Critiquing: #030 Questions about marriage
February 12, 2020 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier
Marriage in the New Creation — Pastoral Advice — Divorce and Remarriage — Contraception — Marriage to Non-Christians
Episode Assessment:
 | | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Degree of Accuracy | B | The episode generally aligns with biblical teachings and Christian theology. However, some speculative elements about the afterlife and marital roles in the new creation lack concrete scriptural backing. |
| Degree of Coherence | B+ | The arguments presented by NT Wright are logically structured and flow well. The coherence is maintained throughout the discussion, making it easy for listeners to follow. |
| Absence of Fallacies | B | While the discussion is largely free of logical fallacies, there are instances where assumptions are made without sufficient evidence. For example, the idea that marriage in the new creation will be significantly different is based on interpretation rather than explicit biblical text. |
| Degree of Evidence | B | NT Wright references biblical passages and theological principles to support his points. However, some claims, especially about the nature of relationships in the afterlife, are more interpretative and lack direct scriptural evidence. |
| Degree of Testability | C+ | The speculative nature of some discussions, particularly about the afterlife, makes them difficult to test. The practical advice given on marriage is more testable through real-life application, but theological claims about the new creation remain largely untestable. |
| Rational Confidence | B- | The confidence in NT Wright’s statements is relatively high due to his expertise, but the speculative elements reduce the overall rational confidence. His advice on practical marital issues is grounded in experience and pastoral wisdom, offering a more reliable basis for confidence. |
Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:
1. Speculative Nature of Afterlife Discussions
The discussions on the nature of relationships in the new creation are speculative and not directly supported by explicit scriptural references.
“Will I still remember my husband? And will we still be good friends like we are? Or maybe I should have just as vast where there will know our family and friends? So there’s sort of both questions, I think, are keying on the idea of what will that age to come be like? They use the word heaven. I know that you maybe prefer to use a different word.”
This speculation about the afterlife and relationships, while intriguing, lacks concrete biblical backing, making it a weaker aspect of the episode.
2. Assumptions about Marriage in the New Creation
The assumption that marriage will be fundamentally different in the new creation is based on interpretive readings rather than direct scriptural evidence.
“So what Jesus is saying is that in the New Age, we will no longer be mortal, we will no longer die. There will be no more death and therefore no need for reproduction. And therefore no need for ordinary marriage as we know it, which has procreation as one of its normal primary goals.”
This interpretation, while logical, is an assumption that lacks definitive scriptural support.
Syllogistic Formulation of Major Arguments
Argument 1: Nature of Relationships in the New Creation
- Premise 1: In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the resurrection and the age to come.
- Premise 2: Jesus states that in the age to come, people will not marry nor be given in marriage.
- Premise 3: Marriage on earth serves purposes like procreation and companionship.
- Hidden Premise: The new creation will have different relational dynamics due to the absence of mortality and the need for procreation.
- Conclusion: Therefore, marital relationships in the new creation will be fundamentally different from those on earth.
Counter-Argument:
While Jesus mentions that in the resurrection people will not marry, it is speculative to assert that all relational dynamics will be fundamentally different. The New Testament does not provide exhaustive details about relationships in the new creation. Therefore, asserting a complete transformation of marital relationships lacks comprehensive scriptural evidence. The continuity of personal identity and relationships might suggest that some form of recognition and connection will persist, aligning with the broader biblical theme of restored creation and community.
Argument 2: Divorce and Remarriage in Christianity
- Premise 1: The New Testament generally discourages divorce, emphasizing marital faithfulness.
- Premise 2: Jesus allows for divorce in cases of adultery, and Paul in cases of abandonment by a non-believer.
- Premise 3: Divorce is not the ideal state for Christian marriage but is permitted under specific circumstances.
- Hidden Premise: The guidance on divorce aims to balance the ideal of marital fidelity with the reality of human brokenness.
- Conclusion: Therefore, divorce and remarriage are permitted in Christianity under certain conditions but are not encouraged.
Counter-Argument:
While the New Testament provides guidelines on divorce and remarriage, the emphasis should be on the broader context of grace and restoration. Jesus’ teachings on forgiveness and Paul’s emphasis on reconciliation highlight that even in cases of marital breakdown, the ultimate goal should be restoration and healing. Rigid interpretations of divorce guidelines can overlook the pastoral need for compassion and support for those in difficult marital situations.
Argument 3: Marriage to Non-Christians
- Premise 1: The New Testament advises Christians to marry within the faith.
- Premise 2: Paul allows for the continuation of mixed-faith marriages if the non-believing spouse is willing to stay.
- Premise 3: Marrying a non-believer can create spiritual and practical challenges.
- Hidden Premise: The spiritual unity of the marriage is paramount for a Christian household.
- Conclusion: Therefore, Christians are advised to marry fellow believers to maintain spiritual unity and minimize challenges.
Counter-Argument:
The advice against marrying non-believers aims to prevent potential spiritual discord. However, it is essential to recognize the historical and cultural context of this guidance. In contemporary settings, interfaith marriages can succeed with mutual respect and understanding. The focus should be on fostering love, respect, and shared values, which can transcend religious boundaries. Moreover, the decision should consider individual circumstances and the potential for spiritual growth within the relationship.
◉ The Unconstrained Dynamics of Untestable Claims:
Heaven and the Boundaries of Internal Consistency
The realm of untestable claims offers a fascinating insight into the interplay between belief, emotion, and logic. One of the most profound and untestable notions is that of Heaven. Apart from sparse biblical descriptions, the logical constraints governing discussions about Heaven hinge solely on internal consistency. This flexibility in interpretation allows for a myriad of additional claims to be layered onto the foundational belief, often tailored to resonate with the emotions and values of the audience.
Heaven, as depicted in various religious texts, provides only a fragmented and symbolic portrayal of the afterlife. The Bible, for instance, offers glimpses of Heaven through metaphors and parables, leaving much to interpretation. This lack of empirical evidence means that any further elaboration on the nature of Heaven must remain consistent with the initial scriptural foundation, avoiding direct contradictions. However, this internal consistency does not limit the scope of what can be claimed. It merely sets a framework within which a vast array of interpretations can coexist.
This flexibility is where the dynamics of untestable claims become intriguing. Since there are no empirical methods to verify the specifics of Heaven, proponents of various interpretations are free to construct narratives that align closely with the emotional and moral inclinations of their audience. For example, the notion that Heaven is a place of eternal peace and reunion with loved ones caters to the human desire for comfort and continuity beyond death. Similarly, descriptions of Heaven as a realm of ultimate justice and rewards for earthly deeds reflect a moral framework that resonates with the audience’s values.
This alignment with emotions and values is not coincidental. The psychological comfort provided by these interpretations enhances their appeal and acceptance. By presenting a vision of Heaven that addresses human fears and aspirations, religious leaders and thinkers can foster a stronger emotional connection with their followers. This connection, in turn, reinforces the credibility of the claims, despite their untestable nature.
However, this approach also introduces a degree of subjectivity and variation in the descriptions of Heaven. Different cultures and denominations may emphasize aspects of the afterlife that align with their specific worldviews and ethical systems. This diversity, while enriching, also highlights the inherent challenge in defining untestable claims universally. The internal consistency constraint ensures that these claims do not contradict the core tenets of the foundational belief, but it does little to standardize the details across different interpretive traditions.
The unconstrained dynamics of untestable claims like those about Heaven illustrate the delicate balance between belief, logic, and emotion. The internal consistency required by these claims provides a logical framework but allows for a flexibility that accommodates a wide range of interpretations. These interpretations, often tailored to resonate with the audience’s emotions and values, demonstrate the powerful role of psychological comfort in shaping and sustaining religious beliefs.
Feel free to share your thoughts and engage in a discussion about this topic in the comments section below. Your insights and perspectives are highly valued as we explore the fascinating dynamics of untestable claims together.
Free of Faith 
Leave a comment