In this intriguing discussion, Keith Ward, an author renowned for his insights on Jesus’s teachings, explores his new book, *Love Is His Meaning*. He shares his evolving relationship with scripture and how philosophical exploration led him to Christianity. The conversation dives into understanding the Kingdom of God, the role of divine love in the New Testament, and how contemporary issues of ethics relate to scripture. Ward also tackles the problem of evil, advocating for a balance between faith and scientific understanding.
Keith Ward discusses his philosophical background and how it led him to a personal connection with Christ, shaping his theological understanding.
He emphasizes the necessity of a consistent interpretive approach to the teachings of Jesus, highlighting the challenge of selecting which Biblical passages to interpret literally or metaphorically.
Ward critiques rigid moral laws in Christianity, suggesting that Jesus' emphasis on love encourages continuous ethical reflection rather than strict adherence to rules.
Deep dives
Keith Ward's Journey to Christianity
Professor Keith Ward's unique path to Christianity is highlighted by his background as a philosopher and his initial atheism. He expresses how he began questioning atheistic philosophies, which led him to Christianity after engaging with genuine, fundamentalist Christian communities. Through these early interactions, he felt a personal connection with Christ that ultimately shaped his relationship with the Bible and theology. His academic career at Oxford further necessitated a deep engagement with Scripture, allowing him to examine the nuances of biblical interpretation within a professional context.
Interpreting the Bible Consistently
Ward emphasizes the importance of a coherent interpretive approach to the teachings of Jesus, advocating for consistency in reading Scripture. He points out that individuals often select which parts of the Bible to interpret literally or metaphorically without a guiding principle. For example, he notes that while some teachings, such as 'give to everyone who asks,' cannot be taken literally, others, including notions of Christ's return, are viewed as literal by many. This inconsistency can be problematic, indicating a need for a unified perspective on biblical interpretation that aligns with Jesus’ overall message.
The Diversity of Gospel Accounts
Ward discusses the significance of the four distinct Gospels as a representation of diverse perspectives on Jesus and his teachings. Each Gospel provides a different interpretation of Jesus’ message and context, asserting that there is not a singular, definitive account. He stresses the historical and cultural factors that influenced these varying depictions, leading to a richer understanding of the Christian narrative. This diversity is essential to appreciating the multifaceted nature of truth within Christianity, encouraging believers to acknowledge different interpretations while upholding core historical events.
The Role of Spirit in Understanding Scripture
The process of engaging with Scripture is also depicted as one where God's presence and the work of the Spirit are integral to theological understanding. Ward articulates that human insights into Scripture evolve through history, influenced by cultural contexts, leading to a dynamic interpretation of faith. He insists that believers must remain open to how the Spirit can guide new understandings of ancient texts in light of contemporary issues. This ongoing revelation fosters an environment where discussions about ethics and ideology can flourish within faith communities.
Ethics and the Teachings of Jesus
Ward critiques the notion of rigid moral laws within Christianity, arguing that Jesus did not present new ethical rules but rather deepened existing Jewish principles. His primary teaching emphasized love as a guiding principle without providing specific moral dictates, suggesting that followers must discern right action in complex situations. By presenting ethics in this way, Jesus prompts believers to engage in continuous reflection on what it means to love others. This perspective reveals the transformative nature of Jesus' teachings, further highlighting the need for flexibility in ethical discussions among contemporary Christians.
Keith Ward is back on the podcast to talk a little about his new book, Love Is His Meaning: Understanding The Teaching Of Jesus. In the book, Keith wrestles with the teachings of Jesus in a non-literal way, and looks to interpret the teachings of Jesus consistently throughout.
In this episode he talks about his relationship with scripture and how it's changed over the years, his unusual route from philosophy to Christianity, which teachings of Jesus we should take seriously but not literally, the relationship between the bible as a historical text and as a sacred text, and the canonized diversity of Christianity. He also tackles:
* What does a reductive, materialistic, scientific account miss when talking about creation?
* How did the biblical prophets change biblical religion?
* How are we supposed to understand the Kingdom of God that Jesus teaches?
* What would it mean to be priests of the earth?
* What is scripture's role when discussing contemporary issues of ethics and morality?
* How much are we bound by Jesus' teachings and life?
Plus, the problem of evil and suffering and how science can help Christians with this, the centrality of God's unlimited divine love and why it's essential to the New Testament's testimony to God.
