The Big Bible episode: Canon, Contradictions & Tradition
Playback speed
What is the Bible really — and who decided which books belong in it? Can we trust the Gospels if they don’t always agree? And when should tradition shape how we read scripture, and when should we challenge it?In this Big Bible Episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike Bird dig into big, timeless questions about the canon of scripture, how inspiration works, and why apparent contradictions in the Gospels don’t undermine their truth. They unpack how tradition and fresh interpretation must stay grounded in the historical context of the text, and why the church must always be, as Tom says, “semper reformanda” — always reforming around the Bible’s authority.Support us: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donateGot a question for Tom? Go to askntwright.comStart going deeper in the Bible with a free trial at logos.com/NT👉 If you’re enjoying this exclusive series, leave us a comment or share what you’re learning
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Released on 17 Aug 2025
Coming up next
Can you lose Salvation? Why do churches keep splitting? What is covenant theology?
Why do churches split over theology? What does the Bible really say about covenants and dispensations? Why do some Christians skip sacraments altogether? And can you lose your salvation?In this episode of Ask NT Wright Anything, Tom Wright and Mike B...
Did Jesus Know He Was Divine?
Mike Bird and Tom Wright tackle three big listener questions. First: did Jesus know he was God—and if so, in what sense? Tom explores how Jesus reframes what we mean by “God,” drawing on the Gospels and Philippians 2. Next: contemplative practices. F...
Should Church Leaders Be Ordained? Are We Needed To Usher In The New Creation?
Mike Bird and Tom Wright take on three big listener questions. First: how do we actually cooperate with the Spirit in God’s plan for new creation? Tom reflects on what it means to anticipate heaven and earth being joined, and how our present faithful...
