"Original Blessing is a beautiful book with a much needed message for today's church. Readers will learn something about the Bible, about theology, and about church history – but most of all, after reading this book they will fall in love with God all over again or maybe for the first time." --Ivy Beckwith, author of Formational Children's Ministry and Faith Formation Minister, United Church of Christ

"Insightfully theological and compelling pastoral, Danielle Shroyer has offered this witty and thought-provoking book as a blessing to contemporary North American Protestantism. Her articulate argument--peppered with true-to-life illustrations--conveys life and hope from a God-with-us through our brokenness and stubbornness. I highly recommend Original Blessing to anyone seeking to better understand the pervasiveness of sin-talk and the possibility of transformational blessing. Relax and enjoy the gift in your hands. --Tim Hartman, Columbia Theological Seminary

"Many of our greatest struggles in life are the result of limited and distorted ways we have learned to see God and ourselves. With the heart of a pastor and the mind of a theologian, Danielle Shroyer invites us to consider the possibility that we are more precious to God and more powerful than we ever imagined. This highly engaging and accessible book challenges commonly held assumptions about sin and human nature with intelligence, clarity, wit, and deep respect for scripture and tradition. You will come away feeling loved and liberated to take new steps to participate in God's unfolding work in the world." --—Mark Scandrette, author of Free: Spending Your Time and Money on What Matters Most

"Original sin is one of the most hurtful doctrines within Christianity. Hurtful to ourselves and to others. But what if our identities flow out blessing rather than total depravity? Danielle Shroyer's profound and compelling Original Blessing is a life-giving paradigm shift that draws us out of fear, shame, and guilt and deeper into joy, love, and grace." --Richard Beck, author of Reviving Old Scratch

"The stories we tell ourselves, and one another, carry great power. And, we often have choices in those stories. Danielle Shroyer is telling the story of God that has resounded in the hearts of so many of us even when it did not resound in our sanctuaries, Sunday school rooms, or seminary lecture halls—that humanity is originally blessed. The alternative stories of the depravity of humanity will certainly linger in our world and even in the deep recesses of some hearts, but Danielle's caring, thoughtful and wise writing will serve to free many from the traps of this misreading the Biblical story. Original Blessing is just that, original and thoughtful and a great blessing to all who read it." --Doug Pagitt, pastor, author, and speaker

Danielle Shroyer is a sought-after speaker, respected pastor, and a founding member of the emerging church movement. She holds a BA from Baylor University and an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary and is the author of Original Blessing: Putting Sin in its Rightful Place and Where Jesus Prayed.