Critiquing: #002 — Qs on sacrifice, crucifixion and atonement
November 27, 2018 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier
Penal Substitution — Old Testament Sacrificial System — New Creation — Atonement Theories — Scriptural Narrative
Episode Assessment:
| Metric | ——— | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of Accuracy | B | Generally accurate, though some simplifications of complex theological concepts. |
| Degree of Coherence | B+ | Logical structure is maintained throughout the discussion, with clear connections between points. |
| Absence of Fallacies | B | No significant logical fallacies detected, though some arguments could benefit from further support. |
| Degree of Evidence | B | Substantial references to scripture and theological works, but lacking in detailed empirical evidence. |
| Degree of Testability | C+ | Claims are largely theological and interpretive, making them difficult to test empirically. |
| Rational Confidence | B- | The arguments are reasonably well-supported, but the reliance on theological interpretation lowers empirical confidence. |
Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:
- Degree of Evidence:
The arguments presented by NT Wright in the podcast are heavily reliant on theological and scriptural references, which, while robust within the framework of Christian theology, lack the empirical evidence that would strengthen the claims for a broader audience. For example, Wright’s assertion that “the death of Jesus really did win the victory of God over the dark forces of evil, corruption, and sin and death” is rooted deeply in theological interpretation rather than empirical data.
“God condemned sin in the flesh of Jesus”
- Degree of Testability:
The content largely consists of theological interpretations that are inherently difficult to test. Concepts such as Jesus’ death altering the course of history and his resurrection being the turning point are profound theological beliefs but are not subject to empirical validation. For instance, Wright’s discussion on the sacrificial system in Leviticus and its connection to the New Testament’s view of Jesus’ sacrifice is more interpretive than testable.
“Jesus’ death is actually the kingdom-bringing moment.”
Syllogistic Formulation of Major Arguments:
1. Jesus’ Death and Historical Change
- Premise 1: The New Testament teaches that Jesus’ death is the moment when history changes.
- Premise 2: Jesus’ death is seen as a turning point by his followers after his resurrection.
- Premise 3: This change is tied to the mission and the implementation of the event by his followers.
- Conclusion: Therefore, Jesus’ death marks a historical change as perceived through the New Testament and the actions of his followers.
Counter-Argument: The historical change attributed to Jesus’ death is primarily a theological construct rather than an observable historical fact. While it is undeniable that Christianity has had a profound impact on history, the assertion that a divine intervention through Jesus’ death caused this change remains untestable. Historical changes can be attributed to a multitude of socio-political factors and the spread of any major ideology or religion rather than a singular divine event.
2. The Atonement and Penal Substitution
- Premise 1: The New Testament uses various metaphors and stories to explain the meaning of Jesus’ death.
- Premise 2: These metaphors include penal substitution, Christus Victor, and ransom theory.
- Premise 3: Penal substitution is expressed as Jesus dying on behalf of and in place of sinners.
- Conclusion: Therefore, the New Testament provides a multi-faceted understanding of atonement that includes penal substitution among other theories.
Counter-Argument: The penal substitution theory of atonement, while popular in certain Christian circles, is not universally accepted and is subject to significant critique. Critics argue that it portrays God as a wrathful deity requiring punishment, which can be seen as morally problematic. Moreover, this theory relies heavily on specific interpretations of scripture rather than a consensus across all theological perspectives. The diversity of atonement theories within Christianity itself suggests that no single interpretation is definitive.
3. The Role of Sacrifices in Old and New Testaments
- Premise 1: The Old Testament sacrificial system is not about punishing animals but about purification.
- Premise 2: Sacrifices in Leviticus are intended to cleanse the sanctuary and the people.
- Premise 3: Jesus’ death is seen as the ultimate purification, fulfilling the symbolism of the Old Testament sacrifices.
- Conclusion: Therefore, the New Testament reinterprets the Old Testament sacrificial system through the lens of Jesus’ death as the ultimate sacrifice.
Counter-Argument: The reinterpretation of the Old Testament sacrificial system in light of Jesus’ death is a theological perspective rather than a historical fact. The original context and purpose of these sacrifices within the Jewish tradition were likely understood differently by contemporary practitioners. Applying a Christian theological framework to reinterpret Jewish practices may not accurately reflect their original meanings and intentions. This approach can be seen as an imposition of later religious beliefs onto earlier traditions.
4. Misconceptions about Sacrifice and Atonement
- Premise 1: Modern interpretations of sacrifice and atonement often differ from their scriptural meanings.
- Premise 2: The concept of Jesus’ sacrifice is sometimes misunderstood as merely punitive.
- Premise 3: A proper understanding requires viewing Jesus’ death as a divine act of love and the ultimate victory over evil.
- Conclusion: Therefore, modern Christians need to re-evaluate their understanding of sacrifice and atonement in light of scriptural teachings.
Counter-Argument: The critique of modern misconceptions about sacrifice and atonement underscores the complexity of theological doctrines. However, the insistence on a “proper understanding” based on scriptural teachings assumes a uniform interpretation of scripture, which is not the case. Different Christian denominations and theologians interpret these concepts in varied ways, reflecting the diversity within Christianity. Additionally, the notion of divine love and victory over evil, while central to Christian belief, remains a faith-based assertion rather than an objective truth.
◉ Addressing Argument #4:
The Fragmented Nature of Redemption Models in Scripture
Introduction
The concept of redemption is central to Christian theology, representing the process through which humanity is saved from sin and reconciled with God. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that there is no single, coherent notion of redemption within the Bible. Instead, what emerges is a patchwork of models and metaphors, each contributing to a complex and often contradictory understanding of how redemption is achieved. This essay explores the fragmented nature of these redemption models and questions the clarity and consistency one might expect from a divinely inspired text.
Diverse Redemption Models
Throughout the Bible, multiple models of redemption are presented, each offering a different perspective on the mechanism and significance of salvation. These models include but are not limited to penal substitution, Christus Victor, ransom theory, and moral influence. Each model draws from different scriptural sources and theological traditions, leading to a multifaceted but disjointed narrative.
- Penal Substitution: This model posits that Jesus died as a substitute for sinners, bearing the punishment that humanity deserves. It is heavily influenced by legal metaphors, suggesting a judicial process where God’s justice is satisfied through the sacrificial death of Christ.
- Christus Victor: This model depicts Jesus’ death as a victorious battle over the powers of evil, sin, and death. It emphasizes the cosmic struggle and ultimate triumph of good over evil.
- Ransom Theory: According to this model, Jesus’ death is seen as a ransom paid to free humanity from bondage to sin and Satan. It borrows from transactional language, suggesting a payment that secures liberation.
- Moral Influence: This model focuses on the exemplary life and death of Jesus, viewing his sacrifice as a profound demonstration of God’s love meant to inspire moral transformation in humanity.
Incoherence and Lack of Clarity
The coexistence of these diverse models within the same religious tradition creates an inherent tension. Each model offers a distinct and sometimes conflicting interpretation of the same event, raising questions about the overall coherence of the redemption narrative. For instance, the legalistic framework of penal substitution contrasts sharply with the relational and transformational focus of the moral influence theory. Similarly, the transactional language of ransom theory does not easily align with the cosmic battle imagery of Christus Victor.
This lack of coherence is further compounded by the selective emphasis different Christian denominations place on these models. Some traditions prioritize penal substitution, while others lean towards Christus Victor or moral influence. This selective emphasis leads to doctrinal fragmentation and theological disputes, undermining the notion of a unified and divinely inspired message.
Expectations of Divine Inspiration
A divinely inspired holy book, one might argue, should exhibit a level of clarity and consistency that transcends human limitations. The presence of multiple, sometimes contradictory, models of redemption suggests either a human-authored text or a divine message that is purposefully complex. However, the latter raises additional questions about the accessibility and comprehensibility of divine revelation. If God’s intention is to communicate the path to salvation clearly, the existence of such divergent models seems counterproductive.
Conclusion
The fragmented nature of redemption models in the Bible highlights a significant challenge in Christian theology. The lack of a coherent and unified notion of redemption suggests that the scriptural narrative is more a collection of diverse theological reflections than a clear, divinely inspired message. This complexity poses difficulties for believers seeking a straightforward understanding of salvation. The cobbled-together nature of these models calls into question the clarity and consistency one would expect from a text of divine origin, prompting a re-examination of how we interpret and understand the concept of redemption in Christian faith.
Free of Faith 
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