Between Two Worlds: A Mix of Theology, Philosophy, Politics, and Culture



Saturday, April 28, 2007

Wright on Penal Substitution

5 comments | Permalink
Last week I posted a troubling article by N. T. Wright, who, after making many true and edifying points, went on to defend Steve Chalke as affirming a "form" of penal substitutionary atonement and to castigate and mock the authors and supporters of a new book defending penal substitutionary atonement. It made me wonder to what degree Wright truly understands the traditional doctrine.

I'm thankful, therefore, to see these Wright quotes provided by Jim Hamilton which clearly affirm the doctrine. And more relevant quotes can be found in this paper.

5 Comments:

Blogger Jason Ballard said...

Wright certainly believes in penal substitution and justification in a legal sense, he just doesn't see it in every blessed verse in the New Testament like many people wish (or demand?) he would. I think we should be constantly open to new insights on scripture based on better cultural understanding of the texts. I'm not fully on board with Wright's thought, but I think he brings some much needed challenges and some fresh insight to the Church today. Semper Reformada.

4/28/2007 11:52:00 AM  
Blogger Chris TerryNelson said...

Penal substitution has acquired many comments over at my blog if you're interested. Thanks for the update on Wright.

4/28/2007 12:30:00 PM  
Anonymous jason hodges said...

so is this really wright talking or is it jim hamilton putting words into his mouth again?

[looks scoffingly at mr. hamilton!]

4/28/2007 04:32:00 PM  
Blogger JT said...

Jason Hodges,

Your comment makes no sense!

JT

4/28/2007 05:55:00 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Thanks for commenting on this. I hope Wright comes to his senses on defending Chalke or attacking others for articulating penal substitution.

I haven't read Chalke, but I have read Marcus Borg (who is worth reading in places) and I've felt that Wright made way too many positive affirmations about him as a "Christian." So it is easy for me to believe, given all the testimony against Chalke (I haven't read him) that this is a similar case.

4/30/2007 11:39:00 AM  

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