Sin: Radical Evil in Soul & Society [Paperback]

Ted Peters (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

Using numerous illustrations from everyday life as well as the social sciences, Peter examines the kinds of evil-both personal and societal-that we all confront on a daily basis.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Peters (theology, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary) discusses sin from the perspective of its progressive development into radical evil through seven steps--anxiety, unfaith, pride, concupiscence, self-justification, cruelty, and blasphemy--suggestive of but not identical to the classic seven deadly sins. His presentation is distinguished by its contemporary considerations and his inclusion of the way individual sins may develop a life--or rather a death--of their own and become social evil. Peters is alert to self-righteous sins of projection and scapegoating as well as to their opposites. A wonderful book for committed lay readers and social critics as well as clergy. Highly recommended.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

After noting the increase in reports of satanic rituals, Peters began studying events leading to heinous acts of human brutality and sacrifice. In doing so, however, Peters found the need to look at the phenomenon of satanism within the broader context of sin and the workings of the soul. The result is a seven-step journey to what Peters calls radical evil. According to Peters, all humans are capable of extreme sin. Beginning with anxiety, which predisposes one to "unfaith" or a lack of trust in God, sin then progresses to pride, concupiscence, covetousness, self-justification, and cruelty. Cruelty cultivates the soul for the most radical of all evils, blasphemy, which Peters defines as employing divine symbols in order to dishonor God or to prevent others from benefiting from God's love and salvation. The remedy for sin, according to Peters, is to allow God's grace to transform anxiety into peace, unfaith into trust, pride into humility, and concupiscence into charity, thus leaving no doors open to cruelty and blasphemy. Although theologically profound, Peters' book is highly readable and a relevant contribution to religious studies. Patty O'Connell --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 348 pages
• Publisher: Wipf & Stock Pub (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157910181X
• ISBN-13: 978-1579101817
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,283,307 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Peters put a face on evil, May 2, 2000

By 

Richard (Madison WI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sin: Radical Evil in Soul & Society (Paperback)

Using 7 classic categories of sin, Peters presents a riveting autopsy on the growing body of evidence that sin and evil are nothing to mess with. To the surprise of many "enlightened" modern people, sin is not dead. Left unconfessed and unforgiven, sin can grow cancerously until it destroys not only its own body, but others as well.

Peters' scholarship and theology is of the highest integrity. He also has the rare gift of putting flesh on his ideas--he speaks clearly, directly, and in language we can grasp.

The categories of evil may seem "outmoded", but Peters exegetes them in a way that seems alarmingly contemporary. In progression from least to greatest, Peters offers the following classic forms of sin leading to "radical evil":

1)Anxiety; 2) Unfaith; 3) Pride; 4) Concupiscence; 5)Self-justification; 6) Cruelty; 7) Blasphemy.

Number 7, "Blasphemy", may seem over-reactive, but Peters makes his case about the seriousness that blasphemy, finally, is the most treacherous of all evils. (His description of "concupiscence" is one that moderns should especially know!)

This book never got the attention it deserves. Peters has written a theological work that may well be unparalled in the field of books on "Sin and Evil."

Thanks, Ted.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Book but Drifts from Historic Theology at Times, March 29, 2009

By 

Sten-Erik Armitage "Innerstrife" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sin: Radical Evil in Soul & Society (Paperback)

Lutheran theologian Ted Peters takes us on an exploration of the concept of sin and evil in his book Sin: Radical Evil in Soul and Society. Dr. Peters currently serves as a Professor of Systematic Theology at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is also co-editor of the scholarly journal of the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, Theology and Science. Well known for his research and study of the New Age movement and ecumenicalism, Dr. Peters delves deeper into the issue of depravity and the road that leads to evil.

In this book, Dr. Peters defines radical evil as evil that is pursued in the name of evil. It is a deliberate evil, consciously pursued for its own sake. Dr. Peters proposes that this does not simply just "happen", but rather there is a progression of sin that leads to such an extreme radical evil.

There is a chapter devoted to each of the seven steps that ultimately lead to radical evil, or blasphemy. This is not necessarily laid out as a chronological progression, but rather one of degrees. Dr. Peters begins with anxiety. Although he says that in and of itself, anxiety is not a sin, it opens the door to the next step, which is unfaith. The progression then moves from unfaith to pride, concupiscence, self-justification, cruelty, and finally blasphemy.

Each of these chapters is full of excellent analysis, warnings and scriptural support as to how each of these steps manifest, and how they can ultimately lead to the next step in the progression to radical evil. In the final step Dr. Peters examines two flavors of blasphemy. The first is labeled "covert blasphemy". It is essentially a subtle form of hypocrisy that usurps the goodness of God and ultimately tarnishes His reputation.
The second flavor of blasphemy that Dr. Peters addresses is the focus of his book - that of Radical Evil. He then engages in an excellent analysis of Satanism as well as the ability of radical evil to destroy the soul.

He closes his book with two more chapters. The chapter dealing with forgiveness deals with some challenging issues, including a discussion on the personal sin experience of the individual and how that impacts the way we live and interact. He also presents a Theodicy and a discussion of Natural Evil. Finally, he closes his book with a discussion about the potential genetic nature of sin.

Dr. Peters insightful exploration of each of the seven steps as he proposes them makes this book a valuable read. It opens up the eyes of the reader to a broader understanding of the consequences of sin, and the dangers that are very real in the life of one who lives with their sin unchecked.

Although the book provides an excellent study in the area of sin, it is disappointing that Dr. Peters doesn't take a strong stand on some critical issues. Although the idea of original sin and depravity is discussed at length, he does not come to any conclusions, and leaves the issue up in the air. He does seem to state his stance in his last chapter with the exploration of genetics and sin, but never firmly states a position.
In addition, he tends to portray Satan as more of an impersonal force or concept than a real figure with influence. He acknowledges that more study needs to be done in this area, but dodges taking a stance on the nature of Satan and Hell as a reality or as allegory.

In conclusion, Sin: Radical Evil in Soul and Society is an excellent read for both the scholar and the layperson. His language is simple and eloquent, and his content is deep and rich. Sin is a struggle with which we all must deal on a daily basis. The old adage is true - We must know our enemy. All the more when that enemy can manifest in our selves.

Soli Deo Gloria