Forsaking the Fall: Original Sin and the Possibility of a Nonlapsarian Christianity

Forsaking the Fall challenges the traditional understanding of the Fall and Original Sin in orthodox Christianity, offering a fresh perspective that will interest scholars of theology and philosophy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Forsaking the Fall is a groundbreaking book that challenges the traditional understanding of the doctrines of the Fall and Original Sin within orthodox Christianity. By offering a fresh perspective, the author argues that these doctrines can be separated from the core beliefs of the faith and that they may not be essential for a comprehensive understanding of Christianity. This innovative and provocative work will captivate scholars of theology and philosophy, particularly analytic theologians and philosophers of religion.

The author begins by exploring the historical and cultural contexts in which the doctrines of the Fall and Original Sin were developed. They argue that these doctrines were shaped by the particular beliefs and values of the time and that they may not be universally applicable to all cultures and societies. The author then goes on to present a series of arguments that challenge the traditional understanding of these doctrines.

One of the central arguments of Forsaking the Fall is that the concept of Original Sin is not supported by the Bible. The author argues that the Bible does not explicitly state that all human beings are born with a sin nature or that they are inherently evil. Instead, the author suggests that the concept of Original Sin is a human invention that was developed to justify the moral and social hierarchy that exists in society.

Another argument presented by the author is that the doctrine of the Fall is not necessary for the explanation of human suffering and evil. The author argues that human beings are capable of making choices that can lead to good or evil, and that it is not necessary to attribute these choices to a supernatural force or event. Instead, the author suggests that human suffering and evil can be explained through a variety of social, economic, and psychological factors.

The author also challenges the traditional view of God as a punishing and vengeful deity. The author argues that God is not necessarily interested in punishing human beings for their sins but rather in helping them to grow and learn. The author suggests that God is a loving and compassionate deity who desires to create a relationship with human beings based on love and trust.

Forsaking the Fall is a thought-provoking and challenging book that will appeal to scholars of theology and philosophy who are interested in exploring new perspectives on the doctrines of the Fall and Original Sin. The author's arguments are well-supported by biblical scholarship and historical analysis, and they offer a fresh and innovative way of understanding these doctrines. While the book may be controversial, it is important to engage with it in order to better understand the complexities of orthodox Christianity and the role that these doctrines play in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 240 x 161 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032388137