Overview of Ask NT Wright Anything
This episode of Ask NT Wright Anything (Premier / Unbelievable) features Mike Bird interviewing N.T. (Tom) Wright. They address three listener questions: the meaning of Jesus turning water into wine (John 2), whether churches should revise hymns that imply “going to heaven” rather than resurrection/new creation, and the claim that Paul invented a different Christianity from Jesus. Wright draws on Johannine symbolism, biblical-theological continuity between Old and New Testaments, and pastoral concerns about how theology is learned through worship.
Main topics covered
- The significance of the jars and the “water into wine” sign in John 2, and how it relates to purification, the Spirit, and Jesus’ ultimate display of glory (crucifixion).
- Whether certain traditional hymns teach a distorted (Platonic/disembodied) eschatology and whether worship repertoires should be revised.
- The longstanding claim that Paul diverged from Jesus’ teaching—Wright’s rebuttal about different vocations (Jesus launching the kingdom; Paul organizing communities) and correct understanding of justification by faith.
Key takeaways
1) Why did Jesus turn water into wine? (John 2)
- Wright treats the episode as one of John’s “signs” pointing to Jesus’ glory; the story should be read in the larger Johannine tapestry (Genesis echoes, temple imagery, Spirit imagery, and the crucifixion as ultimate revelation of God’s glory).
- The stone jars are tied to Jewish purification rites; their transformation into wine signals deeper purification and the coming of the Spirit, ultimately fulfilled by Jesus’ death and resurrection—not a denunciation of Judaism but a fulfillment of Israel’s story.
- John’s symbolism is multilayered; let images resonate together rather than forcing a single allegory.
Notable line: the sign “was the beginning … he displayed his glory and his disciples believed in him” (John 2:11 — Wright’s emphasis).
2) Should we revise hymns that imply “going to heaven”?
- Wright argues yes—hymns shape theology. Many older hymns or carols contain verses that unintentionally teach an earthly-escape or disembodied-afterlife view (e.g., final verses that focus on “casting crowns” or being swallowed up in the ocean).
- He recommends thoughtful editing or replacing problematic verses, recovering neglected classic hymns with robust theology, and resisting an unhelpful overreliance on homogenous contemporary worship songs.
- Singing is formative: congregational hymnody can be a spiritual and theological education, so worship leaders should review lyrics and theology.
Examples Wright critiqued:
- Love Divine, All Loves Excelling — opening verses are incarnational, but Wright objects to the last verse’s emphasis on being “in heaven.”
- “Away in a Manger” phrasing about being “fit us for heaven to live with thee there” — suggested to be rephrased toward new creation language.
- Evening hymn ending “lose ourselves in heaven above” — Wright warns this recapitulates non-Christian imagery (e.g., “drop in the ocean” metaphor), conflicting with biblical resurrection hope.
Practical emphasis: convene worship leaders to review hymn texts, recover classics, and ensure congregational theology reflects resurrection/new creation.
3) Did Paul invent Christianity?
- Wright rejects the idea that Paul invented Christianity or that Paul and Jesus taught mutually exclusive religions.
- He frames their relationship: Jesus is the composer of the symphony (launching the kingdom); Paul is a conductor, implementing that work in Gentile contexts. Different roles, not contradictory messages.
- “Justification by faith” identifies who belongs to Jesus’ people (confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in his resurrection), not a license to abandon ethical transformation. Misinterpretations that pit faith against works are historically and theologically problematic.
- Romans 15 (esp. vv. 8–9) exemplifies Paul’s continuity with Jesus: Paul’s mission to Gentiles is rooted in Jesus’ work for Israel and the patriarchal promises.
Metaphor Wright uses: composer (Jesus) vs. conductor (Paul).
Notable quotes / memorable lines
- “Read the Bible as a single story, not two stories.” — Wright on Old and New Testament continuity.
- Singing note: “To sing is to pray twice.” — Augustine cited by Wright to stress the spiritual value of congregational song.
- Composer vs. conductor metaphor: Paul didn’t rewrite the symphony—he conducted it in new contexts.
Actionable recommendations (for pastors, worship leaders, and laypeople)
- Revisit hymns and worship song lyrics for eschatological accuracy: consider editing problematic verses or selecting alternatives that emphasize resurrection and new creation.
- Use John’s signs (including water → wine) as entry points for teaching about purification, temple imagery, and how Jesus fulfills Israel’s story.
- Read Romans 12–16 (and Romans 15 in particular) to appreciate Paul’s continuity with Jesus.
- Recover and teach older hymnody alongside quality contemporary songs to preserve theological depth and congregational participation.
- Read N.T. Wright’s recent work (God’s Homecoming; Surprised by Hope) for a sustained biblical-theological account of new creation and the Christian hope.
Further resources mentioned
- N.T. Wright, God’s Homecoming (new book referenced frequently)
- N.T. Wright, Surprised by Hope (earlier related work)
- Key biblical passages: John 2; John 7 (living water/Spirit); Romans 12–16 (esp. Romans 15:8–9)
- Historical/scholarly pointers: Martin Hengel’s detailed work on John 2 (Wright alludes to a long article analyzing the wedding sign)
This episode blends biblical exegesis, pastoral concern, and liturgical practicality: Wright urges careful reading of Scripture, theological integrity in worship, and appreciation of the complementary roles of Jesus and Paul in the one unfolding story of God’s kingdom.