The T&T Clark Companion to the Doctrine of Sin provides a comprehensive treatment of the doctrine of sin. The Companion includes an examination of the biblical and rabbinic accounts of sin, and it provides accounts of sin and its effects offered by key theologians throughout Christian history. It also explores debates surrounding the implications of sin for various doctrines, including God, creation, anthropology, and salvation. The book is comprised of 30 major essays that provide an unparalleled examination of the key texts, figures, and debates relevant to the Christian tradition's discussion of the doctrine of sin. The Companion is unique in that every essay seeks to both appropriate and further stimulate the church's understanding of sin and its implications for the whole of the church's dogmatic tradition.
The essays are divided into three sections: (1) Biblical Background; (2) Major Figures and Traditions; and (3) Dogmatic Concerns. The first set of essays explores the biblical and rabbinic accounts of sin to bring out the complexities of the biblical presentation and its implications. The second section discusses the role of the doctrine of sin in the theology of key theologians with a special attention to explaining how the doctrine contributes to an understanding of their overall theology. The final section explores key dogmatic questions and concerns related to the doctrine of sin (e.g. original sin, sin and the question of evil and providence, sin and the freedom of the will).
There is wisdom in a multitude of counselors, especially when you are considering something as absurd as sin. Johnson and Lauber have gathered the best of the best - these are the people you want to read on these topics! - and smartly asked them to write long essays on Scripture, major theologians, and perennial issues in the doctrine of sin. The long essay format invites, and delivers, essays that are new, lively, only sometimes in agreement with one another, but always learned, consistently probing and pondering the mystery of iniquity. This isn't only a companion, it's a guide.
