N.T. Wright on Scripture in Modernity:
Modernity “gave rise to the false antithesis of seeing scripture either as a convenient repository of timeless truth, a vehicle for imparting ‘true information,’ or as a take-it-or-leave-it resource, itself at one remove from the reality of which it spoke, some of which might come in handy from time to time…but which could be dispensed with, at least in part, if it seem unhelpful for those purposes.” (Scripture and the Authority of God, 29)
This is the problem between conservative and liberal approaches to the Bible. Neither can really grasp the power of God’s Word as Jesus in the Spirit confronting us in the text of scripture.
Where have you seen these problems in discipleship and theology?
3 replies on “Scripture and N.T. Wright”
For me, I’ve had a major paradigm shift in my epistemology. I’ve appreciated reading people like McKnight, Kenton Sparks, Pete Enns & NT Wright on Scripture and our understanding of truth/God’s revelation/Scripture. I’ve moved from a more modernist, post-Enlightenment approach to a practical postmodern perspective. While we cannot claim a grasp of absolute & objective truth, we can still reasonably & practically engage with truth. It’s really excited me about this faith journey we have in Christ.
Blessings.
Scott, thanks for the comment. It’s great to hear how these things are impacting other people. These are great time to be following Christ in mission.
For me personally I find great comfort and excitement in the writings of Richard Rohr, particularly in “The Naked Now” where he introduces a “third-way” of seeing, one beyond merely the senses or reason. Where it blends and transcends the idea of observable facts and mental logic. When applied to interpretation of Scripture I find a cornucopia of freedom and grace, as appose to rigid doctrinal hermeneutics. Truth is here there no doubt, but let’s let truth speak for itself. Many of us (I am also in process of weening this tendency) read Scripture to bolster and fortify things already believe, not to experience the divine Godhead and be transformed more and more into his likeness through the Spirit as encountered in the incarnation Word. When taken this way, I understand the duality of “take-it-or-leave-it” or even truth and non-truth (as described by modernity) melts away. I see the desire for duality reading of text as a huge problem of theology, which cause the church to create uncreative, somewhat judgmental disciples who regurgitate prescribe formulas that lack life and love. But of course that is my own judgement :).