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How to Be a Sinner: Finding Yourself in the Language of Repentance
We call ourselves sinners in much of our church life. Yet the sinner identity when done right brings peace of mind, a clear conscience, and love for others. Addressing topics like guilt, shame, and self-care, this compassionate guide will help you reflect on your life in surrender to God s mercy. Written by an internationally recognized professor of Orthodox theology, this book will speak to you wherever you find yourself.
215 pages, Paperback
Published March 7, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 19, 2022
Not Actually a How To Guide
Review of the St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (SVSPress) audiobook edition (March 2022) narrated by the author, of the SVSPress paperback original (2018)
I was curious about this work as I know Professor Bouteneff through his work on the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who is also of the Eastern Orthodox faith. His previous books related to Pärt were excellent, as author: Arvo Pärt: Out of Silence (2015) & as co-editor Arvo Pärt: Sounding the Sacred (2020).
A final confession, I find Professor Bouteneff's very calm and measured narration to be ASMR triggering at times, which is often the case for those with ASMR sensitivity i.e. listening to experts calmly discuss their topics of expertise. I won't go further into ASMR here, but if you are not familiar with the term or the sensation, then I went into it at length in an earlier review of Virginia Wolff's Mrs. Dalloway (1925).
Trivia and Links
A short interview with the author on the reasons for writing the book here.
A longer interview with the author about the book and other works here.
Review of the St. Vladimir's Seminary Press (SVSPress) audiobook edition (March 2022) narrated by the author, of the SVSPress paperback original (2018)
And so the title just came right out of the blue. How to Be a Sinner, and I realize it's intended to provoke a little bit. Obviously, I'm not writing a book on how to sin better, but how to be what the church calls a sinner. - from an interview with the author (see the 'short interview' link below).This book approaches the idea of being a sinner from the aspect of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but even as a Lutheran Christian I found it to be an interesting and approachable work. Each of the chapter readings were somewhat like listening to a Sunday sermon and thus felt totally familiar.
I was curious about this work as I know Professor Bouteneff through his work on the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, who is also of the Eastern Orthodox faith. His previous books related to Pärt were excellent, as author: Arvo Pärt: Out of Silence (2015) & as co-editor Arvo Pärt: Sounding the Sacred (2020).
A final confession, I find Professor Bouteneff's very calm and measured narration to be ASMR triggering at times, which is often the case for those with ASMR sensitivity i.e. listening to experts calmly discuss their topics of expertise. I won't go further into ASMR here, but if you are not familiar with the term or the sensation, then I went into it at length in an earlier review of Virginia Wolff's Mrs. Dalloway (1925).
Trivia and Links
A short interview with the author on the reasons for writing the book here.
A longer interview with the author about the book and other works here.
August 7, 2019
Reading it a second time through with a book group.
The book delivers what the title suggests. It is an easy read and may prove helpful to some who are trying to be a practicing Orthodox Christian. The issue being addressed is that there are many connotations that come with the notion of being a sinner, some of them are not healthy, some of them are just wrong. Bouteneff is trying to show the way to keep on the straight and narrow path and not fall off into excessive and abusive pietism nor to drift away in glowing self-esteem ignoring the obvious human problems that plague us all, Christian or not. Thus the title looks for that path for us to follow by which we hear the call of Christ, understand ourselves as sinners, but realize why it is that Christ saves us.
The book delivers what the title suggests. It is an easy read and may prove helpful to some who are trying to be a practicing Orthodox Christian. The issue being addressed is that there are many connotations that come with the notion of being a sinner, some of them are not healthy, some of them are just wrong. Bouteneff is trying to show the way to keep on the straight and narrow path and not fall off into excessive and abusive pietism nor to drift away in glowing self-esteem ignoring the obvious human problems that plague us all, Christian or not. Thus the title looks for that path for us to follow by which we hear the call of Christ, understand ourselves as sinners, but realize why it is that Christ saves us.
February 12, 2020
This excellent book explores how to marshal traditional Christianity's language of sin and mercy in a way that not only does not exacerbate unhealthy mentalities of shame but actually enriches and enlivens our understanding of ourselves in Christ.
This is one of the better works of pastoral theology I have read in quite some time, and I was pleased to see that it is written in a way that will communicate broadly and meaningfully to Christians, even those outside of the author's tradition (Eastern Orthodoxy). This is further strengthened by the theological appendices that clarify different views of sin and mercy at work in Orthodoxy that may be new to many readers.
I was particularly challenged by a point Bouteneff makes toward the end of the book about practicing "loosening" as a spiritual discipline. This is something I hope to write and reflect on more, particularly as we approach Lent.
This is one of the better works of pastoral theology I have read in quite some time, and I was pleased to see that it is written in a way that will communicate broadly and meaningfully to Christians, even those outside of the author's tradition (Eastern Orthodoxy). This is further strengthened by the theological appendices that clarify different views of sin and mercy at work in Orthodoxy that may be new to many readers.
I was particularly challenged by a point Bouteneff makes toward the end of the book about practicing "loosening" as a spiritual discipline. This is something I hope to write and reflect on more, particularly as we approach Lent.
March 7, 2023
Bouteneff makes clear the difference between healthy and unhealthy ways to respond to the sins we recognize in ourselves. I reread it as a preparation for confession. Also, I can relate more easily to a non- monastic presentation on sin; it's not as stark.
January 25, 2023
While the title seems bleak, the book itself is incredibly liberating and encouraging, as well as convicting. It’s essence seems to be that we must recognize that sin is a hallmark of humans that have lived (we all sin) yet without constituting our core identity (humanity is not totally depraved). Recognizing our sin allows us to let God in to those spaces and heal them over time, with the total expectation that God will forgive and work His grace in us.
I would also highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled with the notion of an angry, masochistic God. The book does not placate sin, but shows us a proper view of God in the face of our sinfulness.
I would also highly recommend this book for anyone who has struggled with the notion of an angry, masochistic God. The book does not placate sin, but shows us a proper view of God in the face of our sinfulness.
June 3, 2022
I highly recommend this. It is one of the best books I've ever read about sin and healing. It operates within the ancient tradition of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, but approaches it using modern lexicon and modern psychological wisdom. So, so good.
July 4, 2019
In many ways, this is an excellent book. It helps us to look at our identities as sinners in a balanced ways. Some of us have the tendency to ignore our identities as sinners, others of us have the tendency to emphasize our identities as sinners in an unhealthy way (masochism, abuse, etc). This book helps to strike a proper balance between the two, and reminds us to look to Christ for our deliverance from sin and death. Read this book, and pray that God would give you the gift of compunction!
October 27, 2022
Every person should understand their identity as a sinner. It feels odd and even wrong to say those words but I can’t help but think that one is on the right track in saying so.
How To Be A Sinner gives you a right ordered understanding of sin, death & repentance, as it pertains to faith as an orthodox Christian. It places healthy boundaries on shame, guilt and penance. It’s addresses questions like:
Why do I need this? Am I really that bad? And lifts you up and out into greater humility, compassion and a deep sense of your reliance on Christ.
I never thought compunction could be so sweet, and shame a place to go to find absolute restoration and healing. I think it might have changed my life :,) If you’re a convert from Catholicism or Protestantism to Orthodoxy I’d say this is a must read!
“God willingly becomes powerless in front of human freedom,” a beggar of love waiting at the souls door without ever daring to force it.” Therefore I must become complicit with God’s mercy and love. I can only do that if I am convinced that I need it.”
This book will be a yearly re-read as I properly order my mind before confession, and the Lenten season!
*prays psalm 50 on repeat*
How To Be A Sinner gives you a right ordered understanding of sin, death & repentance, as it pertains to faith as an orthodox Christian. It places healthy boundaries on shame, guilt and penance. It’s addresses questions like:
Why do I need this? Am I really that bad? And lifts you up and out into greater humility, compassion and a deep sense of your reliance on Christ.
I never thought compunction could be so sweet, and shame a place to go to find absolute restoration and healing. I think it might have changed my life :,) If you’re a convert from Catholicism or Protestantism to Orthodoxy I’d say this is a must read!
“God willingly becomes powerless in front of human freedom,” a beggar of love waiting at the souls door without ever daring to force it.” Therefore I must become complicit with God’s mercy and love. I can only do that if I am convinced that I need it.”
This book will be a yearly re-read as I properly order my mind before confession, and the Lenten season!
*prays psalm 50 on repeat*
October 9, 2019
A fantastic book about dealing with the penitential language of the Church. While much of it feels introductory, taking a broad scope of things, its a much needed introduction for most of us. It comes from an Eastern Orthodox perspective, but I think it would be of help for any Protestant or Catholic wrestling with this issue.
It is a quick read, well organized and written, and is sensitive to many of the issues that can occur in the context of "sinner" language, especially concerning victims of depression and abuse. Highly recommended.
It is a quick read, well organized and written, and is sensitive to many of the issues that can occur in the context of "sinner" language, especially concerning victims of depression and abuse. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2020
A very entertaining and insightful book. Would have been five stars had it explained opposing views better, and had more clarity on whether it’s message applied to everyone or only those who are consciously Christians.
Fascinating to read an Orthodox perspective on this - full review likely to come on my blog.
Fascinating to read an Orthodox perspective on this - full review likely to come on my blog.
April 17, 2020
I felt this was an excellent book to read during Lent, especially if you are Eastern Orthodox. The author, a professor of Theology, takes words we use today and puts them in the context of early Christianity, and early Christian writers, like Sinner and components of that word like self esteem, shame, guilt, self love. This book certainly bears reading more than once.
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July 30, 2019
Didn't care for the writing style generally. Lots of typos. Textbook case of a thoughtful 20-page essay inflated to a repetitive and vague 150. Also printed in sans serif font which is tougher to read. I have seen a number of Bouteneff's lectures online, and always enjoyed them...
April 27, 2020
Absolutely wonderful! This really helped me a lot to understand the church's stance and view on many topics like love of self, etc. It helped to decode some terms, as well as to inform what is healthy and what can become unhealthy. I loved it.
April 5, 2020
Outstanding book about the nature of repentance from an Eastern Orthodox perspective. This is a weighty subject but this book is very accessible and encouraging. A must read!
February 3, 2023
Really enjoyed this book - not the usual theological & impenetrable, but lucid, short sentences and plenty to apply.
April 1, 2020
"In the 1930s, someone asked the English writer and lay theologian G.K Chesterton what was wrong with the world. He answered, 'I am.'"
What a thoughtful book this is. I especially appreciate the the chapter Reflections on the Self and within that the section called The Power of Naming. The author provides a cogent discussion of what it means to give something or someone a name, such as "I am a sinner."
This book is getting better as I read it. I has become an important one to me just as Lent begins.
What a thoughtful book this is. I especially appreciate the the chapter Reflections on the Self and within that the section called The Power of Naming. The author provides a cogent discussion of what it means to give something or someone a name, such as "I am a sinner."
This book is getting better as I read it. I has become an important one to me just as Lent begins.
December 17, 2023
The title of this book I thought was a bit humorous but after having read it is very orthodox as well. The book is very contemplative and I found it also easy to follow along. The author takes the time to break down what the orthodox understanding of the terms sinner, repentence, and humility is. He also spends time specifically on what the role of confession is in the Orthodox church. Something I appreciated was that the author also took time to talk about unhealthy understanding and relationship with repentence is and how to have a more Orthodox understanding.
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April 7, 2019Part of Lenten reading
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews