Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings [Paperback]

Tatha Wiley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2002

In a clear and methodical manner Tatha Wiley explores the many dimensions of the conflicting yet fundamental concept of original sin. She explores the Christian origins, patristic developments and medieval interpretations of original sin, then traces the emergence of the idea of original sin, the questions the idea answered, and the development of original sin as a Christian doctrine in the early centuries of Christianity. Finally, she brings the discussion to the present with the modern scientific, historical, and philosophical challenges posed to the doctrine along with contemporary reinterpretations of it. This book is valuable reading for theologians, university and seminary graduate students, and nonprofessionals who may be intrigued by this subject.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A splendid, deeply researched work. -- Gerard Sloyan, Professor Emeritus of Religion at Temple University and Visiting Professor of Religion at the Catholic University of America

It does all that it should do: It is attentive to church doctrine but finally is ecumenical in its approach. -- Roger Haight, S.J., Weston School of Theology

This is a good and clearly written, accessible volume, sweeping in its coverage of the subject. -- Larry Rasmussen, Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Social Ethics, Union Theological Seminary

This teaching tool, shows why insights of the tradition are still relevant to today's problems. --Lisa Sowle Cahill, Monan Professor of Theology, Boston College

About the Author

Tatha Wiley holds a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston College. She has taught at St. John's University (Minnesota) and St. Olaf College, and currently teaches at Metropolitan State University and United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (November 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809141280
• ISBN-13: 978-0809141289
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Original Sin in the Western Tradition, March 22, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings (Paperback)

One can trace much of the Western theological tradition to the concept of original sin, and this book is an excellent resource for such studies. Augustine to Anselm, Trent and Luther, Neibuhr to Reuther to Lonergan. The first part of the book is a historical recap up to the 16th century, mostly based upon secondary sources. The second half deals with contemporary authors dealing with the inheretance, no pun intended!

I would suggest Romanides' "The Ancestral Sin" for a more detailed telling which also takes into account the Eastern Church.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tatha Wiley's "Original Sin..." bolsters faith!, August 26, 2003

By 

John D. Cornwell (Corydon, Indiana United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings (Paperback)

Maintaining a firm foundation of Faith today is arduous. Contemporary knowledge and the rigors of disciplined logic render literalism untenable. Tatha Wiley's "Original Sin" was outstanding and repeatedly insightful. I found her exposition and explanation of the evolving concept of Original sin to be highly readable and understandable. Being a child of the (early!) twentieth century I have always had a problem with biblical literalism. Ms. Wiley's book gave me a great basis for understanding a very real concept of Original sin without having to check my brains at the door. Echoing a prior reviewer, my copy of "Original Sin" is copiously and rather wantonly highlighted in technicolor.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Comtemporary Meanings, April 16, 2010

By 

Patrick E. Siebert (Deltona, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings (Paperback)

I'm not really all that far into this book, but the Introduction literally captured my attention. I am most impressed with the author's(Tatha Wiley) approach to discussing the subject. I choose it because I wanted a fair reading on the doctrine of original sin, particularly its relevance in early Christianity and how it evolved into doctrine which is a foundation of Christianity, without which Christianity appears to have a very weak base for the purpose of the life of Jesus. But it does require a fair hearing without personal prejudice to grasp the subject itself. I've enjoyed what I've read so far.