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9781498573917

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Ely takes an unusual route in discussing the story of Adam and Eve and the concepts that have impacted history, theory, and literature for centuries. His subtitle Sin, Compassion, and Forgiveness really forms the basis of the book, while the narrative of Adam and Eve hovers in the background. Ely focuses on the concepts embedded within their story that have influenced thinkers and have enduring implications for church and society today. His method of analysis encourages readers to look beyond traditional theological and theoretical texts for examples of brokenness, compassion, and forgiveness. * Reading Religion * Through his skillful use of sources both classical and contemporary, spanning genres of philosophy, theology, drama, and literature-each providing its own lens through which to unfold the dynamic tension between sin and forgiveness-Ely invites us to meditate deeply on the inner workings of the human heart in a world riven by sin but called by a loving God to redemption. Compassion is the key. As Ely argues, compassion is the bridge between sin and forgiveness. At once scholarly and pastoral, Peter Ely's exploration of forgiveness will serve as a rich resource for anyone seeking to understand the human experience of forgiveness more deeply. -- James Voiss, author of Rethinking Christian Forgiveness: Theological, Philosophical, and Psychological Explorations What do the myth of Adam's Fall and the doctrine of original sin have to do with forgiveness? Everything, according to Ely (Seattle Univ.). In this book he explains the myth of Adam's Fall in terms of a common human tendency toward moral darkness, confusion, and helplessness. This tendency is the heart of original sin, in the author's view, and it supplies a basis for the compassion required for genuine forgiveness and redemption. The awareness of original sin in oneself can motivate compassion toward others who need forgiveness. This awareness thus can provide a ground for mercy toward people who do not deserve forgiveness, which in turn can prompt one to share in the suffering of others for the sake of reconciliation. Drawing from Augustine, Hugh of St. Victor, Julian of Norwich, Ricoeur, and Girard, among others, Ely covers theological, philosophical, and spiritual themes central to the Christian tradition on forgiveness and redemption. He traces such themes beyond theory and doctrine to literature, such as in the story of Perceval and in Shakespeare's Measure for Measure. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty. * CHOICE * Peter Ely has written a masterpiece. Adam and Eve in Scripture, Theology, and Literature: Sin, Compassion, and Forgiveness traces a history of the creation narrative that centers on the compassion of God as the basis for God's grace and forgiveness. Human compassion shows up, too, in literature, philosophy, and theology in a way that reflects God's motive for forgiving. This book will make a strong theological contribution to the forgiveness literature. -- Everett L. Worthington, Virginia Commonwealth University Through his skillful use of sources both classical and contemporary, spanning genres of philosophy, theology, drama, and literature-each providing its own lens through which to unfold the dynamic tension between sin and forgiveness-Ely invites us to meditate deeply on the inner workings of the human heart in a world riven by sin but called by a loving God to redemption. Compassion is the key. As Ely argues, compassion is the bridge between sin and forgiveness. At once scholarly and pastoral, Peter Ely's exploration of forgiveness will serve as a rich resource for anyone seeking to understand the human experience of forgiveness more deeply. -- James Voiss, author of Rethinking Christian Forgiveness: Theological, Philosophical, and Psychological Explorations

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Peter B. Ely is associate professor of theology and religious studies at Seattle University.

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