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Ask NT Wright Anything

by Premier Unbelievable

The weekly podcast that connects you to NT (Tom) Wright’s thought and theology by allowing you to ask the questions. Produced by Premier Unbelievable and hosted by Mike Bird. Want more from Tom and Mike? Subscribe for bonus episodes at https://askntwright.supportingcast.fm.

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Episodes

  1. Can Christians serve in the Military? Was the Church of England Founded on a Scandal? | N.T. Wright

    Can a Christian serve in the military, knowing they may one day be required to take another person's life? And how should believers reconcile the call to peacemaking with the responsibility to protect the vulnerable? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle...

  2. Is Christianity making a comeback? Ananias & Sapphira and church unity

    Is Christianity really experiencing a “quiet revival” in Britain? Tom Wright responds to reports of increased interest in church and asks what genuine spiritual revival should look like. Tom and Mike Bird also tackle the disturbing story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. Why were they struck…

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  3. N.T. Wright on church councils, biblical righteousness and Jesus’ Ascension

    Can Christians challenge the decisions of historic church councils? What did Paul mean by the “righteousness of God”? And what actually happened when Jesus ascended into heaven?Tom Wright joins Mike Bird to explore three major questions from listeners.Tom explains why the great Christian creeds...

  4. Is the Rapture really biblical? Apostles, prophets and sacraments

    Is the Rapture really biblical? And if friends or family strongly believe in it, should you try to change their minds? Tom Wright and Mike Bird revisit one of the most debated ideas in modern Christian eschatology. Tom explains why he believes 1 Thessalonians 4 has often been misunderstood, and…

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  5. Why would God tell Israel to kill its enemies? The Book of Acts and the missing end of Mark's Gospel

    How can the God revealed in Jesus command acts of violence in the Old Testament? And what should Christians do with some of the Bible’s most troubling passages?Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three major biblical puzzles in today's episode. First, why does Mark’s Gospel appear to end so abruptly,...

  6. Should I feel guilty for not going into ministry? Baptism, calling and Adam & Eve

    What does Jesus mean when he says we must be “born of water and Spirit”? Should Christians feel guilty if they pursue an ordinary career rather than full-time ministry? And why does Paul seem to blame Adam rather than Eve for the entrance of sin?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom…

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  7. Will God Burn up the Earth? Which Anglican Church is right for me, and does Genesis 1 leave room for the "gap theory"?

    Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three big questions: Which Anglican tradition is most faithful? Does Genesis 1 leave room for the “gap theory”? And does 2 Peter really teach that the earth will be destroyed by fire?They explore church tradition and biblical faithfulness, creation and Genesis, and...

  8. Are people basically 'good' or 'evil'? Who was the 'beloved' disciple? And is the Sermon on the Mount legalism?

    Are people basically good, or fundamentally sinful? Did Jesus teach salvation by works in the Sermon on the Mount? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore what the Bible really says about human nature, arguing that our primary identity is not simply "good" or...

  9. What if I desire other things more than God? Can I work in war and weaponry? Where did Pilate judge Jesus?

    What if you genuinely want to love God, but find yourself more excited by your work, hobbies or a good novel than by reading the Bible? Does that mean something is wrong with your faith?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird respond to a listener wrestling with fear,...

  10. Jesus as the glory of God, Do we need to rethink the Trinity, being a force for theological sanity in your Church

    How does Jesus reveal the glory of God? Is the Trinity really the best way to understand Father, Son and Holy Spirit? And what should you do when you think your church is getting the Bible wrong?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore how the New Testament...

  11. What happens when you die? Near-death experiences, Jesus' sonship and Satan's temptation

    Are near-death experiences genuine glimpses of heaven and hell? Has Jesus always been the Son of God? And could Satan have prevented him from completing his mission? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore three substantial questions about death, the identity…

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  12. The Bible and self-forgiveness? The Ascension and were the Samaritans really Israelites?

    Can you forgive yourself? Were the Samaritans really Israelites? And what actually happened at Jesus' Ascension?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird answer three thoughtful listener questions about forgiveness, biblical history and one of the most overlooked events…

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  13. Where do Christians go when they die? Jesus kept healing on the Sabbath? And is 'faith' enough?

    Can someone else's faith help bring us to Jesus? What really happens after Christians die? And why did Jesus keep healing people on the Sabbath?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird answer three thoughtful listener questions about faith, death and the meaning of…

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  14. Why was Jesus so cryptic? Is divorce ever OK? Does Isaiah 53 predict Jesus? And which theologian is hardest to understand?

    Why did Jesus often speak in riddles instead of plain language? What should Christians make of divorce in light of Jesus' teaching? And how should we understand Old Testament prophecies about Christ?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore three challenging...

  15. Is the Greek Orthodox Church biblical? Are icons? Was John's Letter written to a woman? And should Christians judge?

    Description: Is the Greek Orthodox Church biblical? Should Christians judge non-Christians? And who exactly was the mysterious "elect lady" in 2 John?In this episode, Tom Wright answers three thought-provoking questions about church history, biblical interpretation and how Christians should…

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  16. What Did Jesus Mean By "My Father's House"? How should we think about euthanasia, and what are the rewards of Heaven?

    What does the Bible really say about heaven, eternal rewards, and the future God has prepared for his people?First, they discuss the meaning of "treasures in heaven" and heavenly rewards. If the Christian hope is ultimately resurrection and new creation, why does the New Testament speak about...

  17. Jesus and God's wrath, was the Holy Spirit in the OT and did God really command violence?

    How do we make sense of some of the Bible's most difficult passages?In this episode, Tom Wright and Mike Bird discuss Jesus and divine judgment, the role of the Holy Spirit throughout Scripture, and the troubling problem of violence in the Old Testament.These are not easy questions, but they are...

  18. Are Catholics saved? Is the Bible missing books? And will there be a third temple?

    Did the Church leave books out of the Bible? Are Roman Catholics truly saved? And should Christians support rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem?In this episode, Tom Wright and Mike Bird address three major questions about Scripture, salvation, and biblical prophecy.Tom explains how the biblical...

  19. More than marriage, how to find a true biblical lens and what's Tom's next book?

    In today's podcast Ask NT Wright Anything, Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle listeners’ questions on marriage, biblical interpretation and Tom’s future writing projects. Tom explains why, in Simply Jesus, he describes the union of man and woman as a signpost to the coming together of heaven and...

  20. Is Patriarchy part of the fall? Should Christians tithe? And are Oneness Pentecostals saved if they don't believe in the Trinity?

    What does Genesis really mean when it says a woman’s “desire will be for your husband and he shall rule over you"? Should Christians still tithe today? And are Oneness Pentecostals outside historic Christianity?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three major...

  21. Has the Gospel reached the 'Ends of the Earth'?  Where's my transformation? Will my children be with me into eternity?

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle three big listener questions that sit at the crossroads of biblical interpretation and pastoral care.First, they explore what Jesus meant when he said the gospel must be preached to “the ends of the earth” in Matthew…

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  22. Biblical Theology vs Systematic Theology? Romans 7 explained and whether Calvinism is Biblical?

    Another three thorny questions tackled with clarity and depth by Tom Wright and Mike Bird this week. Grab a coffee and prepare for vintage NT Wright. First, they explore the difference between biblical theology and systematic theology, asking when each is most useful and why keeping close to the...

  23. Kingdom of Heaven vs. Secular Humanism; How to brush up on Greek, and should we pray to the Holy Spirit?

    Is building God’s kingdom basically the same thing as secular humanism? Should Christians pray directly to the Holy Spirit? And how do you relearn biblical Greek after years away from it?In this episode, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore the deep difference between Christian hope and secular...

  24. MAGA, Meaning and the End Times

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle three very different but deeply connected questions about faithfulness in a confused age today. First, they address the growing entanglement of MAGA politics, nationalism and parts of white evangelical culture, asking how...

  25. Can you clarify substitutional atonement, Tom?  Which OT should Christians use? Northern tribes question

    What happened to the “lost tribes” of Israel, and do they matter today?In this episode, Tom Wright explores the mystery of Israel’s northern tribes, the meaning of exile, and how the New Testament reframes restoration.They also dive into the debate around penal substitution, asking whether it…

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  26. Does God repent? What does ekklesia mean? Talking about biblical words and what they mean?

    What does the Bible really mean by “soul” and “spirit”? Are they the same thing, or something very different?In this episode, Tom Wright unpacks key biblical words like psuchē, pneuma, and ekklesia, showing how modern misunderstandings can distort Christian theology.They also tackle a profound...

  27. Who are Abraham's children? Did Jesus make mistakes?  Is apostolic succession essential to the Church's faithfulness?

    Recorded in the Anglican calendar's Holy Week this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Michael Bird and Tom Wright begin with Easter traditions, from Bach’s St Matthew Passion to smashing chocolate Humpty Dumpty eggs. Then they tackle three rich questions. First: did Paul “convert” from Judaism to...

  28. Can I attend Catholic church? Jews vs Judeans in translation? Why did Paul circumcise Timothy but not Titus?

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright responds to listener questions about attending churches across denominational lines, the meaning of key biblical terms, and puzzling moments in the life of the Apostle Paul.Tom explores whether Protestants can attend Catholic churches,...

  29. Miscarriage, the Eucharist & did all the biblical characters really exist?

    In this deeply pastoral episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle some of the most sensitive and difficult questions Christians face.How should believers respond when heartfelt prayers seem unanswered, especially in the tragedy of miscarriage and pregnancy loss? Tom...

  30. Why did Jesus turn water into wine? Did Paul invent Christianity? Are Christian hymns wrong? NT Wright Explains

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright answers listener questions about John’s Gospel, worship music, and the relationship between Jesus and Paul.Tom explains how the miracle at Cana reveals Jesus’ glory and points forward to the cross. He also reflects on the theology embedded in...

  31. Women in ministry, Church unity & Paul’s “End of the World” Ask NT Wright

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore three significant questions facing the church today:• Can Christians remain in a church that disagrees about women in leadership?• How can the global church move toward deeper unity across traditions?• Did the Apostle…

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  32. Can you lose your Salvation, hyper-calvanism and did Jesus actually preach Hell?

    Today on Ask NT Wright Anything, N.T. Wright and Mike Bird tackle three major theological questions: Can Christians lose their salvation? What did Jesus actually mean when he spoke about hell? Is hyper-Calvinism a distortion of biblical teaching?Tom explores how the New Testament holds together...

  33. What's the fine print on the Second Coming, the Transfiguration, and Michael Heiser's Unseen Realm

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three fascinating theological questions: What actually happens at the Second Coming? Were Moses and Elijah resurrected at the Transfiguration? How should Christians understand the “unseen realm” of angels and spiritual...

  34. The death of Judas, Biblical Inerrancy and how to avoid being too "heavenly minded"?

    How did Judas really die, by hanging or by falling and bursting open? Does the Bible contain contradictions? And what does it really mean to “set your mind on things above”?In this episode of Ask N.T. Wright Anything, Tom Wright, and Mike Bird tackle three challenging questions: Reconciling…

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  35. Puzzled by Dispensationalism: is our suffering redemptive? The rapture, new creation & becoming “Divine”

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three profound theological questions that sit right at the heart of Christian hope.Is our suffering somehow “redemptive”? What does Paul mean when he says he is “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions”? Tom...

  36. What do you get from Church that you cant get from another community?

    What do you get from Church that you cant get from another community? Does the church actually offer a unique spiritual protection? And how should Christians navigate salvation, infant baptism, and bad teaching across different denominations? Today on Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike...

  37. Can Christians serve unjust governments?

    Can Christians work within unjust governments? What actually changes with the New Covenant? And what does the future hold for Anglicanism amid global shifts and internal tensions? Today on the podcast, Tom Wright and Mike Bird are answering your questions on faith, politics, and church life. How...

  38. Still waiting... for Jesus' return?

    Does your everyday work really matter to God? Why did Jesus have to be fully human and fully divine? And how should Christians live faithfully while waiting for Jesus’ return? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird explore how ordinary life fits into God’s…

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  39. Is Salvation fair?

    Who can be saved? What about those who have never heard the gospel? Do Christians earn rewards in heaven and what does God’s wrath really mean at the cross? Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle some of the most challenging and emotionally charged questions in Christian theology. They explore whether...

  40. Is Christian History objectively bad?

    Was Christianity bad for the world? How should we talk honestly about the Crusades, colonialism, slavery, sectarian wars — and the church’s failures — without pretending the record is clean? In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird respond to three big questions: Is...

  41. Why doesn’t the Bible punish men for adultery?

    Why does the Old Testament sometimes appear to treat women unfairly in cases of adultery? What was the purpose of the Nazirite vow, and why would anyone choose it? And what does it really mean to say that Christ is “present” in the Eucharist?Today, N.T. Wright and Mike Bird dive in on Ask NT…

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  42. What was John the Baptist doing when he baptised Jews before Jesus’ ministry began?

    Do ordained ministers have “more” of the Holy Spirit than lay people? What exactly was John the Baptist doing when he baptised Jews before Jesus’ ministry began? And are the Thirty-Nine Articles still fit for purpose today?Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three questions that sit at the heart of...

  43. Where is the Garden of Eden? NT Wright on Genesis, editing & authority

    Where is the Garden of Eden? What did Paul mean by our “earthly tent”? And does Genesis contain later edits, and if so, does that undermine Scripture?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird tackle three of the most frequently misunderstood biblical questions.Tom…

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  44. Tom Holland vs the Nativity: NT Wright answers

    Was Jesus really born in Bethlehem, or did the gospel writers “invent” the story to fit prophecy? Did a Roman census ever force people to travel back to their ancestral towns? And what about Herod’s massacre of the innocents – pure theology, or plausible history?In this special Advent episode of...

  45. Is Christianity bad?! Has religion done more harm than good?

    N.T. Wright and Mike Bird and reunited together in person in Premier’s new London studios for a big Ask NT Wright Anything episode. Tom tackles a huge listener question: has Christianity actually done more harm than good? From crusades, slavery and abuse scandals to hospitals, human rights and…

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  46. Why does the New Testament show so much demonic activity? and why are so many young Christians turning to high church traditions?

    Demonic activity in the New Testament, the surprising rise of “high church” worship, and whether Christians should be keeping Saturday as the Sabbath…This week on Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom and Mike tackle three big and very different questions. First: Did Jesus’ arrival trigger a surge in…

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  47. Is Online Church REAL Church?

    Title: Real Church, the Lord’s Prayer & New Age? — N.T. Wright's wisdom for todayThis week Tom and Mike tackle three listener questions: • What is real church community—can online church count? • Why do we add “For thine is the kingdom…” to the Lord’s Prayer? • Have New Age practices slipped into...

  48. Was Peter Really the Rock? Did Mary Stay a Virgin?

    In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Mike Bird and Tom Wright take on three big questions:First, a listener from Ohio asks how precise our beliefs must be to be “saved”. Tom reframes salvation away from “going to heaven when you die” towards God’s new creation and the defeat of death. They...

  49. Where Do We Go When We Die?

    In this episode, Tom Wright and Mike Bird field three big listener questions that touch the heart of Christian hope and daily discipleship.First, they explore what happens when we die — where do our loved ones go before the final resurrection? Tom explains what Scripture actually says (and…

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  50. Who wrote Hebrews? and who goes to Hell?

    Mike Bird and Tom Wright take on three weighty listener questions that dive deep into the Bible’s mystery, mercy, and meaning in this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, They begin by exploring the mystery of who wrote the Letter to the Hebrews, unpacking why the early church left the author...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

The weekly podcast that connects you to NT (Tom) Wright’s thought and theology by allowing you to ask the questions. Produced by Premier Unbelievable and hosted by Mike Bird.

Want more from Tom and Mike? Subscribe for bonus episodes at https://askntwright.supportingcast.fm.

HOSTED BY

Premier Unbelievable

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Ask NT Wright Anything have?

Ask NT Wright Anything currently has 330 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Ask NT Wright Anything about?

The weekly podcast that connects you to NT (Tom) Wright’s thought and theology by allowing you to ask the questions. Produced by Premier Unbelievable and hosted by Mike Bird. Want more from Tom and Mike? Subscribe for bonus episodes at https://askntwright.supportingcast.fm.

How often does Ask NT Wright Anything release new episodes?

Ask NT Wright Anything publishes regularly with 330 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Ask NT Wright Anything?

You can listen to Ask NT Wright Anything on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Ask NT Wright Anything?

Ask NT Wright Anything is created and hosted by Premier Unbelievable.
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