N.T. Wright Project

Having reached the end of our study of NT Wright, I would like to reflect on one of the things I have most appreciated about Wright’s work: his use of Scripture.  Because so much of our theology depends upon how we treat and use the Bible, understanding the way in which Wright works with Scripture is helpful in understanding the conclusions he makes about certain theological points.  I found this to be especially true when reading “The Future of Justification”, John Piper’s critique of Wright’s treatment of justification.  While reading Piper’s critique, it became abundantly clear to me that in order to evaluate if his critiques were fair, it would be necessary to understand how Wright treats Scripture as he builds his various arguments.

The first place I turned was Wright’s popular work “The Last Word: Beyond the Bible Wars to a New Understanding of the Authority of Scripture”.  This proved to be immensely helpful.  His discussion of the authority of Scripture was particularly insightful, because he argues that the authority we are talking about is not the authority of Scripture itself, but “the authority of God exercised through Scripture” (Last Word, 138).  This shift in emphasis helps me to use the text as an avenue to hear and know God, rather than to view it as an unliving document to which my life and every decision must answer.  It allows for flexible and creative interpretations, and it opens up the ability for people who end up with different opinions on matters to respect each others use of the Bible as having led them to that position.  Ultimately, it allows for a much more faithful witness to the truths of God which are revealed in Scripture.