Bound to Sin: Abuse, Holocaust and the Christian Doctrine of Sin

Cambridge Studies in Christian Doctrine

by Alistair McFadyen

This book discusses the Christian doctrine of sin in relation to sexual abuse of children and the Holocaust, allowing these pathological situations to illuminate and question our understanding of sin. Taking seriously the explanatory power of secular discourses for analyzing and regulating therapeutic action in relation to such situations, the book asks whether the theological language of sin can offer further illumination by speaking of God and the world together. The book is unusual in discussing the Holocaust in relation to Christian doctrine.

Genres: Theology

272 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 1996

Reviews

[N Nightingale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was painfully honest and difficult to read at some points, but it gives a few tools to help deal with pathologies of sin. I'm not sure if it is possible for us to break out of these cycles and if he offers enough tools to break out of this cycle, however. Even if he does not give many tools to "fix" sin, he offers two very in depth case studies of sexual abuse and the holocaust. It is heartbreaking to hear about these tragedies, especially if you are sitting with this book for an extensive period of time, but the examination seems necessary for a modern interpretation of sin.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sophisticated look at sin, giving attention to two concrete situations (sexual abuse, the Holocaust), seeks to demonstrate the descriptive and explanatory of a theological understanding of sin (or, pathology) over against modern, moralistic understandings of the same, and, the author succeeds in demonstrating this. The technical, complex language of the book is not for the faint of heart, nor can one drift along in reading the book - it requires some focus and attention - but if one can engage with it, it will prove worthwhile and beneficial. I highly recommend this superb and original work.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of academic theology that manages to be clear, readable, relevant and inspiring. The last two chapters are glorious. McFayden presents a doctrine of sin that makes intellectual,emotional and practical sense. Highly recommended.