#67 NT Wright & Douglas Murray pt 2 - Audience Q&A
May 27, 2021
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NT Wright & Douglas Murray engage in a Q&A session discussing the importance of believing in the Christian story, the search for meaning in a secular world, the power of broken signposts and the story of Jesus, and the significance of stories in human life.
The story of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection is central to the meaning and effectiveness of Christianity.
The story of Jesus, with its historical basis and transformative power, is crucial to understanding the Christian faith and providing a foundation for meaning and purpose in a postmodern world.
Deep dives
The Importance of the Christian Story
The conversation explores the significance of the Christian story and the question of whether it matters if it's true. Douglas Murray raises the possibility of keeping the benefits of the story without believing in its truth, but acknowledges the temptation to follow this idea. N.T. Wright emphasizes that Christianity is centered around Jesus, and without his crucifixion and resurrection, the faith would lose its meaning and effectiveness. He argues that the story of Jesus going to the cross encompasses and gives sense to other key aspects of the Christian faith.
The Dilemma of Faith and Doubt
The discussion delves into the personal experience of doubt and the role that historical facts and the reliability of the Bible play in defining one's faith. Douglas Murray expresses his doubts about the truth and miraculous nature of the Bible and considers if evidence of its factuality could potentially impact his beliefs. N.T. Wright asserts that the story of Jesus and its historical basis is instrumental in making sense of the world, and questions the ability of secular alternatives to provide a comparable foundation for meaning and purpose.
The Significance of Story and Myth
The conversation brings up the distinction between story and myth, as well as their implications in a postmodern world. N.T. Wright acknowledges the power of story and its essential role in human life, highlighting the distinction between stories designed as analogies or allegories and stories based on historical events. He argues that the story of Jesus, with its transformative power and tangible impact, is crucial to understanding the Christian faith. Douglas Murray reflects on the importance of stories in human existence, suggesting that they may point towards something beyond themselves and ultimately convey a sense of meaning and truth.