Ask NT Wright Anything #194 Icons, praying to saints & dividing over sexuality (Replay)
Nov 16, 2023
In this podcast, NT Wright answers listener questions about various topics like the use of icons in Orthodox worship, struggles with the doctrine of the communion of saints, intercession and traditions in Anglicanism, and the historical context of infant baptism.
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Purpose of Icons in Worship
- Icons are not objects to pray to but to pray through, acting as spiritual windows to the heavenly realm.
- They symbolize new creation and beauty reflecting God's presence, not pagan idolatry.
Understanding Communion of Saints
- Communion of saints means fellowship with all believers, living and dead, rather than praying to saints directly.
- Christian unity includes recognizing the saints' spiritual presence without invoking them as intercessors.
Communion Fellowship Experience
- After a husband's death, a wife shared communion where she sensed fellowship with him in the same meal.
- This illustrated the living bond of the communion of saints in practice.