Jesus & The Powers: Interview With Dr. Michael Bird
Jul 9, 2024
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Dr. Michael Bird and N.T. Wright discuss engaging with politics vs. withdrawing for a prophetic voice, confronting empire, promoting democratic societies, relevance to current events. They explore Jesus' relationship with political and supernatural powers, transgender issues, Christian values in democracy, the 2024 U.S. election, Jesus' kingship, and political engagement worldwide.
Jesus's kingship transcends political rulers, emphasizing victory over powers through crucifixion and ascension.
Loving neighbors from diverse backgrounds challenges tribal enmity, fostering unity and compassion.
Informed political engagement involves diverse news sources, understanding perspectives, and seeking discernment.
Global perspectives on Christian-state relations broaden understanding of cultural interactions with the state.
Promotion for Kairos Classrooms offers biblical language learning opportunities with live instructors at a discount.
Deep dives
Understanding the Relationship Between Jesus and the Powers
Jesus's role in relation to the political and spiritual powers is crucial. The podcast delves into how Jesus's kingship transcends political rulers, emphasizing his victory over the powers through his crucifixion and ascension. This victory underscores the significance of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate ruler, sovereign even over earthly powers and governments.
Challenging Tribalism and Binary Worldviews
The podcast encourages listeners to move beyond tribalism and binary worldviews when engaging with political systems. It emphasizes the importance of loving neighbors from diverse backgrounds and challenging tribal enmity through a lens of love and unity. By focusing on the image of God in all individuals, listeners are prompted to foster a more inclusive and compassionate approach in their interactions.
Applying Gospel Lenses to Political Engagement
Listeners are urged to apply gospel principles to political engagement, especially in times of elections. The importance of seeking diverse news sources, understanding different political perspectives, and praying for discernment in decision-making is highlighted. The significance of viewing political systems through the lens of Jesus's kingship and sovereignty is emphasized, guiding individuals in making informed and thoughtful choices.
The Global Perspective on Christian Engagement with the State
Dr. Bird encourages a global perspective on Christian-state relations, shedding light on various models observed in different countries. By examining how Christians interact with the state in diverse cultural contexts like the UK or the South Pacific, listeners can broaden their understanding of the manifold approaches to this relationship. Dr. Bird also emphasizes the spiritual dimension of political engagement, reminding individuals to consider the broader spiritual implications in their prayers for national matters.
Promotional Message for Kairos Classrooms
This episode features a sponsorship message for Kairos Classrooms, drawing attention to the opportunity to learn biblical languages such as Greek and Hebrew in a real classroom setting with live instructors. Listeners are encouraged to visit the provided link in the description and use the promo code REMNANT for a 10% discount on classes. The promotion highlights the affordability and authenticity of the learning experience at Kairos Classrooms.
Closing Thoughts on Jesus's Kingship and Global Perspectives
The podcast concludes with a reflection on Jesus's eternal kingship and his reign over earthly powers. Dr. Bird emphasizes the continued influence of Jesus as King of all kings, guiding listeners to understand the spiritual underpinning of political systems. Encouraging a comprehensive prayer approach, thinking beyond individual candidates, the episode highlights the importance of a nuanced global perspective and a spiritual understanding when engaging with political events.
Request for Engagement
Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the channel and newsletter for updates on new episodes and content. The episode closes with a call-to-action for engagement with the featured sponsor, Kairos Classrooms, offering a special discount to viewers using the promo code REMNANT. The audience is invited to participate in the educational opportunities provided by Kairos Classrooms.
Acknowledgment and Appreciation
The summary expresses gratitude to Dr. Bird for sharing insights on his book 'Jesus and the Powers.' The episode's informative content on understanding Jesus's kingship and applying gospel principles to political engagement is acknowledged. Listeners are encouraged to explore the book for deeper insights into the discussed topics and to stay updated on related discussions.
Podcast Sponsors and Support
The episode recognizes Kairos Classrooms as a sponsor, highlighting the value of their biblical language courses with live instruction. Listeners are encouraged to leverage the promotional offer for a discounted enrollment by using the code REMNANT. The episode's informative content and sponsor promotion contribute to the educational and engaging nature of the podcast.
We welcome back Dr. Michael Bird to discuss his latest book co-authored with N.T. Wright, "Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies."
In their book, Wright and Bird explore the critical question of how Christians should engage with politics. Should we withdraw to maintain our prophetic voice, or should we actively participate to influence political systems? They call on Christians to discern their witness in today's fractured political environment, amidst the rise of autocracies, fear, and fragmentation.
Combining political theology, biblical insights, and church history, "Jesus and the Powers" argues for a kingdom-oriented approach to politics. Wright and Bird emphasize confronting empire in all its forms and promoting democratic societies while opposing autocracy and nationalism. They delve into the relevance of this approach to current events, including the Russian-Ukraine conflict, China-Taiwan tensions, and political turmoil in the USA, UK, and Australia.
Tune in to learn how Christians can navigate and engage with politics in a way that aligns with Jesus's kingdom and contributes to the common good.
Michael F. Bird is a leading academic on New Testament studies and Christian Theology. He is Lecturer in Theology at Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. @earlychristianhistorywithm8684
Book: https://a.co/d/0gyzSIt9
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