Podcast Summary: Ask NT Wright Anything Episode: Who were "the sons of God in Genesis 6?" Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host: Mike Bird
Guest: Tom Wright
Produced by: Premier Unbelievable

Introduction

In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, host Mike Bird and guest Tom Wright delve into complex theological questions submitted by listeners. The discussion spans topics from God's eternal love for Israel to the moral implications of working in defense industries, and interpretations of the enigmatic "sons of God" in Genesis 6. The conversation is enriched with insightful commentary, reflective of NT Wright’s profound theological perspectives.

1. God’s Eternal Love for Israel and Its Contemporary Implications

Timestamp: [01:28 – 10:02]

Question by Kathy Wenman:
Kathy questions the consistency of God's unending love for Israel as depicted in Scriptures like Joel 3:20 and Hosea 11:8-9, and probes its relevance to the modern state of Israel amidst political complexities.

Tom Wright’s Response: Tom emphasizes that "in the New Testament, it is precisely promises like those ones that are seen as being fulfilled in Jesus" ([02:45]). He argues against the notion that Jesus represents a new plan that replaces God's earlier promises to Israel. Instead, Wright asserts that "the Messiah sums up in himself all God's promises and purposes to Israel." He critiques interpretations that dismiss God's ongoing commitment to Israel, highlighting Paul's teachings in Romans 9 and 11, which underscore that God's promises to Israel remain intact and are pivotal for the formation of a united Jew-Gentile Christian community.

Wright cautions against using Romans 11 to justify political stances regarding the modern state of Israel, clarifying that the Apostle Paul’s intentions were theological rather than territorial. He concludes that "Romans 11 is about God wanting to create a Jew plus Gentile family shaped by and rooted in Jesus, the Messiah" ([09:50]).

Notable Quote:
"The early church is not oh, well, we're now a Gentile movement and the Jews are not loved by God anymore." ([08:50])

2. Moral Implications of Working in Defense Industries

Timestamp: [10:02 – 19:41]

Question by Wesley Ekstrom Santos:
Wesley grapples with the ethics of working for a company that manufactures defense systems, questioning whether it aligns with Christian moral values.

Tom Wright’s Response: Drawing from his experience as Dean of Lichfield, Tom discusses the complexities surrounding defense industries. He illustrates the dilemma with the need for national defense versus the moral quandaries posed by weapon manufacturing. Wright underscores the importance of "a whole better revamped theory of just war" ([12:16]), touching upon the ethical considerations of producing different types of weaponry, including cluster and nuclear bombs. He advocates for discerning what constitutes appropriate defense mechanisms in today's technologically advanced warfare landscape.

Mike Bird’s Input: Mike, reflecting on his military background, aligns with just war theory, acknowledging it as "the least worst option." He emphasizes the role of defense as a deterrent against aggression and suggests alternative career paths within defense sectors, such as cybersecurity, which are crucial for contemporary national security.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright: "What counts as appropriate forms of warfare in today's world, these are huge issues, and I don't see any easy knockdown argument about how we should address them." ([16:30])
• Mike Bird: "Just war theory, although it may not be ideal and doesn't often get applied well, is still the least worst option." ([17:54])

3. Interpreting the "Sons of God" in Genesis 6

Timestamp: [22:30 – 31:21]

Question by DJ Freeman:
DJ inquires about the identity of the "sons of God" in Genesis 6, questioning whether these beings had carnal desires and were necessarily male, juxtaposing this with biblical portrayals of angels as asexual.

Tom Wright’s Response: Tom acknowledges the scarcity of definitive biblical information on the "sons of God," referencing Job 1:6 and Genesis 6:1-4. He posits that "heaven and earth are not that far apart" and suggests that these beings might have had human-like attributes. Wright notes the influence of "residual Platonism" on Western perceptions of spiritual beings, which complicates the interpretation. He encourages consulting contemporary commentaries and theological resources for a more comprehensive understanding.

Mike Bird’s Input: Mike proposes that the "sons of God" could be angels who became corrupted, citing Jude and Revelation as additional, albeit limited, New Testament references supporting this view. He speculates that these beings might have sought power and indulged in carnal desires, thereby disrupting the intended harmony between heaven and earth.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright: "Because of the residual Platonism of Western culture, we have assumed that what we call spiritual beings would have nothing carnal or physical about them." ([24:44])
• Mike Bird: "These sons of God become corrupted and perverted and out of that perversion they have then pursued, as I think it says in Jude, other flesh." ([29:57])

4. Reenacting Passover and Foot Washing Liturgies in Christian Practices

Timestamp: [31:21 – 39:34]

Question by Jim Bryson:
Jim questions whether Christians should reenact the Passover meal during Maundy Thursday and incorporate foot washing liturgies, considering modern cultural contexts.

Tom Wright’s Response: Tom shares his experiences with Christian Passover reenactments, highlighting the educational and spiritual value while cautioning against cultural appropriation. He appreciates the intimacy and symbolism of foot washing, describing it as a powerful act of service and humility, akin to the practices of first-century hospitality. Wright advocates for its preservation as a meaningful tradition within Christian liturgy, without imposing it universally on all congregations.

Mike Bird’s Input: Mike expresses reservations about Christians independently holding Passover meals, concerned about potential offense to Jewish communities. However, he strongly supports the practice of foot washing, recognizing its deep symbolic significance in embodying Christ's teachings on service and humility.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Wright: "There is something enormously powerful, intimate, special and humbling in all sorts of ways, both about having your feet washed by somebody and in washing somebody else's feet." ([34:44])
• Mike Bird: "I tend to think that Paul says, Christ, our Passover lamb, has been slain. So I'm kind of reluctant to hold my own Passover meal." ([38:10])

Conclusion

In this episode, Mike Bird and Tom Wright engage thoughtfully with challenging theological questions, offering nuanced perspectives rooted in biblical scholarship and practical ethics. They navigate intricate scriptural interpretations and contemporary moral dilemmas, providing listeners with profound insights into their faith’s application in both historical and modern contexts.

Notable Resources Mentioned:

• Logos Bible Software: Featured in multiple sponsorship segments, Logos is recommended for in-depth biblical study and sermon preparation. Mike Bird encourages listeners to explore its extensive theological resources.

Final Thoughts: Listeners are encouraged to submit their questions for future episodes and engage with the rich theological discourse that Ask NT Wright Anything fosters. Whether grappling with ancient texts or modern ethical issues, Mike and Tom provide a platform for thoughtful exploration of faith and scripture.

For more detailed discussions and additional content, consider subscribing to bonus episodes at askntwright.supportingcast.fm.