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New Studies in Biblical Theology #5
Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle
We live in a world shot through with evil. The twentieth century has witnessed suffering and human cruelty on a scale never before imagined. Yet, paradoxically, in recent years the doctrine of original sin has suffered neglect and ridicule. In this philosophically sophisticated treatment of the biblical evidence for original sin, Henri Blocher offers a robust response. Interacting with the best theological thinking on the subject, this New Studies in Biblical Theology volume shows that while the nature of original sin is a mystery―even a riddle―only belief in it makes sense of evil and wrongdoing. After a general survey of the biblical evidence, Blocher moves on to discuss the two key texts. First, he considers the relation of the Eden story of Genesis 2 and 3 to modern scientific, literary and theological thinking. Then, he offers a new and groundbreaking interpretation of Romans 5, where Paul discusses Christ and Adam. From this exegetical foundation, he goes on to show how the doctrine of original sin makes sense of the paradoxes of human existence. In the final chapter, he discusses the intellectual difficulties that some feel remain with the doctrine itself. Addressing key issues in biblical theology, the works comprising New Studies in Biblical Theology are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles. The NSBT series is edited by D. A. Carson, aiming to simultaneously instruct and to edify, to interact with current scholarship and to point the way ahead
158 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 1997
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About the author
Henri Blocher
26 books12 followersHenri A. G. Blocher is a French Baptist evangelical theologian.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 11, 2014
This is the second book I've read by Blocher, the first being "Evil and the Cross." Both books are short, but not easy reads. Perhaps this is because the topics are difficult. Perhaps this is because Blocher is a Frenchman (writing, in this case, in English, while the former book was translated from the French). Perhaps it's because Blocher isn't a very clear writer. Perhaps this is because Blocher is far more learned than I am. I suppose it may be a combination of all these things.
In this book, Blocher attempts to "illuminate the riddle" of original sin. (The subtitle is, indeed, "Illuminating the Riddle.")Blocher does not claim to answer all questions regarding original sin. Mysteries remain. But he does try to show how we can inherit a sinful nature from Adam though not be imputed with an "alien guilt." It seems to me that Blocher's conclusion is that because of Adam's (and Eve's) sin, humankind was deprived of fellowship with God. When Adam and Eve sinned, they had to leave the garden of Eden. Thus, all the rest of humanity was born "east of Eden," outside the direct presence of God. No human (save Jesus) is born with a relationship with God. This lack of fellowship results in a sinful bent in all of us; from the earliest stages, we are bent towards sin (though, still reflecting the image of God, we're not as bad as we could be). I say "it seems to me," because Blocher never makes this as clear as he should. It would be helpful if we re-articulated his findings in clear language.
The strengths of the book are interactions with historical theologians and Blocher's analysis of Romans 5:12ff. The weakness is the lack of clarity. It seems that Blocher often assumes the reader knows what he is talking about.
In this book, Blocher attempts to "illuminate the riddle" of original sin. (The subtitle is, indeed, "Illuminating the Riddle.")Blocher does not claim to answer all questions regarding original sin. Mysteries remain. But he does try to show how we can inherit a sinful nature from Adam though not be imputed with an "alien guilt." It seems to me that Blocher's conclusion is that because of Adam's (and Eve's) sin, humankind was deprived of fellowship with God. When Adam and Eve sinned, they had to leave the garden of Eden. Thus, all the rest of humanity was born "east of Eden," outside the direct presence of God. No human (save Jesus) is born with a relationship with God. This lack of fellowship results in a sinful bent in all of us; from the earliest stages, we are bent towards sin (though, still reflecting the image of God, we're not as bad as we could be). I say "it seems to me," because Blocher never makes this as clear as he should. It would be helpful if we re-articulated his findings in clear language.
The strengths of the book are interactions with historical theologians and Blocher's analysis of Romans 5:12ff. The weakness is the lack of clarity. It seems that Blocher often assumes the reader knows what he is talking about.
November 1, 2025
This was an extremely informative read. Challenging technical theology, yet helpful in understanding the fall and various views about the complex doctrine that is the fall. 9/10
June 14, 2022
Good, but not written for the lay-man
May 22, 2023
3.5 Stars
Some stimulating insights in regard to a biblical synopsis of original sin and how this doctrine is key to understanding human experience.
However, for the majority of the time the argumentation is incredibly dense, which detracts from its readability.
Some stimulating insights in regard to a biblical synopsis of original sin and how this doctrine is key to understanding human experience.
However, for the majority of the time the argumentation is incredibly dense, which detracts from its readability.
April 29, 2025
Dense, yet unclear so not in a good way.
Maybe a good introduction to the varied approaches? Blocher does not attempt to answer the question but pushes back against metaphysical conceptions of evil and the fall, along with overly realist approaches like Augustine's. He finds Augustine unhelpful because he relies on biblical metaphors like sickness and, it stumbles in applying nature to all or individuals. As for Reformed, he is in more agreement, though he is perplexed by federalism foundation based on original sin.
He hold:
1) No reason to understand an "alien guilt transferred"
2) "loss or deprivation in a relational framework." This is tied to Adam's seed.
3) Adam is the legal representative of humanity, but this is "buttressed" in his headship.
65% The Fall is, his estimation, a fact of human experience (very Western)
Maybe a good introduction to the varied approaches? Blocher does not attempt to answer the question but pushes back against metaphysical conceptions of evil and the fall, along with overly realist approaches like Augustine's. He finds Augustine unhelpful because he relies on biblical metaphors like sickness and, it stumbles in applying nature to all or individuals. As for Reformed, he is in more agreement, though he is perplexed by federalism foundation based on original sin.
He hold:
1) No reason to understand an "alien guilt transferred"
2) "loss or deprivation in a relational framework." This is tied to Adam's seed.
3) Adam is the legal representative of humanity, but this is "buttressed" in his headship.
65% The Fall is, his estimation, a fact of human experience (very Western)
February 10, 2021
An excellent overview and critique of Hamartiology. Blocher does a wonderful job of tracing both the biblical theology of sin and it's historical development in the church. He employs quotations of and references to past theologians quite liberally. In fact it was rather easy to get lost in his labaranth of citations and quotations. I was impressed with Blocher's ability to critique a certain theologian one moment and then employ his theology gratefully in the next. It reads far more like an academic paper than an instructional theology, which may have been its intent.
September 10, 2021
excellent clarity brought to historically held understandings of original sin and its transmission from Adam to his posterity. While ultimately coming to a reformed federalist position, Bocher brings helpful nuances that enjoy both biblical support and functional utility.
September 3, 2018
Thought provoking - I bit more philosophically geared than I expected.
January 19, 2016
Definitely not for the average reader, since the technical terms and theological concepts are rarely explained. Blocher assumes that the reader is already acquainted with Biblical Studies at a scholarly level. The author provides fresh insights, some of which I sometimes disagree. Nevertheless, this is a precious volume, especially in the field of Historical and Systematic Theology. I have some reservations with regard to the fourth chapter, more philosophical. But as usual, Blocher does not disappoint his readers, and anyone interested in theology will find this book helpful.
As he does in French, Blocher often uses subtle formulations to avoid certain difficulties arising from his arguments. The example quoted above – Adam and Eve were “the first parents of our race” (42) and not the “first human beings”- echoes his extensive treatment of Genesis 1-3 in In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis. Blocher obviously believes that historical Adam was the product of some kind of theistic evolution, and therefore that death was preexistent to original sin, a problem he does not address in his exegesis of Rom 5:12ss.
As he does in French, Blocher often uses subtle formulations to avoid certain difficulties arising from his arguments. The example quoted above – Adam and Eve were “the first parents of our race” (42) and not the “first human beings”- echoes his extensive treatment of Genesis 1-3 in In the Beginning: The Opening Chapters of Genesis. Blocher obviously believes that historical Adam was the product of some kind of theistic evolution, and therefore that death was preexistent to original sin, a problem he does not address in his exegesis of Rom 5:12ss.
August 15, 2014
A very helpful work that sets out not merely to defend and unpack the historical doctrine of original sin, which we have inherited from the likes of Augustine, but Blocher endeavours quite successfully in showing that it is rooted in Scripture. His primary texts are Genesis 3 and Romans 5; and his exegesis is insightful, technical and saturated with the thoughts of other (most often continental) theologians. Though arguing against Pelagianism, Blocher's faithfulness to the biblical texts and exegetical theology causes him to criticise the Augustinian formulation of original sin, and suggests a modified doctrine.
Perhaps the greatest strength of this piece is the deep thought that Blocher has given to the doctrine's impact on and experience of our broken and undeniably sinful world. There is much more than theological pontification, as the author offers practical points to ponder. One of the weaknesses, which others would surely view as a strength, is Blocher's succinct style; sections of the work feel more like terse and drafted ideas rather than a fully processed argument.
Perhaps the greatest strength of this piece is the deep thought that Blocher has given to the doctrine's impact on and experience of our broken and undeniably sinful world. There is much more than theological pontification, as the author offers practical points to ponder. One of the weaknesses, which others would surely view as a strength, is Blocher's succinct style; sections of the work feel more like terse and drafted ideas rather than a fully processed argument.
February 8, 2013
Blocher takes issue with John Murray on the imputation of the guilt of Adam's sin to his posterity. . .
Reread Murray's "The Imputation of Adam's Sin", and pay closer attention to Romans 5 exegesis.
Reread Murray's "The Imputation of Adam's Sin", and pay closer attention to Romans 5 exegesis.
September 8, 2019
The New Studies in Biblical Theology (NSBT) series covers such a wide array of fascinating theological subjects. Of those I’ve read so far, I would see them as indispensable on the theological subject they address. This volume considering Original Sin by Henry Blocher is no exception. Blocher has turned out several penetrating works by this point and always strikes me as an original thinker. I don’t always agree with his ideas about Creation, but he really knows how to jazz up your thinking and make you see other sides of issues. While I wouldn’t call this title exhaustive in its coverage, what it does address is as insightful as any I’ve read recently while doing an extended study of the doctrine of sin.
Chapter 1 lays out the parameters of the extent of Original Sin. Chapter 2 steps back to the place of the arrival of sin in Adam’s day. You will not have to agree with his take on Creation to find this information intriguing. Chapter 3 tackles the most prominent New Testament passage on the subject in Romans 5. There is fine exegesis here, outstanding representation of varying viewpoints, all followed by his own suggestion. Once again, you will not have to agree with his final conclusion to be greatly enriched by this chapter. The last two chapters look more broadly at the relation of Original Sin to human experience and evil and pain in our world. As for a recommendation, since I have been deeply in the study of sin recently, I’m sure glad I found this little jewel. What better recommendation could I give it?
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Chapter 1 lays out the parameters of the extent of Original Sin. Chapter 2 steps back to the place of the arrival of sin in Adam’s day. You will not have to agree with his take on Creation to find this information intriguing. Chapter 3 tackles the most prominent New Testament passage on the subject in Romans 5. There is fine exegesis here, outstanding representation of varying viewpoints, all followed by his own suggestion. Once again, you will not have to agree with his final conclusion to be greatly enriched by this chapter. The last two chapters look more broadly at the relation of Original Sin to human experience and evil and pain in our world. As for a recommendation, since I have been deeply in the study of sin recently, I’m sure glad I found this little jewel. What better recommendation could I give it?
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 15, 2023
Although D.A. Carson comes from a perspective that I expected would advocate for original sin, I did not expect him to disagree with the idea of alien guilt inherited by Adam's posterity. His solution makes more sense and has more biblical support than retaining Adamic guilt would. This is an angle on Original Sin feasible for theological descendants of Arminius rather than inclining purely towards Calvinism/TULIP.
He recognizes Adamic solidarity, but not at the level of the analogies commonly used where the head of a state's decision to go to war places children born in a state at war. Instead, he sees our human (Adamic) solidarity as deeper than that, such that spiritual war includes actual enmity in the will of every human being. This hostility towards God carries guilt.
This is compatible with acknowledging that no person is inherently righteous by nature. All are unrighteous, and because they are naturally at enmity with God, they are enemies of God.
Overall, the book had a lot of Biblical data earlier on while also engaging many philosophical voices later on. As I'm more interested in the former than the latter, my personal rating is not as high. Still, I recognize the need for a volume of this nature to engage with the academic community on that level, so if someone is looking for that, add a star.
He recognizes Adamic solidarity, but not at the level of the analogies commonly used where the head of a state's decision to go to war places children born in a state at war. Instead, he sees our human (Adamic) solidarity as deeper than that, such that spiritual war includes actual enmity in the will of every human being. This hostility towards God carries guilt.
This is compatible with acknowledging that no person is inherently righteous by nature. All are unrighteous, and because they are naturally at enmity with God, they are enemies of God.
Overall, the book had a lot of Biblical data earlier on while also engaging many philosophical voices later on. As I'm more interested in the former than the latter, my personal rating is not as high. Still, I recognize the need for a volume of this nature to engage with the academic community on that level, so if someone is looking for that, add a star.
September 20, 2023
Blocher does a great job at exploring the existential and societal reality of original sin. Building on his earlier work, In the Beginning, his treatment of Genesis 1-3 is also balanced and helpful. However, I did not find his two major departures from the reformed tradition compelling. Regarding Romans 5, Blocher argues that Adam’s sin made it possible for the sins of all humanity to be imputed. He adopts this view because he doesn’t find the Reformed view of immediate imputation explicitly in the text. But I can’t see where his own view is anywhere in the text. His appeal to verses 13 and 14, accompanied by the observation that Reformed theologians don’t know what to make of this text, is unconvincing. This is particularly so in light of the work of Meredith Kline, who I believe has offered a compelling interpretation of verses 13 and 14 which is in line with the traditional reformed view. Additionally, his departure from the imputation of Adam’s guilt as the means of passing original sin on to the rest of humanity seems to fall short. He doesn’t seem to make an exegetical case for opposing the traditional view, but simply feels instinctively opposed to it.
Overall, it is a resource I would recommend to someone who has already read several books on original sin. Starting with Murray’s “The Imputation of Adam’s Sin” is probably a better choice.
Overall, it is a resource I would recommend to someone who has already read several books on original sin. Starting with Murray’s “The Imputation of Adam’s Sin” is probably a better choice.
November 1, 2018
Blocher is simply difficult to read. There's just no way around it. Unfortunately, his lack of clarity greatly affects, in my estimation, his value. When compared to the clarity of say, Anthony Hoekema or others from the Dutch Reformed tradition, his writing comes off as remarkably muddy. This is unfortunate, because he has written on some important theological topics.
Given the complexity of the subject at hand, original sin, and the muddiness of Blocher's writing I am not so sure he succeeded in "illuminating the riddle." Nor was I convinced of his thesis (or completely clear what his thesis was).
Unless one is engaging in in-depth research on the doctrine of original sin I would recommend sticking with Anthony Hoekema (Created in God's Image), John Murray (Imputation of Adam's Sin) or a standard Systematic Theology (Boettner and/or Bavinck).
Given the complexity of the subject at hand, original sin, and the muddiness of Blocher's writing I am not so sure he succeeded in "illuminating the riddle." Nor was I convinced of his thesis (or completely clear what his thesis was).
Unless one is engaging in in-depth research on the doctrine of original sin I would recommend sticking with Anthony Hoekema (Created in God's Image), John Murray (Imputation of Adam's Sin) or a standard Systematic Theology (Boettner and/or Bavinck).
March 20, 2019
Fairly good.
There was definitely some meat here, but it was (as these books are want) very dry. Theology (the philosophical side of things, anyway) can often seem an exercise in splitting hairs, but what Blocher’s undertaken is more like nuclear fission.
The book does ramp up and get pretty good around chapter 4. There are some helpful pieces of truth. As a useful tool, however, if I were in a real life situation in which I was needing to pull out these arguments apologetically, I fear I would have already found myself in the middle of answering a fool according to his folly (in a Pr. 26:4 sense).
Finally, if Blocher were to write more books, and were to inquire of my advice first (unlikely), I would strongly encourage him to read Orwell’s essay On Politics and the English Language.
There was definitely some meat here, but it was (as these books are want) very dry. Theology (the philosophical side of things, anyway) can often seem an exercise in splitting hairs, but what Blocher’s undertaken is more like nuclear fission.
The book does ramp up and get pretty good around chapter 4. There are some helpful pieces of truth. As a useful tool, however, if I were in a real life situation in which I was needing to pull out these arguments apologetically, I fear I would have already found myself in the middle of answering a fool according to his folly (in a Pr. 26:4 sense).
Finally, if Blocher were to write more books, and were to inquire of my advice first (unlikely), I would strongly encourage him to read Orwell’s essay On Politics and the English Language.
February 15, 2025
In general, NSBT is an excellent series - but this volume doesn't quite live up to the others. Most of the book is spent conducting a survey of historical positions on original sin and then, when Blocher does come to analyse the key Pauline text, he spends only a few pages outlining a radical new understanding of what original sin is. The final chapter is spent, again, back in the literature, with Blocher pointing out flaws in other models.
Not the best read ever. Pretty disappointing.
Not the best read ever. Pretty disappointing.
May 17, 2018
Fantastic.
April 4, 2020
Decent yet pretty difficult. Hoekema’s “Created in God’s Image” is both more clear and more pastoral on this topic.
July 25, 2020
I think Blocher delves too deeply into the different philosophical thoughts surrounding original sin. He shines the brightest on his exposition of Romans 5. That chapter was straight 🔥
March 8, 2022
El autor tiene intuiciones interesantes, pero pierde claridad con una ingente cantidad de referencias que quedarían mejor en las notas al texto principal.
Voy a leer su estudio sobre el Génesis en breve.
Voy a leer su estudio sobre el Génesis en breve.
April 8, 2019
I have to confess: This book was really hard to read. At times I had to reread sections and still had no clue what exactly the author was trying to say. Sometimes the use of flowery, academic referencing statements were lost on me. It's not that there was nothing in the content that was helpful. It just seemed like the book could have been half the length and much easier to read. Original Sin is obviously a really critical doctrinal issue, so it is unfortunate that the authors style of writing and terms are so hard to understand. It is one of those books that I can only recommend to a very narrow audience of readers.
June 29, 2015
Henri Blocher offers another thoughtful and insightful study of Christian doctrine. Working from a broadly Reformed background, Blocher maps out key elements of the doctrine of original sin and interacts with contemporary critiques and reformulations. Chapter 1 highlights what Scripture broadly teaches about sin. CHapter 2 zeroes in on Adam and the Garden of Eden and the historicity issues there. Chapter 3 looks at Paul's view of Adam in Romans 5. Chapter 4 discusses how the doctrinal of original sin makes sense of human experience. Chapter 6 looks at the issue of the transmission of sin.
Tends to be academic, but if you take it slow, it will be stimulating reading.
Tends to be academic, but if you take it slow, it will be stimulating reading.
September 21, 2009
Original Sin is a rather challenging book to read. It is not a surface treatment of the subject and it requires concentration to follow. The author, Henri Blocher, quotes extensively as he addresses prior understanding of original sin before he offers a fresh understanding of Romans 5. If you are concerned about, or would like to learn more about the subject of original sin and it's transmission to the human race, it's an essential book to read, but perhaps after some introductory material first if you are new to the theological study.
April 22, 2016
A very interesting book on Original Sin. Blocher interacts with the major views of historic and contemporary theology, and offers his own unique perspective on Romans 5. While I'm not sure if true, his thoughts are undoubtedly fascinating and provocative.
May 28, 2011
Balanced, highly erudite.
January 11, 2016
A genuinely thought-provoking read. Hard work (the thinking, not the reading) but undoubtedly worth the effort.
May 10, 2012
Not a one night easy read, but great material against those who would want to try and steer Christianity away from this foundational doctrine.
May 13, 2016
Chapter 2, "Original Sin as Adamic Event" plays loose with the creation account as given in Genesis. Blocher's interpretation is amenable to theistic-evolutionary accounts.
May 9, 2016
Reread it on January 5, 2002
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews