Episode Summary: Suicide and Salvation: What Does NT Wright Say?

Ask NT Wright Anything
Host: Mike Bird
Guest: Tom Wright
Release Date: May 25, 2025

In this poignant episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Mike Bird engages with renowned theologian Tom Wright to delve into deeply sensitive and complex topics: suicide and salvation, the nuances of baptism, and the biblical foundations of the Trinity. Through thoughtful dialogue, the episode offers listeners profound theological insights intertwined with pastoral care.

1. Suicide and Salvation

Timestamp: [02:01]

The episode opens with Mike introducing a heart-wrenching subject: suicide. He presents two listener questions—Andrew Mason's inquiry about why God allows suicide and Kay Hills' concern about the eternal fate of a born-again Christian who commits suicide.

Tom Wright's Response ([04:03]):

Tom Wright approaches the topic with both theological depth and compassionate empathy. Acknowledging the tragic nature of suicide, he broadens the discussion to the broader existential question of why God permits suffering and evil. Wright emphasizes that the occurrence of tragic events, including suicide, is part of the "much stranger and darker" world God has created. He asserts that tragedies aren't orchestrated by God but are a consequence of human free will and the brokenness of the world.

"The answer seems to be that God's world is a much stranger and darker place... God wants us to be grown up and responsible and take responsibility for who we are and what we do."
([04:45] Tom Wright)

Wright further explores the spiritual dimensions, suggesting that even in the depths of despair, God's love remains unwavering. Referencing Psalm 139 and the crucifixion of Jesus, he posits that God's grace can reach individuals even in their most hopeless moments.

"I see the arms of Jesus wrapping around such a person with love and consolation and tenderness... When Jesus said, 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?' That is precisely how many suicides feel."
([09:30] Tom Wright)

He concludes with a hopeful outlook on eternal life, asserting confidence that those who have a relationship with Christ will ultimately be part of the new creation.

Mike Bird's Reflection ([11:21]):

Mike complements Tom's thoughts by urging listeners who may be struggling with mental health to seek support, emphasizing that "the light of joy of heaven's brightness can still shine upon you."

2. Baptism: Infant vs. Believer's Baptism

Timestamp: [13:58]

The conversation transitions to baptism, sparked by Landon Camp's question about the necessity of believer's baptism for someone baptized as an infant but who only embraced faith as an adult.

Tom Wright's Insights ([16:23]):

Tom Wright navigates the intricate balance between infant and believer's baptism. Drawing parallels to Jewish traditions, he underscores the theological significance of recognizing God's love from the very beginning of life.

"It seems to me to deny baptism to a child that has known that incarnation of the love of God from the first minutes... would be foolish."
([17:45] Tom Wright)

Wright discusses the symbolic and communal aspects of baptism, highlighting that it represents the death and resurrection of Jesus and integrates the individual into the faith community. He addresses the misconception that infant baptism is mere ritualism by emphasizing its deeper theological underpinnings.

"Baptism is not actually about me pinning my flag on God's map. Baptism is something that the whole church does to celebrate the fact that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the means of God's rescuing of people for the new creation."
([22:10] Tom Wright)

He also touches upon the practical challenges and theological debates surrounding re-baptism, advocating for clarity and understanding within the faith journey.

Mike Bird's Participation ([24:30]):

Mike shares his involvement in a project discussing dual baptism practices, advocating for mutual respect between traditions that uphold both infant and believer's baptism. He references initiatives that aim to bridge the theological divides by recognizing baptism as both a familial and personal act of faith.

3. The Doctrine of the Trinity: Biblical Foundations and Development

Timestamp: [27:16]

Jason Loren poses a critical question regarding the biblical legitimacy of the Trinity doctrine and its historical development within the early church.

Tom Wright's Explanation ([27:16]):

Tom Wright delves into the intricate origins of the Trinity, debunking the notion that it is merely a philosophical construct imposed on Christianity. He elucidates that while the term "Trinity" itself is Latin and not found in the New Testament, the foundational concepts are deeply rooted in biblical texts.

"In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says, 'Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'... it's the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all together."
([28:30] Tom Wright)

Wright references key New Testament passages, including the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, Paul's letters (e.g., Galatians 4:6-7; 1 Corinthians 12), and the Johannine writings, to illustrate the triadic relationship inherent in the early Christian understanding of God. He emphasizes that the early church was actively engaged in defining this doctrine to maintain a monotheistic faith amidst diverse philosophical and pagan influences.

"The Spirit is not just one aspect of this now spiritual being called Jesus... we necessarily differentiate."
([33:10] Tom Wright)

He highlights that the development of the Trinity was a response to understanding the complex nature of God's revelation through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, ensuring the doctrine remained faithful to the scriptural narrative without succumbing to heretical distortions like tritheism or modalism.

Mike Bird's Commentary ([34:30]):

Mike appreciates Wright's articulation, noting that the Trinity is an exercise in biblical hermeneutics rather than a simple proof-text doctrine. He recommends further reading to explore the interplay between scriptural exegesis and doctrinal formulation.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Mike Bird previews the next discussion, which will tackle other challenging topics such as abortion and theological contradictions within Paul's letters. The dialogue between Mike and Tom in this episode not only addresses profound theological questions but also offers solace and guidance to listeners navigating their faith amidst life's complexities.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright ([04:45]): "The answer seems to be that God's world is a much stranger and darker place... God wants us to be grown up and responsible and take responsibility for who we are and what we do."

• Tom Wright ([09:30]): "I see the arms of Jesus wrapping around such a person with love and consolation and tenderness... When Jesus said, 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?' That is precisely how many suicides feel."

• Tom Wright ([17:45]): "It seems to me to deny baptism to a child that has known that incarnation of the love of God from the first minutes... would be foolish."

• Tom Wright ([22:10]): "Baptism is not actually about me pinning my flag on God's map. Baptism is something that the whole church does to celebrate the fact that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the means of God's rescuing of people for the new creation."

• Tom Wright ([28:30]): "In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus says, 'Baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.'... it's the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all together."

• Tom Wright ([33:10]): "The Spirit is not just one aspect of this now spiritual being called Jesus... we necessarily differentiate."

This episode serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of NT Wright's theological perspectives, offering listeners both intellectual stimulation and heartfelt comfort.