“In this highly original study, Gary Anderson draws on a cornucopia of sources (biblical, patristic, rabbinic) to show how different metaphors, e.g. a weight on one''s back or a debt to be paid, have shaped the development of Jewish and Christian understandings of sin. Though Anderson ranges far and wide, he never loses sight of the big picture.”—Robert Louis Wilken, University of Virginia
(Robert Louis Wilken )
“Anderson is developing a new approach to biblical theology, by probing the root metaphors for theological ideas, and tracing their interpretation in postbiblical Judaism and Christianity. This book is important not only for the history of sin, but also for the central theological idea of atonement. An important and original book.”—John J. Collins, Holmes Professor of Old Testament, Yale University
(John J. Collins )
“Wonderful and surprising . . . a significant contribution both to scriptural interpretation and to theology proper, and an object lesson in how to do both well. . . . [Anderson] brings the traditions he interprets alive and shows how Christianity and Judaism each provides a thread in a single figural fabric.”—Commonweal
(
Commonweal )
“Astonishing . . . compelling . . . . This book merits wide and sustained attention . . . . There are few books available that offer as many generative insights as this one.”—Walter Brueggemann, Christian Century
(Walter Brueggemann
Christian Century )
“Impressive . . . powerfully reasoned and compelling.”—Peter Lopatin, Commentary
(Peter Lopatin
Commentary )
“Scholarship at its best . . . well-argued insights and lively prose . . . . Highly recommended.”—Choice
(
Choice )
"Anderson''s clear concise writing and solid line of argumentation on the history of sin as a debt is to be highly commended to students, scholars, and libraries as a valuable and insightful addition."—Theodore James Whapham, Catholic Books Review
(Theodore James Whapham
Catholic Books Review )
"One of those rare volumes that charts new territory, that speaks new wisdom . . . fascinating . . . [and] as gripping as a detective novel."—Nicola Hoggard Creegan, Colloquium
(Nicola Hoggard Creegan
Colloquium )
"This slender volume, bearing the author''s wide learning with a rare grace, addresses a significant question in Jewish and Christian thought, one with far-reaching implications for theology, ethics, and the church''s work. . . . [Anderson''s] work offers a learned, and in many ways spiritually liberating, alternative to both evangelical and liberal views of sin and justification while taking human obligation seriously."—Gary A. Anderson, Restoration Quarterly
(Gary A. Anderson
Restoration Quarterly )
"Anderson is entirely successful in demonstrating the significance of metaphor in shaping thoughts and actions in relation to sin and especially the importance of the debt metaphor in early Judaism and Christianity. Equally impressive in this book is the way that Anderson takes complex issues and presents them in a way that is entirely accessible to a more general audience. Such an achievement is exceedingly rare in biblical and Second Temple studies. . . . In sum, Sin: A History is erudite, informative, and accessible."—Jeffrey Stackert, The Journal of Religion
(Jeffrey Stackert
The Journal of Religion )
"At times Anderson''s insights are breathtaking . . . This book might—and should—have enormous impact on theology."—James F. Keenan, Theological Studies
(James F. Keenan
Theological Studies )
