In Adam's Fall
A Meditation on the Christian Doctrine of Original Sin
Published on 20. August 2010
256 pages
978-1-4443-2766-3 (ISBN)
Description
This engaging and scholarly book offers refreshingly originalinsights into the contemporary relevance of the Christian doctrineof original sin - one that has inspired fierce debate for thelast two millennia.
* Challenges the many prevailing opinions about the Christiandoctrine of original sin, arguing that it is not only theologicaldefensible, but stimulating and productive for a life of faith
* Shows how it is possible to affirm the universality of sinwithout losing sight of the distinct ways in which individuals bothparticipate in and suffer the consequences of sinful behavior
* Balances historic and contemporary criticism with originaltheological arguments; combining the substance of a traditionalAugustinian doctrine of sin with the pastoral and social concernsof contemporary contextual theologies
* Provides a depth and range of engagement with contemporarycriticism of traditional doctrine that is lacking in other recenttreatments of the topic
Reviews / Votes
"Modest in length, but rich in substance ... eventhose who demur from McFarland's thesis will learn much froma work of competent theology which takes seriously and strives toprotect key components in Augustine's understanding oforiginal sin." (Evangelical Quarterly, 2 April2012) "Written from an ecumenical Reformed perspective heavilyindebted to Augustine and arguably Barth, the book's strengthlies in its sophisticated argument in favor of Augustine'senduring relevance to ecclesial life generally and the doctrine oforiginal sin specifically, especially the illuminating discourse onwilling which paints a surprisingly complex view of the will inconcrete acts of sin." (Religious StudiesReview, 1 December 2011) "Overall, In Adam's Fall is an engaging andhistorically-informed reflection on a difficult aspect of Christianteaching that stimulates constructive dialogue and furtherexamination." (Studies in Religion, 2012) "Libraries that support advanced classes in theology will findthis a worthwhile addition. Recommended. Upper-level undergraduatesand above." (Choice, 1 May 2011) "Engagingly written and infused with scholarly sophistication.In Adam's Fall offers refreshingly original insghts into thecontemporary relevance of a doctrine of Christian teaching that hasinspired fierce debate for over 1,500 years." (Zentrum fürAugustinus-Forschung, 2011) "While unapologetically academic in style, I found this to bemost engagingly written and there are few academic books overrecent years that have brought me as much pleasure and provoked mythinking to such a degree." (Regent's Reviews, 1 April 2011)"A must read for anyone who thinks seriously about questions of sinand what it means to be human. McFarland deftly explores historicaltheological texts and contemporary scientific theory to paint apicture of human beings as creatures whose identity is rooted in anessential unity and thus a common destiny ... This book will be aclassic which will find a place in classes about doctrine,theological anthropology and theology classes moregenerally." --Stephen G. Ray Jr, Garrett-Evangelical TheologicalSeminary "Historically sensitive and dogmatically astute, this bookoffers a persuasive commendation of an element of Christiandoctrine which has become increasingly strange in modern theology."In Adam's Fall is a work of rare theological andspiritual penetration.' -- John Webster, King's College, AberdeenMore details
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10/2010
1st Edition
Wiley
€115.50
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Ian A. McFarland
Adam's Fall - A Meditation on the Christian Doctrine of Original Sin
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08/2010
Wiley-Blackwell
€116.38
No shipping information available
Person
Ian A. McFarland is Associate Professor of SystematicTheology at Emory University's Candler School of Theology.McFarland studied theology at Union Theological Seminary in NewYork, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, and YaleUniversity. He is the author ofDifference and Identity: ATheological Anthropology (2001) and The Divine Image:Envisioning the Invisible God (2005).
Content
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
Part I: Setting the Stage: The Problem of OriginalSin:.
1. Creation Gone Wrong: Thinking about Sin.
A Doctrine Grown Strange.
Biblical Configurations of Sin.
Contemporary Attempts to Reclaim Sin-Talk.
Original Sin and Actual Sin.
2. Original Sin as Christian Doctrine: Origins, Permutations,Problems.
The Emergence of the Doctrine.
The Augustinian Turn.
Augustinian Revisions.
Assessment.
Part II: Reconfiguring the Debate: Sin, Nature, and theWill:.
3. Augustine of Hippo: Willing and the Ambiguity ofDesire.
Augustine's Views in Outline.
Concupiscence: Humanity Internally Divided.
The Fall: Humanity Temporally Divided.
Assessing Augustine's Doctrine of the Will .
4. Maximus the Confessor: Willing Is Not Choosing.
Maximus' Christology in Context.
Dyothelite Christology in Outline.
Maximus' Analysis of the Will.
Maximus' Interpretation of Christ's Willing.
Anthropological Implications.
Conclusion.
5. The Status of Christ's Will: Fallen orUnfallen?.
The Question in the Tradition.
Preliminary Assessment.
The Problem of Christ's Will.
Theological Implications.
Part III: Reconstructing the Doctrine: Original Sin inChristian Practice:.
6. Original Sin and Human Nature: Solidarity in Sin.
Original Sin and the Damaged Will.
The Problem of the Origin of Original Sin.
Reconceiving the Ontology of Original Sin.
7. Original Sin and the Individual: Being a Sinner.
The Scope of Sin.
Sin and Agency.
From Actual Sin to Original Sin.
8. Original Sin and the Christian Life: ConfrontingSin.
From Original Sin to Actual Sin.
Original Sin as Unbelief.
Vocation and the Defeat of Sin.
Conclusion.
References.
Index.
