The Veritas Forum
What Gods Do We Believe in Now? | N.T. Wright
Oct 19, 2023
N.T. Wright, best-selling author and New Testament Scholar, discusses the enduring influence of ancient gods on our desires for money, sex, and war. He explores the historical and cultural context of belief in a new order, the rise of secularism, and the role of Jesus in a divided world. The podcast explores wisdom, science, fear of the Lord, and the significance of Jesus' resurrection in transforming worldviews.
40:25
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Quick takeaways
- Our internal lives are driven by primal desires for money, sex, and power, which are the modern manifestations of ancient gods like Aphrodite, Mammon, and Mars.
- The divide between religion and the secular world is a modern development with deep historical roots, and recognizing the complex history of ideas can help us understand the nature of belief and its impact on society.
Deep dives
The Power of Unrecognized Gods
The speaker highlights the enduring presence and influence of ancient gods, such as Aphrodite, Mammon, and Mars, in modern society. These gods continue to shape human desires and motivations, including the pursuit of money, sex, and power. While our external circumstances have changed over time, our internal lives remain constant, driven by these primal desires. The worship of these gods may not be overt or named, but their impact is evident in society's sacrifices, such as the neglect of family for Eros, the relentless pursuit of wealth, and the willingness to resort to violence. The recognition and understanding of these unseen gods can shed light on our motivations and the challenges we face as a society.
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