Critiquing: #059 — Evangelism and Sharing the Gospel

April 1, 2021 | Ask NT Wright Anything – Premier
Key Terms:
Evangelism techniques — Gospel explanation — Christian relevance — Faith and practice — Personal testimony

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Episode Assessment:

		Commentary
Degree of Accuracy	B+	The episode accurately represents NT Wright’s theological positions and responses to common questions about evangelism. However, it lacks citations and empirical backing for some historical claims about Christianity’s impact.
Degree of Coherence	B	The conversation is generally logical and follows a structured format, with clear transitions between questions. Nevertheless, certain arguments could benefit from a more explicit linkage between premises and conclusions to enhance overall coherence.
Absence of Fallacies	B	The episode avoids major logical fallacies, but there are instances of hasty generalizations and appeals to tradition. These could be addressed to strengthen the logical foundation of the arguments presented.
Degree of Evidence	C+	The episode primarily relies on anecdotal evidence and personal testimony, with limited reference to empirical data or scholarly research. Incorporating more robust sources would substantiate the claims more effectively.
Degree of Testability	C	The theological assertions made are inherently difficult to test empirically, as they are based on faith and religious doctrine. More focus on practical outcomes and measurable impacts of religious practices could improve this aspect.
Rational Confidence	C+	While the speakers exhibit high confidence in their beliefs, this confidence is rooted in theological conviction rather than empirical evidence. Balancing faith-based assertions with verifiable data could enhance rational confidence.

Potential/Apparent Weaknesses:

1. Degree of Testability

Theological claims made in the episode are not easily testable by empirical means. For instance:

“In Jesus, the God who made the world has rescued and is remaking the world.”

Such statements, while central to the faith discussed, lack a means of empirical verification, making it difficult to assess their truth from a scientific perspective. Including examples of practical applications and measurable outcomes of faith-based initiatives could help bridge this gap.

2. Absence of Fallacies

There are instances of hasty generalizations and appeals to tradition that could be addressed. For example:

“The gospel works not just to transform individual lives but actually transforms whole communities.”

While this may be true in some cases, it is a generalization that overlooks counterexamples and the complexities of social dynamics. Providing more nuanced and balanced arguments would mitigate this issue.

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Formulations of Major Arguments

Argument #1: Becoming a Christian

1. If one believes in Jesus, one can be part of His new creation project.
2. Believing in Jesus involves accepting His death and resurrection.
3. Therefore, believing in Jesus integrates one into God’s new creation.

Counter-Argument:
The assertion that believing in Jesus automatically integrates one into a divine project presupposes the truth of Christian theology. From a secular perspective, the efficacy of such belief is subjective and varies among individuals. Empirical studies on the psychological and social benefits of religious belief show positive effects, but these benefits can also be achieved through non-religious means, such as community involvement and personal development programs. Furthermore, the concept of a “new creation” is a theological one, lacking empirical evidence to support its existence beyond religious doctrine.

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Argument #2: Relevance of Christianity

1. Christianity transforms individual lives and communities.
2. Many places where communities thrive are where the church has a significant presence.
3. Therefore, Christianity is relevant to personal and communal well-being.

Counter-Argument:
While it is true that Christianity has had a positive impact on many communities, attributing communal success solely to religious influence oversimplifies complex social dynamics. Factors such as economic policies, education, healthcare, and civic infrastructure also play crucial roles. Additionally, other non-Christian communities have similarly thrived, indicating that communal success is not exclusive to Christian influence. Empirical research should be conducted to isolate the specific contributions of religious versus secular factors in community development.

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Argument #3: Addressing Sinfulness

1. The world is in a mess, evident from historical and current events.
2. In Jesus, God has initiated a project to rectify the world’s condition.
3. By joining this project, individuals can help address the world’s problems.

Counter-Argument:
While acknowledging global issues, attributing their resolution to religious projects alone neglects the multifaceted nature of societal problems. Secular initiatives, scientific advancements, and international cooperation have also contributed significantly to addressing global challenges. Collaboration across religious and non-religious spheres is essential for comprehensive solutions. Additionally, the concept of “sinfulness” is religiously defined and is not universally applicable or relevant in secular contexts.

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Argument #4: Importance of Church Participation

1. Christianity is about more than personal sanctification; it involves reshaping the world.
2. Active participation in church initiatives contributes to this global reshaping.
3. Therefore, attending church is integral to fulfilling Christianity’s mission.

Counter-Argument:
Active participation in community and social initiatives is indeed valuable. However, secular organizations and non-religious movements also effectively contribute to societal betterment. Encouraging collaboration and mutual respect between religious and non-religious groups can enhance collective efforts towards global improvement. Furthermore, mandating church attendance as a requirement for contributing to societal good can be seen as exclusionary and may alienate those who prefer secular avenues for social engagement.

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Argument #5: Encouraging Nominal Believers

1. Prayer and genuine concern for nominal believers can encourage deeper faith.
2. Demonstrating kindness and engaging in meaningful conversations can inspire growth.
3. Therefore, personal interaction and prayer are effective in fostering stronger faith.

Counter-Argument:
While personal interaction and prayer are valuable within religious contexts, fostering personal growth can also be achieved through secular means such as counseling, mentorship, and community support. Encouraging individuals to explore various paths to personal development can be more inclusive and accommodating of diverse beliefs and practices. Additionally, the effectiveness of prayer in fostering faith growth lacks empirical support and may not resonate with individuals from non-religious backgrounds.

◉ Addressing Argument #1:

The Transformation of a “New Creature in Christ” vs. Societal Norms

The concept of a “new creature in Christ” is often celebrated within Christian communities as a profound transformation. This transformation is typically characterized by a marked departure from a life of sin and vice to one of righteousness and moral integrity. However, upon closer examination, the behaviors and lifestyles attributed to this transformation appear remarkably similar to those of individuals in certain secular societies, such as Japan.

In many Christian testimonies, dramatic shifts from lives of addiction, crime, or moral degradation to lives of sobriety, lawfulness, and ethical behavior are touted as evidence of divine intervention. These narratives, while compelling, often overlook the fact that entire societies exist where such vices are not as prevalent, and maintaining a sober and responsible lifestyle is the norm. Japan, for instance, is known for its low crime rates, high levels of civic responsibility, and societal emphasis on discipline and self-control. The average Japanese citizen exemplifies a lifestyle that aligns closely with the moral standards Christians ascribe to the “new creature”.

This raises a critical question: If the behavior of a new creature in Christ is indistinguishable from that of the average citizen in a society like Japan, what unique value does the religious transformation offer? It is important to recognize that Christians themselves acknowledge that this transformation does not render an individual immune to sin. The claim of being a new creature is not an assertion of moral perfection, but rather a commitment to strive towards a higher standard of living, guided by spiritual principles.

The real challenge for Christians is to demonstrate that the transformation into a new creature encompasses more than what can be achieved through secular means. It should reflect not just a departure from egregious behaviors, but a profound internal change that manifests in ways uniquely tied to their faith. This could involve acts of extraordinary compassion, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice, virtues that go beyond the mere avoidance of negative behaviors and embody the teachings of Christ in a tangible, observable manner.

However, to be truly convincing, these claims must be distinguishable from the positive behaviors observed in secular societies that promote healthy living. A life absent of flaws is attainable if a truly transformative God is behind the change. That is not what we see.

In conclusion, the transformation of a new creature in Christ should ideally reflect a deeper, more comprehensive change than what is found in secular societies. It should not only be about living completely free from vice but also about embodying the virtues taught by Christ in ways that are distinct and impactful. By being perfect (“τέλειος” in Matthew 5:48), Christians could demonstrate the veracity of their belief system.

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We warmly invite you to discuss this topic further in the comments section. Your insights and perspectives are highly valued, and we look forward to engaging with you on this thought-provoking issue.