Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins [Paperback]

William H. Willimon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2005

The seven deadly sins are a well-known topic, but, surprisingly, not much has been written about them in recent years from a serious theological viewpoint. Dr. Willimon feels that a new book on this topic would be timely and of great interest to Christians. He takes an unflinching look at the meaning and substance of sin.
Study questions by Dr. Willimon are included. The "felt need" is an increasing dissatisfaction with shallow, feel-good Christianity which does not attempt to grapple with our propensity, visible around us and in our own lives, to do evil.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Feeling most at home behind a pulpit, Bishop William H. Willimon’s deepest calling is to be a preacherand truth-teller of Jesus Christ.

A recent study by the Pulpit and Pew Research Center found that Willimonis one of the most widely read authors among mainline Protestant pastors and an international survey conducted by Baylor University named him one of the Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the English-speaking world. With over a million copies of more than sixty books sold, his popularity is undeniable.

Willimon presides as Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of The UnitedMethodist Church, after serving for twenty years as faculty member and Dean ofthe Chapel at Duke University. He continues to give lectures and teach atuniversities around the world. Willimon earned a doctoral degree from EmoryUniversity and has been honored with thirteen additional doctorates.

 

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press (September 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687492807
• ISBN-13: 978-0687492800
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,649 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

William H. Willimon is Presiding Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, Birmingham, AL area, and Visiting Research Professor, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC. Prior to his current position he served for twenty years as Professor of Christian Ministry and Dean of Duke University Chapel. He is the author of fifty books, and over a million copies of his books have been sold. His articles have appeared in many publications including The Christian Ministry, Quarterly Review, Liturgy, Worship, and Christianity Today. His Pulpit Resource is used each week by over eight thousand pastors in the U.S.A., Canada, and Australia. He was selected in a Baylor University survey as one of the "Twelve Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A subject not talked about in liberal Protestant circles, May 28, 2007

By 

Tanja L. Walker "Tanja L. Walker" (Norman, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins (Paperback)

I don't know what prompted me to pick up this book. Like many liberal Protestants, I prefer to focus in on God's grace and power to save everyone. But sin is not talked about enough in the circles I run around in, and, as this book suggests, maybe it needs to be talked about more. As Willimon stresses over and over, Jesus came to save SINNERS. Of course, we are all sinners, just as we also all are beloved children of God.

Willimon gives an honest, updated look at the Seven Deadly Sins, including their origins, not just in the Bible, but in early church history. He explains why these sins are still sins, even the ones we like to say aren't so bad, like Pride and Lust. Interesting reading, and a lot of good irony. He does focus on these individual sins at the expense of more systemic sins, which is where I tend to focus my theology, but then it occurs to me that systemic sin is rooted in the Seven Deadly Sins as much as individual sins are. Anyway, it's hard reading for us liberal Protestants, but well worth it.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Calling sin what it really is - sin, July 28, 2006

By 

Pastor of the North Country - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins (Paperback)

Bishop Willimon is not afraid to "swim" against society's view of what sin is - and isn't. This is not a book for the faint hearted. Willimon is opinionated and frank about sin - in our lives individually and our lives corporately. A great eight week Sunday school study or a study where one's goal is great dialogue - and an honest appraisal of sin's effect on one's life.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful lesson book for study, August 7, 2009

By 

kltchltt - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sinning Like a Christian: A New Look at the Seven Deadly Sins (Paperback)

Purchased this book to use to teach my adult Sunday school class. It was a wonderful book and brought a great message that can be applied to everyday living. Class enjoyed the lesson and I found it easy to follow and present. Great book!