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.

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.

Fantastic.

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.

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.

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.

Decent yet pretty difficult. Hoekema’s “Created in God’s Image” is both more clear and more pastoral on this topic.

Good, but not written for the lay-man

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.

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.

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.

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.