In Adam's Fall by Ian McFarland

This is a new book from Ian McFarland on the doctrine of original sin. Since McFayden's Bound to Sin (Cambridge, 2000), it seems there have been a flurry of books on sin - Tatha Wiley's Original Sin (2002); Mark Biddle's Missing the Mark (2005); Matt Jenson's The Gravity of Sin; Alan Jacobs' Original Sin: A Cultural History (2008); and Gary Anderson's Sin: A History (2009) and due out next year is a treatise on original sin by Oliver Crisip (Oxford, 2011) and further into the future might also be a monograph by John Colwell. McFarland's book, like McFayden's before it, is partly seeking to see deal with the problems associated with original sin and to reconstruct the doctrine for today.

This engaging and scholarly book offers refreshingly original insights into the contemporary relevance of the Christian doctrine of original sin – one that has inspired fierce debate for the last two millennia.
Challenges the many prevailing opinions about the Christian doctrine of original sin, arguing that it is not only theological defensible, but stimulating and productive for a life of faith
Shows how it is possible to affirm the universality of sin without losing sight of the distinct ways in which individuals both participate in and suffer the consequences of sinful behavior
Balances historic and contemporary criticism with original theological arguments; combining the substance of a traditional Augustinian doctrine of sin with the pastoral and social concerns of contemporary contextual theologies
Provides a depth and range of engagement with contemporary criticism of traditional doctrine that is lacking in other recent treatments of the topic.

The next issue of Regent's Reviews will contain a review. The major downside of McFarland's volume is Wiley-Blackwell have (currently) only published it in hardback, which limit those who can afford to buy it.

Comments

[Craig Gardiner]

Andy i have read Mcfayden but not any of the others ... which would you recommended next?

[Andy Goodliff]

I've not read any of the others ... but Matt Jenson's I thought looked good and In Adam's Fall looks interesting, but expensive ... another interesting different kind of book (which might make a good sermon series) is William Willimon's Sinning Like a Christian (Abingdon)

[Matt Wilcoxen]

I am currently reviewing McFarland's book and I also plan on making a couple of blog posts about it. I will be sure to let you know when they go up, since you're the only person I have seen take note of the work.