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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.
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New Studies in Biblical Theology #5
Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle
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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
This edition
- Format
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158 pages, Paperback
- Published
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October 2, 2000 by IVP Academic
- ISBN
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9780830826056
- ASIN
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083082605X
- Language
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English
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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.
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Fantastic.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Decent yet pretty difficult. Hoekema’s “Created in God’s Image” is both more clear and more pastoral on this topic.
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Good, but not written for the lay-man
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