N.T. Wright on the Bible and why he won’t call himself an inerrantist

TIME Magazine called him “one of the most formidable figures in the world of Christian thought.” Newsweek once labeled him “the world’s leading New Testament scholar.” His name is N.T. Wright, and he has just written a controversial book on the Bible.

Jonathan Merritt is senior columnist for Religion News Service and has just interviewed retired Anglican bishop, NT Wright on his new book, Surprised by Scripture: Engaging Contemporary Issues.  In that work, Wright engages theological hot topics such as Darwinian evolution, whether Adam was a historical figure, and why he thinks the Bible makes space for women pastors.

The interview is a two parter and you can find the first half here.

In the second half of the interview, Wright discuses issues of homosexuality, science and gender.  You can find that here.

This interview makes great fodder for conversation!

Pervo's Gospel of Luke Commentary out now

It's good news on the biblical front that Richard Pervo's new commentary on Luke is now available.

This volume completes the highly regarded Synoptic Gospels set in the scholars Bible series.

Here's what the critics are saying..

"Pervo writes with verve" - The Bible Today

"(Pervo's) wit and erudition make for pleasurable reading" - Anglican Theological Review

What prompted the anonymous author of Luke to edit his sources, Mark and Q, and retell the story of Jesus? Using the Scholars Version translation that is true to the everyday Greek of the gospel writers, Pervo explores the who, when, where, why, and how of the Gospel of Luke. Includes the Greek text, introduction, notes, and cross references.

You can find out more and even order the book here.

Free Audio Bibles: "YouVersion allowed me to, for the first time, read the Bible cover to cover"

Last month I highlighted a Bible resource called  YouVersion (a simple, ad-free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer). What you may not realise is that this app also includes several audio versions of the Bible. If you're someone who struggles to read or perhaps has regular commute time, an audio Bible may be perfect for you. The creators of the app recently shared some of the feedback they've received from people listening to audio Bibles:

“YouVersion allowed me to, for the first time, read the Bible cover to cover. I listened to a 1yr Bible plan in my car every day for a year. I consider it one of my most important life accomplishments.”—Andrew E.

“Being able to listen to Scripture this year has been a lifeline. I could not have managed without it. Thank you!”—Charles L.

“I turn on the Bible App and put my phone in my hardhat so I can work and listen to the great book. TYVM for this app!”—Nicky

It is available on almost all platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad, and Blackberry) and will help you read and study the Bible, subscribe to Bible plans, and take the Bible with you wherever you go. For more information, visit the dedicated website.

Free Resource: Introduction to Old Testament (Yale)

If you’re interested in learning more about the Old Testament then this free resource might be of interest to you. Split into 24 different lectures (by Professor Christine Hayes), the audio and video for this course from Yale University is available free of charge online. The lectures are easy to follow and provide a detailed introduction to the Old Testament.

This course examines the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel, and a foundational document of Western civilization. A wide range of methodologies, including source criticism and the historical-critical school, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and literary and canonical approaches are applied to the study and interpretation of the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the Bible against the backdrop of its historical and cultural setting in the Ancient Near East.

Access the course through the Open Yale website.

Free Resource: Introduction to New Testament History and Literature (Yale)

If you're interested in learning more about New Testament history and literature then this free resource might be of interest to you. Split into 26 different lectures (by Dale B. Martin who is the Woolsey Professor of Religious Studies at Yale), the audio and video for this course from Yale University is available free of charge online. The lectures are easy to follow and provide a detailed introduction to the New Testament.

This course provides a historical study of the origins of Christianity by analyzing the literature of the earliest Christian movements in historical context, concentrating on the New Testament. Although theological themes will occupy much of our attention, the course does not attempt a theological appropriation of the New Testament as scripture. Rather, the importance of the New Testament and other early Christian documents as ancient literature and as sources for historical study will be emphasized. A central organizing theme of the course will focus on the differences within early Christianity (-ies). This course was recorded in Spring 2009.

Access the course through iTunes U: Audio or Video, or directly through the Open Yale website.