On Dropping the Debt

A couple of days ago somebody pointed me to this article by N.T. Wright. I can't for the life of me remember who though, so whoever you are, thanks.

On Dropping the Debt
A note on the subject of debt relief, 12 May 2008
by the Bishop of Durham, Dr. N. T. Wright

In some of my writings and sermons I have emphasized the importance of cancelling Third World debts. A great deal of work at quite a high level of economic and financial expertise has been done on this and I have tried to draw on the findings of this, as part of the ‘Jubilee’ movement. I have been reading, discussing and writing about this for over ten years now, and I am quite used to meeting ‘the usual objections’. Recently, following Surprised by Hope, one or two people have taken me to task quite strongly. I don’t have time for a full answer, but I hope this will be a start. (Read the rest here.)

Imagine that... theology that actually has real world applications. No wonder the good Bishop has been taken to task. Theology is fine, as long as it doesn't try to move us off our preconceived and non-negotiable political positions. I've said it many timess before in this space, our theology is meant to inform our politics, and not the other way around. I think what is happening here is very, very important. Some are trying to move us to a place where we can actually see a "practical Kingdom." It's one thing to pray for the Kingdom to come, on earth as it is in heaven, but it's another thing entirely to try and help make it happen, to live as if you really want it. This is going to require us to change--our lifestyle, our politics, our goals, our view of everything--and some of us never bargained for that when we signed up with Jesus.

Comments

[Wes]

...these are excellent words, Mr. Todd!!!

..."Theology is fine, as long as it doesn't try to move us off our preconceived and non-negotiable political positions. I've said it many timess before in this space, our theology is meant to inform our politics, and not the other way around."

...thanx!

[Maria]

I'm currently reading Surprised by Hope, and was happily surprised to see Wright take on this issue so forcefully. Looking forward to reading his further comments about it ...

[Beth]

I posted on it, so it might have been me. Ever since I heard Wright begin saying, a couple-three years ago, that this was the most important moral issue of our age I've been expecting a growing chorus of "stick to the afterlife Reverend...."

[Mike]

Yup - I think it was you Beth. Thanks!