NT Wright and Tom Holland: How St Paul changed the world

Key takeaways

St. Paul's influence on Christianity and Western culture is profound, reshaping ideas about morality, ethics, and community.
NT Wright portrays Paul as a multifaceted character whose thought was deeply contextualized by his Jewish upbringing and Roman surroundings.
Tom Holland appreciates the revolutionary aspects of Paul's teachings, despite his own agnostic stance, highlighting their lasting cultural significance.
The concept that suffering can lead to transformation and strength is a key element in understanding Paul's theological contributions.
The dialogue between faith and doubt is essential for mutual understanding and can enrich discussions about spirituality and philosophy.

Summary

Introduction to St. Paul and His Influence

The episode opens with Justin Briley welcoming listeners to the Unbelievable? podcast, introducing the guests: NT Wright (Tom Wright), a renowned New Testament scholar, and Tom Holland, a popular historian. They discuss the impact of St. Paul, noting that Wright's latest book, "Paul: A Biography", explores how Paul's messages transformed societies, particularly in the context of the Roman Empire.

Tom Wright's Perspective on Paul

NT Wright shares insights from his book that portray Paul as a complex figure whose theological ideas were shaped by both his Jewish roots and the Roman context. Wright emphasizes that Paul's writings were not just theological treatises but were deeply embedded in the social and political fabric of his time.

Tom Holland's Atheistic Appreciation of Paul

Tom Holland, an agnostic historian, provides a contrasting viewpoint by expressing admiration for the cultural significance of Paul's ideas. He discusses how the early Christian messages, particularly those of Paul, began to challenge the prevailing Roman values, reshaping Western thought in terms of ethics and community.

The Nature of Transformation through Suffering

Wright and Holland delve into the paradox of suffering and power. They explore how Paul's message of a crucified Christ subverted traditional notions of power and strength in ancient society, proposing that true victory can come through self-sacrifice rather than dominance.

Cultural and Philosophical Impact of Christianity

As the conversation unfolds, both guests analyze how Paul's epistles contributed to early Christian theology and the overarching narrative of human rights and moral philosophy in the West. Holland comments on how the principles outlined in Paul’s letters continue to influence contemporary discussions about justice and ethics.

Bridging Divides: Faith and Doubt

The episode concludes with a reflection on how conversations around faith and doubt can mutually enrich dialogue between believers and skeptics. Wright advocates for this ongoing discussion, emphasizing the importance of addressing foundational questions about existence and morality.

Show notes

Renowned New Testament scholar NT (Tom) Wright returns to Unbelievable? to talk about his latest book Paul: A Biography (SPCK). Joining Wright is historical writer Tom Holland, author of popular books on the rise and fall of the Roman empire such as Rubicon and Dynasty,

Tom Wright unpacks the life, character and untold story of Paul. Tom Holland explains why as an agnostic, he is nevertheless convinced of the massive cultural significance of Paul’s message in Roman culture and how it would positively shape Western culture for centuries to come.

Watch the discussion on video! https://youtu.be/nlf_ULB26cU

For Paul: A Biography: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/paul-a-biography

For Tom Holland: https://www.abdumurray.com/

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