N.T Wright’s Simply Jesus and Our “Perfect Storm”
In his book Simply Jesus, renowned theologian N.T. Wright explores the challenge of truly understanding Jesus amidst what he describes as a "perfect storm." This storm consists of two myths and one major challenge, making it difficult to grasp the historical and theological reality of Christ.
The Two Myths
For many, the word "myth" might evoke skepticism, as myths are often thought of as fictional stories meant to explain complex ideas. However, Wright defines myth differently:
"A 'myth' in this strict sense is a story that purports to be in some sense 'historical' and that encapsulates and reinforces the strongly held beliefs of the community that tells it" (Simply Jesus, p. 18).
Wright explains that both sides of the debate surrounding Jesus rely on historical elements but tend to emphasize certain aspects while ignoring others to reinforce their narratives.
The Myth of Christian Conservatism – This group adheres to beliefs such as the virgin birth, the resurrection of Christ, and the divine authority of Scripture. Skepticism is often seen as a "lack of faith."
The Myth of Modern Skepticism – This perspective sees Jesus primarily as a moral teacher and rejects supernatural claims. It is often uncomfortable with anything that challenges a purely rationalist worldview.
Both groups remain entrenched in their positions, making dialogue and mutual understanding difficult.
The Challenge: Historical Complexity
Beyond these two myths, Wright identifies a third complicating factor: historical complexity. Understanding Jesus is difficult due to two primary reasons:
The Limited Historical Resources – The records available about Jesus are subject to interpretation and debate.
Cultural and Personal Biases – Each generation reads historical texts through the lens of its own worldview, often imposing modern assumptions on ancient narratives.
To truly grasp Jesus' identity, Wright encourages readers to step into this "perfect storm" rather than retreating into ideological camps.
My Personal Journey Through Faith and Doubt
I was not raised in a predominantly Christian or even culturally Christian household. My journey of faith began unexpectedly—through a friend's prayer at our dinner table. Over time, I pursued faith, believing it to be the missing piece in my life. Yet, I still wrestled with questions about evolution, creation, and biblical interpretation.
As I became more involved in the Reformed tradition, I was taught that the Bible is sacred and authoritative, and that questioning it showed a lack of faith. I believed that interpretation was straightforward and that personal perspectives had no bearing on biblical truth.
However, as I matured, I found myself in a liminal space—a place between Christian conservatism and modern skepticism. I resonated with Wright’s perspective: I didn't fully belong to either camp. This has often felt like a lonely journey, but it has also been a necessary one.
Embracing the Storm
Like N.T. Wright, I believe we must enter this perfect storm rather than seek refuge in rigid ideologies. I refuse to define my faith by fear or by the desire for belonging. Instead, I seek a deeper, more authentic understanding of Jesus—one that goes beyond inherited narratives.
Perhaps, by embracing the tension and engaging in honest dialogue, we can bridge the gap between these two opposing groups. Or, at the very least, we can build more boats to navigate the storm together.
Buy the Book
If you want to dive in deeper into this journey, I recommend that you buy N.T Wright’s wonderful book entitled “Simply Jesus.” Below you will find an affiliate link to Amazon where you can purchase this book, and give back to my work at no cost to you!
References
Wright, N. T. (2018). Simply Jesus : A New Vision of Who He Was and Why He Matters. New York, NY: Harperone, An Imprint of Harpercollins Publishers. (Original work published 2011)
