NT-Wright – Free of Faith

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All Ask NT Wright Anything Critiques:

NTW #109: Culpability in Avoiding `Pain

The episode “#109 — Am I Guilty of My Friend’s Suicide?” engages with human rights, ethical dilemmas, Christian ethics, pastoral advice, and moral responsibility. While accurately presenting mainstream Christian views, it lacks coherence and evidential support. The claims on suicide and divine will are difficult to test, and the confidence expressed outweighs the evidence provided.…
NTW #108: Doubt as a Defect

Episode #108 explores questions related to the assurance of salvation, particularly addressing concerns about whether one can lose salvation or be mistaken in believing they are saved, with NT Wright providing theological insights and interpretations of biblical passages. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides accurate biblical references and a generally coherent narrative, it…
NTW #107: Exploring Baptism

Episode #107 of “Ask NT Wright Anything” explores the significance and practice of baptism, comparing infant and believer’s baptism, and discusses how these concepts are interpreted within Christian theology. The podcast also touches on the historical and spiritual implications of baptism, drawing connections to biblical narratives. The critique argues that the podcast lacks scriptural clarity…
NTW #106: Post-Death Speculations

Episode 106 explores Christian perspectives on burial versus cremation, organ donation, and the theological implications of these practices, with insights from biblical references and pastoral considerations. The critique highlights the podcast’s speculative nature, lack of empirical evidence for its claims, and logical inconsistencies, particularly in conflating cultural practices with theological doctrine, ultimately questioning the rational…
NTW #105: Physical Death as a Curse

Episode 105 explores theological questions about death, including Paul’s view of death as an enemy, the implications of the Fall, and the Christian approach to grief and lamentation. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on specific theological interpretations without sufficient evidence, noting inconsistencies and lack of clarity in the discussion of death and original sin.
NTW #104: Good Works Demarcation

Episode #104 of the podcast discusses the relationship between good works and saving faith, addressing whether Christians should strive for good deeds as evidence of their faith and how these actions intersect with the concept of justification. The critique highlights the podcast’s lack of coherence and depth in its theological arguments, noting that it oversimplifies…
NTW #103: Lower Christian Mortality?

Episode 103 discusses the intersection of faith, vaccines, government mandates, and civil disobedience, exploring whether Christians should follow public health guidelines and how these issues relate to biblical teachings. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and logical fallacies, pointing out the lack of empirical support for claims made about Christian vaccine resistance…
NTW #102: The Barking Puppy

Episode 102 discusses the theological debate on whether God predetermines everything, exploring perspectives on Calvinism, divine determinism, free will, and open theism. NT Wright addresses questions about human responsibility, divine sovereignty, and the nature of sin in the context of these theological frameworks. The critique highlights that while the podcast presents a generally accurate overview,…
NTW #101: Grooming the Credulous

Episode #101 discusses the concept of sacrificial love within Christian theology, exploring its connection to the teachings of Jesus and the Trinitarian framework. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on subjective interpretations and a lack of empirical evidence to support its theological claims, questioning the logical rigor and testability of the arguments presented.
NTW #100: Power of the Cross

Episode #100 discusses NT Wright’s interpretation of Jesus as a revolutionary figure, focusing on the significance of the crucifixion and resurrection within the broader narrative of Christian theology. The critique highlights that while the podcast effectively evokes the emotional power of these concepts, it lacks coherence in its arguments and fails to provide sufficient evidence…
NTW #099: The Divine Project

Episode #099 discusses NT Wright’s talk on Jesus’ call to discipleship, the concept of God’s kingdom, and the role of suffering in the Christian faith, emphasizing the transformative nature of following Jesus. The critique highlights the lack of empirical evidence and logical coherence in the podcast, questioning the overconfidence in theological assertions and pointing out…
NTW #098: Prosperity & Hunger

Episode #098 discusses how Christians should handle wealth and leisure, particularly in relation to personal holidays, while also addressing the ethical implications of mega churches and the prosperity gospel. The critique argues that the podcast demonstrates a disconnect between Christian teachings and actions, particularly highlighting the hypocrisy of Christians indulging in extravagant vacations while others…
NTW #097: Muddy Hermeneutics

Episode #097 features NT Wright answering listener questions about his role as a Senior Research Fellow, his study habits, and his thoughts on classical music and its significance in the Christian faith, along with reflections on the Christmas story. The critique highlights the podcast’s lack of rigorous evidence, logical fallacies, and inconsistent hermeneutical standards, ultimately…
NTW #096: Relationship Dynamics

Episode 096 discusses various Christian perspectives on marriage, including the challenges faced by those in relationships where one partner is a believer and the other is not, offering pastoral advice on navigating these situations. The critique highlights the inconsistent scriptural interpretations presented in the podcast, questioning the logical coherence and lack of substantial evidence provided…
NTW #095: The Bible’s Reliability

Episode #095 discusses the reliability of the Bible, addressing questions on historical scholarship, early Christian persecution, and specific biblical events such as the resurrection of saints in Matthew 27. NT Wright provides perspectives on how Christians should approach evidence that challenges biblical narratives. The critique evaluates the podcast for accuracy, coherence, and evidence, noting that…
NTW #094: Constraints on Forgiveness

Episode #094 explores the nature of forgiveness, addressing questions about unforgivable sins and whether God’s forgiveness can be forfeited, with N.T. Wright emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and discussing theological perspectives on blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides substantial theological insights, it relies heavily on speculative theology without…
NTW #093: God’s Feminine Traits

Episode #093 discusses gendered language in the Bible, particularly the use of ‘Father’ to refer to God, and addresses questions about the relevance and impact of this language on modern believers. NT Wright explores the historical and cultural context of gendered language and its implications for contemporary faith practices. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance…
NTW #092: Abhorrence or Evil

Episode #092 discusses the nature of evil, questioning why some people are entirely evil, whether God could be evil, and if Jesus and Satan might reconcile, with NT Wright providing theological insights on these issues. The critique highlights that while the podcast presents accurate and coherent theological arguments, it heavily relies on theological texts without…
NTW #091: The Flesh & the Spirit

Episode #091 discusses NT Wright’s views on the influence of Platonism on Christianity, particularly how certain interpretations of the New Testament might reflect Platonic ideas rather than original Christian teachings. Wright answers listener questions, emphasizing that concepts like the soul going to heaven are more Platonic than biblical. The critique highlights that the podcast lacks…
NTW #090: Obeying the Law

Episode #090 features a discussion with Tom Wright about his new commentary on Galatians, addressing questions from listeners about the fruits of the Spirit, gender in the new creation, and disagreements with Martin Luther’s interpretations. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides generally accurate and coherent theological insights, it often relies on arbitrary interpretations…
NTW #089: The Exegete Game

Episode #089 discusses audience questions on Paul’s teachings and their application, focusing on the historical context and interpretation of his writings in light of Jesus’ message. NT Wright addresses various theological inquiries, including the relevance of cultural specificity and timeless truths in Paul’s epistles. The critique highlights issues in the podcast, pointing out the overgeneralizations…
NTW #088: The Denotation of “Pistis”

Episode #088 features NT Wright discussing the Apostle Paul with Martin Bashir, covering topics such as Paul’s suffering, the new creation, and sexual morality within the early Christian community. The critique of the podcast asserts that NT Wright’s interpretation of the term “pistis” as “loyalty” is hermeneutically incorrect, arguing instead that “pistis” always means “faith”…
NTW #087: Transformative Power

Episode #087 discusses the significance of the Apostle Paul, his historical context, theological insights, and enduring impact, as presented by Tom Wright in a lecture at Westminster Central Hall. The critique highlights the podcast’s accurate portrayal of Paul’s role and influence but points out the speculative nature of some interpretations and the potential overgeneralization of…
NTW #086: Doubt as Defective Faith

Episode #086 addresses questions on deconstructing faith and atheism, exploring topics such as altar calls, Bible camps, and the complexity of faith evolution. NT Wright discusses how faith practices and beliefs can be reassessed and understood in contemporary contexts. The critique highlights that the podcast tends to generalize experiences and lacks substantial evidence while presenting…
NTW #085: The Loss of the Rod

Episode #085 discusses various parenting and family planning topics, including the use of discipline, recommendations for children’s resources, and the considerations around having a vasectomy. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on personal anecdotes over empirical evidence, its overgeneralization of cultural contexts, and its inconsistent approach to discipline, suggesting that these weaknesses undermine the podcast’s…
NTW #084: Effects of Jesus’ Death

Episode #084 discusses why Jesus had to die and what his death achieved, addressing listener questions about atonement, forgiveness, and the ongoing presence of sin and evil in the world. The critique highlights that the podcast lacks rigorous academic backing and detailed evidence, offering coherent yet faith-based arguments that fail to empirically address the persistence…
NTW #083: The Damascus Road

Episode #083 discusses feelings of God’s presence, addressing why some Christians might not feel the Holy Spirit, and explores emotional blockages, spiritual dryness, and the importance of pastoral guidance. The critique highlights the podcast’s accurate reflection of Christian principles, but points out its reliance on anecdotal and scriptural evidence, which lacks empirical support, making the…
NTW #082: COVID Threats

Episode #082 of Ask NT Wright Anything critiques various aspects of the church, including abuse scandals, COVID-19 response, and theological implications. While the discussion on scandals aligns with known events, the episode lacks comprehensive evidence and testability, raising concerns about the reliability of claims. The absence of observable divine protection during COVID-19 prompts a reevaluation…
NTW #081: Signs of the Messiah

Episode #081 discusses the question of whether Jewish people need Jesus, exploring topics such as Jewish salvation under the ancient covenant, the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, and theological perspectives on Zionism. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on opinion over evidence, pointing out issues with factual accuracy and logical coherence, and noting that many…
NTW #080: Popularity as Evidence

Episode #080 features NT Wright addressing various audience questions on evangelism, Christian history, and theological issues, providing thoughtful and coherent responses grounded in historical context. The critique of the podcast highlights its strengths in maintaining factual accuracy and logical coherence but points out areas for improvement, such as the need for more empirical evidence to…
NTW #079: Accommodating Culture

Episode #079 discusses how to retell the story of Jesus in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences who may have forgotten or misunderstood it, emphasizing the need to address both historical and cultural contexts. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides a coherent and largely accurate account, it sometimes lacks rigorous evidence and…
NTW #078: Reimagining the Messiah

Episode #078 explores what happened to the apostles after the Book of Acts and addresses questions on the historicity of the New Testament, including discussions on early Christian beliefs about Jesus and the authorship of 2 Peter. The critique highlights that the podcast’s content, while structured and engaging, suffers from speculative interpretations and lacks comprehensive…
NTW #077: An Indwelling Divine Spirit

Episode #077 explores the value and practice of prophecy and speaking in tongues, with NT Wright addressing questions on the nature of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the legitimacy of spiritual gifts in contemporary Christian practice. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal interpretations of scripture, noting that this…
NTW #076: Snowballing Ontologies

Episode #076 addresses questions about the afterlife, including the nature of Heaven and Hell, and provides pastoral guidance on topics such as reunion with loved ones and the concept of marriage in the resurrection. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on theological interpretations without extensive empirical evidence and notes the logical coherence of the arguments,…
NTW #075: Jesus’ Dual Identity

Episode #075 answers listener questions about Jesus, including whether Jesus used miracles for personal convenience, if some of his words were too harsh, and whether Jesus could have sinned. The critique highlights the podcast’s logical coherence and freedom from fallacies but notes the speculative nature of some theological claims and the difficulty in empirically testing…
NTW #074: Enigmatic Parables

Episode #074 discusses various parables of Jesus, including the persistent neighbor, the shrewd manager, and the story of Lazarus and the rich man, addressing their meanings and common misunderstandings. NT Wright provides insights into the purpose and interpretation of these parables, emphasizing their significance in conveying spiritual truths. The critique of the podcast highlights the…
NTW #073: Divine Callings

Episode #073 discusses the concepts of vocation and calling, with NT Wright addressing questions about how one’s life purpose aligns with God’s ultimate plan. The podcast covers topics such as personal spiritual maturity, the role of prayer, and qualifications for ministry. The critique highlights the lack of a coherent method presented in the podcast for…
NTW #072: Teaching Critical Thinking

Episode #072 features a discussion between NT Wright and Richmond Wandera on the challenges and opportunities facing the church in Africa, emphasizing the impact of Compassion International’s child sponsorship program. Richmond shares his personal story of overcoming poverty and the transformative role of church-led initiatives in his community. The critique notes that while the podcast…
NTW #071: Behind the Curtains

Episode #071 of “Ask NT Wright Anything” explores the question of whether the story of the woman caught in adultery should be included in the Bible, with NT Wright examining its textual authenticity, historical context, and theological implications. The critique assesses the podcast’s accuracy, coherence, logical integrity, and evidential support, highlighting strengths in its clear…
NTW #070: Hermeneutical Liberties

Episode #070 discusses biblical wisdom literature, focusing on the books of Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and Job, with Tom Wright answering listener questions about their interpretation and significance. The podcast highlights the complexities of these texts and their theological implications. The critique evaluates the podcast’s content, noting its accuracy and coherence but identifying weaknesses in…
NTW #069: Hooked on the Bible

Episode #069 discusses strategies to increase Bible engagement among Christians, featuring a dialogue between NT Wright and Tom Holland on the complexities and importance of scriptural reading. They explore the challenges of getting young Christians to read the Bible and suggest different reading approaches to enhance understanding and engagement. The critique highlights the podcast’s strengths…
NTW #068: Resurrection Dynamics

Episode #068 features a live audience discussion with NT Wright and Tom Holland, exploring various theological topics including the nature of the resurrection, the concept of heaven and hell, and the role of emotional worship in modern Christianity. The critique highlights the podcast’s general accuracy in reflecting traditional Christian beliefs but notes the reliance on…
NTW #067: Cosmic Nihilism

Episode #067 features a Q&A session with NT Wright and Douglas Murray discussing the relevance of the Christian story in a post-Christian world and the role of truth and myth in maintaining ethical structures. They explore whether ethical and moral values can persist without their traditional religious foundations. The critique highlights that the podcast content…
NTW #066: The Church vs. The Woke

Episode #066 features a conversation between Douglas Murray and NT Wright discussing identity, myth, and miracles in a post-Christian world, examining the relevance of Christianity in addressing modern societal issues. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and philosophical claims lacking empirical support, noting that both Christianity and Woke ideology fail to commit…
NTW #065: Doctrine within Acts?

Episode #065 discusses various questions regarding the role of the book of Acts in doctrinal guidance, the significance of speaking in tongues, and the comparison between Paul in Acts and his letters. It emphasizes the practical aspects of Christian life derived from Acts and its implications for contemporary believers. The critique highlights that while the…
NTW #064: Signs & Wonders

Episode #064 addresses various questions about the Acts of the Apostles, including its prescriptive versus descriptive nature, guidance on baptism, interpretation of signs and wonders, and the relationship between Galatians and the Jerusalem Council. NT Wright provides detailed responses to these questions, drawing on historical and scriptural context. The critique highlights that while the podcast…
NTW #063: Defeating Evil With Death

Episode #063 covers questions on atonement, other faiths, and bereavement, with NT Wright addressing various theological concerns from the NT Wright discussion group on Facebook. The critique highlights logical inconsistencies and lack of empirical evidence in the podcast’s claims, particularly questioning the assertion that Jesus’ death overcame evil powers and noting the continued presence of…
NTW #062: Disembodied Souls

Episode #062 discusses questions from the NT Wright discussion group on Facebook, addressing topics such as the stages of heaven, disembodied souls, and the role of the Torah. NT Wright and Justin Brierley also highlight upcoming events and provide personal anecdotes related to the themes discussed. The critique of the podcast highlights the lack of…
NTW #061: Theistic Moral Evolution

Episode #061 discusses whether Jesus could have incarnated as a woman, the theological implications of polygamy in the Bible, and gender roles in church leadership. The critique examines the podcast’s arguments about theistic morality, highlighting the incoherence of claiming moral evolution in Scriptures while pointing out unmitigated Old Testament commands like stoning for Sabbath-breaking and…
NTW #060: Memories of the Tormented

Episode #060 discusses questions about memory continuity in Heaven, the importance of baptism for Christians, and the interpretation of Isaiah 65 within the framework of eschatology. The critique highlights the podcast’s general accuracy and coherence but points out the need for more detailed scriptural references and acknowledges the speculative nature of its theological claims.
NTW #059: New Creatures

Episode #059 discusses evangelism and the relevance of Christianity, addressing questions on explaining the gospel, the importance of church participation, and encouraging nominal believers to grow in their faith. The critique highlights the podcast’s strong representation of NT Wright’s views but points out its reliance on anecdotal evidence and the need for more empirical data…
NTW #058: Original Sin & the Garden

Episode 058 addresses questions on the interpretation of Genesis, the concept of a six-day creation, and the origins of humanity, featuring discussions with Tom Wright and geneticist Francis Collins. The critique highlights logical inconsistencies in the podcast’s argument that original sin is inherited from Adam and Eve’s transgression, pointing out the lack of scientific evidence…
NTW #057: Canonicity

Episode #057 discusses why the Roman Catholic Bible includes more books than Protestant versions, the Eastern Orthodox tradition, and the perspectives of those considering conversion to these traditions. The critique notes that while the podcast is generally accurate and coherent, it occasionally relies on generalizations and personal opinions rather than specific scholarly sources, and it…
NTW #056: The Significance of Worship

Episode #056 discusses the significance of fasting, Sabbath rest, and worship in Christian practice, with NT Wright answering listener questions about these spiritual disciplines. The episode also touches on the broader implications of worship and the practical aspects of balancing work and rest in contemporary life. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides accurate…
NTW #055: Ravi Zacharias Scandal

Episode #055 discusses the scandals involving Christian leaders Ravi Zacharias and Carl Lentz, examining the challenges of accountability, leadership, and the possibility of restoration within the church. NT Wright responds to questions about how these issues should be addressed in light of biblical teachings. The critique highlights the podcast’s lack of factual accuracy, logical coherence,…
NTW #054: Animal Stewardship

Episode #054 discusses the ethical considerations of veganism, the stewardship of animals, and the acceptability of violent protest within a Christian framework. It addresses listener questions on whether Christians should adopt veganism and the implications of ethical activism. The critique highlights that the podcast lacks empirical evidence and logical coherence, often relying on personal anecdotes…
NTW #053: Christians & Conspiracies

Episode #053 discusses the prevalence of conspiracy theories among US Christians, their support for Trump, and failed prophecies about his return to power. It also touches on vaccine skepticism and media bias. The critique highlights that the podcast lacks empirical evidence and logical coherence, making broad claims without adequate support. Additionally, it points out the…
NTW #052: Dealing with Grief

Episode #052 discusses the challenges of grief and mental health, offering pastoral advice and biblical references to provide comfort and guidance to listeners. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and scriptural references, noting a lack of empirical support and difficulty in measuring the effectiveness of the suggested practices. It suggests that while…
NTW #051: The Image of God

Episode 51 addresses questions around suffering, particularly focusing on Alzheimer’s and the theological implications of pain, as discussed by NT Wright and Miroslav Volf. They explore how music can revive deep-seated memories in Alzheimer’s patients and how suffering relates to the Christian hope of resurrection. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and…
NTW #050: Christian Disunity

Episode #050 discusses the theological implications of icons, praying to saints, and the challenges of unity within the church amidst differing views on sexuality. The critique of the podcast highlights the lack of historical evidence and clear theological justifications presented in the discussion, indicating that while the podcast addresses significant topics, it falls short in…
NTW #049: Religious Experience

Episode #049 discusses various listener questions about the relationship between Christianity and other faiths, including Judaism and Gnosticism, as well as the nature of religious experiences. NT Wright addresses these topics, offering his theological perspectives and personal reflections. The critique highlights that the podcast lacks specific evidence and relies heavily on personal anecdotes, leading to…
NTW #048: Divine Forgiveness

Episode #048 discusses NT Wright’s latest book, “Broken Signposts,” and answers listener questions about forgiveness, salvation, and the nature of God’s justice. The podcast explores the theological concepts of atonement, conversion, and divine forgiveness in a conversational format. The critique highlights that the podcast lacks factual precision and coherence, often relying on emotional appeal and…
NTW #047: Gender Roles & the Church

Episode #047 discusses whether women should preach and lead in church and explores the dynamics of marriage, with NT Wright addressing listener questions on gender roles and biblical interpretations. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides a coherent argument supported by biblical references, it selectively interprets scripture and lacks engagement with contemporary theological scholarship,…
NTW #046: Faith & Suffering

Episode #046 of the podcast addresses how to discuss complex theological topics such as suffering and hell with children, including the practical aspects of parenting and discipling young people in the Christian faith. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides thoughtful insights, it often oversimplifies complex theological issues and relies on logical fallacies, making…
NTW #045: Ecclesiastical Distancing

Episode #045 discusses how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted worship practices, including the challenges of online communion and maintaining community through socially-distanced means. NT Wright responds to listener questions about the future of church gatherings and the potential long-term effects on church models. The critique highlights the podcast’s generally accurate and coherent discussion but notes…
NTW #044: Grab Who by What?

Episode #044 features NT Wright discussing the upcoming US election, religious freedom concerning Christian cake makers, and the concept of ‘white privilege’ in current racial justice debates. The critique points out that while the podcast offers opinions on relevant issues, it lacks rigorous fact-checking and empirical evidence, making some claims subjective and difficult to verify.
NTW #043: Early Life Influences

Episode #043 features NT Wright discussing his early life, his faith development, and his views on the meaning of the atonement as presented in his book “The Day the Revolution Began.” Wright connects his personal experiences with his theological insights, emphasizing the integration of heaven and earth through Jesus’ life and actions. The critique addresses…
NTW #042: Divine Judgment Today

Episode #042 discusses tricky theological questions, including the story of Ananias and Sapphira’s sudden deaths, the problem of suffering, and interpretations of divine judgment and love in the New Testament. The critique highlights the inconsistency of divine judgment across time, noting that the severity of modern Church atrocities comparable to those of Ananias and Sapphira…
NTW #041: Racism & Society

Episode #041 covers various politically charged issues including Brexit, abortion, racism, and critical theory, featuring NT Wright’s insights on the role of faith in these matters. The podcast was recorded before the George Floyd incident, thus not addressing the ensuing global protests. The critique highlights the podcast’s logical coherence but notes its reliance on anecdotal…
NTW #040: Pauline Letters

Episode #040 discusses the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul, including questions about the authorship of his letters and whether contemporary Christians must agree with all his views. The critique highlights areas where the podcast could improve in accuracy, coherence, and evidence, suggesting that more robust scholarly analysis and a clearer structure would enhance…
NTW #039: Free Will & Resurrection

Episode #039 explores questions about the afterlife, focusing on topics such as whether animals will go to heaven, the nature of new creation, and the existence of free will in heaven, as answered by NT Wright. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides a coherent and emotionally resonant narrative, it lacks tangible evidence and…
NTW #038: Pandemic Response

Episode #038 features Tom Wright discussing his new book “God and the Pandemic” and answering a range of listener questions on topics such as racism, other religions, the problem of suffering, heaven, and the Gospels. The critique evaluates the podcast’s claims about divine promises during the pandemic, noting that statistical data does not support the…
NTW #037: Christianity vs. Greta

Episode #037 explores global justice and climate change, addressing questions about the impact of climate activism on theological perspectives and the historical context of these issues. NT Wright discusses the Christian responsibility to care for creation and the importance of integrating faith with scientific understanding. The critique highlights the podcast’s occasional oversimplification of complex issues…
NTW #036: Resurrection Evidence

Episode #036 discusses the resurrection of Jesus, addressing questions about its historical evidence and theological implications, particularly focusing on the testimony of women at the empty tomb and countering modern scholarly skepticism. The critique highlights that the podcast presents a logically structured argument but lacks robust evidence and testability, questioning the adequacy of using three…
NTW #035: The Cross & Atonement

Episode #035 of the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast addresses questions on the crucifixion and atonement, exploring various theological interpretations and their implications for Christian belief. The critique highlights the podcast’s detailed yet complex explanations of sacrificial practices and atonement theories, noting the ongoing debates among Christian leaders due to the lack of clear scriptural…
NTW #034: The Present/Future Kingdom

Episode #34 features NT Wright discussing the relationship between Jesus, Paul, and the question of God, including audience Q&A on topics such as coronavirus, female ministry, and Paul’s relationship to Jesus. The critique highlights that while the podcast offers valuable historical and theological insights, the reliance on historical and cultural contexts for interpretation may introduce…
NTW #033: Thoughts on COVID

Episode #033 discusses how Christians can maintain spiritual health during the coronavirus pandemic, addressing the challenges of self-isolation and the theological implications of suffering. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides a coherent and largely accurate theological discussion, it falls short in providing substantial evidence for some claims and lacks testable assertions, ultimately questioning…
NTW #032: Enjoying Life’s Pleasures

Episode #032 discusses various pastoral questions including a man’s guilt over his wife’s miscarriages potentially being a judgment for his porn addiction, a family dealing with the death of a loved one, and guidance for someone returning to faith. The critique highlights that the podcast, while logically coherent and pastorally focused, relies heavily on personal…
NTW #031: Pastoral Accountability

Episode #031 discusses the revelations of sexual abuse by Jean Vanier, founder of L’Arche, and explores how Christians should respond when spiritual leaders let them down, emphasizing the need for accountability and the complexity of human fallibility. The critique evaluates the podcast’s content, highlighting its lack of substantial evidence and coherence in some arguments, and…
NTW #030: Divorce & Remarriage

Episode #030 addresses questions about marriage, including its nature in the new creation, practical advice for newlyweds, and the complexities of divorce, remarriage, contraception, and marrying non-Christians. The critique evaluates the podcast’s adherence to factual accuracy, coherence, and logical consistency, noting that while the podcast aligns well with biblical teachings, it includes speculative elements and…
NTW #029: Debating Cessationism

Episode #029 discusses NT Wright’s perspectives on the charismatic gifts of the Spirit, including prophecy and tongues, their relevance today, and his personal experiences with the Holy Spirit. The podcast also addresses questions on signs and wonders and the cessationist viewpoint. The critique highlights that while the podcast provides accurate scriptural references and coherent arguments,…
NTW #028: Spiritual Warfare

Episode #028 discusses the existence of Satan and the powers of evil, exploring biblical perspectives and how Jesus countered these forces in his ministry and at the cross. The conversation includes references to C.S. Lewis’s works and touches on modern interpretations and experiences of spiritual warfare. The critique points out that using fictional works like…
NTW #027: OT Literary Genres

Episode #027 explores questions about the historical accuracy and theological implications of the Old Testament, including the dating of the Book of Daniel, the nature of the Book of Job, and how Old Testament narratives influence Christian faith. The podcast features NT Wright addressing concerns about the historical and spiritual validity of these texts. The…
NTW #026: Bible Translations

Episode #026 discusses the intricacies of Bible translations, NT Wright’s approach to his own translation, the issue of Holy Spirit capitalization, and the authenticity of various biblical manuscripts. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on personal interpretations without substantial empirical evidence and the challenges in testing theological claims, emphasizing the need for more rigorous substantiation…
NTW #025: Dementia and Love

Episode #025 discusses the experiences of Christians losing their faith, the definitions of being a Christian, the potential for losing salvation, and how dementia affects one’s ability to respond to the Gospel, interspersed with a discussion on NT Wright’s book “History and Eschatology”. The critique identifies the podcast’s lack of rigorous substantiation for claims about…
NTW #024: Jesus’ Earthly Mission

Episode #024 discusses the collaborative book “The New Testament in Its World” by NT Wright and Mike Bird, focusing on the historical, literary, and theological context of early Christianity. The podcast features a conversation about the importance of understanding the New Testament’s context and addresses questions from listeners about biblical interpretation. The critique highlights the…
NTW #023: Theology of Atonement

Episode #023 discusses NT Wright’s views on life, faith, and atonement, exploring his theological perspectives on Jesus’ role in creation and the transformation brought by the atonement. Wright also shares personal anecdotes and reflections on his academic and spiritual journey. The critique highlights the podcast’s strong coherence and logical structure but points out the lack…
NTW #022: Unequally Yoked

Episode #022 addresses personal, pastoral, and theological questions such as being unequally yoked, the biblical view of singleness, and the purpose of life, with Tom Wright providing insights and advice. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal interpretations of scripture, raising concerns about the absence of empirical support and logical coherence.…
NTW #021: The Problem of Evil

Episode #021 discusses the problem of evil and free will, featuring Tom Wright addressing questions about the coexistence of suffering and a benevolent God. The episode explores the theological and philosophical dimensions of evil, proposing that God’s ways and purposes are beyond human comprehension. **The critique** highlights the podcast’s reliance on theological interpretations and the…
NTW #020: Christian Zionism

Episode #020 addresses the role of Israel in contemporary theology, Christian Zionism, and the anticipated return of Jesus, with NT Wright providing historical and theological insights in response to listener questions. He emphasizes a nuanced understanding of biblical prophecies and the significance of Israel in Christian eschatology. The critique highlights that while the podcast offers…
NTW #019: Early Church Practices

The “Ask NT Wright” podcast addresses various listener questions regarding the doctrines of the Trinity and baptism, with NT Wright providing historical and theological insights into these central Christian beliefs. The podcast also touches on related issues such as natural theology and the historical Jesus. The critique highlights that the podcast’s discussion of the Trinity…
NTW #018: Universalist Views

The ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast discusses the nature of hell and heaven, exploring various theological perspectives, including annihilationism and universalism, while addressing listener questions about eternal damnation and salvation. NT Wright emphasizes the historical and interpretive contexts of these concepts, suggesting a more nuanced understanding beyond traditional views. The critique highlights issues with the podcast’s…
NTW #017: Interfaith Dialogue

The “Ask NT Wright” podcast addresses various questions about other religions, the New Age, and Islam, with Tom Wright offering insights on interfaith issues, evangelism, and the uniqueness of Christianity. The discussion includes personal anecdotes, theological reflections, and historical context to explore how Christians should relate to other faiths. The critique highlights that while the…
NTW #016: Prayer’s Efficacy

The ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast features Tom Wright answering listener questions about prayer, including its purpose, efficacy, and personal practices. Wright discusses theological perspectives and shares personal anecdotes to address various aspects of prayer. The critique highlights the podcast’s reliance on personal testimony and anecdotal evidence, which limits its empirical validity. Despite its logical coherence,…
NTW #015: A Crisis of Faith

In the ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast, Tom Wright addresses various personal and pastoral questions, including a pastor’s crisis of faith, the purpose of a Christian life, and the challenge of forgiving oneself and others. He also provides guidance on dealing with difficult family situations and the importance of community and spiritual practices. The critique highlights…
NTW #014: Denominational Unity

The ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast explores the themes of church attendance, the theology of worship, and the importance of unity among Christian denominations, emphasizing the role of communal faith in the practice of Christianity. It also addresses the impact of denominational divisions on the credibility of the Christian message and the development of Christian virtues…
NTW #013: Christian Sexual Ethics

In the ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast, NT Wright discusses Christian sexual ethics, examining the biblical perspectives on homosexuality and transgender issues while advocating for traditional heterosexual marriage. The critique of the podcast argues that the content is based on traditional interpretations of Christian ethics which overlook the biblical acceptance of polygamous and incestuous relationships, suggesting…
NTW #012: Suffering & Death

The ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast discusses the reconciliation of Genesis with scientific findings, focusing on the nature of Adam and Eve, the existence of suffering and death before the Fall, and broader theological implications. It features Tom Wright addressing listener questions and providing insights into biblical interpretation. The critique highlights weaknesses in the podcast, noting…
NTW #011: On Jordan Peterson

The ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast discusses the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, answering listener questions on these topics and sharing thoughts on Jordan Peterson’s influence on Christian theology. The podcast highlights NT Wright’s views on the Biblical accounts and their implications for modern believers. The critique points out the podcast’s reliance on scriptural references without…
NTW #010: Theology & Academics

The ‘Ask NT Wright’ podcast features NT Wright answering personal questions about his favorite preachers, authors, and his own faith journey, providing insights into his influences and theological perspectives. The critique of the podcast highlights its factual accuracy and logical coherence but notes that it relies heavily on personal anecdotes and lacks extensive sourcing, which…

All Ask NT Wright Anything Critiques:

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