N. T. Wright and Michael Bird – Jesus and the Powers
Mar 18, 2024
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Tom Wright and Michael Bird discuss the Christian vision for government, the challenges of power and influence, and the threats facing the church. They also share personal tidbits like spirit animals and dream vacations, while exploring the concept of reconciling powers in Christian political theology.
Totalitarianism manipulates ethnic identities to control populations, posing a threat to personal liberties.
Christian nationalism merges religion with politics, challenging the separation of church and state.
Civic totalism imposes progressive beliefs, risking infringement on religious freedom and personal domains.
Deep dives
Totalitarianism Concerns and Examples
Totalitarianism, exemplified by regimes like the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, emphasizes using terror to control populations. Concerns about totalitarianism persist today, with instances like neo-Nazi marches in various countries. The allure of totalitarianism lies in its ability to manipulate ethnic identities and quash individual freedoms. It is a reminder of the dangers of absolute state control and its impact on personal liberties.
Christian Nationalism Rising
Christian nationalism, distinct from acknowledging Christian heritage, seeks to impose a nominal Christianity on society through coercion. The focus is on elevating Christians to positions of power, often propelling a political agenda under a religious guise. The rise of Christian nationalism poses challenges in maintaining a healthy separation between church and state, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to religious influence in governance.
Civic Totalism Threat and Example
Civic totalism represents a soft authoritarianism from the left, where the state regulates personal beliefs to align with progressive ideals. An example is seen in a government's attempt to acquire a Catholic hospital due to its stance against performing pregnancy terminations. This illustrates the danger of state intervention infringing on religious freedom and secular principles, signaling a subtle shift towards controlling personal and religious domains.
The Role of Christians in Government and Civil Disobedience
The podcast discusses the role of Christians in government and civil disobedience. It explores the question of whether Christians can serve in government, emphasizing the importance of offering advice and perspective from a Christian standpoint without monopolizing wisdom. The conversation delves into the limits of civil obedience and the historical examples of peaceful civil disobedience being more effective than violent measures.
Reconciliation of Powers and Biblical Political Theology
The episode touches on the reconciliation of powers and its significance in understanding Christian political theology. It references biblical passages like Colossians and Ephesians, highlighting the idea that powers can become demonic when worshipped as gods but can be redeemed through Christ. By discussing the theme of reconciliation in the context of government being a servant of God, the speakers shed light on the importance of truth, wisdom, and the church's role in promoting a vision of harmony and peace.
Episode: Beginning with Jesus’s kingship, Tom Wright and Michael Bird speak about the potentials and perils of contemporary politics. Discover a Christian vision for government not as an overbearing nanny […]