Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature

Sin, Compassion, and Forgiveness

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Bible & Bible Studies, Old Testament, Criticism & Interpretation, Philosophy
Cover of the book Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature by Peter B. Ely, Lexington Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Peter B. Ely ISBN: 9781498573900
Publisher: Lexington Books Publication: January 15, 2018
Imprint: Lexington Books Language: English
Author: Peter B. Ely
ISBN: 9781498573900
Publisher: Lexington Books
Publication: January 15, 2018
Imprint: Lexington Books
Language: English

Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature: Sin, Compassion, and Forgiveness is an extended consideration of the narrative of Adam and Eve, first seen in the Hebrew Bible but given new life by St. Paul in the New Testament. Paul’s treatment of Adam and Eve, especially his designation of Christ as a second Adam, has had an enormous influence in Christianity. Peter Ely follows this rich narrative as it develops in history, providing the basis of the doctrine of original sin in Christianity, giving rise in modern times to theological speculation, and entering thematically into mysticism and literature. The power of the adamic narrative can only be realized if one treats it as a true but non-historical myth. The “truth” of the myth lies in its ability to stimulate thinking and so reveal the depths of human experience. Augustine understood that, so did Julian of Norwich, and even the Belgian author of mystery stories, Georges Simenon, who had a deep sense of the universality of human weakness and the possibilities of redeeming what was lost. Simenon’s detective Maigret saw himself as a “mender of destinies.” The doctrine of original sin, the notion that human beings share a common vulnerability, can open the way to compassion and forgiveness. As Shakespeare illustrates in Measure for Measure, the awareness of weakness in ourselves should move us to compassion for others. The recognition of a kind of “democracy of sin” can keep us from considering ourselves better than others, unlike them in their weakness, and entitled to stand in judgment of them. Thus, compassion opens the door to forgiveness. The progress from sin to compassion to forgiveness forms the heart of this work.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature: Sin, Compassion, and Forgiveness is an extended consideration of the narrative of Adam and Eve, first seen in the Hebrew Bible but given new life by St. Paul in the New Testament. Paul’s treatment of Adam and Eve, especially his designation of Christ as a second Adam, has had an enormous influence in Christianity. Peter Ely follows this rich narrative as it develops in history, providing the basis of the doctrine of original sin in Christianity, giving rise in modern times to theological speculation, and entering thematically into mysticism and literature. The power of the adamic narrative can only be realized if one treats it as a true but non-historical myth. The “truth” of the myth lies in its ability to stimulate thinking and so reveal the depths of human experience. Augustine understood that, so did Julian of Norwich, and even the Belgian author of mystery stories, Georges Simenon, who had a deep sense of the universality of human weakness and the possibilities of redeeming what was lost. Simenon’s detective Maigret saw himself as a “mender of destinies.” The doctrine of original sin, the notion that human beings share a common vulnerability, can open the way to compassion and forgiveness. As Shakespeare illustrates in Measure for Measure, the awareness of weakness in ourselves should move us to compassion for others. The recognition of a kind of “democracy of sin” can keep us from considering ourselves better than others, unlike them in their weakness, and entitled to stand in judgment of them. Thus, compassion opens the door to forgiveness. The progress from sin to compassion to forgiveness forms the heart of this work.

More books from Lexington Books

Cover of the book Scholars and Southern Californian Immigrants in Dialogue by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Food Policy and Food Security by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Unsettling Sikh and Muslim Conflict by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Securitizing Balance of Power Theory by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book María de Molina, Queen and Regent by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Mentoring At-Risk Students through the Hidden Curriculum of Higher Education by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book The Case for Gridlock by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Learning to Be Tibetan by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book The Challenge of the Threshold by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book African Pasts, Presents, and Futures by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Is Marx's Theory of Profit Right? by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Japan's Backroom Politics by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Disability and Academic Exclusion by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book Communication Realities in a "Post-Racial" Society by Peter B. Ely
Cover of the book From Bogotá to Beijing by Peter B. Ely
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy