Tom Wright, a renowned theologian, dives into profound questions about the Christian faith and perfection. He tackles why Christians should engage with the world instead of waiting for heaven and discusses the significance of our actions in promoting justice and community. The conversation shifts to differing views on whether the world is getting better or worse, impacted by biblical interpretations. Finally, Wright delves into the concept of Christian perfection, exploring Wesley's vision and the importance of humility on the path to spiritual growth.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the idea of charismatic authority developed by Max Weber (1864-1920) to explain why people welcome some as their legitimate rulers and follow them loyally, for better or worse, while following others only dutifully or grudgingly. Weber was fascinated by those such as Napoleon (above) and Washington who achieved power not by right, as with traditional monarchs, or by law as with the bureaucratic world around him in Germany, but by revolution or insurrection. Drawing on the experience of religious figures, he contended that these leaders, often outsiders, needed to be seen as exceptional, heroic and even miraculous to command loyalty, and could stay in power for as long as the people were enthralled and the miracles they had promised kept coming. After the Second World War, Weber's idea attracted new attention as a way of understanding why some reviled leaders once had mass support and, with the arrival of television, why some politicians were more engaging and influential on screen than others. With Linda Woodhead The FD Maurice Professor and Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at King's College LondonDavid Bell The Lapidus Professor in the Department of History at Princeton UniversityAndTom Wright Reader in Rhetoric at the University of SussexProducer: Simon Tillotson

Biblical scholar Tom Wright delves into the biblical portrayal of the devil, discussing Jesus challenging dark forces, our perception of Satan's power, and the line between caution and 'satanic panic'. He explores the defeat of Satan by Jesus on the cross and addresses the complexities of evil in modern society, providing thought-provoking insights into this often misunderstood topic.

In this episode, Tom Wright tackles questions about heaven and hell, including the nature of hell, annihilationist and universalist views, and the possibility of happiness in heaven without loved ones. The podcast dives into the complexities of the afterlife, discussing different theological perspectives on eternal conscious torment, forgiveness, reuniting with loved ones in heaven, and the concept of Christian universalism and ultimate reconciliation.

Justin Brierley is moving on from hosting the Ask NT Wright Anything show. Before the baton gets passed on to fresh hands, he sits down with Tom to ask him the questions he would like to hear answered, including: What do you want your legacy to be? Can you help me to pray and read my Bible every day? What are your hopes and fears for the Anglican Church? And more…   Keep in touch with Justin's future projects and work: https://justinbrierley.com/   • Subscribe to the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast: https://pod.link/1441656192 • More shows, free eBook, newsletter, and sign up to ask Tom your questions: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Tom Wright joins Justin to answer listener questions on how to interpret the early chapters of Genesis, what he believes about the nature of Adam and Eve, whether suffering and death existed before the fall and much more… He also pulls out the guitar once more for a Genesis-themed song. First broadcast in 2019.   Tom's recommended resources mentioned in this show: John Walton: 'The Lost World of Genesis One' Gregory K Beale: 'The Temple and the Church's Mission' Jon D Levenson: 'Creation and the Persistence of Evil'   • Subscribe to the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast: https://pod.link/1441656192 • More shows, free eBook, newsletter, and sign up to ask Tom your questions: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Tom Wright talks to Justin about Christmas and the birth narratives, and answers listener questions on the reliability of the gospels, Bart Ehrman on textual transmission, the dating of the gospels, and whether The Ascension happened as described. Replay of a show first broadcast December 2018   Support our End Of Year Appeal: https://gtly.to/aAxRk0kQs   • Subscribe to the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast: https://pod.link/1441656192 • More shows, free eBook, newsletter, and sign up to ask Tom your questions: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Tom Wright discusses the reliability of the Christmas narratives, the dating of the gospels, and the ascension of Jesus. They emphasize understanding cultural context, explore different perspectives on the historical Jesus, and examine the selective nature of the gospel accounts. They also address criticisms of the Bible's reliability and discuss Peter's calling.

Tom Wright talks to Justin about his book Paul: A Biography and takes listener questions on ‘justification’, election and salvation and what three things he would ask Paul if he were alive today. From a show first broadcast in 2019.   • Subscribe to the Ask NT Wright Anything podcast: https://pod.link/1441656192 • More shows, free eBook, newsletter, and sign up to ask Tom your questions: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Tom Wright, an expert on the life and legacy of the apostle Paul, discusses the significance of Paul's role as an interpreter of Jesus and his impact on the world. He explores Paul's formation of worship-based, educational, and philanthropic communities, as well as his vision for renewed human lives. The chapter also touches on Paul's personality and his commitment to unity and holiness.