Biblical Theology vs Systematic Theology? Romans 7 explained and whether Calvinism is Biblical?

About this episode

Tom Wright and Mike Bird discuss the differences between biblical and systematic theology, explore Romans 7, and tackle the complexities of Calvinism.

Another three thorny questions tackled with clarity and depth by Tom Wright and Mike Bird this week. Grab a coffee and prepare for vintage NT Wright. First, they explore the difference between biblical theology and systematic theology, asking when each is most useful and why keeping close to the biblical text really matters. Next, Tom unpacks the much-debated “I” the "Wretched Man" in Romans 7, explaining why Paul is not simply describing the ordinary Christian life but telling a bigger story about Israel, Torah and the problem of sin. Finally, they tackle Calvinism, predestination, the five points of TULIP and the tension between divine sovereignty and human freedom.Into The Heart of Romans https://amzn.to/4sq8aBXSupport & Subscribe👉 Support thought-provoking conversations and help keep the show going at www.premierunbelievable.com/geolink/donate💡❓Got a question for Tom? Go to askntwright.com👉 Refer a friend to become a subscriber → They can get 10% off by clicking hereFollow usInstagram: https://instagram.com/premierunbelievableFacebook: https://facebook.com/premierunbelievableTik Tok: https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievableX: https://x.com/UnbelievableFE Learn more about…

People in this episode

Host: Tom Wright

Guest: Mike Bird

Topics covered

• biblical theology
• systematic theology
• Romans 7
• Calvinism
• predestination
• divine sovereignty
• human freedom

Keywords

• theology
• Romans 7
• Calvinism
• predestination
• TULIP
• sin
• Israel

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Premier Unbelievable

Books & works: Into The Heart of Romans

More episodes of Ask NT Wright Anything

• Is Patriarchy part of the fall? Should Christians tithe? And are Oneness Pentecostals saved if they don't believe in the Trinity? · June 8, 2026 · 35 min
• Has the Gospel reached the 'Ends of the Earth'?  Where's my transformation? Will my children be with me into eternity? · June 1, 2026 · 28 min
• Kingdom of Heaven vs. Secular Humanism; How to brush up on Greek, and should we pray to the Holy Spirit? · May 18, 2026 · 30 min
• MAGA, Meaning and the End Times · May 11, 2026 · 41 min
• Can you clarify substitutional atonement, Tom?  Which OT should Christians use? Northern tribes question · May 4, 2026 · 50 min
• Does God repent? What does ekklesia mean? Talking about biblical words and what they mean? · April 27, 2026 · 35 min