Customer Reviews

Original Sin: Origins, Developments, Contemporary Meanings

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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.

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.

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.

First, she showed tremendous respect for the early philosophers and fairly presented their positions before moving on quite forcefully to the higher ground of liberation and feminist theologies. She was able to write quite understandably about very difficult concepts. It is my hope that additional feminist and liberation perspectives will emerge to provide greater insights into our understanding of G_D. Thank you for the book

A difficult road to hoe, this book offers a totally new approach to original sin, explaining the usual Genesis 3 story,yet,relying mostly on the works of theologian-philosopher Rev. Bernard Lonergan S.J,to emphasize the existential realities of original sin for modern society. Well worth the time and effort!
Malcolm O'Sulivan, F.S.C.

I find Tatha Wiley's book very interesting. An attractive book for me is underlined, full of notes. THis I have done with 'Original Sin'. It is rare book, for me, on a subject that I normally would not read. First she writes clearly and readable. She uses history -- She shows beautifully the difference between classical or metaphical theology and the contemporay theology that uses anthropolgy, history, and sciences. The classical with Genesis 3 upholds woman as being subordinate to man not equal. Souce of sin is man and many more classsical idea. The new understanding of original sin does not come with birth, but some how is a breaking of a relationship with God and with humans. At any rate, I found the book very interesting.The world today needs a different manner on looking at evil - we need a way in which war can be avoided. How is it possible to justify violence to human beings, terrorism, war is terrorism, through origianl sin? But 'holy men' are doing it every night on teh news.