#226 Why bother improving the world? Can Christians attain perfection? (replay)
Aug 8, 2024
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Tom Wright, a renowned theologian, dives into profound questions about the Christian faith and perfection. He tackles why Christians should engage with the world instead of waiting for heaven and discusses the significance of our actions in promoting justice and community. The conversation shifts to differing views on whether the world is getting better or worse, impacted by biblical interpretations. Finally, Wright delves into the concept of Christian perfection, exploring Wesley's vision and the importance of humility on the path to spiritual growth.
Christians are called to actively participate in God's plan for restoring the world, emphasizing responsible action over passive observation.
The interconnectedness of salvation and social justice highlights the necessity of engaging in social justice as integral to the gospel message.
Deep dives
The Role of Human Agency in God's Plan
Humans are created as responsible agents in God's world, emphasizing their active involvement in the divine plan rather than being mere spectators. The perspective of biblical scripture reveals that God's intention is to engage humanity in restoring the world, instead of abruptly ending it in favor of a new creation. This perspective underscores the importance of our actions in the present, as they will play a role in the unfolding of God's new creation. The metaphor of a stonemason carving stone for a cathedral highlights how even seemingly insignificant efforts contribute to a greater purpose, advocating that all good deeds resonate within God's ultimate plan.
The Interplay of Salvation and Justice
The relationship between soteriology, which pertains to salvation, and social justice is emphasized as two interconnected aspects of the Christian mission. Engaging in acts of social justice is portrayed as essential to the authenticity of the gospel message, challenging the idea that the two are at odds. The belief that God will ultimately restore the world is rooted in the Christian narrative, linking individual salvation to a broader project of healing and justice in society. This perspective encourages Christians to actively participate in improving the world, as their role is not only about personal salvation but also about contributing to God's transformative work in creation.
The Current State of the World: Progress or Decline?
The perception of whether the world is getting better or worse significantly influences Christian engagement in society. Historical insights suggest that the Christian gospel has fostered positive changes, such as the rise of humanitarian aid and the concept of human rights, countering narratives that depict increasing moral decline. This sense of Christian optimism was more prevalent in earlier centuries but has faced challenges since the 18th century with the rise of secularism. The current cultural landscape calls for Christians to recognize the impact of their beliefs on societal transformation and to move away from defeatist attitudes toward a more hopeful, proactive approach.
Why bother with earth and not just create heaven? Why try to make the world a better place if God is going to fix it? Is the world getting better or worse because of Christianity? Can Christians achieve perfection in this life, as Wesley claimed? Tom Wright answers listeners questions on the ‘now-and-not-yet’ of new creation.
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