England’s Finest Moves to Scotland: My Letter to Soon-to-Retire N.T. Wright

It was announced earlier this week that beloved scholar, N.T. Wright, will be stepping down from his role as Bishop of Durham on August 31st to pursue a position at the University of St. Andrews as Research Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity.

In the announcement by the Diocese of Durham, Wright states,

This has been the hardest decision of my life. It has been an indescribable privilege to be Bishop of the ancient Diocese of Durham, to work with a superb team of colleagues, to take part in the work of God’s kingdom here in the north-east, and to represent the region and its churches in the House of Lords and in General Synod. I have loved the people, the place, the heritage and the work. But my continuing vocation to be a writer, teacher and broadcaster, for the benefit (I hope) of the wider world and church, has been increasingly difficult to combine with the complex demands and duties of a diocesan bishop. I am very sad about this, but the choice has become increasingly clear.

And in St. Andrews’ announcement, the Head of School, Professor Ivor Davidson, states,

Tom Wright ranks among the most distinguished New Testament scholars in the world, and his profile as a churchman, writer and communicator is simply outstanding. I am delighted that he will be joining us at St Andrews, where he will further enhance the long-established reputation of the School of Divinity as a major international centre of biblical and theological scholarship.

Let’s bypass the United Kingdom’s spelling of “center” as “centre,” and I would say to Ivor, “Of course, you are delighted! I would be delighted if he took a position at my school! It’s like putting racing tyres on your car. The old tyres (i.e., professors) were great, but these (i.e., N.T. Wright) are just cooler.” But here’s what I have to say to N.T. Wright…

Dear Not-for-long Bishop,

I am somewhat disappointed by the move. I know it will help you finish book on Paul, which I for one didn’t think it would ever get done but now will likely happen and thought you were trying to be like Barth and die before finishing your 5-volume magnum opus; and I know this position will be less distracting from your vocation as a writer. But I must say, you were somewhat “untouchable” to me (in a good way, of course). You were…THE BISHOP. Now, you are a professor. I know a ton of professors. They are cool, but bishops are cooler. I hope the new job goes well for you, and I know I am just being selfish. But when you were living in a castle, you had this “mystique” that now you will lose in my book. I still will read your material, and I am still trying to figure out what St. Paul really said. I will just miss the castle (and let’s be honest, you will too).

Your biggest fan,
Evan