detriment of its meaning, advocating for a high view of sacraments without necessarily reverting to Roman Catholic ritualism.
Dr. Mike Bird [25:04]: "If nothing special is going on, then this meal has no point... The sacraments are a big deal and should be treated as such."
Notable Quotes
- Tom Wright [23:28]: "When we are doing [the Eucharist], we are in that long line, that long tradition, and that sustains us like family life sustains us."
- Dr. Mike Bird [25:04]: "Calvin said...if there's no special event, then this meal has no point."
The Ten Commandments and Sabbath Observance
Listener's Question
Hatton Dorado asks about the role of the Ten Commandments, particularly the Sabbath, in a contemporary Christian's life.
Tom Wright's Explanation
Wright acknowledges the significance of the Ten Commandments in both ancient Israel and the New Testament but points out that not all commandments hold the same weight today. He highlights that:
- Love God and Neighbor: Summarized commandments focus on overarching principles of love.
- Sabbath as Fulfilled: He asserts that Jesus fulfills the Sabbath, viewing it not as a legalistic requirement but as an invitation to live in God's restorative presence.
Tom Wright [29:18]: "Jesus was the Sabbath in person... the Sabbath is fulfilled in Him."
He discusses how the Sabbath's true meaning is about rest and restoration rather than rigid observance, advocating for a balanced work-rest life inspired by the Sabbath principle.
Principles for Modern Christians
Wright emphasizes that the Sabbath principle today translates into maintaining a work-life balance, allowing for rest and spiritual rejuvenation without strict legalistic adherence to a particular day.
Tom Wright [36:49]: "The principle of a work-life balance, a work-rest balance is absolutely vital."
Notable Quotes
- Tom Wright [34:52]: "Don't go down that rabbit hole, celebrate the Lord's Day, the day of resurrection."
- Dr. Mike Bird [36:13]: "Sabbath is definitely a good principle to maintain spiritual, mental, and physical health."
Old Testament Law and Its Application Today
Listener's Question
A listener inquires about the tripartite division of Old Testament law into civil, ceremonial, and moral categories, questioning its usefulness in understanding contemporary Christian ethics.
Tom Wright's Analysis
Wright critiques the simplistic division, arguing that such categorization may overlook the integrated narrative of Scripture. He contends that:
- Ceremonial Laws: Represent God's promise to dwell among His people, emphasizing community purity and holiness.
- Moral Laws: Continue to inform ethical behavior, while civil laws historically structured society.
- Integrated Story: The sacrificial system and ceremonial laws are deeply interconnected with God's overall plan, now fulfilled in Jesus.
Tom Wright [40:04]: "The sacrificial system was there because God has promised to dwell in the midst of his people."
He advocates for rethinking these laws in light of Jesus' fulfillment, urging Christians to discern how ancient principles apply to modern contexts without rigidly separating them.
Historical Perspective
Drawing on historical shifts, Wright notes that early English reformers initially saw Old Testament laws as templates for governance but shifted focus post-Christ's advent to view these laws as pointers to Jesus' mission.
Tom Wright [43:44]: "Some of the early English reformers were not Sabbatarians...God's new age has arrived in the present."
Notable Quotes
- Tom Wright [40:04]: "Don't be too quick to label things moral, civil, ceremonial...because what was going on in those others is part of the great story of the people of God."
- Dr. Mike Bird [44:37]: "The book of Proverbs and some of the great songs...there are problems, principles there."
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Dr. Mike Bird summarizing the rich theological insights shared by Tom Wright. They encourage listeners to engage deeply with Scripture, understanding its historical contexts and applying its principles thoughtfully in contemporary life. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced and discerning faith, honoring traditions while embracing the fulfilled mission of Jesus.
Tom Wright [46:07]: "The whole scripture is authoritative, but how its authority lands through the five acts of God's great drama is something which has to be worked out with great sensitivity."
Listeners are invited to continue exploring these themes through past episodes and to submit their own questions for future discussions.
Notable Quotes Compilation:
-
Tom Wright [07:30]: "The phrase Son of God had a particular meaning, which was Messiah...the true Davidic king, the true heir to the throne of David, and hence the true king of the world."
-
Tom Wright [08:50]: "We are able with complete integrity as well as faith to say Jesus was and is the one in whom the living God was and is personally embodied, for which part of the biblical language is Son of God."
-
Tom Wright [13:29]: "To have a proper liturgy...is a way of honoring the great tradition."
-
Tom Wright [23:28]: "When we are doing [the Eucharist], we are in that long line, that long tradition, and that sustains us like family life sustains us."
-
Dr. Mike Bird [25:04]: "Calvin said...if there's no special event, then this meal has no point."
-
Tom Wright [29:18]: "Jesus was the Sabbath in person... the Sabbath is fulfilled in Him."
-
Tom Wright [34:52]: "Don't go down that rabbit hole, celebrate the Lord's Day, the day of resurrection."
-
Tom Wright [40:04]: "Don't be too quick to label things moral, civil, ceremonial...because what was going on in those others is part of the great story of the people of God."
-
Tom Wright [46:07]: "The whole scripture is authoritative, but how its authority lands through the five acts of God's great drama is something which has to be worked out with great sensitivity."
This episode offers profound insights into the nature of Jesus, the significance of Christian rituals, and the enduring relevance of biblical laws, making it an invaluable resource for listeners seeking deeper theological understanding.