N.T. Wright, a renowned New Testament scholar and author of 'The Resurrection of the Son of God,' dives deep into the transformative impact of Jesus' resurrection. He discusses how this event reshaped history and the disciples' initial misconceptions surrounding it. Wright shares his unique journey from studying theology to classics, emphasizing the interplay between academia and ministry. The conversation also touches on the theological implications of resurrection and the essential virtues it inspires in today's society, particularly in the face of modern challenges.
The resurrection embodies virtues like patience and charity, guiding believers to live under the Holy Spirit's influence and foster communal love.
N.T. Wright emphasizes the historical conviction of early followers, whose faith in the resurrection was so profound that it led many to martyrdom.
The prominence of women as first witnesses to the resurrection challenges cultural biases and underscores the transformative nature of this event.
Deep dives
The Four Essential Virtues
The virtues of patience, humility, chastity, and charity are highlighted as crucial attributes that were overlooked in the ancient world but are fundamental to a new way of being human. Believing in the resurrection involves a commitment to embody these virtues, despite human failures, with the aim of living in accordance with the Holy Spirit's guidance. This transformative belief system fosters outward-looking love and assistance to everyone, enhancing communal relationships. The presence of these virtues reflects the essence of resurrection faith, emphasizing a shift from self-centeredness to a collective human experience.
Resurrection as a Historical Event
The historical implications of Jesus' resurrection are discussed through the lens of the first-generation followers who were so convinced of its truth that many faced martyrdom for their belief. This conviction is presented as an empirical datum rather than mere anecdote, suggesting that the best explanation for the emergence of Christianity is that Jesus truly rose from the dead. N.T. Wright's extensive examination of this topic emphasizes the necessity of understanding the cultural and theological context surrounding Jesus and his resurrection. Ultimately, the historical reality of the resurrection serves as a cornerstone for Christian faith.
Challenges from Modern Interpretations
Modern scholarship has often provided alternative interpretations of the resurrection that downplay its physicality and significance, emphasizing spiritual or metaphorical understandings instead. Skeptics in the past have argued that the accounts of resurrection were fabrications developed after Jesus' death, especially given the cultural background that neither anticipated nor accepted the resurrection of individuals in history. However, Wright argues that the early Christian, resurrection narratives diverge significantly from later theological constructs, preserving their rawness and authenticity. This dissonance between ancient belief and contemporary skepticism highlights the ongoing relevance of resurrection ideation in the modern context.
The Role of Women in Resurrection Accounts
The fact that women were the first witnesses to the resurrection carries profound historical and theological implications. In a sociocultural context where women's testimonies were often deemed unreliable, their prominence in resurrection accounts subverts contemporary expectations and adds credibility to the narratives. These accounts likely reflect genuine historical events rather than later fabrications since it would have been counterintuitive to invent stories that featured women as central figures. Additionally, their inclusion reinforces the notion that the new creation heralded by the resurrection is inclusive and transformative.
The Resurrection's Influence on Modern Life
The resurrection is not merely a historical event but a source of hope and direction for contemporary believers. It calls individuals to engage in ongoing acts of justice, mercy, and love, embodying the virtues that reflect new creation amidst a world often filled with chaos and despair. Current events, such as the struggles caused by the COVID pandemic or geopolitical conflicts, are opportunities for Christians to manifest the resurrection's power by advocating for peace and reconciliation. Ultimately, the resurrection encourages a commitment to living in a way that aligns with God's future promises, emphasizing that current actions have eternal significance.
For an episode released during Holy Week, it seemed appropriate to have a conversation with the theologian who has written what many consider to be the seminal work on Jesus’ resurrection, The Resurrection of the Son of God. N.T. Wright is a New Testament scholar of high regard and we talk to him about the resurrection: this miraculous, earth shattering event which changed the course of history. We also hear a bit about how he came to be a theologian and writer who has split his time between academia and ministry.
Find N.T. Wrights free ebook, Preaching the Cross in Dark Times here.
The music in this episode is by Joseph McDade
Join a conversation about this episode on the BioLogos Forum.
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