ST28: Into the Heart of Romans (Interview with NT Wright)
Sep 29, 2023
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Renowned biblical scholar, Prof. N.T. Wright, discusses his new book on Romans, the significance of Romans chapter 8, the concept of inheritance, Christians in Rome, meaningful Bible reading, and the importance of love in Paul's theology.
The book of Romans is a unique and influential letter, filled with deliberate care and weaving together various themes from Hebrew and Greek scripture.
Romans chapter 8 serves as the heart of the book, delving into crucial topics such as God's righteousness, Jesus' death and resurrection, suffering, and the ultimate vision for a new creation.
Deep dives
The Significance of the Book of Romans
The book of Romans holds great importance in the history of the church due to its impact on influential figures like Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley. Paul's deliberate care in writing Romans sets it apart from other letters, with its unique structure and literary style. The letter was meant to address specific arguments that Paul had been pondering for some time, weaving together various themes and drawing on both Hebrew and Greek scripture. The church is still waiting to fully grasp the whole impact of Romans as a coherent and supple message.
The Focus on Romans Chapter 8
Romans chapter 8 is regarded as the heart of the book, as it covers a wide range of topics crucial to Paul's message. It presents a view of theology that goes beyond simply attaining salvation and going to heaven. The chapter delves into themes such as God's righteousness, Jesus' death and resurrection, the work of the Holy Spirit, suffering, ethics, and the ultimate vision for a new creation. Romans 8 is seen as the culmination of Paul's arguments and serves as a foundation for addressing subsequent questions and challenges.
The Importance of Lament and the Groaning of Creation
Paul addresses the concept of lament and the groaning of creation in Romans 8. He draws on the imagery of the Israelites in Egypt, waiting for God to rescue them, to emphasize the need for lament and seeking God's intervention in times of pain and suffering. Paul provides a mature biblical theology of lament, which acknowledges that hardship and sorrow are part of the Christian journey and not indicative of personal inadequacy. Christians are called to reflect God's presence and compassion in a world that groans by allowing the Spirit to dwell within them and expressing their concerns to God through lament.
Assurance, Love, and Reading the Bible
Assurance, as presented in Romans 8, should not be confused with certainty. It is not a rigid, unwavering confidence, but rather a deep sense of trust and reliance on God. The assurance comes from recognizing that God is for us, demonstrated through the love displayed in Jesus' sacrificial death and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This assurance is particularly meaningful for early Christians facing persecution and marginalization. As for reading the Bible, engaging with the Gospels, especially through imaginative exercises like the Ignatian method, allows for a personal connection to Jesus and his teachings. Additionally, regularly reading the Psalms helps develop a language of lament and serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and love.
**special episode** This is the first guest we have ever had on Slow Theology, the one and only Prof. N.T. Wright, arguably the most influential biblical scholar in the last fifty years. He has a new book coming out (Into the Heart of Romans), and AJ and Nijay had the privilege of chatting with Wright about Romans, faith and doubt, and reading the Bible wisely and faithfully.